Happy Easter!

It’s impossible to think about Easter without thinking about Peeps. These chewy chicks and bunnies are some of the most iconic Easter figures. For the past decade, Peeps have been the number one (non-chocolate) Easter candy. I don’t like them, but I guess a lot of people do. They come in 6 colors (yellow, pink, lavender, blue, orange and green) and in 2008 yellow tulip Peeps joined the shelves next to their bunny and chick cousins (the first time a new design has been released since 1950).

There is something about these artificial masterpieces that has captivated the imaginations of scientists. It has been found that Peeps are a seasonal organism. They are hyper-sensitive to both hot and cold temperature extremes. Despite their sensitivity to temperature, they are highly adapted and will not dissolve or degrade when submerged (actually, they float) in water, acetone, sulfuric acid (strong acid) or sodium hydroxide (strong base). A Peep did, however, dissolve in phenol after sitting for almost an hour. No matter the substance or how long the exposure, scientists have yet to be able to dissolve the eyes of a Peep.

Check out this website to see images of the Peeps while they were being tested, as well as images of a surgery separating quadruplet Peep siblings that were attached at birth!

Like several other organisms in the wild, Peeps have evolved and acquired a defense mechanism to protect from being preyed upon by predators. Similar to a pufferfish, when a Peep is exposed to a high stress environment, it will grow in size. Appearing larger and more impressive can help ward off predators. And what is more stressful than a microwave? When you put a Peep in the microwave it will blow up in size and the mechanism for this exaggeration of physical proportion in response to stressful stimuli is well understood.

Well like all other living organisms, Peeps are comprised mostly of water. A microwave sends out its electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength (approximately 10^-6 meters) that is perfectly absorbed by water molecules. As the water absorbs the radiation it gains energy. More energy makes the molecules start to bounce around and heat up. In addition to water, Peeps contain high levels of marshmallow, which in turn contains lots and lots of air bubbles. As the water heats, the air will also start to heat up and heating air expands. The air will expand and before you know it, you have a giant peep in your microwave.

It’s a great defense mechanism that totes works – most people don’t eat the giant Peep.

Happy Easter, everyone!