BrainStuff
iHeartPodcasts
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
Mar 19, 2020 • 4min
FunStuff Playlist 06: Did Pirates Really Talk Like That?
One guy is responsible for what we think pirates sounded like. Learn how actor Robert Newton changed the world in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 19, 2020 • 7min
FunStuff Playlist 02: Why Are Some Words Funny?
Words like 'poop' and 'wiggle' are inherently humorous, and science may have figured out why. Learn what science has to say about why some words tickle us in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 19, 2020 • 7min
FunStuff Playlist 04: Do Humans and Bananas Really Share Half Their DNA?
You may have heard that people share about 50 percent of their DNA with bananas, and while there's a seed of truth to that, it's not quite right. Learn about our genetic similarity to fruit and other life forms in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 19, 2020 • 3min
Were Turtles Once the Size of Cars?
Spoiler alert: Yep. A prehistoric species of freshwater sea turtles was a hundred times heavier than its modern relatives. Learn more about this giant in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 18, 2020 • 5min
Farts Can Be Silent, But Can They Be Deadly?
It's highly unlikely that most farts spread disease, but there is one strange case in the medical records. Learn why passing gas is almost always safe (except for our noses) in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 17, 2020 • 6min
Why Are Four-Leaf Clovers Considered Lucky?
Four-leaf clovers have long been held as a symbol of good fortune. Learn why they're so rare (and why Saint Patrick used three-leaf clovers in his teachings) in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 17, 2020 • 7min
Is Old Faithful Becoming Less Faithful?
The famous Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park has been changing its eruption patterns over the past few decades -- but it's still incredibly predictable. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 15, 2020 • 4min
BrainStuff Classics: How Do Bed Bugs Work?
These insects live in your furniture, drink your blood, and stain your sheets. Learn how they thrive -- and how to get rid of them -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 14, 2020 • 5min
What Is Pi?
Today is Pi Day -- a celebration of the number pi (and pies, and mathematics in general). Learn what pi is and how this holiday came about in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 13, 2020 • 6min
Why Are We Afraid of Friday the 13th?
Many Westerners are wary of any Friday that falls on the 13th of a month for reasons rooted in pop culture and ancient theology alike. Learn how these ancient memes got started in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
