BrainStuff

BrainStuff

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.

Episodes

November 27, 2023 15 mins

Zionism is the nationalist movement that established Israel and continues to support Judiaism's claim to that aland. It's also one of the most controversial and complex movements of our time. Learn how it got started in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/world-history/zionism.htm

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These social, tree-dwelling monkeys are some of the smallest in the world. Learn more about them in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/marmoset.htm

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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 classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/cultural-traditions/unraveling-khipu-inca-knot-language.htm

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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 classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/question519.htm

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November 23, 2023 8 mins

A lot of what's taught about 'the first Thanksgiving' is actually more Civil-War-era propaganda than true fact. Learn how this brief moment of peace might've gone down, plus how we got today's traditions, in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-other/10-thanksgiving-history-myths.htm

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November 22, 2023 7 mins

It's a gross but very useful fact that some insects will eat deceased humans, because scientists can observe those insects to learn about where and when a person died. Learn about forensic entomology in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/forensic-entomology.htm/printable

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November 17, 2023 8 mins

This cactus is a source of food and construction material for people and animals alike, especially during the dry season in the Sonaran Desert. Learn more about it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/saguaro-cactus.htm

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November 16, 2023 4 mins

When asphalt pavement cracks, a squiggle of black sealant can help prevent further damage. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/road-tar-squiggle-drizzle.htm

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November 15, 2023 5 mins

No matter what color(s) mountain ranges may be up close, when they're off in the distance, they appear blue. Learn how our eyes and the atmosphere trick us in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/mountains-appear-blue.htm

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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 classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/why-dog-paws-smell-fritos-corn-chips.htm

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When the temperature drops (or bounces), are you more likely to get sick? Learn the science behind the old wives’ tale in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/cold-flu/can-change-in-temperature-really-make-sick.htm

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November 8, 2023 6 mins

There's actually a natural limit on how tall trees can grow -- but what about circumference? Or total mass? Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/tree-grow.htm

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November 7, 2023 8 mins

London Bridge crosses the Thames in a place where lots of bridges have stood -- and technically fallen -- before. Learn about the history of these bridges (and the nursery rhyme) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/structural/london-bridge.htm

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November 6, 2023 5 mins

Cone snails move slow, but catch prey fast with harpoons or clouds of paralyzing toxins. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/cone-snail.htm

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November 1, 2023 9 mins

The Day of the Dead celebrates life by inviting the spirits of loved ones back home for feasting and fun. Learn about the history and traditions surrounding the holiday in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-other/day-dead.htm

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When concerns about being accidentally buried alive swept Europe and North America in the 1800s, inventors (and showmen) came up with coffins that could let a living person escape -- or at least alert someone to come dig them up. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/afterlife/premature-burial-safety-coffins.htm

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Genetics says "probably." In this episode of BrainStuff, learn what researchers found when they submitted supposed Yeti samples for genetic testing.

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Warm foods can feel more filling than chilled foods, but why? Learn the possible explanations behind the cravings in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/why-hot-food-more-satisfying-than-cold.htm

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October 27, 2023 8 mins

Before DNA-based paternity tests were accurate and inexpensive, scientists (and pseudoscientists) claimed all kinds of things could work. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/history-paternity-testing.htm

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Because of the way flights are routed, pilots are sometimes able shave a few minutes from a flight plan while in the air. Learn why just flying faster wouldn't work in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/flight/modern/do-pilots-make-up-time-in-air.htm

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