

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 10, 2022 • 6min
Why Are Some Scents Soothing?
The way our brains process scent is definitely tied to memory and emotion -- but do some scent compounds work like anti-anxiety medicine? Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/what-makes-scent-soothing.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 9, 2022 • 4min
Why Is Point Nemo the World's Spacecraft Graveyard?
When spacecraft in orbit stop working, it's ideal to bring them safely back to Earth. Learn about Point Nemo, the remote crash zone for old spacecraft, in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/south-pacific-graveyard-where-spacecraft-go-to-die.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 6, 2022 • 3min
BrainStuff Classics: What Are Vampire Squid?
Despite their name and their somewhat scary appearance, 'Vampyroteuthis infernalis' aren't infernal blood-suckers. Learn why they're pretty cool anyway in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/vampire-squid-dont-actually-suck-blood.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 4, 2022 • 5min
Why Do Babies' Eyes Sometimes Change Color?
Our eyes are as individual as our fingerprints, but their shade can change over time. Learn why this is common in babies during the first couple years of their life in this episode of BrainStuff: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/eye/babies-eyes-change-color.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 3, 2022 • 8min
How Could NASA's DART Mission Change the Cosmos?
NASA's DART mission aims to subtly alter the orbit of one small asteroid around another -- and thus change the trajectory of objects outside Earth for the first time. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff: https://science.howstuffworks.com/dart-nasas-asteroid-redirecting-mission-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 2, 2022 • 4min
Could Earth Gain a New Ocean?
Some researchers think that eventually, a rift that's forming in West Africa could become a whole new ocean. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/oceanography/earth-get-new-ocean.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 1, 2022 • 11min
Who Profits from Food Delivery Apps?
Consumers are spending billions via food delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, but no one -- not the drivers, the restaurants, or the apps themselves -- are seeing much profit. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://money.howstuffworks.com/food-delivery-make-money-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 31, 2022 • 6min
Is Uranium Glass Radioactive?
Uranium gives glass products an unearthly glow -- and luckily for collectors, the stuff is basically safe to handle. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/artwork/uranium-glass.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 30, 2022 • 4min
BrainStuff Classics: What Makes Stars Twinkle?
On a clear night, the stars seem to wink and twinkle in the sky. Learn why in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/why-do-stars-twinkle.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 29, 2022 • 4min
BrainStuff Classics: Should You Really Eat Activated Charcoal?
Celebrities and Instagrammers have been singing the praises of activated charcoal as a health supplement, but can it really help make you healthier? Learn the real science in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/why-are-people-eating-activated-charcoal.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.