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
Feb 14, 2024 • 9min
How Does Scurvy Work?
Scurvy is a serious condition that's easily cured with access to vitamin C. Learn why humans get it (and why it was the scourge of the high seas) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/rare/scurvy.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 13, 2024 • 7min
Do Cows Really Pollute As Much As Cars?
Cattle emit methane equivalent to cars every day, researchers are finding solutions to this gassy situation. The chapter also promotes other podcasts like 'The Daily Show Ears Edition', 'Call Her Daddy', 'Martha Stewart Podcast', and 'McCartney, a life and lyrics'.
Feb 6, 2024 • 7min
Where Does Earth's Water Come From?
The water cycle brings Earth's water from the clouds to the ground and back again -- but how did it get here in the first place? Learn about the leading theories in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophysics/water-come-from.htmlSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 5, 2024 • 5min
Why Does the Orchid Mantis Imitate Flowers?
These mantises look like beautiful, bright orchids -- and some use that to aggressively attract prey. Learn more in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/insects/orchid-mantis.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 4, 2024 • 5min
BrainStuff Classics: When We Lose Weight, Where Does It Go?
When we lose weight, it doesn't just vanish. Learn how our bodies shrink fat cells in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/weight-loss/lost-weight.htm/printableSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 3, 2024 • 5min
BrainStuff Classics: What Can Probiotics Really Do?
Some claims make it sound like probiotics are a cure-all, but what has research found so far? Learn more about these supplements for your microbiome in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/preventive-care/probiotic.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 2, 2024 • 7min
Is Jaywalking Still a Crime?
Explore the legality and importance of jaywalking for pedestrian safety. Learn about the origin, laws, and enforcement of jaywalking, including the disproportionate targeting of people of color. This episode also includes various advertisements and a message from the CDC about free COVID-19 vaccines.
Feb 1, 2024 • 7min
Why Is the Bradford Pear Tree Bad – Even Beyond the Smell?
Though beautiful, Bradford pear trees are invasive in the U.S., use up precious water, are brittle -- and smell decidedly funky. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://home.howstuffworks.com/whats-that-smell-dreaded-bradford-pear.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 25, 2024 • 7min
How Does Burns Night Work?
To celebrate the anniversary of poet Robert Burns' birth on January 25, 1759, Scottish people all over the world observe Burns Night each year. Learn about the verse, the bagpipes, and of course the haggis in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-other/get-out-haggis-its-burns-night.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 24, 2024 • 7min
How Do White Dwarf Stars Shred Planets?
White dwarfs have almost all the mass of a normal star squished into a ball the size of our Earth -- and that comes with a lot of gravitational power. Learn how they can tear planets to shreds in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/white-dwarfs-shred-planets.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
