BrainStuff

By iHeartRadio

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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BrainStuff Classics: Is Lif...

10.10.2021

The idea that life on Earth was seeded from outer space is called Panspermia, and some researchers are looking into how (and when) it could've happened. Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/evolution/did-alien-seeds-cause-explosion-life-earth.htm Learn ...

BrainStuff episodes:

10.10.2021 BrainStuff Classics: Is Life on Earth of Alien Origin? The idea that life on Earth was seeded from outer space is called Panspermia, and some researchers are looking into how (and when) it could've happened. Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/evolution/did-alien-seeds-cause-explosion-life-earth.htm Learn ...
10.09.2021 BrainStuff Classics: Are We Moving Closer to 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'? We build memories through our experiences. But what if we could transfer memories to other people? It's happening -- in snails. Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/eternal-sunshine-snail-mind.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at ...
10.08.2021 What Did the 2020 Census Reveal? The initial results of the 2020 United States census are in. Learn a bit about how America has changed in the past decade in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/2020-census-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
10.07.2021 How Do Starfish Work? Starfish, more properly called sea stars, have some amazing (and amazingly weird) abilities. Learn about them in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/starfish.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
10.06.2021 What Is Bubblegum Flavor Anyway? Many foods have natural or artificial flavorings added -- but what does 'bubblegum' represent? Learn about scent, taste, and the flavor industry in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/does-bubblegum-flavor-represent-something-the-natural-world.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
10.05.2021 Can Horses Help Humans Heal? Some mental health professionals have integrated interaction with horses into practice. Learn how equine therapy works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/coping/horse-therapy.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
10.04.2021 What Gets Featured on Blue Highway Signs? The rules vary from state to state, but there are specific guidelines for what services can and can't get a mention on U.S. highway signs. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/tech-transport/who-featured-blue-highway-exit-signs.htm Learn more about ...
10.03.2021 BrainStuff Classics: Can You Really Catch Up on Sleep? Good news, fellow weekend sleep-in-ers: recent research shows that 'catching up' on sleep on your off days can help you stay healthy. Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/basics/yes-you-can-catch-up-on-sleep.htm Learn more about your ad-choices ...
10.02.2021 BrainStuff Classics: How Did Rube Goldberg Work? Who was Rube Goldberg, and how did he come up with his famously weird contraptions? Learn the history behind this American cartoonist in today's classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/famous-inventors/who-was-rube-goldberg-and-what-are-his-contraptions.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
10.01.2021 How Does the Mars Solar Conjunction Affect NASA? When the Sun passes between Earth and Mars, NASA pauses communications to its equipment on the Red Planet. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/mars-solar-conjunction-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
09.30.2021 How Does Ambulance Diversion Work? In many areas of the United States, hospitals overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients are enacting ambulance diversion. Learn what this means in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/hospital-diversion-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
09.29.2021 Why Do Bats Land Upside Down? Bats take off and land from an upside-down position -- and researchers have figured out how (and why) they accomplish this. Learn more in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/how-bats-land-upside-down.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
09.28.2021 Why Shouldn't You Share Antibiotics? It's generally a bad idea to share prescription medications, but sharing antibiotics is particularly hazardous. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/medication/sharing-leftover-antibiotics-is-really-bad-practice.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
09.27.2021 How Did a Cat Make Aviation History? The first attempt at a transatlantic flight didn't go as planned -- perhaps especially for its feline crew member. Learn the story of Kiddo the cat in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/kiddo-the-cat.htm Learn more about your ...
09.26.2021 BrainStuff Classics: How Did One Blood Donor Save 2 Million Babies? A man with a rare antibody in his blood spent 63 years donating, and has touched millions of lives. Learn how in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/circulatory/man-whose-blood-saved-more-than-2-million-babies.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
09.25.2021 BrainStuff Classics: Does Spicy Food Burn Your Tastebuds? Hot chili peppers can make you feel like your mouth is on fire, but are they actually doing any damage? Learn about the science of spice in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/food-science/can-spicy-food-burn-out-taste-buds.htm Learn more about ...
09.24.2021 What's Next for Roe v. Wade? The Supreme Court's decisions in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey set precedents for abortion law in the U.S., but they're being challenged. Learn how in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/roe-v-wade-news.htm Learn more about ...
09.23.2021 How Do Gila Monsters Work? Gila monsters are venomous, but they don't strike like a snake -- they chew. Learn more about them in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/gila-monster.htm?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=feed Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
09.22.2021 How Did an Amateur Design the U.S. Capitol? To design the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the fledgling American government held an open competition -- and an amateur won. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/revolutionary-war/us-capitol-design-competition.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
09.21.2021 How Does CRISPR Work? CRISPR is a gene editing technology based on how bacteria protect themselves from viruses. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/crispr-gene-editing.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
09.20.2021 Why Are Siberia's Wildfires So Intense This Year? In 2021, wildfires in Siberia dwarfed all other wildfires in the world combined. Learn why, and what experts say could be done to help, in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/natural-disasters/siberia-2021-wildfires-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at ...
09.19.2021 BrainStuff Classics: What Happens to Red Carpet Dresses? After celebrities wear a gown to a glitzy award show or festival, it's often archived, but sometimes sold, reproduced, or even stolen. Learn the life story of red carpet fashion in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: ...
09.18.2021 BrainStuff Classics: Why Do Turtles Have Shells? It seems obvious that turtles' shells would have evolved to protect them from predators, but researchers have found that they probably first evolved to help turtles dig. Learn what that's all about in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on ...
09.17.2021 How Does the Venus de Milo Work? Although she's one of the most famous figures in European art, a lot is still mysterious about the Venus de Milo. Learn what we do and don't know about her in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/artwork/venus-de-milo.htm ...
