BrainStuff
2,648 episodes — Page 2 of 53
BrainStuff Classics: Why Is the Winchester House Built So Strangely?
We can't prove whether the Winchester Mystery House is really haunted, but it was definitely built for ghosts. Learn the story of how its strange construction was one woman's unending quest in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/afterlife/winchester-mystery-house.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the 'Number of the Beast' an Ancient Riddle?
The number 666 has been adopted by modern horror media as a demonic symbol, but what (or whom) does this number really refer to? Learn about the Book of Revelation and ancient wordplay via numbers in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/666.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Could Piranhas Really Eat a Cow in Under a Minute?
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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Göbekli Tepe: How Does Humanity's Most Ancient Monument Work?
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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Are There Sriracha Shortages?
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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Levees Protect Us?
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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the Difference Between Socialism and Communism?
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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Vaccines Prevent Diseases?
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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Did Sealab Work?
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Slow Lorises Work?
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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Venus Flytraps Work?
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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Jerry Lawson Change the Course of Video Gaming?
In the 1970s, Jerry Lawson was instrumental in creating the first cartridge-based video game console and the first digital joystick -- and he did it as one of the only Black engineers in Silicon Valley at that time. Learn about Lawson and the Fairchild Channel F in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/big-thinkers/jerry-lawson.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Is Glass Transparent?
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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Should We Retest Licensed Drivers Periodically?
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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did President Jimmy Carter Work?
As a U.S. President, Jimmy Carter championed education and renewable energy as keystones of a healthy nation. Outside of office, he helped other nations grow democracy, built afforadable housing with his own hands, nearly eradicated guinea worm disease -- and still found time to teach Sunday school. Learn about Jimmy and Roselynn Carter in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/jimmy-carter.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Are Truffles So Expensive?
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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Alligator Snapping Turtles Work?
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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Did Victorians Really Have a Language of Flowers?
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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did the Cowboy Gallop into American History?
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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Skin Tan and Burn?
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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Are Opossums Awesome?
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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: What Happens to Donated Blood?
After you donate blood, it goes through a complex system of testing, processing, and storage before it can be delivered to patients who need it. Learn how the system works in this classic episode of BrainStuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6 Historical Words That Don't Mean What You Think
Originally, Hedonists believed in moderation and Luddites were just looking to protect their job security. Learn about these and other words that've changed their meaning in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/10-historical-words-that-dont-mean-what-you-think.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do HeLa Cells Work?
Most of the human cells grown in labs that are used for scientific research come from samples taken from one woman in the 1950s. Learn about the amazing yet nonconsenting contribution of Henrietta Lacks in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/hela-cell.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Is North Sentinel Island Totally Off-Limits?
This small island in the Bay of Bengal is home to one of the last uncontacted peoples on the planet -- and they seem to want to keep it that way. Learn how North Sentinel Island has remained independent in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/world-history/north-sentinel-island.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Have Obituaries Changed?
Public death notices about common people are a fairly recent development, and they've changed a lot since their inception. Learn how obituaries went from dry statements to tributes to truth in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/funerals/obituary-history.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: What Is the Mandela Effect?
When many people share a false memory, that's the Mandela Effect in action -- but how does it happen? Learn how our individual brains misremember stuff and how false memories can spread in this classic episode of BrainStuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: What's the History (and Future) of Toilets?
The 'modern' toilet was invented in the 1700s. So what was it like in the past, and how could we improve on it in the future? Learn more about waste technologies in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/everyday-innovations/toilets-past-future-flush.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Does Habeas Corpus Mean?
Habeas corpus is a centuries-old legal concept that basically means that the government has to have a valid legal reason if it's going to detain you. Learn why habeas corpus is so important -- and when it's been suspended in the U.S. -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/habeas-corpus-important.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who Named the Planet Earth?
In most European languages, the planets are all named after Roman gods -- except for the planet you're hanging out on right now. Learn how Earth and the other planets got their names in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/who-named-planet-earth.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Does the Bunyip Really Roam Austraila's Wetlands?
A cryptid with a fearsome bellow, the bunyip is said to stalk the unwary who swim or walk alone at night in parts of Austraila and New Zealand. Learn about the potential real-life inspirations for the bunyip in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/strange-creatures/australian-bunyip.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Foreign Accent Syndrome Work?
Patients with Foreign Accent Syndrome seem to develop a whole new accent overnight. Learn how it can happen in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/neurological-conditions/foreign-accent-syndrome.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Tetris Go from Soviet Passtime to Smashing Success?
