BrainStuff

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Technology Natural Sciences

What's BrainStuff about?

Whether the topic is popcorn or particle physics, you can count on BrainStuff to explore -- and explain -- the everyday science in the world around us.

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How Does Buzz Aldrin Work?

12.02.2023

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.htm See ...

BrainStuff episodes:

12.02.2023 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.htm See ...
12.01.2023 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 ...
11.27.2023 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, ...
11.26.2023 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.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11.25.2023 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 ...
11.24.2023 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.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11.23.2023 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 ...
11.22.2023 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 ...
11.17.2023 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.htm See omnystudio.com/listener ...
11.16.2023 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.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11.15.2023 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.htm See omnystudio.com/listener ...
11.12.2023 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.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...
11.11.2023 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.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11.08.2023 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.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11.07.2023 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: ...
11.06.2023 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.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11.01.2023 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.htm See ...
10.31.2023 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. ...
10.29.2023 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.
10.28.2023 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.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10.27.2023 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.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10.26.2023 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.htm ...
10.25.2023 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.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...
10.24.2023 What Is Chernobyl's Elephant's Foot Made Of? The Chernobyl nuclear accident caused a lava-like flow of radioactive fuel and other materials that hardened into a giant mass now known as the Elephant's Foot. Learn how corium like this forms in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this ...
10.23.2023 How Do Alligator Gar Work? These toothy fish are some of the largest in North America. Learn how they've lasted 100 million years in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/fish/alligator-gar-100-million-years-old-and-still-kicking.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10.03.2023 BrainStuff Classics: Could You Legally Bury Someone in Your Backyard? Home burials are largely a thing of the past, but they're perfectly legal in most states -- once you check a few boxes. Learn how home burials work in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/afterlife/can-you-bury-someone-your-backyard.htm See ...
10.03.2023 Introducing: The Puzzler with A.J. Jacobs Listen up, BrainStuff fans! We are super excited about a brand-new podcast called The Puzzler. It's a daily show jam-packed with, you guessed it, PUZZLES. We think you'll love this show, too but you don't have to just take our ...
10.02.2023 BrainStuff Classics: Why Doesn't Airline Food Taste Good? If you've ever noticed that airplane food is a little lackluster, the recipe isn't necessarily to blame. Learn how a plane's altitude and even engine noise can affect flavors in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/flight/modern/mile-bleh-club-why-airline-food-doesnt-taste-good.htm ...
10.01.2023 Why Are American School Buses Yellow? We have one particular guy to thank for the distinctive orange-yellow color of U.S. school buses. Learn how Frank Cyr helped revamp student transportation in the 1930s in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/why-are-school-buses-yellow.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for ...
09.30.2023 How Do Megamasers Work? Megamasers are astronomical phenomena that may mean galaxies have collided in the distant reaches of the universe. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/megamaser-news.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09.29.2023 How Long Could You Hang Upside Down Safely? Although hanging upside down for too long would eventually kill you, don't worry -- brief inversions (and even longer inversions) are fine. Learn why, plus how inversions can actually be good for you, in this episode of BrainStuff, based on ...
09.28.2023 Who Was the Humboldt Current Named After? Alexander von Humboldt was a scientist with the means and fame to change how Europe thought about nature. Learn why he's sometimes called the first ecologist in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/oceanography/alexander-von-humboldt-and-humboldt-current.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...
09.27.2023 How Does the Portuguese Man-of-War Work? These stinging sea creatures aren't jellyfish -- they're actually colonies of individual creatures working as one. Learn more about men-of-war and other siphonophores in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/portuguese-man-of-war.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09.05.2023 What Causes 'New Baby Smell'? That sweet-milky-musky scent that newborn babies have is a combination of hundreds of compounds. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/family/parenting/parenting-tips/recreate-new-baby-scent.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09.04.2023 Where Was Babylon, and How Did It Fall? Over 2000 years ago, Babylon was the largest, wealthiest city in the world -- but it didn't last. Learn about its past, present, and myths in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/babylon.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09.03.2023 BrainStuff Classics: Is There a Best Way to Load the Dishwasher? Which way should the plates face? What about the silverware -- handles up or down? Do you need to pre-rinse? Learn how to make your dishwashing machine work its best in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: ...
09.02.2023 BrainStuff Classics: Do Carrots Really Help Your Eyesight? Conventional wisdom says that eating carrots will give you better vision, but how true is that? Learn where the idea came from in this classic episode of BrainStuff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09.01.2023 Why Do Beached Whales Explode Sometimes? It's best to give deceased beached whales a respectful amount of space because they can explode. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/beached-whales-explode.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
08.31.2023 Was Humpty Dumpty Always an Egg? The nursery rhyme about Humpty Dumpty (and his wall, and his fall) is omnipresent. But who (or what) was this guy, really? Learn about the weird history of this verse in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/literature/humpty-dumpty.htm ...
08.30.2023 How Do Peregrine Falcons Work? These birds of prey are one of the fastest animals in the world -- engineers study them to make airplanes more aerodynamic. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/peregrine-falcons-are-one-fastest-animals-alive.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
08.20.2023 BrainStuff Classics: Are Any Superstitions Universal? Do you knock on wood or avoid particular numbers? People around the world adhere to superstitions to attempt to change their luck -- and some of those superstitions are remarkably similar. Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based ...
08.19.2023 BrainStuff Classics: Why Are Dogs’ Noses Wet? Dogs’ noses are often wet, but why? And does a dry nose mean your pup is sick? Learn what science has to say about dogs’ noses in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/why-do-dogs-have-wet-noses.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for ...
08.18.2023 Why Does Yoga Make People Emotional? If you've ever found yourself swept up in a wave of sadness or anger during, say, Pigeon Pose, you're not alone. Learn more about what we know and don't know about yoga's effects on emotions in this episode of BrainStuff, ...
08.17.2023 Is Microwave Popcorn Dangerous? There used to be safety concerns about some compounds used to flavor popcorn (diacetyl) and to grease-proof microwaveable bags (PFCs). They're mostly not used anymore, but making your own popcorn might still be safer. Learn more in this episode of ...
08.16.2023 How Are Sharks Born? Sharks can be hatched from eggs, born live, or hatched in the womb and then born live -- if their siblings don't eat them first. Learn about shark reproduction and birth in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: ...
08.15.2023 Why Do We Say 'Close, But No Cigar'? When we mean that someone has not quite succeeded, what do cigars have to do with it? Learn the carnival roots of this idiom in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/close-but-no-cigar.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
08.06.2023 BrainStuff Classics: Can Used Books Spread Germs? Libraries are bastions of knowledge -- but are they also bastions of germs? Short answer: Nope! For the long answer, tune in to this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/used-books-may-be-germy-but-wont-make-you-sick.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
08.05.2023 BrainStuff Classics: Would Psychic Powers Really Cause Nosebleeds? You've seen the trope: a character strains their psychic powers and gets a nosebleed to show for it. But would this actually happen if psychic powers were real? Learn the hypothetical science in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on ...
08.03.2023 How Can You Tell Ravens and Crows Apart? Ravens and crows are both large black birds with mythic reputations, but they're easy to tell apart once you know the differences between them. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/american-crows-and-ravens-whats-difference.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...
08.02.2023 Where Do Royalty's Nannies Get Their Training? British royals and lots of the world's other prominent families hire their nannies out of one century-old school: Norland College. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/european-history/norland-college-royal-nannies.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Older episodes

