BrainStuff
2,727 episodes — Page 44 of 55
Why Do Some People Faint At The Sight of Blood?
Christian explains the science of why people faint at the sight of blood. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do Crosswalk and "Close Door" Buttons Really Do Anything?
Are the buttons we push to cross streets, close elevator doors, and nudge the office thermostat really connected to anything? Some aren’t! Learn how these placebo buttons (don’t) work. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Is An Autopsy Performed?
When you need someone to exam a corpse to determine a cause of death, how do they conduct the autopsy? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do Helicopter Blades Look Weird On Video?
Helicopter blades and other fast spinning objects often produce strange effects on camera. Christian explains why. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Is American Cheese Really Made Of?
Processed American cheese is super cheap, consistent, shelf-stable, and orange. Christian explains how this science cheese is made. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do Dogs Tilt Their Heads?
Is this adorable behavior rooted in sensory necessity or purposeful gesticulation? We explore what may be the cutest research ever. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do So Many Price Tags End in .99?
It’s very common to see the number 9 at the right end of a price tag. Why is this? Christian explains the psychology of prices and nines in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do Movie Theaters Sell Popcorn?
For millions of moviegoers, the idea of visiting the local theater automatically conjures memories of popcorn. But this wasn’t always the case – so why, out of all snacks, did popcorn become the #1 snack for film? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Lucid Dreaming Work?
Science has proven that we can be aware of our dreams while we’re in them. But can we control our dreams? Christian breaks it to you gently. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Is Satanism?
Just the term "satanism" is controversial. But what's actually going on with this counter-culture religion that values individualism and nonconformity? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do We Itch?
Virtually everyone has experienced an itch at one time or another – but what is an itch exactly? What causes it, and why can having one be such a maddening experience? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Microwave Ovens Work?
They’re convenient, ubiquitous and easy to use. But how do these things work, exactly? What do people mean when they say a microwave cooks food inside out? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do Dogs Yawn?
Dogs communicate by yawning, and it's complex to figure out what they might mean. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is WiFi Safe?
You've probably heard that wireless internet (WiFi) is dangerous. But is it true? Christian breaks it down. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the ideal temperature for your refrigerator?
In this episode, Christian explains how bacteria spoils food and what temperature your refrigerator should be to slow their progress. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do some noises drive me crazy?
Do you want to strangle people for chewing gum? Does the crinkle of plastic fill you with inarticulate, homicidal fury? If so, you may suffer from the little-understood condition called 'misophonia'. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do one-way mirrors work?
How can a single piece of glass look like a mirror from one side but a window from the other? It's not magic, it's materials technology. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will Soda Really Ruin My Teeth?
If your teeth are one of the hardest parts of your body, then how could soda damage them? Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do Fluorescent Lights Make That Buzzing Noise?
Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are Stupid People More Confident?
We've all heard about the supposed relationship between confidence and knowledge - but is it true? Two researchers think they've found the answer. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Saliva Work?
Your saliva makes things taste great while killing bacteria and helping digestion. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Causes Red Eye In Photos?
How can a camera's flash make your eyes glow red? Tune in to learn how it works -- and how to prevent it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do Men Have Deeper Voices?
Christian explains why male humans' voices generally get lower than female humans' during puberty. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Are Honey Bees Disappearing?
Honey bees are vanishing? But why? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do TV Ratings Work?
The future of your favorite TV shows hinges on their ratings – but what is a rating, and where does it come from? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Car Horns Work?
The next time you honk your car horn at that jerk who cut you off, you’ll understand how it uses physics to get the job done. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is Russia's "Dead Hand?"
We’ve all seen movies with supervillains building catastrophic Doomsday devices – but has anyone ever built a real one? Join Christian to learn how the Cold War led to the most dangerous nuclear system in history: Russia’s legendary – and terrifying – Dead Hand. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Causes the Northern Lights?
There are many misconceptions about what causes the Aurora Borealis when it really requires solar winds, magnetic fields and excited atmospheric gases. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Is White Noise?
Christian defines what white noise actually is and how it's used to mask other annoying sounds. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do Supplemental Vitamins Actually Work?
A vitamin a day keeps you healthy to play. Or does it? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Night Vision Work?
For the vast majority of international travelers, a passport is a necessity. But why? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do I Need A Passport To Travel?
For the vast majority of international travelers, a passport is a necessity. But why? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Bed Bugs Work?
These insects live in your bedroom, drink your blood and stain your sheets. How do you get rid of them? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What If The Moon Disappeared?
Without the moon, how would Earth's environment be affected? Would we survive? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is "Ranch" Flavor?
A plumber in Alaska invented a bizarre condiment that launched a multimillion dollar industry, and today ranch is the most popular salad dressing in the US. But what exactly is this stuff? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Is Fracking?
You’ve heard of fracking, and you’re pretty sure lots of people don’t like it, but do you know how it actually works? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Science of Glow Sticks
What do fireflies, TVs, neon signs, and glowsticks have in common? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Does Your Name Determine Your Future?
How much does your name actually matter? Are some names going to make you rich, while others make you poor? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Happens When I Have A Hangover?
If you've ever had a few too many beers at a party, then you've probably encountered the symptoms of a hangover -- the pulsing headache, dry mouth, nausea and more. But what's actually happening to you? And what is it about alcohol that can turn a wonderful Saturday night into an agonizing Sunday morning? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Laugh Tracks Work?
Sitcoms use laugh tracks all the time. But where do they come from? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do You Hate the Sound of Your Own Voice?
The recorded sound of your voice usually makes you cringe because of two ways vibrations reach your ear. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Air Force One Work?
When the President travels the friendly skies, he does it in style. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Marijuana Affect Your Memory?
People who smoke pot have a reputation for being forgetful or absentminded. But what's the real science behind this? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do We Know What Dinosaurs Looked Like?
Can we really reconstruct a dinosaur’s appearance from a bunch of million-year-old fossils? How? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Does Eating Before Bed Give You Nightmares?
Why do some foods affect our dreams? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do Men Have Nipples?
Men don’t usually lactate – but they can! Christian explores how breast tissue develops in human embryos of both sexes, and explains why mice are more advanced, evolution-wise. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Does Gasoline Smell So Good?
Some people sense a sweet, euphoric odor when pumping gas into their car. Why is that? And is it hazardous? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Is The Oldest Living Thing?
From eldritch aspen colonies to immortal jellyfish, the world is lousy with long-lived organisms. But what’s the oldest? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do We Sleep?
Sleeping is frustrating for many of us. So why do we have to do it? Christian reviews several possibilities and reveals all the bad things that can happen if you sleep too much... or not at all. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Captain America's Shield Work?
Let's take a look at the fictional history of Captain America's indestructible shield and try to figure out how it might have been forged and how aerodynamic it could be. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.