BrainStuff
2,726 episodes — Page 31 of 55
How Young Is Too Young to Face Arrest?
In the United States, many states don't put a lower age limit on arrests, and children as young as six years of age have been arrested by police. Learn why, and how some lawyers and lawmakers are trying to change that, in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Can You Escape a Sinking Car?
Being trapped in a car is a scary thought, but safety experts say that being prepared for emergencies saves lives. Learn what devices can help and how to use them in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Often Should You Wash Your Coffee Mug?
Not every bacterium is an enemy, but illness-causing germs are out there -- and some love your coffee cup. Learn how often research indicates you should wash that reusable cup in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Are Maine Coons Different From Other Cats?
The Maine Coon breed of cats has a reputation for being more doglike than catlike. Learn about how they stand out in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the Difference Between Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen?
These over-the-counter medications all do fairly similar jobs of relieving aches and pains, but there's a best (and a worst) way to use each type. Learn the differences between pain relievers in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Are Blueprints Blue?
The traditional color of blueprints wasn't chosen because it's pretty -- it's a result of a chemical copying process. Learn the history of blueprints in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Can I Become a Mermaid?
With the help of specially made fins (and some swim lessons), anyone can become a mermaid or merman — there are even mer-professionals. Learn how mermaiding works in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Did Lyme Disease Start as a Bioweapon?
There’s been a call for investigation into the history of Lyme disease, and whether it might’ve been an accidentally released bioweapon. Learn both sides of the debate in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the History of the Statue of Liberty?
The Statue of Liberty is so iconic that it's hard to imagine New York City without it, but plans for the statue got started less than 200 years ago. Learn how Lady Liberty was created in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Can Gingko Leaves Help Track Climate Change?
Gingko biloba trees have changed so little over the past few hundred million years that researchers can use their leaves to track how the environment has changed over that time. Learn how in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Would Authorities Handle a Murder in Space?
Investigating murders right here on planet Earth can be tricky -- how would it be handled in space? Who would even be in charge? (Do we need space cops??) Learn what current and future laws may apply in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Could Maggots End World Hunger?
Maggots are undeniably gross, but black soldier fly maggots are a more efficient source of protein than anything else on the planet. Learn how researchers hope to get more people eating insects in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do Fish Experience Thirst?
Fish live in water, but, just as our land-dwelling bodies have to carefully regulate our water and salt levels, so do fish bodies. Learn how fish stay hydrated in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Does Sigmund Freud Still Matter?
Though he was the father of psychoanalysis, Freud and his theories don't hold up so well today. Learn about his famous Oedipus complex concept and what modern psychiatrists and psychologists think in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Is Declawing Cats Controversial?
New York state recently banned cat declawing. Learn what the process entails and why veterinary groups recommend against it in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Is the U.S. Presidential Seal?
American presidents can opt to affix the presidential seal to official documents and have used it as an official decoration. Learn the how and why the seal was created, plus the symbolism behind it, in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the Buzz on Alcohol in Space?
There hasn't been any official research into the effects of alcohol on the body in space, but at least a few astronauts and cosmonauts have imbibed. Learn about the history and potential future of booze in space in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can Automated Lights Really Stop Burglars?
Motion-activated porch lights and app-controlled interior lights are commonly used to prevent burglaries, but do they really work? Learn what burglars themselves say in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Can We Film Giant Squid?
These legends of the deep are notoriously shy, but researchers have recently captured images and video of living giant squid. Learn how they did it in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Cobalt Work?
The element cobalt is responsible for brilliant blue paints and rechargeable batteries alike. Learn how it works and why its supply is uncertain in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can Going Sockless Be Bad for Your Feet?
Socks aren't just a fashion accessory -- they can help keep your feet healthy! Learn how to stay safe while sockless in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the Oldest Active Building Project in the World?
The Sagrada Familia Basilica was started by Antoni Gaudí in 1882 and is still undergoing its initial construction today. Learn more about the architect and his long-running project in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Can Jupiter Have 79 Moons While Other Planets Have None?
If you guessed 'gravity' you're right -- but a few specific factors make Jupiter so much moonier than planets like Earth. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who Was Marjory Stoneman Douglas?
Long before scientists fully understood how important the Everglades are to Florida's weather and ecosystem, Marjory Stoneman Douglas campaigned to preserve them. Learn about this journalist and activist in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Should You Really Punch an Animal in the Nose If Attacked?
Rumor has it that a jab to the nose will stop anything from a shark to a bear from attacking you, but how effective would that really be? Learn the circumstances under which nose punching might actually help in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Are Animal and Plant Cells Different?
