BrainStuff
2,727 episodes — Page 45 of 55
How Does Sleepwalking Work?
Have you ever walked in your sleep? Somnambulism isn't as rare as you might think. Join Christian as he explores the facts and fiction about sleepwalking, from its many possible causes to whether you can safely wake up a somnambulist mid-stroll. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Shouldn't I Rob A Bank?
Robbing a bank is a dumb idea. And not just because it's illegal. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can Absinthe Make You Hallucinate?
Absinthe has a dangerous reputation. But will you really meet The Green Fairy if you drink it? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Don't Humans Have Tails?
Whether they’re swatting away horseflies or helping a monkey swing through the forest, tails are a pretty amazing adaptation. So why don’t humans have them? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where Is The Biggest Garbage Dump On Earth?
Even though 80% of trash starts on land, tons of it ends up in the ocean, swirling around in a massive patch of plastic debris. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do You Really Need To Wash Your Jeans?
You might have heard this odd advice from fashion gurus before – “don’t wash your jeans!” But why? Is it real advice, or just a prank pulled on unsuspecting, dim-witted denim rubes? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do People Go Bald?
For most men, losing your hair is an inevitable side effect of aging. Christian describes the growth cycle of hair, types of baldness that affect men and women, and how most ladies feel about bald dudes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are Humans Still Evolving?
We may not have mutant powers like the X-Men, but natural selection is still changing humanity… for the better. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Can't You Tickle Yourself?
It’s almost impossible to trick your brain so you can tickle yourself. Unless you're schizophrenic… Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are Pop Rocks Dangeorus?
Did Pop Rocks really blow the door off of a delivery van? Has anyone ever died from eating these popping bits of sugar? The answers might surprise you. Join Christian as he looks into the truth behind the rumors surrounding the uniquely (and surprisingly loud) candy called Pop Rocks. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Does Hypnosis Actually Work?
We see hypnosis in movies and TV all the time – after a few swings of a watch, some poor sap starts clucking like a chicken or crying like a baby – but is there any truth to this? Can you actually hypnotize someone? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do We Get Bags Under Our Eyes?
We all get bags under our eyes that make us look tired. Here's how it inevitably happens and some remedies to look your best. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Radiation Sickness Work?
Christian explains the science behind the healthy green glow. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is There A Noise Loud Enough To Kill You?
Loud noises suck. But are they deadly? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does LASIK Work?
Christian explains the process and risks of LASIK surgery, from preoperative exams, to lasers in your eyes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Can Hot Water Freeze Faster Than Cold Water?
At first, it sounds crazy -- wouldn't hot water take longer to freeze? Weirdly enough, the opposite is sometimes true. Join Christian to learn more about a mystery that's puzzled humanity for centuries in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Can't People Remember Being Born?
You probably remember your 18th birthday, but not your first – or your zeroth. Why is that? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Bitcoin Work?
If money is only valuable when we believe in it, how much is a Bitcoin actually worth? Christian explains the virtual currency as well as how to mine it and the risks involved in investing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do IUDs Work?
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a popular and effective method of birth control. So why don't Americans use them? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Silica Gel Work?
What is silica gel, and why do I find little packets of it in everything I buy? Christian explains it all in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Do Those Tabs On Rearview Mirrors Actually Do?
Sure, rearview mirrors are cool -- but how do they actually work? How can the same piece of glass have two different amounts of reflection? Join Christian as he explains the science behind these handy devices. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do Figs Really Have Dead Wasps In Them?
Some figs need fig wasps to pollinate their fruit. But are we eating dead wasps every time we bite into a fig? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Accents Work?
Have you ever wondered how accents work? Tune in to this episode of BrainStuff to find out about the ever-evolving accent. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Causes Chapped Lips?
For some people, winter means a daily battle against cracking, scaling or peeling lips. But what actually causes chapped lips? How can you prevent it? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How (And Why) Do Cats Purr?
Cats purr for all kinds of reasons, including communication and healing themselves. Christian explains how purring works and which cats can't do it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Don't Humans Ride Zebras?
They’re just horses with stripes, right? So why don’t we ride them around like Seabiscuit or Black Beauty? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does your stomach keep from digesting itself?
The stomach is a hollow, many-layered organ that produces powerful acids to break down food -- and another substance to protect the stomach from being digested. Find out what this substance is, and learn more about the stomach, in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is the battery light on your car's dashboard for?
