BrainStuff

Piranhas are very efficient eaters, but their frothing feeding frenzy seen in horror movies is mostly based on a myth started by Theodore Roosevelt. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/piranha-eat-cows.htm

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In Turkey, a set of prehistoric columns rivals Stonehenge -- but they're 6,000 years older. Learn what we know (and don't know) about the hunter-gatherers who built Göbekli Tepe in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/european-history/gobekli-tepe.htm

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This blockbuster style of hot sauce started with the Huy Fong brand, but that original 'rooster sauce' is often out of stock. Learn how a combo of weather and legal drama are at the root in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/food-facts/sriracha.htm

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Levee systems make it possible for us to live alongside bodies of water with less danger of flooding. Learn how engineers design them -- and why levees sometimes fail -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/structural/levee.htm

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Socialism and communism are often mentioned in the same breath, and they do share a common history, but socialists aren't necessarily communists -- and vice versa. Learn more about both concepts and how they've been put into practice in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/socialism-vs-communism.htm

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Our bodies can often prevent us from catching the same illness twice, and vaccines use that bodily system to prevent us from getting sick in the first place. Learn how the immune response works, what goes into vaccines, and why vaccines are safe for kids in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/preventive-care/vaccine.htm

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In the 1960s, advances in technology allowed brave aquanauts to explore deeper into the ocean than ever before, but the project was shut down. Learn how Sealab worked -- and how that technology is still used today -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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The slow loris is the world's only venomous primate, but it looks like a cuddly plush toy. Learn why you shouldn't go in for a snuggle in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/slow-loris.htm

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Venus flytraps can photosynthesize like most other plants, but they supplement their diet by catching insects and arachnids. Learn what we know (and don't know!) about how they accomplish this feat in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/venus-flytrap.htm

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Glass windows are as solid as the materials that surround them, yet they let light through. Learn the physics of why glass can be so transparent -- and why it took humans thousands of years to create totally clear glass -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/question404.htm

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Although some driving skills can deteriorate with age, experienced drivers tend to be the safest drivers. To an extent. Learn when and how experts think drivers should be retested in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/auto-safety-testing/should-licensed-drivers-be-tested-periodically.htm

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Truffles are fungi that grow underground, are almost exclusively foraged, and taste best extremely fresh. Learn about truffle biology, truffle flavoring, and truffle crime in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/truffles.htm

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This positively prehistoric-looking freshwater turtle is the largest in North America -- and it catches fish by wiggling a worm-like lure. Learn more about alligator snappers in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/reptiles/alligator-snapping-turtle.htm

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In floriography, flowers and other plants are associated with meanings or sentiments (like physical emoji) -- but could you really send a message with a bouquet? Learn about the fad of floriography in Victorian England in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/cultural-traditions/floriography.htm

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Cowboy culture didn't start in the Wild West. Learn about the Spanish, Indigenous, and Black history of cowboys in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/cowboys.htm

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When our skin deepens in color after sun exposure, it's trying to protect us from damage. Learn how it works -- plus why you should help it out with sunscreen, and why some people burn instead -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/sun-care/sunscreen.htm

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They eat trash and they look a little freaky, but the North American opossum is a smart, clean, disease-fighting, and all-around fascinating creature. Learn why in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/opossums-so-darn-ugly-theyre-adorable.htm

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