The cells that make up plants and animals are incredibly similar considering how different a carrot is from a corgi. Learn the small factors that make all the difference in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Does Aging Always Increase Risk of Death?
For most mammals, aging increases our probability of dying -- it seems like a given. Learn about one animal, the naked mole rat, for which age has no impact on mortality in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the World's Biggest Food Fight?
On the last Wednesday in August every year, up to 30,000 people participate in La Tomatina, a massive tomato fight in Buñol, Spain. Learn how it goes down in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Is Building Muscle Important for Everyone?
The fancy science word for building muscle is hypertrophy, but it's not inaccessible. Learn how hypertrophy works and why building muscle keeps us healthy in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Can You Do If Your U.S. Money Gets Mangled?
Shredded, chewed, exhumed, or burnt American bills aren't necessarily lost -- a service of the Department of Treasury may reimburse you for their cash value. Learn about the Mutilated Currency Redemption Service in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Fish & Chips Become England's National Dish?
Light and tender fried fish plated with crisp fried potatoes is a classic English comfort meal, but it's only a little over a century old. Learn the history of fish and chips in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Is the Ocean Different Colors?
Ocean water can appear many dazzling shades of blue and green depending on where you are. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Starling Murmurations Work?
Starlings flock in swooping, harmonious groups of thousands of birds called murmurations. Learn how these birds pull off such an amazing feat through simple actions in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Sparkling Water Good For You?
More people are drinking fizzy water, both plain and in a boggling array of flavors. Learn about the different types of sparkling water and what you should watch out for in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Is There a Rhino-Shaped Cave in Washington State?
Yes, there’s a cave shaped like a rhinoceros in Washington State. Learn how it was created and discovered in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Many Trees Would We Need to Plant to Slow Climate Change?
Trees pull and store carbon, but lots of land that could support them is deforested. Learn how researchers think planting trees could help mitigate climate change in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Aren’t There Female CPR Mannequins?
Research shows that women are less likely to receive CPR when they need it, and fixing that might require introducing training mannequins with breasts. Learn about a project that’s trying to help in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do Beaches Need Seashells?
Seashells are a pretty sight on beaches, but it turns out that they play an important role in seaside structures and ecosystems. Learn why -- and why shell poaching is a problem -- in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the History of Paternity Testing?
Humans have only very recently developed scientific ways of proving who a child's biological father is, but that didn't stop us from trying beforehand. Learn the weird history of paternity tests in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Blue Whales Work?
The blue whale is the largest known animal to ever grace the planet -- they may be twice as big as Megalodon was! Learn what science knows (and doesn't know) about blue whales in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Is Peyote?
In brief, peyote is a cactus with hallucinogenic properties that's been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. Learn how it works and why it's endangered in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Does America Use Fahrenheit Instead of Celsius?
Most of the rest of the world uses the Celsius scale to describe temperature, but the U.S. uses Fahrenheit. Learn the origins and histories of these two scales in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Are Ethnicity and Race Different?
The concepts of ethnicity and race are both human inventions with no basis in science, but these concepts have huge impacts on us and our world. Learn the difference between ethnicity and race in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Is the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon?
Also called the frequency illusion or recency illusion, the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon occurs when you learn something new, then notice instances of it everywhere. Learn how it works and how it got its name in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Could Frozen Zoo DNA Stave Off Species' Extinction?
As human civilization encroaches on wild animals' habitats, some face extinction. Learn how researchers hope to someday use frozen DNA sample taken from zoo animals to replenish wild populations in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does the Hippocampus Work?
Without the hippocampus, our brains have serious trouble recalling and recording certain types of long-term memories. Learn how this brain structure works in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Permafrost Really Permanent?
Despite its name, permafrost doesn't necessarily last forever -- and when it melts, it can have a negative effect on the environment. Learn how permafrost works (and how it preserves long-dead creatures so well) in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the Difference Between Coroners and Medical Examiners?
These two types of professional death investigators often work together, but their jobs are usually distinct. Learn the difference in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Animals Get Their Scientific Names?
The person who discovers a new species gets to name it -- but what do 'new' and 'discover' mean here? And do all names get approved? Learn how scientific naming and taxonomy work in this episode of BrainStuff (plus, meet a fish named after Greedo). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Should You Rent Grass-Mowing Goats?
Goats were the original weed wackers, and they're still super effective at controlling lawns and brush today. Learn why they're gaining popularity again in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.