BrainStuff
2,648 episodes — Page 6 of 53
How Do White Dwarf Stars Shred Planets?
White dwarfs have almost all the mass of a normal star squished into a ball the size of our Earth -- and that comes with a lot of gravitational power. Learn how they can tear planets to shreds in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/white-dwarfs-shred-planets.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Axolotls Work?
These adorable aquatic salamanders are voracious hunters -- and have myth-like powers of regeneration. Learn more about the axolotl in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/endangered-species/axolotl.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Are Stop Signs Red?
Stop signs were always the red octagons we know today -- so how was the color chosen, and why has it stuck? Learn about the history and psychology of red traffic signals in this classic episode of BrainStuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Do We Test Middle Schoolers' Fitness?
From the outdated Presidential Fitness Test to today's FITNESSGRAM, Americans have been giving standardized fitness tests to middle school kids for decades. Learn the past and present of these exams in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/exercise/could-pass-kids-middle-school-fitness-test.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are Burner Phones Really Anonymous?
Buying a cheap phone containing prepaid minutes and texts with cash can help you preserve anonymity in some ways, but companies and governments still have ways of listening in. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/burner-phones.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Did Scientists Hide Under Beds to Do Research?
In the early 1900s, psychologists went to great lengths to study their subjects without letting them know they were being watched. Learn more about their research (and about how ethical standards would prevent it from happening today) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/ridiculous-history-when-scientists-hid-beds-do-research.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Can Bacteria Change the World?
Bacteria may be tiny, but we can harness them to create food and medicine, to detect landmines and make blood safe for transfusions. Learn what we're still learning about how bacteria shape us and our world in this episode of BrainStuff, based on these articles: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/bacteria-communication.htmhttps://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/10-weirdest-sources-antibiotics.htm https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/scientists-call-for-global-germ-bank.htm https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/universal-blood-type.htm https://science.howstuffworks.com/bacteria-lasers-landmine-detection.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Animals Reshape Earth's Waterways?
Eco engineers are animals that vastly change the ecosystems they live in when they create their preferred habitats. Learn about a few, from hippos to tiny crabs, in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/5-animals-that-can-reshape-waterways.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Could Neanderthals Laugh?
Neanderthals were more like us than we previously thought, but could they laugh? Learn why researchers think they could in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/evolution/yes-neanderthals-could-laugh.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do They Get the Fat Out of Fat-Free Foods?
Fat provides a lot of flavor and texture in foods, so making something fat-free usually means reformulating it from the ground up. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/how-do-they-get-fat-out-of-fat-free-foods.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Do We Define the Kilogram?
The kilogram used to be measured against an agreed-upon chunk of metal stored in France, but no longer. Learn the new measure of this standard unit of measurement in today's classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/math-concepts/kilogram-is-dead-meet-kilogram-20.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who Were the Baddest Bank Robbers You've Never Heard Of?
The Newton Boys were a gang of brothers who made a business of robbing banks and trains in the 1920s. Learn how they largely got away with it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/newton-boys-bank-robbers.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Banyan Trees Work?
These giant trees grow trunk-like roots down from their branches and can cover the area of city blocks. Learn more about banyan trees in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/understanding-roots-banyan-tree.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Male Seahorses Give Birth?
Male seahorses are the ones that carry babies to term and give birth, but the process is fairly different from most pregnancies. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/fish/male-seahorses-give-birth.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Laws Apply on a Cruise Ship?
When crime and other legal tangles occur on a cruise ship, what laws apply depend on where the ship is registered and where it was located at the time. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/cruise-ship-law.htm/printableSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Marzipan Work?
Marzipan is a sweet, moldable almond paste that gets worked into all kinds of holiday traditions. Learn about it (and about Glücksschwein, the good luck pig of the New Year) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article and podcast: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/food-facts/marzipan.htm; https://www.iheart.com/podcast/105-savor-28019899/episode/the-marzipan-episode-is-shaping-up-90864626/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Does Ice Get Cloudy?
Water usually appears clear, but ice cubes and ice on lakes often looks cloudy. Learn what has to happen for ice to freeze clear (like black ice does on roads) in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/why-ice-usually-freezes-cloudy-and-not-clear.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Are Christmas Trees That Shape?
Most of the trees decorated for Christmas don't naturally grow in a perfect cone shape -- so how do they get that way, and why did we decide on that shape in the first place? Learn about the history of Christmas trees in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://home.howstuffworks.com/do-christmas-trees-get-shape.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did the 1800s Create Christmas as We Know It?
Although this holiday has been around for a long time, the way we celebrate in the U.S. largely developed during the 1800s. Learn about the books, celebrities, and political cartoons that made Christmas in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/19th-century-invented-modern-christmas.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Far Can the Human Eye See?
The human eye is basically only limited by the curvature of the Earth and stuff that gets in its way. (Well, and various medical conditions.) Learn how far we can see in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/question198.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Can Be Found at the Paris Bureau of Found Objects?
Paris has a centralized lost-and-found station that's received everything from umbrellas to human skulls. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/paris-lost-and-found.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Is a 19th-Century Obscenity Law Being Used to Ban Reproductive Health Care?
The Comstock Act was designed to criminalize anything considered indecent in the 1870s, from saucy personal letters to pamphlets about contraception. Learn how it's being revived today by anti-abortion activists in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/comstock-act.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Sailfish Work?
These beautiful billfish have fins almost as big as their whole bodies. Learn more about sailfish in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/sailfish.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Can Cheese Actually Make Wine Taste Better?
