The White House's Rose Garden is a presidential sanctuary and event space for gatherings big and small -- but how did it get started? Learn about the history of the Rose Garden in this episode of BrainStuff.

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There's an urban myth that daddy longlegs are the world's most venomous spiders, but most creatures by this name are neither venomous nor spiders. Learn more about daddy longlegs in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Hurricanes are the strongest storms on the planet, but there's a big difference between a Category 1 and a Category 5 (and all the storms in between). Learn more about how we classify hurricanes in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Ancient Plesiosaurs moved through the water unlike any other animal since. Learn what recent research found about them in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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In America, most of the Underground Railroad moved enslaved people north to freedom -- but Florida's Saltwater Underground Railroad moved people south, to the Bahamas. Learn how it worked in this episode of BrainStuff.

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We all know sunscreen can help save our skin, but new research indicates that most of us aren't using it correctly. Learn how to get the most out of your UV protection in this episode of BrainStuff.

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There are adventures to be had everywhere, but we've picked a few of our favorite science-themed road trip destinations to spark your curiosity. Learn about beautiful places to explore fossils, geology, and rocket science in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Tanuki are East Asian animals that look like a dog with the face of a raccoon. Learn about their behavior and the myths surrounding them in this episode of BrainStuff.

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A new rover is on its way to Mars to search for signs of ancient life. Learn about the Perseverance and its mission (including testing the Ingenuity robotic helicopter) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Recent research has deepened our understanding of balloons' hair-raising effect. Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Do people who back their cars into parking spaces slow down the flow, or are they the smartest in the lot? Learn what science has to say about it in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, but it's often also the closest planet to Earth. Learn why -- and lots of other strange-but-true facts about Mercury -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States has been experiencing a shortage of coins in circulation. Learn why -- and what may help fix it -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Andean condors are seriously fuel efficient -- they only flap their wings for one percent of their total time in the air! Learn more about these amazing birds in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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These two alcohols can both be used to make hand sanitizer, but only ethyl alcohol is drinkable. Learn how ethanol and isopropanol differ in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Frederick Douglass's skills as a writer an orator made him a face of the abolitionist movement and went on to help inform and inspire the Civil Rights movement. Learn more about Douglass in this episode of BrainStuff.

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As casual computer use shifts to touchscreens, the wear patterns on computer keyboards have evolved. Learn what keys now wear out first in this classic episode of BrainStuff

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Scents affect how we experience different cultures and places, which means they have historical value. Learn how researchers are setting about preserving them in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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This genus of plant-eating dinosaurs had awesomely heavy armor, might've had a great sense of smell, and some had a serious defensive weapon in their tail. Learn more about ankylosaurs in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Prior to flight becoming common, 'SOS' was the standard distress call. Learn how the code 'mayday' was invented in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Not having a permanent address or access to identifying documents can make voting in U.S. elections nearly impossible. Learn more about these challenges -- and what some organizations are doing to help -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The surviving records about who Druids were and what they did aren't considered reliable. Learn what we know and don't know about Druids in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Meteors can put on a spectacular show, but many of the pieces of debris that cause them are the size of pebbles -- or dust. Learn more about meteorites in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Over the course of one frigid winter, green anole lizards in Texas changed their genetic makeup to better tolerate cold. Learn about this example of super-quick vertebrate evolution in today's classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Folk wisdom dictates that you should avoid eating oysters, especially raw, in months that don't contain the letter R in their name. Learn why there's some logic there in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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In 1897, a plaster replica of the Parthenon built in Nashville for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition proved so popular that it was rebuilt in a more permanent form. Learn more about Nashville's Parthenon in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Staple grains, like wheat and rice, can wear out the soil — and most have to be replanted from seed each year. Learn how researchers are seeking to create new varieties (like Kernza) to save the environment in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Although the term 'grandfathered in' is applied in many situations today, it originally referred to laws about voting rights. Learn the history of this phrase in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Betta fish are popular aquarium pets, but there are a few common misconceptions about these beautiful critters. Learn how these 'fighting fish' can be peaceful and more in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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In 1920, before many women in the U.S. could even vote, a frontier town in Wyoming elected an all-women ticket into office. Learn about the Petticoat Rulers in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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We humans have lots of nicknames for dogs -- but how did 'Fido' become one of them? Learn about the history of the term in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Goldfish can survive in icy lakes and your poorly cleaned aquarium in part because they make their own alcohol. Learn more about how goldfish work in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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The Harlem Renaissance was a period of great social, intellectual, and artistic invention that deeply impacts our world to this day. Learn how it got started and why it was so important in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Moths pollinate more of our food than researchers previously realized. Learn more about insect pollination in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Popular music and video often use rain as a metaphor for melancholy, but does rainy weather really affect our mood? Learn about the psychology (or lack thereof) behind the rainy-day blues in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The Titanoboa cerrejonensis was a massive snake related to modern boas -- but it might've grown to 47 feet (14 meters) in length. Learn about this extinct South American serpent in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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The massive, historic Liberty Bell wasn't always cracked, and wasn't always named that. Learn what history knows (and doesn't know) about the Liberty Bell in this episode of BrainStuff.

