BrainStuff

To design the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the fledgling American government held an open competition -- and an amateur won. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/revolutionary-war/us-capitol-design-competition.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CRISPR is a gene editing technology based on how bacteria protect themselves from viruses. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/crispr-gene-editing.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2021, wildfires in Siberia dwarfed all other wildfires in the world combined. Learn why, and what experts say could be done to help, in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/natural-disasters/siberia-2021-wildfires-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After celebrities wear a gown to a glitzy award show or festival, it's often archived, but sometimes sold, reproduced, or even stolen. Learn the life story of red carpet fashion in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/style/fashion/celebrity/red-carpet-dresses-celebrities-wear-them.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems obvious that turtles' shells would have evolved to protect them from predators, but researchers have found that they probably first evolved to help turtles dig. Learn what that's all about in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/reptiles/real-reason-turtles-have-shells-hint-its-not-protection.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although she's one of the most famous figures in European art, a lot is still mysterious about the Venus de Milo. Learn what we do and don't know about her in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/artwork/venus-de-milo.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The diamond industry pulls stones from the ocean floor in addition to their mining operations. Learn how diamonds form and travel in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/ocean-diamonds.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These brightly colored birds use their big beaks to communicate with each other and keep cool in hot weather. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/toucan.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These days, it's increasingly rare to find new cars outfitted with manual transmissions -- even in markets that have traditionally preferred them. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/stick-shift-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suicide is a pressing but preventable problem in the United States. Learn what experts are doing to help -- and how you can help too -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/mental-disorders/us-needs-to-have-ongoing-conversation-about-suicide.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We humans produce a LOT of plastics that wind up as harmful waste, but researchers have isolated an enzyme that may help reduce the problem. Learn how in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/plastic-eating-enzyme-planets-new-hope.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The possibilities for a baby's name aren't quite as endless as they seem -- some national and local governments restrict what you can legally name your baby. Learn what some of those restrictions are (and why they exist) in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/you-cant-name-your-baby-that.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If Godzilla were real, what kind of animal would it be -- and could it even survive with such an impressive body mass? Learn what researchers think in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/godzilla.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stratosphere is where planes fly, bacteria thrive, and our protective ozone layer forms. Learn more about it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophysics/stratosphere.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The current infrastructure bill would allot a chunk of funds to electrifying America's fleet of public school buses. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/vehicles/electric-school-bus-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Because windows look like open air to birds, collisions are unfortunately common. Learn why -- and how you can help prevent them -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/why-birbs-fly-into-windows.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most influenza vaccines contain a tiny bit of egg protein because of the way they're manufactured, but experts still recommend getting vaccinated. Learn why, and how people with allergies can keep themselves safe, in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/allergies/food-allergy/dairy-eggs-meat/people-with-egg-allergies-flu-shot.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've probably seen ocean tides making the seas rise and fall, but solid land has tides, too. Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/rising-rock-earths-crust-has-its-own-tides.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While it may not be our first choice in cooking methods, yes, you can microwave a steak to a perfect medium-rare. Learn how, plus how microwaves work, in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/tools-and-techniques/can-microwave-steak-to-perfect-medium-rare.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American red squirrels are smaller than their local grey counterparts, but they pack a lot of attitude. Learn about these cute but aggressive animals in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/red-squirrel.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mini Transat sailors race small yachts alone across the Atlantic -- surviving three to four weeks sleeping only 20 minutes at a time. Learn what sleep researchers learned about this feat in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/disorders/sleep-when-sailing-solo-4000-miles.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steganography involves not just encrypting messages, but hiding the fact that there's a message being sent at all. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/future-tech/steganography.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France's beautiful Fosse Dionne spring has been keeping its secrets close for centuries -- no one has ever found its source. Learn the myths and history surrounding it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophysics/fosse-dionne-spring.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Antarctica belongs to no one nation -- so who has jurisdiction when someone dies under mysterious or criminal circumstances? Learn why it's messy in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/whos-charge-investigating-deaths-antarctica.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It might sound gross, but it's eco-friendly: Paper is made from plant pulp. Animals that eat plants excrete plant pulp. Learn why some researchers have high hopes for poo-pyrus in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/poo-pyrus-eco-friendly-paper-made-from-poop.