09.16.2021 Why Are There Diamonds in the Ocean? The diamond industry pulls stones from the ocean floor in addition to their mining operations. Learn how diamonds form and travel in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/ocean-diamonds.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
09.15.2021 How Do Toucans Work? These brightly colored birds use their big beaks to communicate with each other and keep cool in hot weather. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/toucan.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
09.14.2021 Are Stick Shifts Going Extinct? These days, it's increasingly rare to find new cars outfitted with manual transmissions -- even in markets that have traditionally preferred them. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/stick-shift-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at ...
09.13.2021 How Can We Help Prevent Suicide? Suicide is a pressing but preventable problem in the United States. Learn what experts are doing to help -- and how you can help too -- 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 Learn more about your ...
09.12.2021 BrainStuff Classics: Could a Plastic-Eating Enzyme Help Save the Planet? We humans produce a LOT of plastics that wind up as harmful waste, but researchers have isolated an enzyme that may help reduce the problem. Learn how in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/plastic-eating-enzyme-planets-new-hope.htm Learn more ...
09.11.2021 BrainStuff Classics: What Can't You Name Your Baby? The possibilities for a baby's name aren't quite as endless as they seem -- some national and local governments restrict what you can legally name your baby. Learn what some of those restrictions are (and why they exist) in this ...
09.10.2021 What Kind of Animal Is Godzilla? If Godzilla were real, what kind of animal would it be -- and could it even survive with such an impressive body mass? Learn what researchers think in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/godzilla.htm Learn more about ...
09.09.2021 How Does the Stratosphere Work? The stratosphere is where planes fly, bacteria thrive, and our protective ozone layer forms. Learn more about it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophysics/stratosphere.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
09.08.2021 Why Should School Buses Go Electric? The current infrastructure bill would allot a chunk of funds to electrifying America's fleet of public school buses. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/vehicles/electric-school-bus-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
09.07.2021 Why Do Birds Fly Into Windows? Because windows look like open air to birds, collisions are unfortunately common. Learn why -- and how you can help prevent them -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/why-birbs-fly-into-windows.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
09.06.2021 Can You Get a Flu Shot If You Have an Egg Allergy? Most influenza vaccines contain a tiny bit of egg protein because of the way they're manufactured, but experts still recommend getting vaccinated. Learn why, and how people with allergies can keep themselves safe, in this episode of BrainStuff, based on ...
09.05.2021 BrainStuff Classics: Does Earth's Crust Have Its Own Tides? You've probably seen ocean tides making the seas rise and fall, but solid land has tides, too. Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/rising-rock-earths-crust-has-its-own-tides.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
09.04.2021 BrainStuff Classics: Can You Microwave a Steak to Perfection? While it may not be our first choice in cooking methods, yes, you can microwave a steak to a perfect medium-rare. Learn how, plus how microwaves work, in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/tools-and-techniques/can-microwave-steak-to-perfect-medium-rare.htm Learn more ...
09.03.2021 How Do Red Squirrels Work? American red squirrels are smaller than their local grey counterparts, but they pack a lot of attitude. Learn about these cute but aggressive animals in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/red-squirrel.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at ...
09.02.2021 How Do You Sleep When Sailing 4,000 Miles Solo? Mini Transat sailors race small yachts alone across the Atlantic -- surviving three to four weeks sleeping only 20 minutes at a time. Learn what sleep researchers learned about this feat in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: ...
09.01.2021 How Does Steganography Work? Steganography involves not just encrypting messages, but hiding the fact that there's a message being sent at all. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/future-tech/steganography.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
08.31.2021 What's at the Bottom of the Fosse Dionne Spring? France's beautiful Fosse Dionne spring has been keeping its secrets close for centuries -- no one has ever found its source. Learn the myths and history surrounding it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophysics/fosse-dionne-spring.htm Learn more ...
08.30.2021 Who Investigates Deaths in Antarctica? Antarctica belongs to no one nation -- so who has jurisdiction when someone dies under mysterious or criminal circumstances? Learn why it's messy in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/whos-charge-investigating-deaths-antarctica.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
08.29.2021 BrainStuff Classics: Will the Paper of the Future Be Made from Poop? It might sound gross, but it's eco-friendly: Paper is made from plant pulp. Animals that eat plants excrete plant pulp. Learn why some researchers have high hopes for poo-pyrus in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/poo-pyrus-eco-friendly-paper-made-from-poop.htm ...
08.28.2021 BrainStuff Classics: How Can You Be Your Own Twin? In a genetic condition called chimerism, DNA from someone else (an unborn twin, an organ donor, or even your own baby) is at work in your body. Learn how it works in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this ...
08.27.2021 What's the Difference Between Lox, Gravlax, and Nova Salmon? Preservation techniques like curing and smoking create tasty, longer-lasting dishes like lox, gravlax, and nova. Learn the difference between these salmon preparations in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/tools-and-techniques/lox-gravlax-nova-whats-difference.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
08.26.2021 Why Are Noncompete Agreements So Common? Businesses say noncompete agreements protect their interests -- but when they apply to everyone from VPs to janitors, are they overkill? Learn how noncompetes work in this episode of BrainStuff: https://money.howstuffworks.com/noncompete-agreements-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
08.24.2021 How Do Space Hurricanes Work? We're all too familiar with hurricanes here on Earth, but scientists have discovered storms with similar patterns right near the edge of space. Learn about space hurricanes in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/space-hurricane.htm Learn more about ...
08.23.2021 How Did the Battle for the 19th Amendment Work? Originally, the only Americans granted the right to vote were white male landowners. Learn how white women gained suffrage in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/19th-amendment.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
08.22.2021 BrainStuff Classics: Is Coffee Good or Bad for You? Will coffee really stunt your growth? Or give you heart problems? What about your teeth? Learn the truth behind common myths about that cuppa joe in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/coffee-stunt-growth.htm Learn more about your ...
08.21.2021 BrainStuff Classics: How Do Snails Grow Their Shells? A snail's shell is its permanent home -- but how do these wee, soft, slimy creatures grow hard, beautiful shells? Learn how it works in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/do-snails-get-shells.htm Learn more about your ad-choices ...

