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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

How Did Human-Skin Shoes Feature in a Politician's Wardrobe?

In the late 1800s, a doctor who autopsied a criminal had the man's skin made into human leather. Learn the macabre story in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 02, 20214 min

How Do Unrelated Species Develop Similar Traits?

Some traits and abilities -- like flight, for example -- are so useful that completely different species evolved them independently over time. Learn about convergent evolution (and divergent evolution) in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 01, 20216 min

BrainStuff Classics: What on Earth Are Skyquakes?

There are plenty of potential reasons for a boom to rumble through the air, but skyquakes don't seem to be attached to any of the usual suspects. Learn more about these mysterious phenomena on BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 31, 20215 min

BrainStuff Classics: How Do We Find Planets That Might Harbor Life?

Ross 128 b is an Earth-sized planet only 11 light years away that might have the right conditions to sustain life as we know it. Learn how scientists are studying it 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 30, 20216 min

How Often Should You Wash Your Pillow?

The pillows we sleep on can collect grime aplenty, but they can't all be washed the same way. Learn what the experts recommend 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, 20214 min

What's the Difference Between Burrata and Mozzarella?

These two cheeses look similar on the outside, but it's what inside that counts. Learn about the differences between buratta and mozzarella, and how to use 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 28, 20214 min

Why Do We See Faces in Inanimate Objects?

If you've ever seen a face in a cloud or thought your electrical outlet was looking at you funny, you've experienced pareidolia. But why does this happen so often? Learn more about how the eyes and brain work together 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, 20218 min

How Did 'The Green Book' Work?

For decades, 'The Green Book' was a lifeline connecting Black travelers in the U.S. with businesses that were happy to serve them. Learn how it got 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 26, 20216 min

How Do Astronauts Shower in Space?

The two things that make showers on Earth delightful are hot water and gravity, but in space, both are in limited supply. Learn how astronauts have made do over the years in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 25, 20214 min

BrainStuff Classics: Should You Give Cats Milk?

Pop culture often shows cats happily sipping saucers of milk, but giving a cat milk isn't actually the best treat for it -- or you. 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.

Jan 24, 20213 min

BrainStuff Classics: How Did a Parisian Lemonade Craze Fight the Plague?

While the black plague ravaged the rest of France, Paris remained relatively untouched -- and they may have had their fondness for lemonade to thank. 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.

Jan 23, 20215 min

How Do Presidential Pardons Work?

U.S. presidents have the power to pardon anyone from punishment surrounding a federal crime, no questions asked. Learn how this clemency works 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 22, 20219 min

What Astronomy Events Are Happening in 2021?

Whatever else happens, 2021 is going to be a year with some amazing astronomical events. Learn when they're happening and how to watch 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 21, 20217 min

Have Inaugurations Always Involved Celebrities?

There have always been parties surrounding U.S. presidential inaugurations, but the events themselves didn't become star-studded until fairly recently. Learn about the history of performances surrounding inaugurations 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, 20215 min

How Can Nasal Breathing Help Keep You Healthier?

Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth can help your heart, immune system, and even your anxiety levels. Learn how in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 19, 20215 min

How Did Martin Luther King Influence 'Star Trek'?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy is profound -- his activism changed the course of history. Including, oddly enough, 'Star Trek'. Learn how he inspired Nichelle Nichols, the actress who played Uhura, in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 18, 20215 min

BrainStuff Classics: Do Vegetarians' Farts Smell Worse?

Not all flatulence is created equal -- your diet has a huge impact on the gas you pass. So whose farts are smellier: vegetarians or omnivores? Learn the answer 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 17, 20213 min

BrainStuff Classics: How Do Astronauts React to Lunar Landing Conspiracy Theories?

Fringe theorists sometimes question whether the 1969 moon landing actually happened. In this classic episode of BrainStuff, we explore how astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin have reacted when asked whether it's all a conspiracy. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 16, 20216 min

How Might Universal Basic Income Work?

Universal basic income is a form of monthly payments to citizens from their government with the idea that financial security makes people (and maybe even economies) healthier. Learn more about UBI and guaranteed income in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 15, 202110 min

Does Dry January Lead to Binging in February?

After abstaining from alcohol in January, research shows that drinkers consume less in the following months, too. Learn more about Dry January in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 14, 20215 min

What Is Populism?

Populist leaders have been coming into power all over the world over the past few years. Learn what populism is -- and why it concerns political scientists -- in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 13, 20219 min

What Is Worcestershire Sauce?

This savory sauce with a difficult name dates back to the early 1800s. Learn about its history and ingredients in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 12, 20215 min

Who Was the First Person in Space?

Yuri Gagarin was the Soviet cosmonaut who braved the first flight into space in 1961. Learn about his life (and tragic early death) in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 11, 20218 min

BrainStuff Classics: What Animal Has the Best Echolocation Abilities?

Bats, dolphins, and other animals all use sonar to navigate, but the narwhal has them all beat, and it's thanks to narwhals' distinctive horns. Learn more 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 10, 20214 min

BrainStuff Classics: What Is the 25th Amendment?

People are again asking whether the 25th Amendment might be enacted to remove the current president. But what does this Amendment say, and what can it really do? Learn about it 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 09, 20215 min

How Does Damascus Steel Work?

If you've seen rippling patterns in the blades of knives or swords, that's Damascus steel. Learn its history and how it's made today in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 08, 20217 min

How Do Penguins Work?

Flightless birds that live in brutal Antarctic temperatures and partner up for life -- penguins are cool (pun absolutely intended). Learn more about 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 07, 20216 min

What Did the Arecibo Radio Telescope Help Us Learn?

For decades, the Arecibo Radio Telescope has let us investigate parts of our universe near and far. Learn its history -- and why it had to be shut down -- in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 06, 20217 min

Do 'I Voted' Stickers Do Anything?

Many local governments pass out stickers to the voters who cast a ballot on election day. It might seem silly, but those stickers have a real effect. Learn about the psychology behind 'I Voted!' stickers in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 05, 20216 min

Why Would the Creator of Graham Crackers Be Horrified by Them Today?

Graham crackers are a sweetened, mass-produced baked good today, but they started out as a homemade, ascetic-diet food. Learn about Sylvester Graham and the history of his crackers in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 04, 20217 min
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