Cars rely on batteries to keep their electrical parts running and alternators to keep their batteries alive. Battery lights come into play when there's a charging problem. Find out more about battery lights in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why is cotton more absorbent than nylon?
When water comes in contact with the complex molecules that make up cotton and nylon, it causes a different action in each material -- but why? Listen in as Marshall Brain breaks down the science behind water absorption in this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do motion sensors work?
There are many kinds of motion sensors, from active to passive systems. Get the scoop on how myriad motion sensing systems work in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does a modern smart house look like?
What makes a "smart" house so smart? These high-tech houses intelligently use resources and are responsive to the needs and habits of their occupants. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it possible to turn coal into oil?
As the demand for dwindling oil supplies rises, scientists across the world search for new ways to generate energy. In this episode, Marshall looks at a new attempt to stave off the looming fossil fuel crisis: Turning coal into oil. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do artificial sweeteners work?
At many restaurants, a little container on the table will have regular sugar in addition to artificial sweeteners. But what exactly are artificial sweeteners, and how do they differ in comparison to regular sugar? Listen in to find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can people really build missiles from scratch?
In the film Salt, Angelina Jolie's character creates a missile from handy household ingredients -- but could this happen in real life? Tune in as Marshall breaks down the science behind improvised explosives. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does a pressurized airplane cabin work?
How does a pressurized airplane cabin work -- more importantly, what happens when the pressure fails? Join Marshall Brain as he breaks down the science behind cabin pressurization. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are chiggers, and how do they bite you?
If you go outdoors during the right time of year, you may be bitten by chiggers. But what are these creatures, and why do they attack unsuspecting humans? Listen in as Marshall Brain breaks down the life cycle of the chigger -- and how it can affect you. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do people choke under pressure?
Anyone who watched the Master's tournament knows that Rory McElroy famously choked under pressure -- but what exactly happened? In this podcast, Marshall explores the science behind choking in stressful or intimidating situations Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does safety glass work?
Laminated safety glass has been around since the 1920s. Find out how safety glass is made, how it works and what it's used for in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Sea Monkeys Work
Sea Monkeys are a type of brine shrimp. These shrimp create remarkably resilient eggs called cysts. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast and learn more about the secret behind Sea Monkeys. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do those plastic recycling symbols means?
A typical recycling symbol on plastic looks like a triangle made of arrows. There are seven different types of plastic indicated by the symbols. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn the difference between each of these plastic types. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's in mothballs?
There are two different types of mothballs, each of which contains separate moth-killing ingredients. Tune in as Marshall Brain explains the science behind mothballs in this podcast from HowStuffWorks. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is the heat index?
Your body has efficient ways to release excess heat, but high temperatures and high humidity create a sticky situation. Find out how the heat index keeps you abreast of dangerous heat situations in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do your ears pop when you dive in a deep pool?
Have you ever wondered why your ears pop when you plunge into the deep end of a swimming pool? It's all about keeping your ear drum happy, as this HowStuffWorks podcast reveals. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does someone become a saint?
Many religions bestow a special status on people who demonstrate a life of almost perfect virtue -- but how does canonization actually occur? In this episode, Marshall breaks down the process used to officially recognize a person as a saint. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is a restraining order, and how do you get one?
Restraining orders are cropping up in the news more and more frequently, but how do they work? Join Marshall Brain as he breaks down the legality of restraining orders -- and how to get one. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will space tourism become a reality?
With private companies frantically searching for new ways to take people into orbit, it seems that space tourism could become a reality (for those who can afford it). But will it ever really happen? Tune in and learn more in this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do carbohydrates work?
We hear about carbohydrates in the news constantly -- the complex carbs are supposed to be better than the simple ones, but why? In fact, what exactly is a carbohydrate? Listen in and learn more in this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Securing Your Wifi Router
Is it possible to get arrested for downloading illegal material even if you never download it yourself? Yes: When someone else logs onto your unprotected wifi, they can make a clean getaway while you get stuck with the blame. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do trick birthday candles work?
Candles are simple yet ingenious light-producing devices, and it only takes one extra ingredient to turn them into trick candles. Find out how regular and trick candles work in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's that bumpy stuff on my ceiling?
That popcorn-like stuff on your ceiling is actually a specific kind of ceiling finish. Tune in to this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to find out what this treatment is -- and why it's so popular. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.