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
Why Does Your Stomach Growl?
April 26, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 4.05 MBSometimes our guts rumble when we're hungry, and sometimes when we're full. What gives? Learn about the digestive system and borborygmus in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/digestive/stomach-growling.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do Some People Believe Conspiracy Theories?
April 25, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 6.87 MBBuying into disproven conspiracy theories has been scientifically linked with a few unhelpfully human patterns of thought, including illusory pattern perception and confirmation bias. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/conspiracy-theorists-brains-really-are-different.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the History of License Plates?
April 24, 2023 22:16 - 7 minutes - 7.1 MBMotor vehicle license plates have been in use since 1903 in the U.S., and they've changed a lot over the years, from lifetime leather plates to newfangled digital ones. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/cost-of-car-ownership/history-license-plates-in-us.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Can Glass on the Moon Contain Water?
April 17, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 4.05 MBResearchers have found tiny glass beads on the moon, created by meteorite strikes, with droplets of water attached. Learn how they work -- and how we might be able to harvest that water -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/moon-glass-beads-water.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Can Sunlight Make You Sneeze?
April 16, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 4 MBSudden exposure to bright light makes some people sneeze -- but why? Learn the leading theory in this episode of BrainStuff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Hedy Lamarr Change Communications Technology?
April 15, 2023 09:00 - 8 minutes - 8.29 MBHollywood bombshell Hedy Lamarr was as interested in engineering as she was in acting, but she's only recently been recognized for her scientific contributions. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this episode: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/famous-inventors/hedy-lamarr.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Maraschino Cherries Work?
April 14, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 4.45 MBhttps://recipes.howstuffworks.com/food-science/maraschino-cherries.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Are Fingerprints (Almost) Unique?
April 13, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 3.98 MBEven identical twins have different fingerprints -- that's because more than just genetics goes into their formation. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/why-even-identical-twins-have-different-fingerprints.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the Legacy of African American Spirituals?
April 12, 2023 20:16 - 9 minutes - 8.29 MBThe spirituals created by enslaved African Americans as a means of expression and communication have impacted both artistic and social movements throughout U.S. history. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/cultural-traditions/slave-spiritual-music.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Can't You Reach the End of a Rainbow?
April 09, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 4.13 MBRainbows may look like they touch the ground somewhere off in the distance, but it's physically impossible for the viewer to reach the spot where it touches. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does the Martini Glass Work?
April 08, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 5.93 MBThis angular, stemmed glass has been synonymous with the martini cocktail for nearly a hundred years. Learn more about the history of both the martini glass and cocktail in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/martini-glass.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's Happening When You Get the Wind Knocked Out of You?
April 07, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 3.74 MBWhen you get the wind knocked out of you, your normally automatic breathing system is being temporarily interrupted. Learn how phrenospasm works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/respiratory/wind-knocked-out.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are There Alien Asteroids in Our Midst?
April 06, 2023 13:02 - 6 minutes - 5.91 MBResearchers have identified at least one asteroid from another sun that's been hanging out in our solar system for billions of years. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/alien-asteroids-been-lurking-in-solar-system-since-beginning.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did the Radium Girls Change Workers' Rights?
April 05, 2023 20:08 - 8 minutes - 7.83 MBIn the early 1900s, women who fell deathly ill from working with radioactive paint fought back when their employers denied responsibility. They changed workers' safety laws -- though many didn't live to see the results. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/radium-girls.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Is Coconut Oil a 'Superfood' or 'Pure Poison'?
April 02, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.85 MBRecent health claims about coconut oil range from 'superfood' to 'pure poison'. Learn why the truth is somewhere in between in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/coconut-oils-superfood-pure-or-poison.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Historical Cryptology Work?
April 01, 2023 09:00 - 8 minutes - 7.56 MBTo crack ciphers written centuries ago, historical cryptologists have to be half artist, half accountant, and use some of the most powerful computing tools known today. Learn how a team cracked Mary, Queen of Scots's code in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/math-concepts/historical-cryptologists.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do We Turn Down the Radio When We're Lost?
March 31, 2023 09:00 - 9 minutes - 8.44 MBEven seemingly passive activities (like listening to music) can interrupt our brains while we're doing something important (like driving). Learn why we're so bad at multitasking in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/turn-down-radio-when-lost.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman
March 30, 2023 19:00 - 1 minute - 1.33 MBHi, BrainStuff fans! Listen to Inner Cosmos hosted by David Eagleman! Neuroscientist David Eagleman tackles the big and totally unexpected questions that live at the intersection of our brains and our lives. Don't just take our word for it, check out the trailer to decide for yourself! About Inner Cosmos: Stanford neuroscientist and bestselling author David Eagleman explores wacky and insightful questions to reveal how modern brain science intersects with our lives, passions, and behavio...
