

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 24, 2021 • 5min
What Is the Wilhelm Scream?
Movies and other media often use stock sound effects to avoid the cost of recording new ones, but a particular scream has become a Hollywood in-joke. Learn where the Wilhelm scream comes from in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 23, 2021 • 4min
How Smart Are Dolphins?
Dolphins are incredibly intelligent -- in some ways, they can mentally outperform chimpanzees. Learn about some of their amazing capabilities in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 22, 2021 • 4min
Why Do Songs Get Stuck in Your Head?
Ever had a song or commercial jingle on repeat in your head for days? Learn how earworms work in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 21, 2021 • 5min
BrainStuff Classics: Could Human Waste Feed Astronauts?
It sounds gross, but stick with us: Researchers are working on recycling astronauts' waste into food for edible stuff. Learn how (and why) in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 20, 2021 • 4min
BrainStuff Classics: Can Magic Mushrooms Help Stop Depression?
Although psychedelic drugs are largely recreational these days, scientists are looking into potential therapeutic uses -- especially in patients for whom nothing else works. Learn how psilocybin may fight depression in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 19, 2021 • 4min
Can a Dripping Faucet Really Prevent Pipe Damage?
Yes, keeping a faucet dripping can help prevent pipes from bursting during freezing weather. Learn why -- and how to best accomplish this -- in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 2021 • 8min
When Can You Claim Defamation?
When something you write or say causes harm to someone else, that's defamation -- maybe. Learn about the legal considerations and qualifications involved in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 2021 • 7min
How Can Pit Vipers 'See' Heat?
Pit vipers are a category of snakes that have specialized organs that can sense infrared radiation (heat!) from nearby animals. Learn more about these fascinating snakes in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 16, 2021 • 8min
Where Does the Vice President Live?
The White House famously houses the U.S. president, but the VP has a historical place to call home, too. Learn about Number One Observatory Drive in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 15, 2021 • 5min
Will a Second Bump to the Head Really Cure Amnesia?
Spoiler alert: Nope. Learn where the pervasive myth about a blow to the skull causing and curing amnesia came from in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.