BrainStuff

Explore the surprising psychological reasons behind online mean behavior, including the effects of anonymity and social distance. Discover how these dynamics foster aggression and the impact they have on individuals. Delve into online harassment and the lack of specific laws addressing it, alongside the importance of mental health support. Gain insights on coping strategies and potential solutions to promote positivity in digital interactions, aiming to break the cycle of negativity.

Discover the enchanting pink fairy armadillo, the smallest of its kind, and its stunning adaptations for life in Argentina's sandy deserts. Explore its unique burrowing abilities and elusive nature, along with the challenges it faces in the wild. Dive into its lifecycle, diet, and the serious threats from habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. The discussion highlights the importance of conservation efforts for preserving this mythical creature, shedding light on both its mystique and its ecological significance.

Discover how the three branches of the U.S. government intertwine, designed to check and balance each other. Explore the intricacies of power dynamics and how hyper-partisanship challenges effective governance. Historical examples add depth to the discussion on the evolving roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Delve into the founders' intentions and the ongoing struggles that shape American policymaking today.

Discover the transient nature of Saturn's breathtaking rings, which are surprisingly new in the cosmic timeline. Researchers unveil their formation and future, revealing that these iconic rings won't last forever. Insights from NASA's Cassini mission shed light on their mass and age, providing a deeper understanding of planetary systems. Explore the forces that might lead to their eventual disappearance and why they matter so much in the grand narrative of our solar system.

Whale songs are eerie, beautiful, and -- as it turns out -- completely on-trend. Learn how humpback whales share tunes among herds in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/humpback-whales-start-new-songs-old-too-complex.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The internet is a daily fixture in our lives, and it all started with the diligent work of Department of Defense-funded researchers in the 1960s. Learn how ARPANET bloomed into the internet as we know it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/basics/internet-start.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year on January 1, a new batch of movies, books, songs, and other works of art enters the public domain, meaning they're free to use and repurpose. (In 2024, after 95 years of copyright, we got the original Mickey Mouse cartoon, 'Steamboat Willy'.) Learn how public domain and copyright law intersect to encourage artists in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/what-does-public-domain-mean.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pelicans use their huge gular pouch to easily scoop up fish in water but consume only the fish. Learn more about them in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/pelican-bill-vs-belly.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having a plan in place when a hurricane approaches can help keep you safe -- and take some of the stress out of these scary storms. Learn the basics of hurricane preparedness in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/prepare-for-hurricane.htm Go to Ready.gov for more info.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barbie is an American icon now -- but she wasn't an instant success, and she actually has roots in a slightly ribald German cartoon from the 1950s. Learn how Ruth Handler made Barbie a phenomenon in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/barbie-history.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.