How Did Trepanation Work?
March 30, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 5.01 MBOne of the earliest, most common medical treatments in history (and prehistory!) involved drilling a hole in the patient's skull. Learn more about trepaning in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/surgeries-procedures/trepanation.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are Hammerhead Worms Really Dangerous?
March 29, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 4.63 MBThese large, land-dwelling flatworms are invasive and toxic -- but they're not dangerous (unless you eat a lot of them, or happen to be an earthworm). Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/hammerhead-worms.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Some Enslaved People Sue for Their Freedom — and Win?
March 28, 2023 12:44 - 7 minutes - 6.85 MBIn 1781, Elizabeth Freeman successfully sued her enslaver for her own freedom. Learn how freedom suits worked pre- and post-American Revolution in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/mum-bett.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do Wine Bottles Have Dents in the Bottom?
March 09, 2023 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.27 MBShort answer: No one is sure. But it may have once been practical during production, and the dents (a.k.a. punts) in wine bottles are certainly useful now. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/food-facts/wine-bottle-dent-bottom.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Will the Oxford Dictionary of African American English Work?
March 08, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 6.17 MBA team of experts has come together to create a scholarly work that's long overdue: a dictionary detailing the historical and modern use of African American English. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/oxford-dictionary-african-american-english.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who's the Inventor Behind Tang, Pop Rocks, and Cool Whip?
March 07, 2023 10:00 - 7 minutes - 7.19 MBDuring his 35-year career with General Foods, William Mitchell invented some of America's favorite, fun, and time-saving junk foods. From quick-set Jell-O to Cool Whip, learn how he did it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/famous-inventors/meet-man-invented-cool-whip-tang.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Could a Giant Squid Take Down a Submarine?
March 06, 2023 10:00 - 4 minutes - 4.62 MBTales of squid attacking ships go way back, and there are some known instances of squid attacking subs, but could a cephalopod really take down a modern vessel? Learn what researchers think in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/squid-attack-submarine.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Do Our Bones Grow?
March 05, 2023 10:00 - 4 minutes - 4.62 MBWe humans are fairly squishy, and we eat fairly squishy food. So how do we grow hard bones? Learn how it happens in this classic episode of BrainStuff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Is the French Baguette Being Honored?
March 04, 2023 10:00 - 4 minutes - 4.11 MBIn France, the baguette isn't just the most popular type of bread -- it's an artisan product that's become a social keystone. Learn how French laws and UNESCO are upholding its traditions in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/french-baguette-unesco.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Were Dogs Used as Kitchen Appliances?
March 03, 2023 10:00 - 4 minutes - 3.96 MBIn the 1400s through the 1900s, many kitchens made a specific breed of dog run in a wheel in order to rotate a spit of meat over the hearth's open fire. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/turnspit-dogs.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Is It Quiet After It Snows?
March 02, 2023 10:00 - 4 minutes - 3.96 MBAfter a snowfall, the world seems hushed -- for a while, at least. Learn why fresh snow muffles sound in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/quieter-after-snow.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Black Inventors Change America?
March 01, 2023 15:16 - 7 minutes - 6.95 MBBlack American inventors have given us everything from secure mailboxes and practical lightbulbs to gas masks and blood banks. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/inventions/10-inventions-by-african-americans.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: What's the Difference Between Weather and Climate?
February 05, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 5.31 MBWhen concepts are as intertwined as weather and climate, it can be easy to mix them up. Learn the difference, and why it matters so much in discussions about the environment, in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/weather-and-climate-whats-difference.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Cassowaries Work?
February 03, 2023 10:00 - 8 minutes - 7.43 MBThese flightless birds are the second heaviest birds in the world -- they can grow as large as an adult human. Learn about them in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/cassowary.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Causes the Pain of Kidney Stones?
February 02, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 5.77 MBKidney stones are urinary tract blockages known for causing a lot of pain, but it's the blockage itself (not the sharpness of the stones) that does it. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/kidney-urinary/kidney-stone-pain.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Deep Is the Ocean?
