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BrainStuff

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Whether 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

BrainStuff Classics: How Do One-Way Mirrors Work?

How can a single piece of glass look like a mirror from one side but a window from the other? Learn how materials technology makes it possible in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 04, 20184 min

Can Different Species of Birds Understand Each Other?

Birds and other animals can learn to "talk" to one another, and even work together to spread warnings about predators nearby. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 03, 20186 min

Can Absurdly Big Numbers Be Useful?

The bigger that numbers get, the harder they are for us to conceive of -- but that doesn't mean they can't be useful. Learn about some just ridiculously huge numbers in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 02, 20186 min

Why Shouldn't You Hold in a Sneeze?

Better out than in. Learn why a politely covered sneeze beats holding one back in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 01, 20183 min

What Did Our Ancestors Really Eat?

Figuring out what foods were on ancient menus can be tricky, but a mummy called Ötzi the Iceman was preserved with his last meal still intact. Learn what scientists found out about his eating habits in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 31, 20183 min

Could Recycled Urine Make Sustainable Fertilizer?

Sports 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 episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 30, 20184 min

BrainStuff Classics: How Do Erasers Erase?

Erasers lift our mistakes right off the page, but it's not magic -- it's the microscopic physics of stickiness. Learn how erasers work in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 29, 20185 min

BrainStuff Classics: How Do Antiperspirants Work?

Every day, millions of people safeguard themselves against excessive sweat with a quick roll of antiperspirant. But what does this stuff do, exactly? Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 28, 20185 min

Why Does It Feel So Good To Be Scared?

Plenty of things are scary these days, so why do people pay good money to see horror movies and go to 'haunted' houses? Learn why psychologists say these fearful experiences are helpful in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 27, 20188 min

What Are Macronutrients and Micronutrients?

Fitness enthusiasts often talk about macros and micros. Learn what they are and how much you should be eating in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 26, 20185 min

What Kind of Dinos Did Today's Birds Evolve From?

The hypothesis that today's birds evolved from dinosaurs isn't new, but recent research has filled in clues about exactly how that happened. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 25, 20184 min

When Do Presidential Approval Ratings Really Matter?

A president's approval rating may seem like just another number, but statistically speaking, it can have a huge impact on American politics. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 24, 20186 min

What's the History of Toothpaste?

Toothpaste actually predates the toothbrush in dental hygiene's history. Learn the long history behind this everyday item in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 23, 20185 min

Why Do Hounds Have Floppy Ears?

Sure, scent hounds' noses are powerful tools -- but their ears may be the secret to their success. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 22, 20183 min

BrainStuff Classics: What Is American Cheese Really Made Of?

Process cheese, often called American cheese, is super inexpensive, consistent, shelf-stable, and orange. Learn how this science cheese is made in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 21, 20185 min

Should You Really Eat Activated Charcoal?

Celebrities and Instagrammers have been singing the praises of activated charcoal as a health supplement, but why? Can it really help make you healthier? Learn the science behind the activated charcoal fad in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 20, 20183 min

What Is the Museum of Broken Relationships?

Museums collect all kinds of art and artifacts -- this one collects pieces of broken hearts. Learn about some of the items and stories held in the Museum of Broken Relationships in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 19, 20184 min

No, There's No 'Secret' Cure for Cancer

Like many fringe theories, the idea that there's a massive conspiracy to conceal a known cure for cancer is mostly misplaced wishful thinking. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 18, 20187 min

What Are Vampire Squid?

Despite their name and their somewhat scary appearance, 'Vampyroteuthis infernalis' squid aren't blood-suckers. Learn why they're pretty cool anyway in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 17, 20183 min

How Close Are We to Recycling Carbon Dioxide Emissions?

Carbon dioxide is a waste product of gasoline- and coal-burning engines, and it's a serious pollutant. But what if we could capture that carbon and recycle it into usable fuel? Learn why researchers say we're getting close in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 16, 20184 min

How Did the U.S.-Mexico Border Become Such a Flashpoint?

The border between the United States and Mexico is at the center of much political and social debate in 2018 -- but how did we get here? How much crime really crosses the border? Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 13, 20187 min

Why Did Victorians Think Green Tea Causes Hallucinations?

We attribute lots of potential health effects to green tea, but the Victorians had a strange one: they thought it caused hallucinations. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 12, 20184 min

Do Boys and Girls Bully Differently?

From a young age, male and female bullies develop different ways of getting under their targets' skin. Learn more -- plus how to help kids combat girl-style bullying -- in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 11, 20185 min

How Can Robots Help Catch Poachers?

Robotic animals can help law enforcement agents catch poachers in the act -- but only if the robots are convincing enough. Learn a few things engineers are doing to make their robots more realistic in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 10, 20184 min

Are We Still Discovering Human Organs?

Some researchers are calling a previously overlooked type of tissue a new human organ. Learn what it does and why it was never identified before in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 09, 20185 min

Who Was the First Fashion Designer?

Fashion designers and their work are everywhere these days, from our closets to the runways. But one man started it all: Charles Frederick Worth. Learn who he was and how he created haute couture in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 06, 20184 min

How Can We Prevent Suicides While Protecting Gun Rights?

Over two-thirds of gun-related deaths in America are suicides. This stunning fact is bringing gun rights and gun control advocates together for a common cause. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 05, 20188 min

Could the Waterbed Make a Comeback?

Waterbeds were a mainstay of opulent '80s culture, but why did they fall out of fashion? How have they evolved since then? Could they climb back from the pits of public disfavor? Explore in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 04, 20186 min

What's Killing Ancient Baobab Trees?

Spoiler alert: The answer is probably 'climate change' -- but some of the world's oldest and hardiest baobab trees are dying, and researchers aren't entirely sure why. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 03, 20185 min

Why Do We Feel Hungry When We're Not?

Feeling hungry doesn't just happen when our bodies need calories (lots of things, from boredom to advertisements, can trigger hunger) and there's no one way that we feel hunger to begin with. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 02, 20184 min
Hosted on Omny Studio
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