BrainStuff

By iHeartRadio & HowStuffWorks

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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LAST EPISODE

How Do You Deep Fry a Turkey?

11.18.2019

Deep frying anything is a science -- but perhaps especially a whole turkey. Learn how to do it (and why it works) in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

BrainStuff episodes:

11.18.2019 BrainStuff Classic: What Creates the Northern Lights? There are lots of misconceptions out there about what causes the stunning Aurora Borealis. Learn what's really up with the Northern Lights in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
11.18.2019 How Do You Deep Fry a Turkey? Deep frying anything is a science -- but perhaps especially a whole turkey. Learn how to do it (and why it works) in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
11.15.2019 BrainStuff Classics: Why Do I Need a Passport to Travel? The vast (vast!) majority of humans need a passport in order to travel internationally. Learn why -- and who doesn't -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
11.15.2019 Can 'Hypoallergenic' Dogs Still Trigger Allergies? Spoiler alert: Yes, breeds of dogs said to be hypoallergenic can still set off your allergies -- but they may be better for you than other breeds. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at ...
11.14.2019 BrainStuff Classics: Are Less Experienced People More Confident? You may have heard about the supposed inverse relationship between confidence and knowledge -- but is it true? Learn more about the Dunning-Kruger effect in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
11.14.2019 Could We Recycle Excess Subway Heat? Heating homes and other human hangouts requires a huge carbon footprint -- but meanwhile, we're wasting heat every day (and sweating) in systems like subways. Learn how one project hopes to use that excess heat for the greater good in ...
11.14.2019 BrainStuff Classics: Why Is Bacon Considered a Breakfast Food? Bacon and eggs are a traditional breakfast -- but that tradition only goes back about a century. Learn how Sigmund Freud's nephew invented public relations and changed the way we eat breakfast in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more ...
11.13.2019 Can We Win the War on Cockroaches? Cockroaches are, if nothing else, admirably persistent -- they can spring back from a 90% population loss just a couple generations. Learn how hardy they are in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
11.12.2019 How Do Wolverines Work? Wolverines may not have adamantium-reinforced skeletons, but this species of weasel boasts a few superpowers of its own. Learn more about wolverines in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
11.12.2019 Why Should You Stop Raking Fall Leaves? Something has to be done with all those fall leaves, but the best option for the environment (and your lawn) isn't raking, it's mulching. Learn why, and how to get started, in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ...
11.08.2019 What's the Difference Between Hornets and Wasps? We often use the terms 'wasp' and 'hornet' interchangeably, but that's not quite right, and knowing the difference can save you a sting. Learn about these insects in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
11.07.2019 How Can a Hen Turn into a Rooster? In cases of spontaneous sex reversal, an animal born male can become female, or vice versa, due to genetic or hormonal changes. Learn the story of how one hen became a rooster in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about ...
11.06.2019 How Could Artificial Glaciers Hydrate the Himalayas? Farmers in the Himalayas depend on yearly snow melts to water their crops, but climate change means they're not getting enough snowfall to replenish natural glaciers. Learn how artificial glaciers are helping in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about ...
11.05.2019 What's the Science Behind Applause? The way that applause starts and moves through a large crowd is scientifically predictable. Learn what the research shows about the influence of sound and psychology in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
11.04.2019 Could Science Create a Better Blood Supply? Millions of lives are saved by blood transfusions every year, but sometimes donations are in short supply. Learn how researchers are hoping to make more blood universally transferable in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
11.02.2019 Introducing: History Vs. Theodore Roosevelt In History Vs., a new podcast from Mental Floss and iHeartRadio, we’ll explore how larger-than-life historical figures faced off against their greatest foes. In this inaugural season, we’re looking at Theodore Roosevelt’s incredible life using a convention that he, as ...
11.01.2019 Did Humans Evolve To Be Superstitious? Humans and other animals often hold superstitions -- but why? Could it have been biologically advantageous to our ancestors? Learn more about superstition in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
10.31.2019 What Is Eye of Newt? The witches in Macbeth describe a disturbing brew -- eye of newt, toe of frog, etc. -- but that was just code for common plants. Learn what eye of newt really is in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about ...
10.30.2019 What Exactly Is Candy Corn? Americans buy some 9 billion kernels of candy corn every year. Learn this candy's history plus how it's made in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
10.29.2019 What's Happening During A Near-Death Experience? Some patients brought back from cardiac arrest describe seeing a bright light at the end of a tunnel, or other phenomena known as a near-death experience. Learn how some researchers have tried to explain this in today's episode of BrainStuff. ...
10.28.2019 What Is the Legend of the Hawaiian Night Marchers? Hawaiian folklore tells of the huaka'i pō, or night marchers -- ghostly warriors whose sense of duty has kept them on guard even after death. Learn the legend (and what to do if you hear them coming) in this episode ...
10.26.2019 Introducing The Next Big Idea Ideas are coming at you every day from all directions. How can you process it all? You can start with The Next Big Idea. Host Rufus Griscom and legendary thought leaders Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant, Dan Pink, and Susan Cain, ...
10.25.2019 Can We 3-D Print Meat in Space? Lab-created meat may help prevent harm to animals here on Earth, but it'd be even more helpful for feeding people in space. But can tech like 3-D printers work in space? Learn about the potential future of space burgers in ...
10.24.2019 How Do Sea Urchins Work? Spiny on the outside and gooey on the inside, sea urchins are a weird and wonderful animal -- and delicacy. Learn more about them in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
