

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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 29, 2024 • 5min
BrainStuff Classics: Skim Versus Whole Milk: Which Spoils Faster?
Some food safety charts claim that whole milk goes off more quickly than skim milk, but the scientific evidence is mixed. Learn more about milk science in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/dairy/does-whole-milk-spoil-faster-than-skim-milk.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 28, 2024 • 4min
BrainStuff Classics: Why Do Scorpions Glow Under Black Light?
Scorpions light up a glowing green under ultraviolet light. Science isn't entirely sure how but has a few theories on why. (Y'know, aside from "Scorpions are metal.") Learn more about scorpions' fluorescence in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/arachnids/why-scorpions-glow-under-black-light.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 27, 2024 • 11min
How Have Hispanic Scientists Changed the World?
From particle physics to immunology to the ozone layer, these six scientists from the Spanish-speaking Americas redefined their disciplines with their work. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/dictionary/famous-scientists/physicists/10-hispanic-scientists.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 26, 2024 • 9min
Could We Resurrect the Dodo?
The dodo was the first animal that we watched go extinct due to human intervention -- could it be the first animal we bring back? Learn more about the dodo and de-extinction in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/extinct-animals/dodo.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 25, 2024 • 10min
What Do We Know (and Not Know) About Depression?
Explore the intriguing complexities of depression, a common yet often misunderstood condition. Discover the multitude of symptoms and the varying factors impacting diagnosis, from grief to hormonal changes. Learn about the important treatment options available, including medication and talk therapy. The discussion highlights the need for personalized care and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Delve into what we truly know and the gaps in our understanding of this vital topic.

Sep 24, 2024 • 7min
Should There Be Age Limits on the U.S. Presidency?
To be eligible to be elected president of the United States, you have to be at least 35 years old. But why 35? And why is there no upper age limit? Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/us-millennials-under-35-age-limit-president.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 10, 2024 • 7min
Who Invented Doughnuts?
Doughnuts have been around in some form for thousands of years, but a lot had to happen to make them the near-ubiquitous snack they are today. Learn about the history of doughnuts in this episode of BrainStuff, based on these articles: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/5-things-didn-t-know-about-doughnuts.htm; https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/ridiculous-history-vitamin-donuts.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 9, 2024 • 5min
How Can Owls Fly So Quietly?
Owls' ability to fly almost silently gives them an air of mystery, but the science is in their wings and feathers. Learn how they do it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/owl-fly-silently.htm/printableSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 6, 2024 • 7min
How Did Calamity Jane Work?
Calamity Jane has a reputation for being one of the wildest women in the Old West, but it's hard to separate historical fact from fiction. Learn more about this sharp-shooting adventurer in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/calamity-jane.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 5, 2024 • 8min
What Is the Pacific Ring of Fire?
The Ring of Fire is a loop around the Pacific Ocean that's a literal hotbed of volcanoes, earthquakes, hydrothermal vents, and other geologic activity. Learn how the interactions among tectonic plates cause all this mayhem in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/ring-of-fire.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.