Brains On! Science podcast for kids

The process that turns sand into glass is very cool – or rather, we should say very hot. Very, very, very hot as it turns out. Humans have been turning minerals from the earth’s crust into glass for 3,500 years. Find out how it’s done and how it’s evolved – from blowing glass by hand to a factory that makes hundreds of glass bottles every minute. Plus: The mystery sound!

How and why do mosquitoes suck our blood? Why do their bites itch ALL the time? Why do some people get bitten more than others? And do these pesky and possibly dangerous insects serve any kind of useful purpose?

Have you ever wondered about what’s beyond the edge of the universe? Or maybe a better question: is there even an edge of the universe? And what does it mean that the universe is expanding? Nine-year-old Thea talks with astrophysicist Katie Mack to find answers to her many questions about the universe.

We’re back with new episodes! Carnivores are animals that only eat other animals – so how do they get the vitamins, minerals and fiber that we humans get from eating plants? We take a trip to a salad bar with some animal pals to find out.

We’ve been catching colds for millennia – but it wasn’t until fairly recently that we actually understood how and why we get sneezy, coughy, and achy. In this episode, we find out more about the common cold: Does standing outside in the cold actually make it easier to get sick? Is there a cure that really works? Could there be a benefit to catching the rhinovirus? Listen for all the answers + the mystery sound!

Is there anybody out there? Like, WAAAAY out there? In this episode we hear from astronomer Laura Danly about the search for life on other planets. We’ll also learn what that search has in common with a fairy tale.

Did Dinosaurs have feathers? Can you bring back species that have gone extinct? Find out here.

In this podcast, the hosts go on a video field trip to solve a stinky mystery and tease a special announcement. They also discuss why bats hang upside down and share personal experiences of seeing bats. Scientists explain how infrared cameras are used to study bats and reveal their presence in our surroundings. A kid named Nate shares his journey of starting a science podcast and gives advice to young scientists. The concept of megafauna and the disappearance of extinct creatures are explored. Tiffany's transformation and the Story Pirates are also mentioned.

Learn about living in space, including zero gravity and the view of Earth. Discover the continuous human presence on the ISS and the experiments conducted. Explore the challenges of growing plants in space and the potential for future habitation in space.

Join the hosts in this episode for a mystery sound extravaganza. Guess the sounds from listeners and scientists. Explore the world of silkworms and the unique sounds of a sewing machine. Learn about the brain stethoscope device and how it helps treat epilepsy. Discover the identity of the trombone dinosaur and engage with the hosts on social media. Explore mystery sounds, a remix, the Pink and Wall Bingo game, and the Evolvea device.