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BrainStuff

iHeartPodcastswww.iheart.com
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

Is the Meaning of Life '137'?

Both scientists and mystics revere the number 137, but why? Learn the significance of this seemingly humble number in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 01, 20186 min

How Did the Inca Knot Language Work?

The Inca never developed a system of writing, but they kept records and told stories through intricate knotwork. Learn what researchers know -- and what they're still looking to find out -- about Inca khipu in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 30, 20184 min

Can Cheese Actually Make Wine Taste Better?

Spoiler alert: Yes! Learn the science that makes wine and cheese go so well together in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 29, 20183 min

Why Did London Once Have a Train for the Dead?

When a city's cemeteries start filling up, one solution is to take the funerary show on the road. Learn about London's Necropolis Railway of 1854-1941 in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 28, 20184 min

Why Do Dogs' Paws Smell Like Corn Chips?

Dog enthusiasts sometimes revel in how their pup's paws smell gloriously of corn chips, but what causes this scent? Learn the science behind Frito paws in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 27, 20183 min

Are E-Cigarette Liquids Safe?

The flavorings added to vape liquids are considered safe for ingestion, but what happens when we breathe them in? Learn what researchers can and can't say about the safety of vaping in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 26, 20185 min

BrainStuff Classics: How Does Saliva Work?

Your saliva is a serious multitasker -- it keeps bacteria at bay, helps you digest your food, and even makes your food taste better. 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.

Nov 25, 20187 min

BrainStuff Classics: Why Do We Fart?

We all pass gas, but why? Learn what's happening in your digestive system when you fart in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 24, 20185 min

Is Black Friday the Busiest Shopping Day?

It's true that millions of Americans go shopping the day after Thanksgiving, but it's not the biggest shopping day of the year. 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.

Nov 23, 20185 min

Does Turkey Really Make You Sleepy?

You may have heard that the tryptophan in turkey causes holiday naps, but it might not be the real culprit. Learn some turkey science in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 22, 20184 min

Is There a Best Way to Load the Dishwasher?

Which way should the plates face? What about the silverware -- handles up or down? Do you need to pre-rinse? Learn how to make your dishwashing machine work its best in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 21, 20184 min

Why Does Hot Food Seem More Satisfying?

Warm foods can feel more filling than chilled foods, but why? Learn the possible explanations behind the cravings in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 20, 20184 min

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Really Help With Weight Loss?

Some proponents say that drinking apple cider vinegar is the 'secret' to losing weight. Learn what science has to say in this episode of BrainStuff. And hey, take care of yourself, OK? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 19, 20185 min

BrainStuff Classics: How Does LASIK Work?

It’s one of the common vision correction surgeries accomplished with lasers, but how does it work? Is it really safe? Learn about LASIK eye surgery in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 18, 20186 min

BrainStuff Classics: Do You Really Need to Wash Your Jeans?

It may seem like an obvious ‘yes’, but denim producers often recommend washing your jeans as little as possible — if at all. Learn why (and what they recommend instead) in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 17, 20186 min

Do Carrots Really Help Your Eyesight?

Conventional wisdom says that eating carrots will give you better vision, but how true is that? Learn where the idea came from in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 16, 20184 min

Will Temperature Changes Make You Sick?

When the temperature drops (or bounces), are you more likely to get sick? Learn the science behind the old wives’ tale in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 15, 20183 min

Why Are Dogs’ Noses Wet?

Dogs’ noses are often wet, but why? And does a dry nose mean your pup is sick? Learn what science has to say about dogs’ noses in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 14, 20183 min

Could We Build A Real Gundam?

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

Nov 13, 20185 min

Why Does Ice Get Cloudy?

Water usually appears clear, but ice cubes and ice on lakes often looks cloudy. Learn what has to happen for ice to freeze clear (like black ice does on roads) in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 12, 20186 min

BrainStuff Classics: How Does Silica Gel Work?

What is silica gel? Why are packets of it included in lots of packaging? And what would happen if you ate it? Learn how silica gel keeps moisture at bay in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 11, 20183 min

BrainStuff Classics: What Causes Chapped Lips?

For some, winter means a daily battle against cracking, peeling lips. Learn what causes this -- and what you can do to prevent it -- in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 10, 20184 min

How Should You Answer When Asked 'What Are Your Salary Requirements'?

It's a dreaded part of job interviews: "What did you make at your last job? What are your salary requirements?" Learn the science behind navigating this tricky topic in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 09, 20185 min

The End Of The World with Josh Clark Series Preview

The End Of The World with Josh Clark is a 10-part podcast series on existential risks – threats that could bring humanity to a sudden and untimely end in the near future. Check out this preview, featuring a clip about our potential to spread from Earth. Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts , or on the iHeartRadio app, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Nov 08, 20185 min

How Effective Are Bulletproof Vests?

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

Nov 08, 20184 min

Are Yeti Just a Bunch of Bears?

Genetics says "probably." In this episode of BrainStuff, learn what researchers found when they submitted supposed Yeti samples for genetic testing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 07, 20183 min

Does Syncing Traffic Lights Reduce Traffic?

Computer systems can indeed help traffic flow better by syncing stop lights' cycles. But how well does it work, and what does it take to implement? Learn how researchers hope to get you out of traffic jams in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 06, 20185 min

Does CBD Oil Really Work?

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, derived from cannabis, is being touted as a treatment for everything from migraines to insomnia. But how effective is it? Learn what research has (and hasn't) shown in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 05, 20188 min

How Did a Family Feud Spawn Adidas and Puma?

A battle between two brothers created the second- and third-largest sneaker companies in the world. Learn the story of the brothers Dassler in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 04, 20184 min

What Are Sea Cucumbers?

Besides weird. Or, including weird? Learn some of the strangest features of sea cucumbers in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 03, 20185 min
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