Brainstuff

Informações:

Synopsis

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

  • How Can Bugs Help Solve Murders?

    22/11/2023 Duration: 07min

    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/printableSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • How Does the Saguaro Cactus Work?

    17/11/2023 Duration: 08min

    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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • What Are Those Black Squiggles on Roads?

    16/11/2023 Duration: 04min

    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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Why Do Distant Mountains Appear Blue?

    15/11/2023 Duration: 05min

    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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • BrainStuff Classics: Why Do Dogs' Paws Smell Like Corn Chips?

    12/11/2023 Duration: 03min

    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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • BrainStuff Classics: Will Temperature Changes Make You Sick?

    11/11/2023 Duration: 03min

    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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • How Big Can a Tree Grow?

    08/11/2023 Duration: 06min

    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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Has London Bridge Ever Fallen Down?

    07/11/2023 Duration: 08min

    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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • How Does the Slow Cone Snail Catch Prey?

    06/11/2023 Duration: 05min

    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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • How Does el Día de los Muertos Work?

    01/11/2023 Duration: 09min

    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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • How Did Safety Coffins Ease Fears of Premature Burial?

    31/10/2023 Duration: 08min

    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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • BrainStuff Classics: Are Yeti Just a Bunch of Bears?

    29/10/2023 Duration: 03min

    Genetics says "probably." In this episode of BrainStuff, learn what researchers found when they submitted supposed Yeti samples for genetic testing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • BrainStuff Classics: Why Does Hot Food Seem More Satisfying?

    28/10/2023 Duration: 04min

    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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • What's the History of Paternity Testing?

    27/10/2023 Duration: 08min

    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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • How Do Pilots 'Make Up' Time During Flights?

    26/10/2023 Duration: 06min

    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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Why Do Some People Hate Sounds Like Chewing?

    25/10/2023 Duration: 07min

    We all find some sounds annoying, but for people with misophonia, certain sounds trigger strong feelings of anger and anxiety. Learn what researchers think causes this in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/why-do-some-people-hate-the-sound-chewing-scientists-might-have-the-answer.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • What Is Chernobyl's Elephant's Foot Made Of?

    24/10/2023 Duration: 08min

    The Chernobyl nuclear accident caused a lava-like flow of radioactive fuel and other materials that hardened into a giant mass now known as the Elephant's Foot. Learn how corium like this forms in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/chernobyl-elephants-foot.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • How Do Alligator Gar Work?

    23/10/2023 Duration: 06min

    These toothy fish are some of the largest in North America. Learn how they've lasted 100 million years in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/fish/alligator-gar-100-million-years-old-and-still-kicking.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • BrainStuff Classics: Could You Legally Bury Someone in Your Backyard?

    03/10/2023 Duration: 06min

    Home burials are largely a thing of the past, but they're perfectly legal in most states -- once you check a few boxes. Learn how home burials work in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/afterlife/can-you-bury-someone-your-backyard.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • BrainStuff Classics: Why Doesn't Airline Food Taste Good?

    02/10/2023 Duration: 04min

    If you've ever noticed that airplane food is a little lackluster, the recipe isn't necessarily to blame. Learn how a plane's altitude and even engine noise can affect flavors in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/flight/modern/mile-bleh-club-why-airline-food-doesnt-taste-good.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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