BrainStuff

State laws can prevent people convicted of crimes from voting, so why do federal laws let them run for president? Learn why it's actually a good thing, and when people can be barred from federal office, in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/criminal-conviction-bar-running-for-president.htm

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The fear and hatred of people who seem 'foreign' or 'other' can sadly pop up anywhere. Learn about xenophobia and how to fight it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/xenophobia.htm

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Something has to be done with all those fall leaves, but the best option for the environment (and your lawn) isn't raking, it's mulching. Learn why, and how to get started, in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://home.howstuffworks.com/stop-raking-leaves.htm

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The 'tryant king' of the dinosaurs has been inspiring science (and science fiction) since it was first discovered. Learn how Tyrannosaurus worked in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/dinosaurs/tyrannosaurus.htm

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From the window of a small bridal shop in Mexico, an eerily lifelike mannequin has inspired macabre legends. Learn about La Pascualita in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/la-pascualita.htm

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This board game brought communing with spirits to the mass market in the mid-1900s. Learn about Ouija's storied history -- plus how science says our subconscious is responsible for moving the planchette -- in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/unexplained-phenomena/ouija-boards.htm

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Some real-life legends haunt us even if literal ghosts do not. Learn how the tales about hired gun Tom Horn caught up with him in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/tom-horn.htm

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Pop culture loves making horrific figures adorable, from Cthulhu plushies to 'cute' Freddy Krueger costumes. But why? Learn what researchers think about the spectrum of cute to monstrous in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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The yak is a beautiful bovine adapted especially for its cold, high-altitude environment. Learn about yaks and their amazing milk and fiber in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/yak.htm

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Absinthe once had a sinister reputation for causing hallucinations and even insanity, but it's only as hazardous as any other alcohol. Learn about the history and science behind absinthe in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/absinthe.htm

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In frigid Antarctica, hidden ice caves warmed by volcanic activity can reach warm springtime temperatures and feature lots of liquid water. Learn what researchers hope to find in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/biology-fields/intricate-ice-caves-in-antarctica-may-harbor-unique-life.htm

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During the Age of Exploration, Vasco da Gama established a water route from Europe to spice-rich India -- and established Portugal as a fearsome colonial force. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/vasco-da-gama.htm

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Intelligence and talent may be something we're born with, but there's evidence that nurture is at least as important as nature in determining genius. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/genius-genetic.htm

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Many modern cities feature grided streets made for walking, but suburbs' wide, winding roads require cars to get around. Learn why, plus how it might change, in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/civil/why-so-many-suburban-streets-twist-and-turn.htm

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Sparticus was an enslaved man who led a revolt against the Roman Republic that changed the course of history. Learn about the life of this gladiator turned rebel leader in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/spartacus.htm

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The Panama Canal makes ships float uphill between oceans -- and creating it took solving an epidemic, moving millions of tons of earth, and inciting a revolution just to start out. Learn more about the Panama Canal in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/structural/panama-canal.htm

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Some microbes make food spoil, but others help preserve it -- and even create our favorite flavors and effects, from cheese to chocolate to chardonay. Learn more about food fermentation in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/food-fermentation.htm

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This question is surprisingly difficult answer, in no small part due to the stigma against discussing mental health. Learn about researchers' best estimates for the prevalence of depression around the world and in the U.S. in this episode of BrainStuff, with material from this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/depression/facts/depression.htm

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