BrainStuff
2,430 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★ - 1.6K ratingsWhether the topic is popcorn or particle physics, you can count on BrainStuff to explore -- and explain -- the everyday science in the world around us.
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Episodes
Where Do Royalty's Nannies Get Their Training?
August 02, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 6.07 MBBritish royals and lots of the world's other prominent families hire their nannies out of one century-old school: Norland College. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/european-history/norland-college-royal-nannies.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Common Is Male Breast Cancer?
August 01, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 6.1 MBAlthough it's much more common in women, men get breast cancer, too -- it's not abnormal because we're all mammals, and we all have some amount of breast tissue. Learn about the symptoms and treatments in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/breast/men-breast-cancer.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where Did the 'Don't Tread on Me' Flag Come From?
July 31, 2023 17:58 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBThe Gadsden flag -- with its coiled rattlesnake on a bright yellow field and the words 'don't tread on me' -- has symbolic roots stretching back before the American Revolution. Learn its history in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/revolutionary-war/dont-tread-on-me-flag.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Rhodium Work?
July 28, 2023 20:29 - 7 minutes - 6.6 MBRhodium's rarity, industrial usefulness, and straight-up shininess make it one of the most expensive metals on Earth. Learn how it was discovered and more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/rhodium.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Were Unicorns Always Sweet?
July 23, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 5.8 MBThe modern image of the elegant, gentle unicorn is a relatively recent invention. Learn about the history of unicorn myths and legends in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/strange-creatures/unicorn-in-history.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: On the Job, Episode 8
July 22, 2023 09:00 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBWe've teamed up with the podcast On the Job to bring you a preview of episode 8: The Tears and Tenacity of A Clown. Brandon Dunn was born into rodeo royalty. And for twenty years he fulfilled his destiny -- until a tragic car accident ended his career. Or nearly ended it. Brandon tells his story of loss and rehabilitation, and welcomes us into the fascinating world of rodeo clowning. Check out Brandon in action here: http://www.roblittle.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...
How Could an Underwater Highway Help Save Sea Turtles?
July 21, 2023 18:06 - 7 minutes - 6.9 MBOK, it's not a literal highway, but the Cocos-Galapagos Swimway is a proposed safety zone for sea turtles and other animals to migrate. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/oceanography/cocos-galapagos-superhighway.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Is Sweet and Salty Such a Tasty Combo?
July 18, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.72 MBAlthough it's not universal, a sprinkle of sea salt atop a chocolate chip cookie can make a simple snack transcendent. Learn why our brains dig the combination of salty and sweet in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/sweet-and-salty-taste-good.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Morse Code Work?
July 17, 2023 19:38 - 7 minutes - 7.22 MBSamuel Morse's ingeniously simple code of timed pulses has gone far beyond its original use on telegraph lines to help people communicate in all kinds of media for over a century. Learn more about Morse and his code in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/inventions/morse-code.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: On the Job, Episode 7
July 15, 2023 21:00 - 5 minutes - 5.52 MBWe've teamed up with the podcast On the Job to bring you a preview of episode 7: Torque Wrenches Are This Girl's Best Friend. Demeny Pollitt is an automotive technician and the founder of Girlington Garage, a woman-run auto garage in South Burlington, Vermont. In operation since 2009, Pollitt’s business has not only survived, but thrived. Ms. Pollitt talks about taking the leap to entrepreneurship, entering a male dominated industry, and the joys/challenges of business ownership. Website Se...
How Can Some People Brew Alcohol in Their Guts?
July 15, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 4 MBIt's an unpleasant health issue: If your microbiome is off in just the wrong way, your guts can get you drunk without consuming a drop of alcohol. Learn about auto-brewery syndrome in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/digestive/brewing-beer-in-belly.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Oysters Make Pearls?
July 10, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 6.31 MBOysters (and a few other shellfish) create beautiful pearls as a sort of bodily defense mechanism. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/question630.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Did a Family Fued Spawn Adidas and Puma?
July 09, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 4.37 MBA battle between two brothers created the second- and third-largest sneaker companies in the world. Learn the story of the brothers Dassler in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/family-feud-that-spawned-adidas-and-puma.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: On the Job, Episode 6
July 08, 2023 09:00 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBWe've teamed up with the podcast On the Job to bring you a preview of episode 6: Objective Unlocked! Finding work in this economy doesn't have to be arduous. Tune in to hear from Olivia, an Express Employment Professionals Employment Specialist-turned-Operations Manager and one of her Associates, Leon, who she's helped place, to find out how the process has impacted both of their lives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Much Dirt Do We Eat in a Year?
July 07, 2023 18:08 - 4 minutes - 3.93 MBEven if we don't do it on purpose (which some people do!), all of us eat at least a little dirt every year due to accidental ingestion. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/how-much-dirt-eat-year.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers Work?
July 04, 2023 10:00 - 7 minutes - 6.48 MBIn the U.S. Coast Guard, a special group called aviation survival technicians train to rescue civilians from harrowing situations by jumping out of helicopters. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/rescue-swimmers.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do Antidepressants Have Warning Labels About Suicidal Thoughts?
