

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

Sep 4, 2021 • 5min
BrainStuff Classics: Can You Microwave a Steak to Perfection?
While it may not be our first choice in cooking methods, yes, you can microwave a steak to a perfect medium-rare. Learn how, plus how microwaves work, in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/tools-and-techniques/can-microwave-steak-to-perfect-medium-rare.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 3, 2021 • 6min
How Do Red Squirrels Work?
American red squirrels are smaller than their local grey counterparts, but they pack a lot of attitude. Learn about these cute but aggressive animals in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/red-squirrel.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 2, 2021 • 4min
How Do You Sleep When Sailing 4,000 Miles Solo?
Mini Transat sailors race small yachts alone across the Atlantic -- surviving three to four weeks sleeping only 20 minutes at a time. Learn what sleep researchers learned about this feat in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/disorders/sleep-when-sailing-solo-4000-miles.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 1, 2021 • 5min
How Does Steganography Work?
Steganography involves not just encrypting messages, but hiding the fact that there's a message being sent at all. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/future-tech/steganography.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 31, 2021 • 4min
What's at the Bottom of the Fosse Dionne Spring?
France's beautiful Fosse Dionne spring has been keeping its secrets close for centuries -- no one has ever found its source. Learn the myths and history surrounding it in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophysics/fosse-dionne-spring.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 30, 2021 • 6min
Who Investigates Deaths in Antarctica?
Antarctica belongs to no one nation -- so who has jurisdiction when someone dies under mysterious or criminal circumstances? Learn why it's messy in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/whos-charge-investigating-deaths-antarctica.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 29, 2021 • 4min
BrainStuff Classics: Will the Paper of the Future Be Made from Poop?
It might sound gross, but it's eco-friendly: Paper is made from plant pulp. Animals that eat plants excrete plant pulp. Learn why some researchers have high hopes for poo-pyrus in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/poo-pyrus-eco-friendly-paper-made-from-poop.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 28, 2021 • 6min
BrainStuff Classics: How Can You Be Your Own Twin?
In a genetic condition called chimerism, DNA from someone else (an unborn twin, an organ donor, or even your own baby) is at work in your body. Learn how it works in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/chimerism-be-own-twin.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 27, 2021 • 4min
What's the Difference Between Lox, Gravlax, and Nova Salmon?
Preservation techniques like curing and smoking create tasty, longer-lasting dishes like lox, gravlax, and nova. Learn the difference between these salmon preparations in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/tools-and-techniques/lox-gravlax-nova-whats-difference.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 26, 2021 • 8min
Why Are Noncompete Agreements So Common?
Businesses say noncompete agreements protect their interests -- but when they apply to everyone from VPs to janitors, are they overkill? Learn how noncompetes work in this episode of BrainStuff: https://money.howstuffworks.com/noncompete-agreements-news.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.