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The drug used by hospitals called morphine fits itself into receptors on nerve cells. The drug acts like a natural painkiller when it does this. Heroin, which is also characterized as making people "feel good" (although it is very harmful) is a product of morphine.
Saccharine is an artificial sweetener, and it acts somewhat like morphine does in the way that it tricks the body. Saccharine attaches itself to protein receptors in the taste buds in about the same way that sugar does. This is what gives saccharine it's sweet taste. However, saccharine is not metabolised by the body, and this is why it is used in "no calorie" drinks.
Reduction is the exact opposite of what happens during oxidation (see the Factoid archives). In reduction, electrons are added to molecules during a reaction.
An alloy is a mixture of one or more metals combined to make a better or stronger metal. Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper for example.
A catalyst is any molecule which allows a reaction to occur between other molecules or atoms without actually becoming a part of the reaction that it is causing. Platinum is an example of a very well known catalyst. It is in the catalytic converter in your car.
Now, you are probably wondering what this acid has to do with anything, right? Well, as it turns out is probably one of the most important substances around. Scientists believe that it relieves pain by blocking the formation of a neurotransmitter, which sends the signals of pain. It is the main active ingredient in aspirin.
Ethanol is the active ingredient in alcholic beverages. The effect of alcohol is brought about by the fact that it has the perfect shape to be recognized by receptors on nerve cells. When alcohol attaches itself to the cell, it changes the way that chemicals can come in to the cell, affecting how the nerve can work.
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