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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

Are Humans Built to Drink Milk as Adults?

Lactose intolerance is rare in the U.S., but worldwide it's way more common. Learn what causes this and how researchers explain the divide in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20204 min

What Do People Get Wrong About Rosa Parks?

Though we've all heard about how Rosa Parks' small act of resistance on a Montgomery bus sparked a boycott that spurred the civil rights movement, a lot of us get the details wrong. Learn the real story of Rosa Parks in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 20207 min

BrainStuff Classics: What Is the Birthday Paradox?

The so-called Birthday Paradox isn't a true paradox -- it's a fascinating example of how bad humans are at off-the-cuff probability. Learn what the Birthday Paradox is and 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.

Feb 16, 20203 min

BrainStuff Classics: Why Do We Get Morning Breath?

Our breath can smell bad for a number of reasons, but it tends to be worse first thing in the morning. Learn why in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 15, 20203 min

Does Chocolate Give You a Happy High?

Many humans enjoy eating chocolate -- but is it because of the taste, or because of compounds in the candy that simulate happiness in our brains? Learn about how chocolate affects us in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 14, 20206 min

Why Do Cats Knead?

Cats seem to love kneading at soft things with their front paws -- but why do they do it? Learn about this (sometimes very pointy) behavior in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 13, 20203 min

What Is Balut, and How Do You Eat It?

Balut is a street food delicacy found in Southeastern Asia -- and around the world. Learn about this eggy treat in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 12, 20205 min

Are Single-Use Plastics Really That Bad?

Single-use plastics are plastics made to be thrown away after one use. Learn why they're so damaging and how we can do better in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 11, 20207 min

How Did Georgia Tech's Most Famous Student Never Exist?

George P. Burdell has received several degrees, flown missions in several wars, hosted countless campus balls, and ordered countless pizzas -- but he's never technically existed. Learn about Georgia Tech's legendary student in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 10, 20208 min

BrainStuff Classics: How Does Crooke's Radiometer Work?

Crooke's radiometer is a device containing vanes that appear to spin because they're pushed by light itself, but that's not quite right. Learn what's really happening in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 09, 20205 min

BrainStuff Classics: What Is White Noise?

White noise generators are useful for masking all kinds of annoying sounds -- but what is white noise, and how does it work? Learn about white noise (and other 'colors') in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 08, 20204 min

How Do Wine, Cars, and Clothes Defy Economics?

With most goods and services, as their price goes up, demand goes down -- but not so with luxury items from diamonds to college educations. Learn how Veblen goods work in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 08, 20206 min

Why Can a Mongoose Take on a Cobra?

Mongooses are small, weasely mammals that can -- and do -- kill and eat big, venomous king cobras. Learn how they manage to come out on top in this grudge match in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 07, 20204 min

Why Are Scientists Asking Hikers to Stop Stacking Rocks?

Stacks of rocks called cairns have long been used for navigation and decoration, but scientists are now asking hikers to stop making them. Learn how simply moving rocks can be hugely destructive (even if you put them back) in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 05, 20204 min

Why Do People Say 'Holy Cow'?

The phrase 'holy cow' is an example of a minced oath -- a substitute for a taboo phrase. Learn how baseball was involved in its popularity in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 04, 20204 min

Would King Kong Be Considered an Endangered Species?

Land animals tend to have an upper limit of size, beyond which they risk extinction. Learn why (and how King Kong is a great example of this) in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 03, 20205 min

BrainStuff Classics: Is a 'Dog Year' Really 7 Years?

Sure, dogs age differently than humans -- but is a year for us really like seven years for them? Learn the truth about your dog's age in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 02, 20204 min

BrainStuff Classics: What is 'Ranch' Flavor?

Ranch is the most popular salad dressing in the United States, but what is that flavor supposed to be? Learn the history and modern make-up of ranch flavor in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 01, 20205 min

Are Super Bowl Ads Really Worth $30 Million?

The most expensive 30-second commercial slot in this weekend's Super Bowl sold for $5.6 million, but the total cost to make these ads is more like $30 million. Learn what kind of return on investment companies hope to make in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 31, 20206 min

How Did White House Press Briefings Go From Daily to Done?

Press briefings have been a regular event at the White House since the late 1800s, so why has the Trump administration cancelled them? Learn about the history behind the practice (and what's replaced them) in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 30, 20206 min

Could Electric Motors Save Classic Cars?

Replacing vintage engines with electric motors can help keep classic cars on the road (though don't worry, we're not coming for your collector's items). Learn why companies like Jaguar and Volkswagen are leading the charge in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 29, 20206 min

Is There a Science to Aging Beer?

Some beers develop in interesting and pleasant ways as they age -- but it's a science experiment with a lot of variables. Learn how to embark on the art and science of aging beer in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 28, 20206 min

What's the Best Kind of Dog Leash?

Taking your dog out on walks is great for it (and you!), but certain kinds of leashes can help keep you both safer. Learn why an expert recommends braided leather leashes (and when they recommend harnesses) in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 27, 20205 min

BrainStuff Classics: How Does Radiation Sickness Work?

Most of us don't have to worry about ionizing radiation -- that is, the kind of radiation that can make you sick. Learn why (and what ionizing radiation can do) in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 26, 20208 min

BrainStuff Classics: What Is Fracking?

You’ve heard of fracking, and you’re pretty sure lots of people don’t like it, but do you know what it really entails? Learn what goes into the fracking process in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 25, 20205 min

How Do Bengal Cats Work?

Bengal cats are a hybrid of domestic cats and a small, wild type of leopard cat. Learn how this breed began and why they're an intensive pet in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 20206 min

What's the Difference Between Avenues, Roads, and Boulevards?

Yes, there is a difference! Roadways in the United States are given designations based on what lines them and how they connect. Learn the differences between these and other passages in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 20204 min

Why Are Bananas Berries, but Strawberries Aren't?

Botanically speaking, bananas are berries and strawberries are not. 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.

Jan 22, 20204 min

Do Monkeys Lack the Brains or the Vocal Anatomy for Human Speech?

For a long time, scientists thought monkeys and non-human apes simply lacked the vocal anatomy for human speech, but new research indicates otherwise. Learn what was found in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 21, 20205 min

Are We Running Out of Cork?

There's a myth that the trees that cork comes from are endangered, but they're doing just fine. Learn how the rumors may have started in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 20, 20204 min
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