BrainStuff

What's BrainStuff about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

BrainStuff episodes:

How Does Buzz Aldrin Work?

How Do Poinsettias Work?

What Is Zionism?

How Do Marmosets Work?

BrainStuff Classics: How Did the Inca Knot Language Work?

BrainStuff Classics: Does Turkey Really Make You Sleepy?

What's the History of Thanksgiving?

How Can Bugs Help Solve Murders?

How Does the Saguaro Cactus Work?

What Are Those Black Squiggles on Roads?

Why Do Distant Mountains Appear Blue?

BrainStuff Classics: Why Do Dogs' Paws Smell Like Corn Chips?

BrainStuff Classics: Will Temperature Changes Make You Sick?

How Big Can a Tree Grow?

Has London Bridge Ever Fallen Down?

How Does the Slow Cone Snail Catch Prey?

How Does el Día de los Muertos Work?

How Did Safety Coffins Ease Fears of Premature Burial?

BrainStuff Classics: Are Yeti Just a Bunch of Bears?

BrainStuff Classics: Why Does Hot Food Seem More Satisfying?

What's the History of Paternity Testing?

How Do Pilots 'Make Up' Time During Flights?

Why Do Some People Hate Sounds Like Chewing?

What Is Chernobyl's Elephant's Foot Made Of?

How Do Alligator Gar Work?

BrainStuff Classics: Could You Legally Bury Someone in Your Backyard?

Introducing: The Puzzler with A.J. Jacobs

BrainStuff Classics: Why Doesn't Airline Food Taste Good?

Why Are American School Buses Yellow?

How Do Megamasers Work?

How Long Could You Hang Upside Down Safely?

Who Was the Humboldt Current Named After?

How Does the Portuguese Man-of-War Work?

What Causes 'New Baby Smell'?

Where Was Babylon, and How Did It Fall?

BrainStuff Classics: Is There a Best Way to Load the Dishwasher?

BrainStuff Classics: Do Carrots Really Help Your Eyesight?

Why Do Beached Whales Explode Sometimes?

Was Humpty Dumpty Always an Egg?

How Do Peregrine Falcons Work?

BrainStuff Classics: Are Any Superstitions Universal?

BrainStuff Classics: Why Are Dogs’ Noses Wet?

Why Does Yoga Make People Emotional?

Is Microwave Popcorn Dangerous?

How Are Sharks Born?

Why Do We Say 'Close, But No Cigar'?

BrainStuff Classics: Can Used Books Spread Germs?

BrainStuff Classics: Would Psychic Powers Really Cause Nosebleeds?

How Can You Tell Ravens and Crows Apart?

Where Do Royalty's Nannies Get Their Training?