BrainStuff
2,648 episodes — Page 9 of 53
Who's the Inventor Behind Tang, Pop Rocks, and Cool Whip?
During his 35-year career with General Foods, William Mitchell invented some of America's favorite, fun, and time-saving junk foods. From quick-set Jell-O to Cool Whip, learn how he did it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/famous-inventors/meet-man-invented-cool-whip-tang.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Could a Giant Squid Take Down a Submarine?
Tales of squid attacking ships go way back, and there are some known instances of squid attacking subs, but could a cephalopod really take down a modern vessel? Learn what researchers think in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/squid-attack-submarine.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Do Our Bones Grow?
We humans are fairly squishy, and we eat fairly squishy food. So how do we grow hard bones? Learn how it happens in this classic episode of BrainStuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Is the French Baguette Being Honored?
In France, the baguette isn't just the most popular type of bread -- it's an artisan product that's become a social keystone. Learn how French laws and UNESCO are upholding its traditions in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/french-baguette-unesco.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Were Dogs Used as Kitchen Appliances?
In the 1400s through the 1900s, many kitchens made a specific breed of dog run in a wheel in order to rotate a spit of meat over the hearth's open fire. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/turnspit-dogs.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Is It Quiet After It Snows?
After a snowfall, the world seems hushed -- for a while, at least. Learn why fresh snow muffles sound in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/quieter-after-snow.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Black Inventors Change America?
Black American inventors have given us everything from secure mailboxes and practical lightbulbs to gas masks and blood banks. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/inventions/10-inventions-by-african-americans.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: What's the Difference Between Weather and Climate?
When concepts are as intertwined as weather and climate, it can be easy to mix them up. Learn the difference, and why it matters so much in discussions about the environment, in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/weather-and-climate-whats-difference.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Cassowaries Work?
These flightless birds are the second heaviest birds in the world -- they can grow as large as an adult human. Learn about them in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/cassowary.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Causes the Pain of Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are urinary tract blockages known for causing a lot of pain, but it's the blockage itself (not the sharpness of the stones) that does it. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/kidney-urinary/kidney-stone-pain.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Deep Is the Ocean?
The global ocean covers some 70 percent of our planet, and its depths are still unexplored. Learn about its deepest trenches in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/oceanography/how-deep-is-ocean.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Shrinkflation Work?
Shrinkflation is when brands downsize their products while keeping their prices the same -- thus passing inflating costs on to you. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://money.howstuffworks.com/shrinkflation-news.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Do Southern Biscuits Work?
Fluffy biscuits are a cornerstone of Southern cusisine, but they're a relatively recent invention. Learn the history behind this baked good in today's classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/history-light-and-fluffy-biscuits.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Are the Differences Between Mold and Mildew?
Mildew is an early stage of mold that grows on surfaces before digging deeper. Learn how both work and how to stop them from growing in your home in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/difference-between-mold-mildew.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is January the Biggest Month for Divorce?
Legal inqueries into divorce go way up in January, but March and August also see spikes in filings. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/divorce-rates-january-new-year.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Disposable Hand Warmers Work?
These tiny packets are able to give off a lot of heat for a few hours thanks to the same process that causes rust to form -- just sped way up. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/disposable-hand-warmers.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do Fish Sleep?
Fish do rest, but their versions of sleep doesn't look the same as ours. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/fish/do-fish-sleep.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Does Milk Really Make Mucus Worse?
There's a millennia-old idea that milk causes mucus production, and therefore that you should avoid milk if you're sick. Learn the truth in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/respiratory/milk-and-mucus-myth-busted.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Does Kwanzaa Work?
Kwanzaa is a relatively new holiday celebrating Pan-African culture, and the unity, creativity, and determination of its peoples. Learn the basics about Kwanzaa in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-other/kwanzaa.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did the Eggnog Riot Work?
On Christmas Eve of 1826, dozens of West Point cadets had a bit too much (prohibited) alcoholic eggnog -- luckily, only reputations and barracks were hurt. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/ridiculous-history-heres-why-west-point-cadets-rioted-eggnog-1826.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Does It Cost to Run Santa's Workshop?
Holidays can be expensive when you're only distributing a few gifts, not a few billion. Learn what Santa's yearly workshop budget must be in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/santa-claus-workshop-budget-will-blow-mind.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Are Different Injections Given in Your Arm, Rear, or Elsewhere?
Medical professionals give us shots in different body parts based on how much medicine we need and what the medicine needs to do. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/medication/shots-in-arm-bum.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do Small Dogs Live Longer Than Large Dogs?
On average, tiny dogs live almost twice as long as really big ones -- and science isn't entirely sure why. Learn what we know (and don't know) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/longest-living-dog-breeds-tiny.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Latkes Work?
Latkes (that is, fried potato pancakes) are nearly synonymous with Hanukkah today -- but they've only been around for a couple centuries. Learn how they developed in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/latkes.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Could Recycled Urine Make Sustainable Fertilizer?
Sports stadiums have a lot of grass that needs to be fertilized, and a lot of urine to dispose of. Learn how researchers are working to solve both problems at once in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/repurposed-inventions/recycling-stadium-urine-fertilizer.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will Cats Sit In Imaginary Boxes?
It is known that housecats will sit in any box available, large or small -- but science set out to determine whether cats can perceive (and will sit in) illusory boxes as well. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/cats-in-squares-study-news.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Mistletoe Work?
