Research indicates that sleep is one of the many factors in how our bodies create, store, and burn fat. We explore in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/sleep-obesity.htm

The Yiddish word 'chutzpah' has come to mean that someone has a lot of nerve, but in a way you respect. Learn the word's history and usage in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/chutzpah.htm

The hunt for Noah's Ark is ongoing, probably futile, and always intriguing. Learn how researchers have tried to unravel the real history of this biblical myth in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this episode: https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/hunt-noahs-ark-podcast.htm

The United States Secret Service does a lot more than protect the president and other political bigwigs. Learn about its origins with the Treasury and other work in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/secrets-about-secret-service.htm

Petrichor is the name for that fresh, sweet, earthy smell after it rains. Learn what causes petrichor in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/question479.htm

These small-to-medium snakes are everywhere in North America -- luckily they're mostly harmless, and even good for your garden. Learn more about garter snakes in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/snakes/garter-snakes.htm

Seawater is salty because of several quirks in Earth's water cycle. Learn the reasons why in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/oceanography/why-is-seawater-salty.htm

Trying potential medical treatments on animals was once the best that science could do, but new technologies could make animal testing obsolete. Learn how in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/tech-transport/does-technology-make-us-drive-worse.htm

It takes a particular kind of person to go from average citizen to amateur spy. Learn what history and psychology have taught us in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/why-do-ordinary-people-commit-acts-of-espionage.htm

These large, leggy birds can run fast and make friends faster. Learn more about them in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/emu.htm

Herd immunity can help keep a population healthier, but achieving it can be difficult. Learn about vaccines and vaccination reluctance in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/herd-immunity.htm

In the 1850s, Oregon voted to outlaw slavery in their state -- but also to outlaw free Black people from living there. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/racial-history-oregon-was-whites-only-until-1926.htm

Some fish that strut the seafloor share a common ancestor with humans, so researchers are hoping that studying these fish could help us understand how we walk. Learn how in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/extinct-animals/ancient-fish-strutted-seafloor-before-land-animals.htm

Any high-tech car feature that takes your attention away from the road is a distraction, but are even our automatic safety systems making driving more dangerous? We explore in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/tech-transport/does-technology-make-us-drive-worse.htm

Rumor has it that Lucille Ball once picked up a spy's radio signal with her fillings -- but could it be true? Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/lucille-ball-fillings-spy.htm

Different kinds of spiders build all sorts of different webs, from beautiful bug-catchers to protective egg sacs to clever trap doors. Learn about them in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/arachnids/spiders-spin-webs.htm

Showering first thing or last thing in your day is largely a personal preference, but a few factors might sway you one way or the other. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/daily/tips/morning-vs-evening-showers-discuss.htm

One of the results of burning coal to produce energy is the creation of coal ash, a toxic product that can wreak havoc when it spills into nearby ecosystems. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/deadly-problem-coal-ash.htm

Once a year, the U.S. government can use a process called reconciliation to fast-track big budget legislation through Congress. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/reconciliation.htm