10.23.2019 How Does Venus Work? Venus is the hottest planet, its years are shorter than its days, and its atmospheric pressure is 92 times greater than that on Earth. Learn how researchers think Venus got this way in today’s episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about ...
10.22.2019 What Is Dead Butt Syndrome? Sitting too much and not getting the right kinds of exercise can lead to gluteal tendinopathy — dead butt syndrome. Learn why (and what can be done about it) in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at ...
10.22.2019 How Do Ecosystems Work? Nothing in our environment exists in a vacuum -- everything is interconnected. Learn how the study of ecosystems attempts to learn about things through those connections in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
10.18.2019 Were the Dyatlov Pass Hikers Murdered? The mystery of what happened to nine hikers one wintery night has gone unsolved for 60 years. Learn what evidence has been found -- and what's still unknown -- in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at ...
10.17.2019 How Does Photosynthesis Power Life on Earth? Plants turn sunlight into food via photosynthesis, which is pretty amazing -- and its evolution is fairly mysterious. Learn how researchers think it happened in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
10.16.2019 Can Red Flag Laws Help Prevent Mass Shootings? In the wake of America's many mass shootings, some states are enacting laws that allow police to confiscate citizens' firearms when a concern about violence is reported. Learn how these red flag laws work in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn ...
10.15.2019 How Can 3-D Printing Help Save Animals? Prostheses for humans are already in use, so why not for other animals? Learn how veterinarians are using 3-D printed limbs, fins, beaks, bones, and shells to help injured animals in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices ...
10.14.2019 Why Are Some Americans Cancelling Columbus Day? Some U.S. cities and states have officially changed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. Learn why -- and why some Americans disagree with the change -- in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
10.11.2019 Does Our Solar System Contain a Primordial Black Hole? Astronomers think there's an object in the far reaches of our solar system that's six times as massive as Earth. Learn why some think it's a planet and others propose it's a type of black hole in this episode of ...
10.10.2019 How Did the Shar-Pei Get Its Wrinkles? This dog breed is known for its distinctive wrinkles, and genetic researchers have figured out why those wrinkles occur. Learn about it (plus whether a Shar-Pei might be a good dog for you) in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more ...
10.09.2019 Should Cities Require Green Roofs? Planting gardens, grasses, or wildflowers on urban roofs can solve a lot of problems, but it can cause a few along the way. Learn more about green roofs in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
10.08.2019 How Did Bobcats Come Back from the Brink? Bobcat populations weren't doing so well a few decades ago, but these resilient wild cats are on the rebound. Learn about bobcats in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
10.07.2019 What's the Best Strategy for Finding a Parking Spot? There are a couple mathematically tested strategies for finding a parking spot that costs you the least time in terms of searching and walking to your destination. Learn what science has to say about parking in this episode of BrainStuff. ...
10.04.2019 Who Wore High-Heeled Shoes First? Although shoes with high heels are often coded feminine in modern culture, men wore them first -- military men, specifically. Learn the history of high heels in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
10.03.2019 How Rare Are All-Black Chickens? A few types of chickens are so pigmented that not just their feathers but their very flesh is a deep blue-black color. Learn how researchers think this came about in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at ...
10.02.2019 How Young Is Too Young to Face Arrest? In the United States, many states don't put a lower age limit on arrests, and children as young as six years of age have been arrested by police. Learn why, and how some lawyers and lawmakers are trying to change ...
10.01.2019 How Can You Escape a Sinking Car? Being trapped in a car is a scary thought, but safety experts say that being prepared for emergencies saves lives. Learn what devices can help and how to use them in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices ...
09.30.2019 How Often Should You Wash Your Coffee Mug? Not every bacterium is an enemy, but illness-causing germs are out there -- and some love your coffee cup. Learn how often research indicates you should wash that reusable cup in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices ...
09.27.2019 How Are Maine Coons Different From Other Cats? The Maine Coon breed of cats has a reputation for being more doglike than catlike. Learn about how they stand out in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
09.26.2019 What's the Difference Between Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen? These over-the-counter medications all do fairly similar jobs of relieving aches and pains, but there's a best (and a worst) way to use each type. Learn the differences between pain relievers in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ...
09.25.2019 Why Are Blueprints Blue? The traditional color of blueprints wasn't chosen because it's pretty -- it's a result of a chemical copying process. Learn the history of blueprints in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
09.24.2019 How Can I Become a Mermaid? With the help of specially made fins (and some swim lessons), anyone can become a mermaid or merman — there are even mer-professionals. Learn how mermaiding works in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
09.23.2019 Did Lyme Disease Start as a Bioweapon? There’s been a call for investigation into the history of Lyme disease, and whether it might’ve been an accidentally released bioweapon. Learn both sides of the debate in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
09.20.2019 What's the History of the Statue of Liberty? The Statue of Liberty is so iconic that it's hard to imagine New York City without it, but plans for the statue got started less than 200 years ago. Learn how Lady Liberty was created in this episode of BrainStuff. ...
09.19.2019 How Can Gingko Leaves Help Track Climate Change? Gingko biloba trees have changed so little over the past few hundred million years that researchers can use their leaves to track how the environment has changed over that time. Learn how in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about ...
09.18.2019 How Would Authorities Handle a Murder in Space? Investigating murders right here on planet Earth can be tricky -- how would it be handled in space? Who would even be in charge? (Do we need space cops??) Learn what current and future laws may apply in this episode ...