The tradition of kissing under mistletoe around Christmas is fairly new, but the traditions it's based on go way back. Learn about the hemi-parasitic roots of mistletoe in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/mistletoe.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Ticks Cause Meat Allergies?
You can contract an allergy to red meat from a tick bite thanks to a compound called alpha-gal. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/allergies/food-allergy/dairy-eggs-meat/meat-allergy-lone-star-tick.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do Scientists Want You to Say 'UAPs', not 'UFOs'?
Researchers who are currently looking into inexplicable lights and objects in the sky are calling them unexplained aerial phenomena (UAPs), not unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/space/aliens-ufos/uaps.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Why Do We Get Hiccups?
What's happening when you get hiccups, and how can you stop them? Learn what science knows -- and doesn't know -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Every Snowflake Really Unique?
Snowflakes fall by the trillions during every snowstorm, so how could each one be unique? Learn about the incredible crystal physics behind snowflake development in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/is-every-snowflake-actually-unique.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Does Rudolph's Nose Glow Red?
We may never know exactly why Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer's nose glows -- but we have a few scientific suspicions. Learn about bioluminescence and atavisims in this episode of BrainStuff, based on these articles: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/bioluminescence.htm; https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/rudolph-red-nose-reindeer.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Could Temporary Tattoos Revolutionize Blood Pressure Monitoring?
Research into a new wearable electronic patch made of graphene may make it possible to monitor blood pressure continuously and unobtrusively in the next few years. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/cardiovascular/blood-pressure/blood-pressure-tattoo-news.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does the Artemis I Mission Work?
The Artemis space program is an international effort to put people back on the Moon within the next several years. Learn how the first mission is going in this episode of BrainStuff, based on these articles: https://science.howstuffworks.com/artemis-news.htm; https://science.howstuffworks.com/snoopy-artemis.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: What Happens to Balloons When You Release Them?
How high can helium balloons go before they burst? Do they always burst? Learn about the physics of escaped balloons in this classic episode of BrainStuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: Can Side Sleeping Help Prevent Snoring?
Snoring can root from a number of causes, but sleeping on your side can usually help prevent it. Learn the science of snores in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/disorders/does-sleeping-on-side-stop-snoring.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Does Checkout Charity Work?
Asking customers for charitable donations at checkout can raise a lot of money -- and a lot of goodwill for the business. (And no, businesses can't write off your donations on their taxes.) Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://money.howstuffworks.com/checkout-charity-is-good-for-business.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Do U.S. Presidents Pardon Turkeys for Thanksgiving?
This odd tradition seems to stem from early in the history of Thanksgiving being a national holiday, and has only gotten more formal (and more silly) in recent years. Learn about turkeys in the White House in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/presidential-turkey-pardon.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Pop-Up Wetlands Work?
In California, human development has taken away migrating shorebirds' habitats -- so conservationists are renting rice fields during the farmers' off season to act as temporary habitats. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/conservation/issues/renting-rice-fields-farmers-migrating-water-fowl.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reign of Terror: The Story of the Osage Murders
From 1920 to 1930, after the indigenous Osage people struck it rich with oil on their land, grifters scammed them out of millions -- and murdered a number of them in the process. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/osage-tribe-murders.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Eels Reproduce?
We know that eels spawn, like many marine mammals -- but spawning can take many forms. So how do eels do it? Learn what we know (and don't know) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/how-do-eels-reproduce.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the Oldest Tree in the World?
The holder of this title is debated, but Earth's oldest tree is at least (at least!) 4,800 years old -- and may be much older. Learn about the contenders in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/oldest-tree-in-world.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: How Do Homeless Americans Vote?
Not having a permanent address or access to identifying documents can make voting in U.S. elections nearly impossible. Learn more about these challenges -- and what some organizations are doing to help -- in this episode of BrainStuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BrainStuff Classics: What Was The Great Pox?
You've heard of smallpox, but what was the great pox? And did Shakespeare have it? Learn about the spread of (spoiler alert) syphilis in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/literature/pox-on-that-refers-to.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Do Seahorses Work?
These social fish are fascinating for reasons far beyond their unique shapes. Learn about them in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/seahorses.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can the President Control Gasoline Prices?
There's very little that any U.S. president can do to affect gas prices in the short term. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://money.howstuffworks.com/president-gas-prices.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can You Get Pregnant During Your Period?
Short answer: Yes, totally. Human bodies all work a little differently, so it's possible to have an egg ready to go while you're having your period. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on these articles: https://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/pregnancy/fertility/abnormal-menstrual-cycles-and-fertility.htm; https://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/pregnancy/fertility/pregnant-during-period.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do Political TV Ads Really Change Voters' Minds?
In hotly contested elections, campaigns flood television channels and streaming services with ads for or against the people running. Learn when they can make a difference in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/do-campaign-tv-ads-change-voters-minds.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Are Graveyards Scary?
Cemeteries and other places where we inter or honor the dead are often at least a little unsettling. Learn about the psychology and philosophy behind this phenomenon in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/afterlife/scary-graveyard.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Does It Feel So Good To Be Scared?
Plenty of things are scary these days, so why do people pay good money to see horror movies and go to 'haunted' houses? Learn why psychologists say these fearful experiences are helpful in today's classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/emotions/why-love-to-be-scared.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.