BrainStuff

Populist leaders have been coming into power all over the world over the past few years. Learn what populism is -- and why it concerns political scientists -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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This savory sauce with a difficult name dates back to the early 1800s. Learn about its history and ingredients in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Yuri Gagarin was the Soviet cosmonaut who braved the first flight into space in 1961. Learn about his life (and tragic early death) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Bats, dolphins, and other animals all use sonar to navigate, but the narwhal has them all beat, and it's thanks to narwhals' distinctive horns. Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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People are again asking whether the 25th Amendment might be enacted to remove the current president. But what does this Amendment say, and what can it really do? Learn about it in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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If you've seen rippling patterns in the blades of knives or swords, that's Damascus steel. Learn its history and how it's made today in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Flightless birds that live in brutal Antarctic temperatures and partner up for life -- penguins are cool (pun absolutely intended). Learn more about them in this episode of BrainStuff.

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For decades, the Arecibo Radio Telescope has let us investigate parts of our universe near and far. Learn its history -- and why it had to be shut down -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Many local governments pass out stickers to the voters who cast a ballot on election day. It might seem silly, but those stickers have a real effect. Learn about the psychology behind 'I Voted!' stickers in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Graham crackers are a sweetened, mass-produced baked good today, but they started out as a homemade, ascetic-diet food. Learn about Sylvester Graham and the history of his crackers in this episode of BrainStuff.

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