4 Chemistry Life Hacks To Get You Through Winter Weather

Even if you've got the boots for it, this winter has been a doozy. Just in time, though, this new Reactions video from the American Chemical Society brings us some science-backed life hacks to help us survive until the temperature rises again. Among these tips is the classic kitty-litter trick: Putting the crunchy stuff under your tires when you're stuck in snow makes it easy to get away. There are a few unexpected pieces of advice, too. For instance, if you want to make a DIY version of those little heat packets used as hand warmers, you can put a bag of water inside another bag of calcium chloride (the stuff used to de-ice sidewalks). Then, use the video's simple technique for popping the bag on the inside (not the one on the outside) — when you do, the two ingredients react and release some much-needed warmth.  Hopefully, these tips will make dealing with the cold just a bit more bearable. Or, you know, you could always just stay curled up by the radiator with your computer.