Spoiler alert: Yes! Learn the science that makes wine and cheese go so well together in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/happy-hour-alert-cheese-really-improves-the-taste-wine.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Who Is Krampus?
This horned holiday demon has entered our pop culture consciousness, but where do Krampus legends come from? Learn about the history of Krampusnacht in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/cultural-traditions/where-did-krampus-come-from.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?
We think we have a solid scientific answer to this fun puzzler. Learn about the evolution of eggs and chickens in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/question85.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Terracotta Work?
From humble planters to ancient statuary, terracotta is a seriously useful material. Learn more about this earthenware in today's epidose of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://home.howstuffworks.com/gardening/garden-design/terracotta.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Buzz Aldrin Work?
The short answer here is 'very efficiently'! Though perhaps best known as the second man on the moon, Buzz Aldrin is a tireless champion of space exploration. Learn more in this episode of BrainsStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/buzz-aldrin.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Poinsettias Work?
These bright winter houseplants are better known for their leaves than their flowers, and they only get their color by being kept in the dark. Learn the history and science behind poinsettias in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/poinsettia.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Is Zionism?
Zionism is the nationalist movement that established Israel and continues to support Judiaism's claim to that aland. It's also one of the most controversial and complex movements of our time. Learn how it got started in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/world-history/zionism.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Marmosets Work?
These social, tree-dwelling monkeys are some of the smallest in the world. Learn more about them in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/marmoset.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Did the Inca Knot Language Work?
The Inca never developed a system of writing, but they kept records and told stories through intricate knotwork. Learn what researchers know -- and what they're still looking to find out -- about Inca khipu in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/cultural-traditions/unraveling-khipu-inca-knot-language.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Does Turkey Really Make You Sleepy?
You may have heard that the tryptophan in turkey causes holiday naps, but it might not be the real culprit. Learn some turkey science in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/question519.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the History of Thanksgiving?
A lot of what's taught about 'the first Thanksgiving' is actually more Civil-War-era propaganda than true fact. Learn how this brief moment of peace might've gone down, plus how we got today's traditions, in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-other/10-thanksgiving-history-myths.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Can Bugs Help Solve Murders?
It's a gross but very useful fact that some insects will eat deceased humans, because scientists can observe those insects to learn about where and when a person died. Learn about forensic entomology in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/forensic-entomology.htm/printableSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does the Saguaro Cactus Work?
This cactus is a source of food and construction material for people and animals alike, especially during the dry season in the Sonaran Desert. Learn more about it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/saguaro-cactus.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Are Those Black Squiggles on Roads?
When asphalt pavement cracks, a squiggle of black sealant can help prevent further damage. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/road-tar-squiggle-drizzle.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do Distant Mountains Appear Blue?
No matter what color(s) mountain ranges may be up close, when they're off in the distance, they appear blue. Learn how our eyes and the atmosphere trick us in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/mountains-appear-blue.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Do Dogs' Paws Smell Like Corn Chips?
Dog enthusiasts sometimes revel in how their pup's paws smell gloriously of corn chips, but what causes this scent? Learn the science behind Frito paws in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/why-dog-paws-smell-fritos-corn-chips.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Will Temperature Changes Make You Sick?
When the temperature drops (or bounces), are you more likely to get sick? Learn the science behind the old wives’ tale in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/cold-flu/can-change-in-temperature-really-make-sick.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Big Can a Tree Grow?
There's actually a natural limit on how tall trees can grow -- but what about circumference? Or total mass? Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/tree-grow.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Has London Bridge Ever Fallen Down?
London Bridge crosses the Thames in a place where lots of bridges have stood -- and technically fallen -- before. Learn about the history of these bridges (and the nursery rhyme) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/structural/london-bridge.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does the Slow Cone Snail Catch Prey?
Cone snails move slow, but catch prey fast with harpoons or clouds of paralyzing toxins. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/cone-snail.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does el Día de los Muertos Work?
The Day of the Dead celebrates life by inviting the spirits of loved ones back home for feasting and fun. Learn about the history and traditions surrounding the holiday in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-other/day-dead.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Safety Coffins Ease Fears of Premature Burial?
When concerns about being accidentally buried alive swept Europe and North America in the 1800s, inventors (and showmen) came up with coffins that could let a living person escape -- or at least alert someone to come dig them up. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/afterlife/premature-burial-safety-coffins.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Are Yeti Just a Bunch of Bears?
Genetics says "probably." In this episode of BrainStuff, learn what researchers found when they submitted supposed Yeti samples for genetic testing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Does Hot Food Seem More Satisfying?
Warm foods can feel more filling than chilled foods, but why? Learn the possible explanations behind the cravings in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/why-hot-food-more-satisfying-than-cold.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the History of Paternity Testing?
Before DNA-based paternity tests were accurate and inexpensive, scientists (and pseudoscientists) claimed all kinds of things could work. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/history-paternity-testing.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Pilots 'Make Up' Time During Flights?
Because of the way flights are routed, pilots are sometimes able shave a few minutes from a flight plan while in the air. Learn why just flying faster wouldn't work in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/flight/modern/do-pilots-make-up-time-in-air.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do Some People Hate Sounds Like Chewing?
We all find some sounds annoying, but for people with misophonia, certain sounds trigger strong feelings of anger and anxiety. Learn what researchers think causes this in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/why-do-some-people-hate-the-sound-chewing-scientists-might-have-the-answer.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.