We used to think Komodo dragons harbored bacteria in their mouths that made their bites deadly, but it turns out they have venom and iron-tipped teeth to thank. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/komodo-bite.htm

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Some scientists think tectonic plates are a prerequisite for life as we know it. Learn what we know about plate tectonics elsewhere in our solar system in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/is-earth-only-planet-with-tectonic-plates.htm

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It turns out that thin, bendy sheets like paper crumple in predictable ways -- and we can learn a lot from the process. Learn more about the protective physics of crumpling in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/crumple-theory.htm

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Frankincense and myrrh play a part not only in the story of Christmas, but in lots of other religious traditions as well -- and a few practical ones, too. Learn more about these aromatic substances in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this episode: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/question283.htm

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Whether you love it, hate it, or hurl it with a trebuchet, fruitcake holds a dense place in holiday traditions. Learn how it came to be (and where to win prizes for throwing it) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/menus/fruitcake.htm

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In Oaxaca, Mexico, a pre-Christmas tradition has hundreds of artists carving radishes into fun and festive figures every Dec. 23. Learn about La Noche de Rábanos in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/mexicos-night-of-radishes.htm

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Evergreens' needles are their leaves, so why don't they change color and drop in the fall? Learn how evergreen leaves work in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://home.howstuffworks.com/evergreen-trees-dont-shed.htm

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Reptiles and amphibians have all sorts of adaptations for surviving cold weather, even in places where temperatures dip below freezing. Learn how they manage the cold in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Transcendentalism was a philosophical movement in the 1800s that has had lasting effects in American society. Learn how it worked in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/transcendentalism.htm

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Suidice is a serious public health issue in the U.S., but there are lots of things we can do about it. Learn how communities and individuals can help in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/mental-disorders/us-needs-to-have-ongoing-conversation-about-suicide.htm

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