BrainStuff

Sloths have one of the most perilous bathroom habits in the animal kingdom, defecating only once a week. This unusual frequency poses significant risks, especially since they descend from trees during this vulnerable time. Experts delve into the ecological implications of these bathroom behaviors, revealing how sloths' unique lifestyle affects their survival, communication, and even reproduction. It's a deep dive into the intersection of biology and the quirky habits of one of nature's slowest creatures!

In the 1850s, the abolitionist novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' was America's first bestseller, and its enslaved character Uncle Tom was a heroic martyr. Learn how 'Uncle Tom' later became a biting insult in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/literature/uncle-toms-cabin.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our solar system runs pretty smoothly, but even tiny changes to how the planets, moons, and asteroids move could potentially cause Earth to collide with Mars or Venus in the distant future. Learn more about how chaos theory applies to planetary orbits in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/earth-venus-mars-collide.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These cold-adapted cousins of modern elephants coexisted with humans for thousands of years. Learn what we know (and don't know) about them -- and why we shouldn't bring them back -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/extinct-animals/woolly-mammoth.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever gotten dizzy and seen stars for a second after standing or moving quickly, don't worry, it's just your heart adjusting to the sudden change. Learn why it happens and how to prevent it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/nervous-system/split-second-dizziness.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 500 years ago, creating clever collective nouns for groups of animals, objects, and people was trendy, and some of those nouns of assemblage stuck. Learn the history of this quirk of the English language in today's classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/shrewdness-apes-collective-nouns-500-year-old-language-fad.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The satly, buttery popcorn sold in movie theaters is nigh irresistible, but there's zero butter involved. Learn what it's made of in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/what-heck-is-in-movie-theater-popcorn.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover why humans can't thrive on grass like cows do! The podcast dives into the fascinating differences in digestive systems between ruminants and humans. It also explores the curious habits of dogs and cats munching on grass, shedding light on why they do it despite not being able to digest it. Along the way, learn about the types of grass we can consume, such as grains, and the intriguing reasons behind our dietary choices. It's a fun journey into the world of digestion and animal behavior!

Yes, the sun rotates, but it does so a little differently than rocky planets like Earth. Learn how (and why) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/does-sun-rotate.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A turtle's shell grows with it throughout its life. Learn how a hard, protective shell can keep growing in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/reptiles/turtle-shell.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.