July 03, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 5.82 MBAntidepressants of all kinds help save and improve lives, but many SSRIs carry warnings that they may increase suicidal thoughts, especially in young patients. Learn why it's worth the risk and the conversation in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/modern-treatments/antidepressants-warnings-suicidal-thoughts.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: What Are Sea Cucumbers?
July 02, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 4.91 MBBesides weird. Or, including weird? Learn some of the strangest features of sea cucumbers in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/sea-cucumber-animal-or-vegetable See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: On the Job, Episode 5
July 01, 2023 16:00 - 6 minutes - 5.62 MBWe've teamed up with the podcast On the Job to bring you a preview of episode 5: Rob Litttle, Cruise Ship Comedian - Key West, FL Rob Little has a very enviable work calendar. As a cruise ship comedian with over 200 outings to his credit, Rob has seen places and ports most of us only dream of. But life aboard the ship isn't all laughter and sunshine. Find out more about his set here (http://www.roblittle.com/) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Are Fungi Such Great Decomposers?
June 30, 2023 19:03 - 6 minutes - 6.41 MBFungus gets a bad rap sometimes, but the fungi amongi do incredibly important work breaking down dead stuff. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/fungi.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does the Hollywood Sign Work?
June 28, 2023 21:51 - 5 minutes - 5.49 MBThe famous Hollywood sign that overlooks Los Angeles is turning 100 this year -- but its longevity wasn't always assured. Learn its history in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/hollywood-sign-birthday.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Non-Alcoholic Beer Work?
June 14, 2023 09:00 - 8 minutes - 7.88 MBLow- and no-alcohol beers are now just as tasty as the alcoholic versions thanks to a few advances in brewing technology. Learn the basics of how brewers do it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/food-science/brew-non-alcoholic-beer.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Amazon Deliver Stuff So Fast?
June 13, 2023 09:00 - 8 minutes - 8.2 MBE-commerce retailers like Amazon are able to offer next-day or even same-day shipping thanks to highly organized, centralized, data-driven systems of warehousing and transportation. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://money.howstuffworks.com/amazon-fast-delivery.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Are the Most Common Birthdays?
June 12, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 5.28 MBIt's not your imagination: Some seasons and dates have more birthdays than others. Learn the most and least popular birthdates (and how they're changing) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/genealogy/most-popular-birthdays.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Could We Build A Real Gundam?
June 11, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 5.25 MBScience fiction tells us our future depends on giant, humanoid robots protecting us and punching monsters. But could we really build those machines? Learn how close we are in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/could-build-own-gundams.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Al Capone's Mobsters Start a Milk War?
June 10, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 7.21 MBAs Prohibition came to an end, Al Capone's mobsters set their sights on the Chicago milk market. Learn about the Milk Wars in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/chicago-milk-wars.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Did Tyrannosaurus Rex Have Lips?
June 09, 2023 17:58 - 4 minutes - 4.22 MBFor the past hundred years, paleoartists have depicted T. rex with a mouth like a crocodile's -- toothy and lipless. But new research suggests these dinos may have had lizard-like lips. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/dinosaurs/t-rex-lips.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Wolf Packs Work?
May 31, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 5.94 MBTerms like 'alpha wolf' are misleading -- in the wild, wolf packs are ruled by the wolves' parents, not through a pecking order. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/wolf-pack-mentality.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Einsteinium Work?
May 30, 2023 16:15 - 6 minutes - 6.13 MBEinsteinium is a heavy, radioactive element that only exists on Earth when humans create it. Learn how it was first discovered and what we're still learning about it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/einsteinium.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Effective Are Bulletproof Vests?
May 28, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 4.25 MBBulletproof vests have certainly saved lives, but exactly how bulletproof are they? Learn what they're made of and how they can fail to protect wearers in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/how-bulletproof-are-bulletproof-vests.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: On the Job, Episode 4
May 27, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 5.6 MBWe've teamed up with the podcast On the Job to bring you a preview of episode 4: If You Build A Pizza Oven, They Will Come. Jake Wright is a self-described rambling pizza rover. After a failed attempt at a career in music production, Jake decided to combine the two things in life that most excite him: pizza and welding. Now, he tows his mobile pizza oven around Texas, making pizzas at music festivals and rodeos. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Was an American Mercenary Briefly President of Nicaragua?
May 26, 2023 09:00 - 10 minutes - 9.72 MBBefore the U.S. Civil War, American mercenaries called 'filibusters' attempted to claim territory in Mexico and Central America for themselves. Learn about the well-deserved fate of one William Walker in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/william-walker.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do We Call It a 'Piggyback Ride'?
May 25, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 4.07 MBThe etymology of the term 'piggyback' goes back to the 1500s, when it had nothing to do with pigs. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/piggyback-ride.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Did People Once Rob Graves for Science?
