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The science of spiciness - Rose Eveleth

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When you take a bite of a hot pepper, your body reacts as if your mouth is on fire -- because that's essentially what you've told your brain! Rose Eveleth details the science and history behind spicy foods, giving insights into why some people continue to pay the painful price for a little spice.


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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Rose Eveleth
  • Director Tom Beuerlein
  • Producer Darcy Vorhees
  • Narrator Rose Eveleth
Additional Resources for you to Explore
How spicy food might be part of your personality.
The evolution of human olfaction.
More about the Scoville Scale.
The race to create the hottest pepper.
How hot sauces perk up your food and your mood.

Customize this lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Rose Eveleth
  • Director Tom Beuerlein
  • Producer Darcy Vorhees
  • Narrator Rose Eveleth

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