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
Apr 24, 2023 • 8min
What's the History of License Plates?
Motor vehicle license plates have been in use since 1903 in the U.S., and they've changed a lot over the years, from lifetime leather plates to newfangled digital ones. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/cost-of-car-ownership/history-license-plates-in-us.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 17, 2023 • 4min
How Can Glass on the Moon Contain Water?
Researchers have found tiny glass beads on the moon, created by meteorite strikes, with droplets of water attached. Learn how they work -- and how we might be able to harvest that water -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/moon-glass-beads-water.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 16, 2023 • 4min
BrainStuff Classics: How Can Sunlight Make You Sneeze?
Sudden exposure to bright light makes some people sneeze -- but why? Learn the leading theory in this episode of BrainStuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 15, 2023 • 9min
How Did Hedy Lamarr Change Communications Technology?
Hollywood bombshell Hedy Lamarr was as interested in engineering as she was in acting, but she's only recently been recognized for her scientific contributions. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this episode: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/famous-inventors/hedy-lamarr.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 14, 2023 • 5min
How Do Maraschino Cherries Work?
https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/food-science/maraschino-cherries.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 13, 2023 • 4min
Why Are Fingerprints (Almost) Unique?
Even identical twins have different fingerprints -- that's because more than just genetics goes into their formation. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/why-even-identical-twins-have-different-fingerprints.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 12, 2023 • 9min
What's the Legacy of African American Spirituals?
The spirituals created by enslaved African Americans as a means of expression and communication have impacted both artistic and social movements throughout U.S. history. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/cultural-traditions/slave-spiritual-music.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 9, 2023 • 4min
BrainStuff Classics: Why Can't You Reach the End of a Rainbow?
Rainbows may look like they touch the ground somewhere off in the distance, but it's physically impossible for the viewer to reach the spot where it touches. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 8, 2023 • 6min
How Does the Martini Glass Work?
This angular, stemmed glass has been synonymous with the martini cocktail for nearly a hundred years. Learn more about the history of both the martini glass and cocktail in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/martini-glass.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 7, 2023 • 4min
What's Happening When You Get the Wind Knocked Out of You?
When you get the wind knocked out of you, your normally automatic breathing system is being temporarily interrupted. Learn how phrenospasm works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/respiratory/wind-knocked-out.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