May 21, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 5.45 MBIn the United Kingdom in the 1800s, anatomists wanted to study real bodies, but laws and cultural stigma made bodies hard to come by. Learn how the shocking Burke & Hare murder trials changed that in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/burke-and-hare-murderers-for-moneyand-science.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: On the Job, Episode 3
May 20, 2023 21:00 - 6 minutes - 5.55 MBWe've teamed up with the podcast On the Job to bring you a preview of episode 3: Four Decades and Counting. Meet Terri Weldon, who has been working for Express Employment Professionals for over 40 years. She shares her secrets to long-term professional happiness -- ones that can apply to any workplace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Utahraptor Work?
May 19, 2023 17:35 - 8 minutes - 7.4 MBThe Utahraptor was the largest known raptor -- up to 800 pounds, about the size of a large black bear or small grizzly. Learn how salt helped preserve their fossils in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/dinosaurs/utahraptor.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who Is the Legendary Green Man?
May 17, 2023 21:41 - 6 minutes - 5.56 MBArtists and sculptors have adorned their work with foliate heads for over a thousand years, but the myth of the Green Man only goes back a century. Learn how this motif became an icon in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/green-man.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Cleopatra Work?
May 15, 2023 20:40 - 8 minutes - 7.57 MBMany of our ideas about Cleopatra are based in contemporary propaganda and later pop culture, from Shakespeare to cinema. Learn the truth behind some of these myths in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/cleopatra.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: On the Job, Episode 2
May 13, 2023 21:00 - 6 minutes - 5.6 MBWe've teamed up with the podcast On the Job to bring you a preview of episode 2: A Mother to the Rescue. As a thrill seeker and born caretaker, Aysia Bly found her dream job as a pediatric flight nurse — where she performs her duties while soaring above Philly in a helicopter. But the job is inherently dangerous, and as a mom to a young son, Aysia must contend with that risk every day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Did Fruit Evolve in Different Colors?
May 12, 2023 22:35 - 3 minutes - 3.56 MBBrightly colored fruit stands out against green leaves, but why is some red or pink, while others skew yellow or purple? And why are some fruits smellier than others? Learn what new research says about fruits' evolution in this episode of BrainStuff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Art Help Spin the Civil War?
May 09, 2023 09:00 - 9 minutes - 9.18 MBIn the late 1800s, a Georgian businessman retooled a giant painting of the Battle of Atlanta to portray the South winning. Learn the history of this epic cyclorama -- and where you can see it today -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-civil-war/atlanta-cyclorama.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Can Cause a Late or Missed Period?
May 08, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 6.27 MBYou can miss a period for lots of reasons other than pregnancy. Learn how stress (be it mental or physical), illness, and other factors can prevent menstruation in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/pregnancy/conception/5-common-reasons-for-late-period.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Don't All Cans Have Pull-Tabs?
May 07, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 6.78 MBCans make preserving and transporting food and drinks simple, but canning technology is very complex. Learn the history of pull-tabs and can openers in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://money.howstuffworks.com/food-cans-pull-tabs.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: On the Job, Season 7
May 06, 2023 09:00 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBWe’ve teamed up with the podcast On the Job to bring you a preview of their new season. In this first episode, ‘Now’s the Time’, economist, author, and baseball fan Michael Walden gives us a macro look at an economy that has bounced back surprisingly well post-COVID, and offers a generally favorable outlook about what’s coming down the pike. You can purchase his 'economic thrillers' at this Amazon Author Page. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Is AAPI Heritage Month Celebrated in May?
May 05, 2023 20:12 - 4 minutes - 4.48 MBEvery May, the U.S. celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions of this diverse group, past and present. Learn how two women campaigned to get it started in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/cultural-traditions/aapi-month-may.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can Parasitic Worms Control Snails' Minds?
May 02, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 6.7 MBA genus of flatworms called banded broodsacs have a lifecycle that seems to involve purposefully getting eaten first by snails and then by birds, using a combination of biomimicry and biohacking. Learn about Leucochloridium worms in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/insects/parasitic-worms-snails.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: What Was the First Computer?
April 30, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 5.47 MBThe first machine for computation was designed in the 1800s! Learn how its creators, Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace, set about inventing it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/inventions/who-invented-the-computer.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Is Elephants' Skin So Wrinkly?
April 29, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 3.92 MBElephants have a thick hide that's wrinkled from birth, but why? Learn about the research that's revealed the secrets to elephant skin in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/scientists-figure-out-why-elephants-skin-so-cracked.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the World's Skinniest Skyscraper?
April 28, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 4.27 MBThe world's slimmest skyscraper is in New York City, where it's less than one-third of the width of comparable buildings. Learn about Steinway Tower in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/architecture/steinway-tower-news.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Hazardous Nuclear Testing Help Science?
April 27, 2023 09:00 - 8 minutes - 8.08 MBAboveground nuclear weapons testing in the 1950s and '60s has exposed every living thing on Earth to harmful radiation -- but has also made dating the remains of living things much more accurate. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nuclear-tests-bomb-pulse.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.