Older episodes

BrainStuff

What's BrainStuff about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

BrainStuff episodes:

BrainStuff Classic: What Creates the Northern Lights?

How Do You Deep Fry a Turkey?

BrainStuff Classics: Why Do I Need a Passport to Travel?

Can 'Hypoallergenic' Dogs Still Trigger Allergies?

BrainStuff Classics: Are Less Experienced People More Confident?

Could We Recycle Excess Subway Heat?

BrainStuff Classics: Why Is Bacon Considered a Breakfast Food?

Can We Win the War on Cockroaches?

How Do Wolverines Work?

Why Should You Stop Raking Fall Leaves?

What's the Difference Between Hornets and Wasps?

How Can a Hen Turn into a Rooster?

How Could Artificial Glaciers Hydrate the Himalayas?

What's the Science Behind Applause?

Could Science Create a Better Blood Supply?

Introducing: History Vs. Theodore Roosevelt

Did Humans Evolve To Be Superstitious?

What Is Eye of Newt?

What Exactly Is Candy Corn?

What's Happening During A Near-Death Experience?

What Is the Legend of the Hawaiian Night Marchers?

Introducing The Next Big Idea

Can We 3-D Print Meat in Space?

How Do Sea Urchins Work?

How Does Venus Work?

What Is Dead Butt Syndrome?

How Do Ecosystems Work?

Were the Dyatlov Pass Hikers Murdered?

How Does Photosynthesis Power Life on Earth?

Can Red Flag Laws Help Prevent Mass Shootings?

How Can 3-D Printing Help Save Animals?

Why Are Some Americans Cancelling Columbus Day?

Does Our Solar System Contain a Primordial Black Hole?

How Did the Shar-Pei Get Its Wrinkles?

Should Cities Require Green Roofs?

How Did Bobcats Come Back from the Brink?

What's the Best Strategy for Finding a Parking Spot?

Who Wore High-Heeled Shoes First?

How Rare Are All-Black Chickens?

How Young Is Too Young to Face Arrest?

How Can You Escape a Sinking Car?

How Often Should You Wash Your Coffee Mug?

How Are Maine Coons Different From Other Cats?

What's the Difference Between Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen?

Why Are Blueprints Blue?

How Can I Become a Mermaid?

Did Lyme Disease Start as a Bioweapon?

What's the History of the Statue of Liberty?

How Can Gingko Leaves Help Track Climate Change?

How Would Authorities Handle a Murder in Space?

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