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
Oct 1, 2022 • 5min
BrainStuff Classics: What Would Happen If You Wrecked a Car on a Test-Drive?
If you wreck a car during a test-drive, would you have to pay for it? Learn how car dealers handle this surprisingly rare occurance in today's classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/what-happens-if-wreck-car-on-test-drive.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8 snips
Sep 30, 2022 • 7min
Who Really Profited from the Gold Rush?
A few people did strike it rich in the American Gold Rush of the 1800s -- but none of them were looking for gold. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/gold-rush.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 29, 2022 • 7min
What's the Coldest Place On Earth?
Researchers have recorded some shatteringly cold temperatures on our generally mild planet -- but the answer to this question depends on your definition of "on". Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/coldest-place-on-earth.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 28, 2022 • 7min
What Causes Nightmares, and How Can You Prevent Them?
Everyone has bad dreams sometimes, but if nightmares plague you, mental exercises or physical treatments might help. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/dreams/nightmares.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 27, 2022 • 5min
How Could Blue Denim Be Greener?
It takes a lot of water and some toxic chemicals to dye our denim blue. Learn how research into chitosan could make the process more environmentally friendly in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-tech/sustainable/denim-dyeing.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 26, 2022 • 7min
How Do Hognose Snakes Play Dead?
North American hognose snakes are among the creatures that will dramatically feign death to escape predators. Learn about these reptiles (and thanatosis) in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/snakes/hognose-snake.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 22, 2022 • 5min
Should You Worry About Nitrates in Your Food?
We associate nitrates with processed meats, but they occur in vegetables, too -- and they're not all bad. Learn more about nitrates and nitrites in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/nitrates.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 21, 2022 • 4min
What Artefacts Has This Summer's Drought Uncovered?
Our changing climate is creating all kinds of effects -- including some surprising historical reveals. Learn about a few of the human remains, dinosaur tracks, and WWII relics that receding waters have uncovered in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/archaeology/droughts-uncover-ancient-artifacts-news.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 20, 2022 • 8min
How Did Queen Elizabeth II Fall in Love with Corgis?
When Queen Elizabeth II died in September of 2022, she left a legacy that includes at least a couple of Welsh Pembroke corgis. Learn about her history with this breed in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/queen-corgis.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 14, 2022 • 5min
What Does Your Pinky Toe Actually Do?
The pinky toe is actually an important element in how we humans usually walk, jump, skip, etc. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/parts/surprise-pinky-toe-does-serve-purpose.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