During the Cold War, a programmer in the USSR created Tetris as a fun break for his coworkers. Learn how it became one of the best-selling video games of all time in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/tetris.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Is Our Galaxy Warped?
Our galaxy isn't a flat disk -- it's warped like melted vinyl record. Learn how researchers discovered this and why they think it happened in this classic episode of BrainStuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Long Can Animals Hold Their Breath?
Humans tend to max out at a couple minutes of breath holding, but some air-breathing reptiles and even mammals have evolved to spend extreme lengths of time underwater. Learn how long (and how they manage it) in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/what-animal-can-hold-its-breath-longest.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did the Dawes Act Steal 90 Million Acres of Land from Native Americans?
In the 1880s, an unlikely collaboration between land-hungry capitalists and social progressives ended in the sale of over 60 percent of Native American lands to non-Native people and corporations. Learn how it happened in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/dawes-act.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do You Make Hummingbird Food Safely?
A hummingbird feeder can help out your local birds (and allow you some prime birdwatching), but it's important to keep one safely and responsibly. Learn how to make hummingbird food with sugar and water, and keep a feeder clean, in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/hummingbird-food-recipe.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Ghana's Fabulous 'Fantasy' Coffins Work?
In parts of Ghana and Togo, it's common to send the deceased off in style with coffins carved and brightly painted to resemble anything from chili peppers to taxi cabs to brand-name shoes. Learn about abebu adekai, also known as fantasy coffins, in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/funerals/ghana-fantasy-coffins.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Frances Perkins Create America's Social Safety Net?
FDR's Secretary of Labor, Frances Perkins, pushed to create Social Security and expand workers' rights -- and she was the first woman to serve in a U.S. president's cabinet. Learn about her life and work in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/frances-perkins.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did POGs Become a '90s Phenomenon?
For a brief period in the 1990s, a simple game played with flashy paperboard discs ruled American playgrounds. Learn the history behind POGs in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/backyard-fun-games/pogs.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Can the Fear of Public Speaking Be Conquered?
As many as 7 in every 10 Americans have a fear of public speaking. Learn how this type of social anxiety develops -- and what you can do to fight it -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/anxiety/conquering-fear-public-speaking.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Are Sloths' Toilet Habits So Dangerous?
Sloths only defecate once a week or so, and more sloths die during the process than at any other time. Learn why in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/sloths-only-poop-once-week.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did 'Uncle Tom' Go from Hero to Traitor?
In the 1850s, the abolitionist novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' was America's first bestseller, and its enslaved character Uncle Tom was a heroic martyr. Learn how 'Uncle Tom' later became a biting insult in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/literature/uncle-toms-cabin.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Could Orbital Chaos Make the Planets Collide?
Our solar system runs pretty smoothly, but even tiny changes to how the planets, moons, and asteroids move could potentially cause Earth to collide with Mars or Venus in the distant future. Learn more about how chaos theory applies to planetary orbits in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/earth-venus-mars-collide.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Woolly Mammoths Work?
These cold-adapted cousins of modern elephants coexisted with humans for thousands of years. Learn what we know (and don't know) about them -- and why we shouldn't bring them back -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/extinct-animals/woolly-mammoth.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Makes You Dizzy When You Stand Up?
If you've ever gotten dizzy and seen stars for a second after standing or moving quickly, don't worry, it's just your heart adjusting to the sudden change. Learn why it happens and how to prevent it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/nervous-system/split-second-dizziness.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why a Gaggle of Geese? Where Do Collective Nouns Come From?
About 500 years ago, creating clever collective nouns for groups of animals, objects, and people was trendy, and some of those nouns of assemblage stuck. Learn the history of this quirk of the English language in today's classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/shrewdness-apes-collective-nouns-500-year-old-language-fad.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: What's in Movie Theater Popcorn?
The satly, buttery popcorn sold in movie theaters is nigh irresistible, but there's zero butter involved. Learn what it's made of in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/what-heck-is-in-movie-theater-popcorn.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Can't We Eat Grass?
Some animals like cows can live on grass, so why can't humans? And why do dogs and cats eat it even though they can't live on it either? Learn about digesting grass in this episode of BrainStuff, based on these articles: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/why-do-dogs-and-cats-eat-grass.htm; https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/digestive/why-humans-dont-eat-grass.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does the Sun Rotate?
Yes, the sun rotates, but it does so a little differently than rocky planets like Earth. Learn how (and why) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/does-sun-rotate.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.