February 01, 2023 22:00 - 5 minutes - 5.04 MBThe global ocean covers some 70 percent of our planet, and its depths are still unexplored. Learn about its deepest trenches in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/oceanography/how-deep-is-ocean.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Shrinkflation Work?
January 23, 2023 10:00 - 7 minutes - 6.6 MBShrinkflation is when brands downsize their products while keeping their prices the same -- thus passing inflating costs on to you. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://money.howstuffworks.com/shrinkflation-news.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Do Southern Biscuits Work?
January 22, 2023 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.52 MBFluffy biscuits are a cornerstone of Southern cusisine, but they're a relatively recent invention. Learn the history behind this baked good in today's classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/history-light-and-fluffy-biscuits.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Are the Differences Between Mold and Mildew?
January 21, 2023 10:00 - 4 minutes - 4.4 MBMildew is an early stage of mold that grows on surfaces before digging deeper. Learn how both work and how to stop them from growing in your home in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/difference-between-mold-mildew.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is January the Biggest Month for Divorce?
January 20, 2023 10:00 - 4 minutes - 3.75 MBLegal inqueries into divorce go way up in January, but March and August also see spikes in filings. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/divorce-rates-january-new-year.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Disposable Hand Warmers Work?
January 19, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 4.71 MBThese tiny packets are able to give off a lot of heat for a few hours thanks to the same process that causes rust to form -- just sped way up. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/disposable-hand-warmers.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do Fish Sleep?
January 18, 2023 18:49 - 4 minutes - 3.91 MBFish do rest, but their versions of sleep doesn't look the same as ours. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/fish/do-fish-sleep.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Does Milk Really Make Mucus Worse?
December 27, 2022 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.08 MBThere's a millennia-old idea that milk causes mucus production, and therefore that you should avoid milk if you're sick. Learn the truth in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/respiratory/milk-and-mucus-myth-busted.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Does Kwanzaa Work?
December 26, 2022 10:00 - 8 minutes - 7.61 MBKwanzaa is a relatively new holiday celebrating Pan-African culture, and the unity, creativity, and determination of its peoples. Learn the basics about Kwanzaa in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-other/kwanzaa.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did the Eggnog Riot Work?
December 25, 2022 10:00 - 6 minutes - 5.83 MBOn Christmas Eve of 1826, dozens of West Point cadets had a bit too much (prohibited) alcoholic eggnog -- luckily, only reputations and barracks were hurt. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/ridiculous-history-heres-why-west-point-cadets-rioted-eggnog-1826.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Does It Cost to Run Santa's Workshop?
December 24, 2022 10:00 - 5 minutes - 4.77 MBHolidays can be expensive when you're only distributing a few gifts, not a few billion. Learn what Santa's yearly workshop budget must be in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/santa-claus-workshop-budget-will-blow-mind.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Are Different Injections Given in Your Arm, Rear, or Elsewhere?
December 23, 2022 10:00 - 4 minutes - 4.23 MBMedical professionals give us shots in different body parts based on how much medicine we need and what the medicine needs to do. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/medication/shots-in-arm-bum.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do Small Dogs Live Longer Than Large Dogs?
December 22, 2022 10:00 - 5 minutes - 5.29 MBOn average, tiny dogs live almost twice as long as really big ones -- and science isn't entirely sure why. Learn what we know (and don't know) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/longest-living-dog-breeds-tiny.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Latkes Work?
December 22, 2022 00:15 - 7 minutes - 6.5 MBLatkes (that is, fried potato pancakes) are nearly synonymous with Hanukkah today -- but they've only been around for a couple centuries. Learn how they developed in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/latkes.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Could Recycled Urine Make Sustainable Fertilizer?
December 18, 2022 10:00 - 4 minutes - 4.45 MBSports stadiums have a lot of grass that needs to be fertilized, and a lot of urine to dispose of. Learn how researchers are working to solve both problems at once in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/repurposed-inventions/recycling-stadium-urine-fertilizer.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will Cats Sit In Imaginary Boxes?
December 17, 2022 10:00 - 6 minutes - 6.19 MBIt is known that housecats will sit in any box available, large or small -- but science set out to determine whether cats can perceive (and will sit in) illusory boxes as well. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/cats-in-squares-study-news.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Mistletoe Work?
December 16, 2022 10:00 - 7 minutes - 7.12 MBThe tradition of kissing under mistletoe around Christmas is fairly new, but the traditions it's based on go way back. Learn about the hemi-parasitic roots of mistletoe in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/mistletoe.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.