BrainStuff
2,726 episodes — Page 18 of 55
BrainStuff Classics: How Can Your Birth Season Determine Your Allergies?
The season you were born in helps determine whether you'll have allergies, but science has never understood why. Learn what a team of researchers discovered in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Much Money Is There in the World?
With all the different types of currency in the world, it's nigh impossible to count it all -- but there are estimates. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://money.howstuffworks.com/how-much-money-is-in-the-world.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the Difference Between Brown and Black Bears?
Black and brown bears are two different species, and they're easy to tell apart -- from a safe distance, even. Learn how in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/brown-bear.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Coronavirus Variants Work?
Mutations of the virus that causes COVID-19, called variants, can be even more dangerous than the original. Learn about delta and other SARS-CoV-2 variants in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/infectious/delta-variant-coronavirus-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Is Pink the World's Oldest Color?
Before the oceans were blue, they were pink. Learn about the cyanobacteria that caused this coloration in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/earths-oldest-color-was-pink.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Drought the New Normal for the Western U.S.?
Drought has no singular definition, but it seems that the standard for rainfall is changing in some places. Learn what that means in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/natural-disasters/western-us-drought-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Shouldn't Compressed Air Canisters Be Shaken?
Many spray canisters call for being shaken, but not compressed air. Learn how both types work (and the dangers of shaking the wrong type) in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Can't I Taste My Tongue?
Your tongue is an amazing sensory instrument -- so why can't it taste itself? Many philosophers have pondered the same thing. Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Are Gasoline Prices Higher in the Summer?
U.S. drivers pay more at the pump during the summer because of supply and demand, but also because the blends of gasoline sold change with the seasons. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/fuel-consumption/summer-fuel.htm/printable Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Muons Work?
The muon is a type of subatomic particle that researchers are still learning about -- and what they're learning may change our concept of physics as we know it. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/muon.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Don't Ground Bees Sting?
Honey bees are the type of bee most of us are familiar with, but most of the world's bees don't live and behave in the same ways. Learn about ground bees in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/insects/ground-nesting-bees.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Fannie Lou Hamer Work?
Fannie Lou Hamer was an iconic Civil Rights and voting rights activist who still inspires us today. Learn about her life and her work in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/fannie-lou-hamer.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Pride Parades Get Their Start?
Heat stroke is a serious medical issue, and as temperatures reach record highs this summer, heat safety could save lives. Learn how to keep cool and what to watch for in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/natural-disasters/5-tips-for-heat-wave-safety.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Is Our Tipping System Gratuitous?
The way we tip and pay servers in North American restaurants fosters unfair and unequal paychecks for the whole staff. But it's so entrenched -- how can we fix it? Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://money.howstuffworks.com/when-will-reach-tipping-point-for-tipping.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: What Happens to Wine Grape Waste?
After winemakers extract grapes' juice, they're left with a lot of fruit skins and pulp. Learn what happens to all that goo in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-tech/sustainable/what-do-winemakers-do-with-grape-waste.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Is a Coup D'Etat, and Could It Happen In America?
A number of factors can contribute to a military taking over its government. Learn about them, and why it's unlikely to happen in the U.S., in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/coup.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Could Lab-Grown Meat Change the Pet Food World?
Our dogs' and cats' diets aren't very environmentally friendly, but lab-grown meat could change that. Learn how in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/lab-grown-meat-pet-food-world.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the Deadliest Spider in the World?
Most spiders are completely harmless to humans, but a few can do damage. Learn which ones are the most potentially dangerous in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/arachnids/deadliest-spider.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Did England and Spain Go to War Over an Ear?
In the 1700s, a war was (technically) started over a lost ear. Learn about the War of Jenkins' Ear in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/jenkins-ear.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does the Summer Solstice Work?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day of daylight in the year happens every June. Learn what causes this and how it works in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophysics/5-things-didnt-know-about-summer-solstice.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Were Fruit Flies the First Animal in Space?
In 1947, U.S. military scientists launched the very first Earth animals into space: fruit flies. Learn about their trip to the final frontier in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/why-fruit-flies-were-first-animals-in-space.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Did Juneteenth Get Started?
Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating Black American independence and commemorating the ongoing struggle for equality. Learn the history of Juneteenth in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-civil-war/juneteeth.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Vaccine Hesitancy a New Phenomenon?
Vaccine hesitancy has existed for as long as vaccines have. Learn why it's normal and how to help people calm their concerns in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/preventive-care/vaccine-hesitancy-not-new-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Happens to Whales When They Die?
When whales die, they can either wash up on the shore (and explode!) or sink to the bottom of the ocean and feed entire ecosystems. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on these articles: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/beached-whales-explode.htm and https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/whale-death.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Does the Monthly Jobs Report Matter?
On the first Friday of every month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its Employment Situation Summary for the previous month. Learn what the jobs report contains and why it's important in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://money.howstuffworks.com/monthly-jobs-report-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Lyres Work?
These stringed instruments had their heyday thousands of years ago and are still played today. Learn about the history and mythology behind the lyre in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/lyre.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Was the Tulsa Massacre?
