BrainStuff

By iHeartRadio & HowStuffWorks

Technology Natural Sciences Science & Medicine

SHOW DESCRIPTION

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.

4.1

817 ratings

	EPISODES LIST
		BrainStuff Classics: What Is The Oldest Living Thing? To be fair, the answer to this question depends on what you consider 'living' and 'thing' to mean. Learn a few possible answers in this episode of BrainStuff.	12.16.2018
		BrainStuff Classics: Why Do We Sleep? We spend somewhere around a third of our lives sleeping, but why? Learn what happens when you sleep (and what happens when you don't) in this episode of BrainStuff.	12.15.2018
		Why Are Stop Signs Red? Stop signs were always the red octagons we know today -- so how was the color chosen, and why has it stuck? Learn about the history and psychology of red traffic signals in this episode of BrainStuff.	12.14.2018
		Who Is Krampus? This horned holiday demon has entered our pop culture consciousness, but where do Krampus legends come from? Learn about the history of Krampusnacht in this episode of BrainStuff.	12.13.2018
		How Have Funerals Changed Since the '60s? The ways we think about funerals are bound to change over time, but the 1960s was a real turning point. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff.	12.12.2018
		Could Neanderthals Laugh? Neanderthals were more like us than we previously thought, but could they laugh? Learn why researchers think they could in this episode of BrainStuff.	12.11.2018
		How Does Gelatin Work? Gelatin makes Jell-O wiggle and provides texture to all sorts of products, but what is it made of? Learn what's happening on a molecular level when you use gelatin in this episode of BrainStuff.	12.10.2018
		BrainStuff Classics: Why Do People Go Bald? Humans are one of the only mammals to commonly experience balding. Learn the science behind thinning hair in this episode of BrainStuff.	12.09.2018
		BrainStuff Classics: Why Do You Hate the Sound of Your Own Voice? Your voice sounds different in recordings than it does to your own ears, but why? Learn the science behind this phenomena in today's classic episode of BrainStuff.	12.08.2018
		How Do We Define the Kilogram? The kilogram used to be measured against an agreed-upon chunk of metal stored in France, but no longer. Learn the new measure of this standard unit of measurement in today's episode of BrainStuff.	12.07.2018
		How Can I Donate My Brain to Science? Researchers, like zombies, are interested in brains of all kinds. Learn a few basics about how donating your brain to science works in this episode of BrainStuff.	12.06.2018
		Could Cheap Magnets Help Save Sharks? The fishing industry accidentally kills millions of sharks every year, but researchers think they've found a seriously inexpensive solution. Learn how it could work in this episode of BrainStuff.	12.05.2018
		Why Do We Test Middle Schoolers' Fitness? From the outdated Presidential Fitness Test to today's FITNESSGRAM, Americans have been giving standardized fitness tests to middle school kids for decades. Learn the past and present of these exams in today's episode of BrainStuff.	12.04.2018
		What Can Probiotics Really Do? Some claims make it sound like probiotics are a cure-all, but what has research found so far? Learn more about these supplements for your microbiome in this episode of BrainStuff.	12.03.2018
		Will Amazon's Corporate Megadeal Change How Business Works? Why are some politicians so eager for large businesses to set up shop in their districts? What are those businesses' real motivations in making selections? Learn what some researchers think about corporate megadeals in this episode of BrainStuff.	12.02.2018
		Is the Meaning of Life '137'? Both scientists and mystics revere the number 137, but why? Learn the significance of this seemingly humble number in today's episode of BrainStuff.	12.01.2018
		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 episode of BrainStuff.	11.30.2018
		Can Cheese Actually Make Wine Taste Better? Spoiler alert: Yes! Learn the science that makes wine and cheese go so well together in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.29.2018
		Why Did London Once Have a Train for the Dead? When a city's cemeteries start filling up, one solution is to take the funerary show on the road. Learn about London's Necropolis Railway of 1854-1941 in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.28.2018
		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 episode of BrainStuff.	11.27.2018
		Are E-Cigarette Liquids Safe? The flavorings added to vape liquids are considered safe for ingestion, but what happens when we breathe them in? Learn what researchers can and can't say about the safety of vaping in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.26.2018
		BrainStuff Classics: How Does Saliva Work? Your saliva is a serious multitasker -- it keeps bacteria at bay, helps you digest your food, and even makes your food taste better. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.25.2018
		BrainStuff Classics: Why Do We Fart? We all pass gas, but why? Learn what's happening in your digestive system when you fart in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.24.2018
		Is Black Friday the Busiest Shopping Day? It's true that millions of Americans go shopping the day after Thanksgiving, but it's not the biggest shopping day of the year. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.23.2018
		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 episode of BrainStuff.	11.22.2018
		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 episode of BrainStuff.	11.21.2018
		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 episode of BrainStuff.	11.20.2018