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a genetic condition called chimerism, DNA from someone else (an unborn twin, an organ donor, or even your own baby) is at work in your body. Learn how it works in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/chimerism-be-own-twin.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preservation techniques like curing and smoking create tasty, longer-lasting dishes like lox, gravlax, and nova. Learn the difference between these salmon preparations in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/tools-and-techniques/lox-gravlax-nova-whats-difference.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Businesses say noncompete agreements protect their interests -- but when they apply to everyone from VPs to janitors, are they overkill? Learn how noncompetes work in this episode of BrainStuff: https://money.howstuffworks.com/noncompete-agreements-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're all too familiar with hurricanes here on Earth, but scientists have discovered storms with similar patterns right near the edge of space. Learn about space hurricanes in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/space-hurricane.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally, the only Americans granted the right to vote were white male landowners. Learn how white women gained suffrage in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/19th-amendment.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will coffee really stunt your growth? Or give you heart problems? What about your teeth? Learn the truth behind common myths about that cuppa joe in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/coffee-stunt-growth.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A snail's shell is its permanent home -- but how do these wee, soft, slimy creatures grow hard, beautiful shells? Learn how it works in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/do-snails-get-shells.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whole swaths of the world's population use chopsticks for their daily meals. Learn where they originated and how they evolved in this episode of BrainStuff: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/chopsticks.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Breakthrough infections happen when, like with the flu or COVID-19, a vaccinated person still gets infected. Learn why this is normal -- and why breakthrough infections are much less deadly -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/infectious/breakthrough-infections-COVID-19-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are trees all over the U.S. (and the world) grown from seeds that orbited the Moon. Learn about NASA's moon trees in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nasa-moon-trees.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonnie and Clyde, the infamous power couple of Depression-era crime, had their luck run out eventually. Learn how it happened in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/bonnie-and-clyde.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green iguanas can really thrive in ecosystems where they don't belong -- and that can be a real problem. Learn more about these large reptiles in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/iguana.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's not a joke: Scientists have confirmed that Uranus stinks. Learn how they found out -- and why it's actually really cool -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/scientists-confirm-uranus-stinks.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humans love popping zits so much precisely because it's gross. Learn about all the reasons why we find pimples so fascinating in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/problems/treating/why-do-love-to-pop-zits.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some startling fossils are being found in the world's rivers, but it takes dangerous diving teams to extract them. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/underwater-fossil-hunting.htm?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=feed Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The term 'blue moon' was figurative a long time before astronomers assigned various definitions. Learn why blue moons aren't blue and what they can mean in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/is-blue-moon-really-blue.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you break a bone, it's best to go to a doctor -- though your body begins the healing process before you even get there. Learn how broken bones heal (with medical help) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/musculoskeletal/heal-broken-bones.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Atlantic Ocean's 2021 hurricane season started strong and is expected to end the same way. Learn how the predictions are made and what they're saying in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/storms/2021-atlantic-hurricane-season-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Apollo space mission brought the first humans to the Moon -- but two tortoises from Russia were the first vertebrates to orbit Earth's satellite. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/space-tortoises.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Days before his death, theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking finished what would be his final research paper. Learn about his last take on the multiverse in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/dictionary/famous-scientists/physicists/stephen-hawkings-last-paper-takes-on-multiverse.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some toothaches are caused by an abscess -- an infection that can spread beyond the mouth. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/problems/absecessed-tooth.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Racketeering is a type of crime that can be difficult to prosecute because the people at the top don't get their hands dirty. Learn how rackets and RICO work in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/racketeering.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Animals need oxygen in order to live -- or so we thought. Learn about a tiny parasite that evolved to do without it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/animal-doesnt-need-oxygen.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've tried to rent a vacation spot through services like Airbnb in the past year, you may have felt blindsided by the final fee tally. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://money.howstuffworks.com/airbnb-vrbo-prices-skyrocketed-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box jellyfish may look ethereal (or a little goofy), but they're some of the most dangerous animals in the world. Learn more about them in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/box-jellyfish.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.