In 1921, white citizens of Tulsa stormed the prosperous Black district of the city, destroying homes and businesses and murdering a number of people still unknown today. Learn what's being done to recover and reintroduce this history in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/tulsa-race-massacre.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Is the Human Brain Hardwired for Poetry?
Poems activate different parts of the human brain than other types of literature do, and our brains seem hardwired to enjoy the patterns in poetry. Learn why in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/how-poetry-affects-human-brain.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Much Electricity Can Urine Provide?
Researchers have created pee-powered fuel cells that can light outdoor portable bathrooms. Learn how (and why) in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://home.howstuffworks.com/public-toilet-electricity-light-urine-chemical-reaction.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Can You Stop an Opioid Overdose?
Opioid drugs (like fentanyl) can cause death due to overdose -- but there is an antidote to opioid overdose, and it's easy and safe to administer. Learn how naloxone (including brands Narcan and Evzio) works in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Plate Tectonics Work?
Plate tectonics are responsible not just for the shape of Earth's continents, but for life as we know it. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/plate-tectonics.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are Pentagon-Confirmed UFOs a Threat to National Security?
The U.S. military has been collecting reports of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) for years. Learn what the public knows about them so far in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/space/aliens-ufos/ufos-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do Seabirds Eat Plastic?
One of the problems with plastic trash ending up in our oceans is that some seabirds will eat it. But why? Learn what researchers have found in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/theres-a-stinky-reason-seabirds-eat-plastic.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have the Olympic Games Ever Been Canceled?
The 2020 Olympic games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but as of yet they haven't been canceled. Learn when the Olympics were canceled in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/olympics-skipped.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Are So Many People Nearsighted?
By 2050, half the world will be nearsighted. Researchers tracking this eye condition (also called myopia) have a few hypotheses about why it's happening. Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/eye/half-the-world-will-be-nearsighted-2050.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Could Platypus Milk Fight Antibiotic-Resistant Disease?
For everything that's weird and wondrous about the platypus, we probably shouldn't be surprised that its milk may help save countless lives, but here we are. Learn how in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/platypus-milk-best-hope-against-post-antibiotic-future.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Can Modern Hearing Aids Do?
Today's hearing aids incorporate all kinds of smart technology to help the deaf and hard of hearing community. Learn about the tech in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/ear/modern-hearing-aids.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does the Westminster Dog Show Work?
The Westminster Dog Show has been educating and enchanting the public for 145 years. Learn how it's going to be different this year in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/westminster-dog-show.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Pride Parades Get Their Start?
The LGBTQ+ Pride parades that happen throughout the U.S. every June are joyful celebrations today, but got their start as riots and protests against persecution. Learn the history of Pride in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/cultural-traditions/pride-parades.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Macaws Work?
Macaws are beautiful birds that can talk (yes, including bad words) and can make excellent pets for the right person. Learn about them in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/macaw.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Should You Wear White Clothes to Stay Cool?
Common sense dictates that since light-colored clothing is more reflective than dark, it'll help keep you cooler in hot weather. Learn why this myth doesn't hold water in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/everyday-myths/light-colored-clothes-in-hot-weather.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Can Diabetes Lead to Disordered Eating?
People with Type 1 diabetes are more likely to experience eating disorders, and the consequences can be serious. Learn why, and what can be done to help, in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/why-diabulimia-is-so-dangerous.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Can a Plant Outsource Photosynthesis?
Plants use photosynthesis to survive, but some plants outsource that job to other living things, like fungus. Learn how it works in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/underground-plant-outsources-photosynthesis-fungus.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Jackalopes Work?
Jackalopes are mythical creatures with the body of a jackrabbit and the horns of a deer or pronghorn. Learn how tales about them got started in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/strange-creatures/jackalope.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Does Your Diet Really Affect Your Dreams?
You might blame scary or surreal dreams on your bedtime snacks, but is there any scientific evidence to back that up? Learn about research into diet and dreams in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/pizza-nightmares-diet-determine-dreams.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Is There a Chlorine Shortage?
A perfect storm of events in 2020 led to a chlorine shortage across America that has continued into 2021. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/us-chlorine-shortage-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Allosaurus Work?
This massive Jurassic-era predator may have grazed on flesh the way we pick at cheese plates. Learn about the allosaurus in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/dinosaurs/allosaurus.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can You Make Weedkillers at Home?
If you struggle with weeds in your home garden or landscaping, you don't have to turn to hazardous commercial herbicides. Learn how to make safer weedkillers at home in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://home.howstuffworks.com/green-living/natural-weed-killers.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: What Makes Durian Fruit Smell So Bad?
Durian fruit is prized as a delicacy and staple -- and it smells like rotting. Learn how researchers mapped its genome to get to the bottom of this stench (and hopefully find something medicinally useful) in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/durian-smell-origin-genome.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Is There a Gene for Infidelity?
Some animals mate for life -- and others decidedly don't. Learn what researchers have discovered about cheating by studying voles and humans alike in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/good-excuse-or-is-there-actually-cheating-gene.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.