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BrainStuff

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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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73 episodes
a few times a week
Avg 11 min
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Episodes 73

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July 22 · 12 min
Are Induction Cooktops Better than Gas or Electric?
Instead of putting a pan on a source of heat (like a gas burner or electric element), an induction cooktop creates heat in the pan itself thanks to the principles of electromagnetism and resistance. Learn how it works -- plus the pros and cons of the technology -- in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://home.howstuffworks.com/induction-cooktops.htm/printable See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 20 · 13 min
How Did Mastodons Defend the Legitimacy of America?
In the 1700s, fossil finds along the Ohio and Hudson Rivers indicated that North America was home to mysterious beasts. Learn how mastodon bones proved both that extinction is real and that America isn't full of degenerates in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/extinct-animals/mastodon-boneyard-that-stole-thomas-jeffersons-heart.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 18 · 7 min
BrainStuff Classics: Why Do Some People Eat Dirt?
The craving for and practice of eating earth is more widespread than you might think. Learn why researchers think people engage in this form of pica (i.e., geophagy) in today's classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/cultural-traditions/why-do-people-eat-dirt.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 17 · 9 min
What Advice About Lightning Is Wrong?
A lot of sayings and ideas about how to avoid getting struck by lightning are misguided. Learn how to stay storm safe in a building, a vehicle, or outside in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on these articles: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/storms/do-rubber-tires-insulate-car-from-lightning.htm; https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/storms/10-lightning-myths.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 15 · 12 min
How Did Wild Bill Hickok Become America's First Gunslinger?
In the mid-1800s, the archetype of the gentleman gunslinger emerged through tall tales of real people like James Butler 'Wild Bill' Hickok. Learn how Wild Bill became a legend in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/wild-bill-hickok.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 13 · 14 min
What Colors Are Impossible?
All colors only really exist in the mind of the beholder -- and there are colors that we can't perceive, or can only perceive under particular circumstances. Learn about impossible colors and how to see them in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/impossible-colors.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 11 · 6 min
BrainStuff Classics: What's the Controversy Behind 'Mary Had a Little Lamb'?
No, it's not the lyrics -- the author of this nursery rhyme is what's in question. Learn why (and how Henry Ford was involved) in today's classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/literature/controversy-behind-mary-had-little-lamb.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 10 · 10 min
What Was the World's Largest Nuclear Weapon?
In 1961, the USSR set off a 57-megaton atomic bomb, nicknamed the Tsar Bomba. It's still by far the most powerful nuclear weapon ever built. Learn how its test changed history in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/tsar-bomba.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 8 · 9 min
How Do Red-Tailed Hawks Work?
This large, loud hawk is probably North America's most common because it's so adaptable. Learn more about red-tailed hawks in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/red-tailed-hawk.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 6 · 11 min
How Does Ketchup Work?
This all-American condiment got its start as a fermented fish sauce and featured in the formation of the Food and Drug Administration. Learn about the history of tomato ketchup -- and why it's so hard to get out of bottles -- in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/ketchup.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 4 · 6 min
BrainStuff Classics: How Can You Help a Friend with Depression?
We all know we're supposed to reach out to friends and family experiencing depression, but it's an intimidating prospect. Learn how to get a conversation started in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/depression/questions/help-friend-with-depression.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 3 · 11 min
How Does the Myth of the Minotaur Work?
The Minotaur -- a monstrous half man, half bull -- has raged through stories for millennia. But where did he and his labyrinth come from? Learn the ancient history and modern psychology behind both in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/minotaur.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 1 · 9 min
How Do Manatees Work?
Manatees swim the calm waterways of tropical Atlantic coastlines with no worries of natural predators. Learn why humans are their only real danger -- and how we can help -- in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/manatees.htm; https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/manatees-see-underwater.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Showing 61–73 of 73 episodes