		Does Apple Cider Vinegar Really Help With Weight Loss? Some proponents say that drinking apple cider vinegar is the 'secret' to losing weight. Learn what science has to say in this episode of BrainStuff. And hey, take care of yourself, OK?	11.19.2018
		BrainStuff Classics: How Does LASIK Work? It’s one of the common vision correction surgeries accomplished with lasers, but how does it work? Is it really safe? Learn about LASIK eye surgery in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.18.2018
		BrainStuff Classics: Do You Really Need to Wash Your Jeans? It may seem like an obvious ‘yes’, but denim producers often recommend washing your jeans as little as possible — if at all. Learn why (and what they recommend instead) in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.17.2018
		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 episode of BrainStuff.	11.16.2018
		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 episode of BrainStuff.	11.15.2018
		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 episode of BrainStuff.	11.14.2018
		Could We Build A Real Gundam? Science fiction tells us our future depends on giant, humanoid robots protecting us and punching monsters. But could we really build those machines? Learn how close we are in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.13.2018
		Why Does Ice Get Cloudy? Water usually appears clear, but ice cubes and ice on lakes often looks cloudy. Learn what has to happen for ice to freeze clear (like black ice does on roads) in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.12.2018
		BrainStuff Classics: How Does Silica Gel Work? What is silica gel? Why are packets of it included in lots of packaging? And what would happen if you ate it? Learn how silica gel keeps moisture at bay in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.11.2018
		BrainStuff Classics: What Causes Chapped Lips? For some, winter means a daily battle against cracking, peeling lips. Learn what causes this -- and what you can do to prevent it -- in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.10.2018
		How Should You Answer When Asked 'What Are Your Salary Requirements'? It's a dreaded part of job interviews: "What did you make at your last job? What are your salary requirements?" Learn the science behind navigating this tricky topic in today's episode of BrainStuff.	11.09.2018
		The End Of The World with Josh Clark Series Preview The End Of The World with Josh Clark is a 10-part podcast series on existential risks – threats that could bring humanity to a sudden and untimely end in the near future. Check out this preview, featuring a clip about our potential to spread from Earth. Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, or on the iHeartRadio app, or wherever you listen to podcasts.	11.08.2018
		How Effective Are Bulletproof Vests? Bulletproof vests have certainly saved lives, but exactly how bulletproof are they? Learn what they're made of and how they can fail to protect wearers in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.08.2018
		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.	11.07.2018
		Does Syncing Traffic Lights Reduce Traffic? Computer systems can indeed help traffic flow better by syncing stop lights' cycles. But how well does it work, and what does it take to implement? Learn how researchers hope to get you out of traffic jams in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.06.2018
		Does CBD Oil Really Work? Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, derived from cannabis, is being touted as a treatment for everything from migraines to insomnia. But how effective is it? Learn what research has (and hasn't) shown in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.05.2018
		How Did a Family Feud Spawn Adidas and Puma? A battle between two brothers created the second- and third-largest sneaker companies in the world. Learn the story of the brothers Dassler in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.04.2018
		What Are Sea Cucumbers? Besides weird. Or, including weird? Learn some of the strangest features of sea cucumbers in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.03.2018
		Why Did Fruit Evolve in Different Colors? Brightly colored fruit stands out against green leaves, but why is some red or pink, while others skew yellow or purple? And why are some fruits smellier than others? Learn what new research says about fruits' evolution in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.02.2018
		Why Is Elephants' Skin So Wrinkly? Elephants have a thick hide that's wrinkled from birth, but why? Learn about the new research that's revealed the secrets to elephant skin in this episode of BrainStuff.	11.01.2018
		Why Do We Trick-Or-Treat on Halloween? The American practice of kids dressing up and demanding candy from neighbors on October 31st is fairly new, but it's based in centuries of evolving beliefs and traditions. Learn the history of trick-or-treating in this episode of BrainStuff.	10.31.2018
		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 episode of BrainStuff.	10.30.2018
		Would You Really Stay Conscious After Being Decapitated? For everything we know about the human brain, consciousness is still mysterious. Could reports of people remaining conscious after being executed by decapitation be true? Learn what science has to say in this episode of BrainStuff.	10.29.2018

LAST EPISODE

BrainStuff Classics: What I...

12.16.2018

To be fair, the answer to this question depends on what you consider 'living' and 'thing' to mean. Learn a few possible answers in this episode of BrainStuff.