BrainStuff

Americans eat a LOT of turkey around the winter holidays, but why? Learn about turkey's festive history and when we eat the most of it in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/menus/turkey-popularity.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Powerful events on the surface of the sun, like solar flares and coronal mass ejections, produce radiation and magnetic waves that could indeed affect electrical and communications systems here on Earth -- though they'd have to be massive. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/solar-flare-electronics.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover how the U.S. Navy has utilized bottlenose dolphins since the 1960s for undersea mine detection. Learn about the fascinating training methods that incentivize dolphins to mark mines. Delve into their remarkable echolocation abilities, allowing them to 'see' with sound where mechanical sonar struggles. Explore the ethical considerations surrounding their military use and the ongoing research benefiting both dolphins and human technology. Plus, hear about sea lions' roles in the program and the importance of animal welfare.

Skin acts like castle walls, defending against microbes and UV light. Explore the different layers, including the stratum corneum which forms a flexible, waterproof barrier. Discover how skin retains moisture while preventing water loss, and how monthly cell turnover helps shed invaders. Learn about the immune cells that protect us, the effects of inflammation, and what disrupts this vital barrier. Additionally, delve into conditions like psoriasis and how to maintain skin health as we age, emphasizing gentle care and sun protection.

Discover the fascinating history of Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles, where thousands live in makeshift shelters. Learn about the term's origins linked to Seattle and how Skid Row evolved in urban America. Explore LA's growth fueled by railroads and wartime challenges that created a lasting poverty cycle. Delve into urban renewal efforts and the ongoing struggle against gentrification pressures. Understand the unique services available and the recent legal battles shaping Skid Row's future.

Discover the fascinating art of crafting hoshigaki, a traditional Japanese dried persimmon. The process requires patience and daily massages to transform the fruit into a sweet treat. Learn about different persimmon varieties and how to choose the right ones. Explore initial preparation techniques, including a brief boiling step, and find out how the sugars develop during the drying process. Finally, uncover the unique texture and flavors that make hoshigaki a beloved delicacy, along with tips on storage and uses.

Psoriasis is a skin condition driven by an overactive immune system, often leading to discomfort and inflammation. It causes rapid skin cell turnover, resulting in flaky patches. The podcast dives into common symptoms, such as itching and pain, and explores genetic links that predispose some individuals to the disease. Various triggers can spark chronic flare-ups. Treatments range from topical therapies to advanced biologics, with ongoing research aiming to improve outcomes and understanding of this complex condition.

'Y'all' emerges as a fascinating solution to English's lack of a second-person plural pronoun, especially in the American South. The term's inclusive nature addresses groups without gender bias and has surprising historical roots. Regional variations like 'you guys' and 'yins' showcase creative alternatives. Interestingly, 'y'all' is transcending its regional origins, gaining popularity through music and social media. Its rise as a welcome, non-gendered address reflects a cultural shift towards inclusivity, with slogans like 'y'all means all' embodying this change.

Discover how paleoartists collaborate with scientists to bring prehistoric creatures back to life. The impact of the Dinosaur Renaissance changed how we envision these giants, making them look more dynamic. Controversies like shrink-wrapping reveal challenges in creating accurate depictions. Modern artists study living animals to incorporate realistic features like feathers and fat. Learn about historical paleo art, including the iconic models from Crystal Palace Park. It's a fascinating blend of art and science that breathes life into the distant past!

Discover the eerie tale of the Winchester Mystery House, constructed by Sarah Winchester in a desperate bid to appease restless spirits. Delve into her personal tragedies, including family losses that prompted her move to California. The podcast explores bizarre architectural choices, like doors and stairs to nowhere, and examines Sarah's nightly seances that guided the house's endless renovation. Uncover the modern reputation of the house as a haunted attraction and the strange phenomena reported by visitors.