Older episodes

BrainStuff

What's BrainStuff about?

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BrainStuff episodes:

BrainStuff Classics: Is Life on Earth of Alien Origin?

BrainStuff Classics: Are We Moving Closer to 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'?

What Did the 2020 Census Reveal?

How Do Starfish Work?

What Is Bubblegum Flavor Anyway?

Can Horses Help Humans Heal?

What Gets Featured on Blue Highway Signs?

BrainStuff Classics: Can You Really Catch Up on Sleep?

BrainStuff Classics: How Did Rube Goldberg Work?

How Does the Mars Solar Conjunction Affect NASA?

How Does Ambulance Diversion Work?

Why Do Bats Land Upside Down?

Why Shouldn't You Share Antibiotics?

How Did a Cat Make Aviation History?

BrainStuff Classics: How Did One Blood Donor Save 2 Million Babies?

BrainStuff Classics: Does Spicy Food Burn Your Tastebuds?

What's Next for Roe v. Wade?

How Do Gila Monsters Work?

How Did an Amateur Design the U.S. Capitol?

How Does CRISPR Work?

Why Are Siberia's Wildfires So Intense This Year?

BrainStuff Classics: What Happens to Red Carpet Dresses?

BrainStuff Classics: Why Do Turtles Have Shells?

How Does the Venus de Milo Work?

Why Are There Diamonds in the Ocean?

How Do Toucans Work?

Are Stick Shifts Going Extinct?

How Can We Help Prevent Suicide?

BrainStuff Classics: Could a Plastic-Eating Enzyme Help Save the Planet?

BrainStuff Classics: What Can't You Name Your Baby?

What Kind of Animal Is Godzilla?

How Does the Stratosphere Work?

Why Should School Buses Go Electric?

Why Do Birds Fly Into Windows?

Can You Get a Flu Shot If You Have an Egg Allergy?

BrainStuff Classics: Does Earth's Crust Have Its Own Tides?

BrainStuff Classics: Can You Microwave a Steak to Perfection?

How Do Red Squirrels Work?

How Do You Sleep When Sailing 4,000 Miles Solo?

How Does Steganography Work?

What's at the Bottom of the Fosse Dionne Spring?

Who Investigates Deaths in Antarctica?

BrainStuff Classics: Will the Paper of the Future Be Made from Poop?

BrainStuff Classics: How Can You Be Your Own Twin?

What's the Difference Between Lox, Gravlax, and Nova Salmon?

Why Are Noncompete Agreements So Common?

How Do Space Hurricanes Work?

How Did the Battle for the 19th Amendment Work?

BrainStuff Classics: Is Coffee Good or Bad for You?

BrainStuff Classics: How Do Snails Grow Their Shells?

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