You’ve probably heard stories about mothers lifting cars to save their baby trapped underneath–but is that just an urban myth? This week on Reactions we talk about “superhero strength” and the chemistry behind what’s possible.

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Credits:
Producer: Melissa Salpietra
Writer: Samantha Jones, PhD
Scientific Consultants: David Weinshenker, Ph.D.
Executive Producer: George Zaidan

Music:
Adventure Theme – YouTube Audio Library
Hero in Peril – YouTube Audio Library
Saving the World – YouTube Audio Library
7th Floor Tango – Silent Partner

Sources:
Understanding stress response
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response

Extreme fear and superhuman strength
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/extreme-fear-superhuman/

Gut-Brain Axis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27512962

Adrenomedullary response to maximal stress in humans.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6496531

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20817354

Science and Practice of Strength Training
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236454948_Science_and_Practice_of_Strength_Training

Epinephrine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29489283

Our brain’s adaptation to stress
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17615391

Circulating catecholamines
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25589262

Endorphins in fight or flight
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5802279/

Endorphins and morphine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3104618/

Ever wonder why dogs sniff each others’ butts? Or how Adderall works? Or whether it’s OK to pee in the pool? We’ve got you covered: Reactions a web series about the chemistry that surrounds you every day.

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