

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

Jan 17, 2024 • 9min
What Animals Reshape Earth's Waterways?
Animals that reshape waterways are discussed, including alligators, beavers, and burrowing crabs. The podcast also includes ads from Bank of America and Planet Fitness, as well as podcast recommendations.

Jan 16, 2024 • 4min
BrainStuff Classics: Could Neanderthals Laugh?
Neanderthals were more like us than we previously thought, but could they laugh? Learn why researchers think they could in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/evolution/yes-neanderthals-could-laugh.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 13, 2024 • 8min
How Do They Get the Fat Out of Fat-Free Foods?
This podcast episode explores the complexities of nutrition, the process of removing fat from fat-free foods, and the difficulties in maintaining flavor and texture. It discusses the use of additives, fat substitutes, and the importance of reading nutrition labels.

Jan 11, 2024 • 5min
BrainStuff Classics: How Do We Define the Kilogram?
The kilogram used to be measured against an agreed-upon chunk of metal stored in France, but no longer. Learn the new measure of this standard unit of measurement in today's classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/math-concepts/kilogram-is-dead-meet-kilogram-20.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 10, 2024 • 10min
Who Were the Baddest Bank Robbers You've Never Heard Of?
The Newton Boys were a gang of brothers who made a business of robbing banks and trains in the 1920s. Learn how they largely got away with it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/newton-boys-bank-robbers.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 9, 2024 • 7min
How Do Banyan Trees Work?
These giant trees grow trunk-like roots down from their branches and can cover the area of city blocks. Learn more about banyan trees in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/understanding-roots-banyan-tree.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 6, 2024 • 5min
How Do Male Seahorses Give Birth?
Male seahorses are the ones that carry babies to term and give birth, but the process is fairly different from most pregnancies. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/fish/male-seahorses-give-birth.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 5, 2024 • 7min
What Laws Apply on a Cruise Ship?
When crime and other legal tangles occur on a cruise ship, what laws apply depend on where the ship is registered and where it was located at the time. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/cruise-ship-law.htm/printableSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 4, 2024 • 6min
How Does Marzipan Work?
Marzipan is a sweet, moldable almond paste that gets worked into all kinds of holiday traditions. Learn about it (and about Glücksschwein, the good luck pig of the New Year) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article and podcast: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/food-facts/marzipan.htm; https://www.iheart.com/podcast/105-savor-28019899/episode/the-marzipan-episode-is-shaping-up-90864626/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 27, 2023 • 6min
BrainStuff Classics: Why Does Ice Get Cloudy?
Water usually appears clear, but ice cubes and ice on lakes often looks cloudy. Learn what has to happen for ice to freeze clear (like black ice does on roads) in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/why-ice-usually-freezes-cloudy-and-not-clear.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.