BrainStuff

When concerns about being accidentally buried alive swept Europe and North America in the 1800s, inventors (and showmen) came up with coffins that could let a living person escape -- or at least alert someone to come dig them up. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/afterlife/premature-burial-safety-coffins.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Genetics says "probably." In this episode of BrainStuff, learn what researchers found when they submitted supposed Yeti samples for genetic testing.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warm foods can feel more filling than chilled foods, but why? Learn the possible explanations behind the cravings in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/why-hot-food-more-satisfying-than-cold.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before DNA-based paternity tests were accurate and inexpensive, scientists (and pseudoscientists) claimed all kinds of things could work. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/history-paternity-testing.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Because of the way flights are routed, pilots are sometimes able shave a few minutes from a flight plan while in the air. Learn why just flying faster wouldn't work in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/flight/modern/do-pilots-make-up-time-in-air.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all find some sounds annoying, but for people with misophonia, certain sounds trigger strong feelings of anger and anxiety. Learn what researchers think causes this in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/why-do-some-people-hate-the-sound-chewing-scientists-might-have-the-answer.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chernobyl nuclear accident caused a lava-like flow of radioactive fuel and other materials that hardened into a giant mass now known as the Elephant's Foot. Learn how corium like this forms in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/chernobyl-elephants-foot.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These toothy fish are some of the largest in North America. Learn how they've lasted 100 million years in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/fish/alligator-gar-100-million-years-old-and-still-kicking.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home burials are largely a thing of the past, but they're perfectly legal in most states -- once you check a few boxes. Learn how home burials work in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/afterlife/can-you-bury-someone-your-backyard.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen up, BrainStuff fans! We are super excited about a brand-new podcast called The Puzzler. It's a daily show jam-packed with, you guessed it, PUZZLES. We think you'll love this show, too but you don't have to just take our word for it. Check out this trailer to decide if you enjoy a daily puzzle fix like we do.

Show Info: Finally, your daily puzzle fix—in audio form! Every day, in 10 minutes or less, New York Times bestselling author A.J. Jacobs and his celebrity guests will puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old puzzle favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals such as “Ask Chat GPT” and audio rebuses. Plus, Chief Puzzle Officer Greg Pliska joins A.J. each week to present new puzzles from the Puzzle Lab. And there’s a daily Extra Credit Puzzler for our Puzzlers at home. (Answers revealed in the following episode.) 

Tune in to The Puzzler on the iHeartRadio app, or wherever you get your podcasts!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.