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What we now call grandfather clocks were around for a long time before they got that name. Learn how a pop song renamed them -- and a few legends that may have inspired the song -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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The Tyrannosaurus rex was a giant predator, but its arms weren't much bigger than a human being's. Learn a few hypotheses about T. rex's arms in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Coal fires have burned beneath this Pennsylvania town for decades, driving away inhabitants with continual smoke, ash, and cave-ins. Learn how coal-seam fires work in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Real vanilla is much more expensive than synthetic vanilla. Learn about the delicate orchid that vanilla comes from and why most vanilla flavoring is synthetic in this episode of BrainStuff.

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A new bill aims to make Washington, D.C. the U.S.'s 51st state -- but why wasn't it created as a state to begin with, and why have similar bills failed in the past? Learn the history of the District of Columbia in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The hellbender salamander isn't nearly as scary as it sounds. Learn why they're mostly harmless -- and some of their populations are in danger -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The 'Streisand Effect' is when some powerful entity tries to repress information, but winds up publicizing it instead. Learn the history of the term and how the effect works in this episode of BrainStuff.

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All humans eventually develop bags under our eyes -- but why? Learn how it happens -- and about some inexpensive, unobtrusive home remedies -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff.​

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There's a distinct accent of yesteryear that's not quite British, and not quite American – so what gives? Learn about the Transatlantic accent, or Mid-Atlantic accent, in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 is the worst incident of interracial violence in U.S. history, yet it wasn't discussed for decades, and historians are still unearthing its details. Learn why, and what we do know about it, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Carmine is a vibrant, long-lasting red dye that's extracted from crushed cochineal insects. Learn about the intriguing history and modern use of carmine in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Nailing down what makes a continent a continent is a surprisingly tricky business. Learn more about how we humans have defined landmasses, past and present, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis asked fellow 19th-century doctors to wash their hands between conducting autopsies and delivering babies -- and was ridiculed for it. Learn how he and other sanitation pioneers helped save lives anyway in this episode of BrainStuff.

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In commensal biological relationships, one organism benefits from another's work without harming (or, often, even alerting) the worker organism. Learn more about commensalism in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Spoiler Alert: Yep, dry cleaning isn't dry. Instead, it uses a petroleum solvent in place of water. Learn more about dry cleaning in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen, but in a form that we can't breathe. Learn more about how water works in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating Black American independence and commemorating the ongoing struggle for equality. Learn the history of Juneteenth in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Preference for using one hand over the other is both genetic and learned during childhood -- but can we change that later in life? Learn about how handedness and ambidexterity work in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Though it started as an obscure legal term, intersectionality has become the matter of some debate. Learn what it means and how it can help everyone out in this episode of BrainStuff.

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These small, grey garden critters go by many names and are more helpful than you might think. Learn about roly-poly 'bugs' (they're actually land crustaceans!) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The United States has never postponed a presidential election. Learn why it would be extremely difficult to do so in this episode of BrainStuff.

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What are eyebrows really good for, evolutionarily speaking -- and what would we look like if we hadn't developed them? Learn about eyebrows, sweat, and nonverbal communication in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Lots of human mathematics are based around multiples of the number 10 -- so why do we measure time in multiples of 12? Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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The term 'Jim Crow laws' refers to laws enacted after the U.S. Civil War to prevent emancipated slaves and other people of color from accessing their full rights as citizens. Learn the history of the term and how these laws affected society in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Voting is an incredibly important way to make your voice heard, but it's very rare for a candidate to win or lose by just one vote. Learn how rare -- and about a few times that it's happened -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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In Japan during the 1600s, some wealthy households installed purposefully squeaky floors as an alarm system. Learn how nightingale floors work in this episode of BrainStuff.

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In the long run, a black hole will consume any star that crosses its path -- but researchers have found one that should hang on for a few trillion years. Learn more about it in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Police use of tear gas at protests is controversial to begin with because it's so harmful, but these weapons may also help spread the novel coronavirus. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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We’ve all seen movies with supervillains building catastrophic Doomsday devices – but one exists in the real world, too. In this classic episode, learn how the Cold War led to the most dangerous nuclear system in history: Russia’s 'Dead Hand' Perimeter system.

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There's a lot of hype about high-definition TV, ultra-high definition, and beyond. But does this race to jam more pixels into screens actually matter? Learn more about the human eye and digital resolution in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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As public spaces begin to open, safety measures to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 are more important than ever. So how could a public pool or beach be safe? Learn about the CDC's recommendations in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The Mason-Dixon Line started as a tax-related land survey -- so how it come to stand as the barrier between slave states and free states during the Civil War? Learn the history of Mason and Dixon -- and how they contributed to science -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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A study found that nearly half of all U.S. citizens have an immediate family member who's been incarcerated for at least one night. Learn how the numbers break down in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Many myths about the Civil Rights movement have arisen in the past few decades, including the idea that MLK was always considered an American hero. Learn how public opinion was divided, and how that changed over time, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The tropical manchineel tree bears apple-like fruit, but eating it -- or just touching its leaves or bark -- can cause a world of hurt. Learn about the 'apple of death' in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Book collectors may spend thousands on signed copies or rare editions, but the biggest price tag in book-buying history was in the millions. Learn why the world's priciest book is essentially a treatise on plumbing in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Human blood is red -- yes, even when it's in your body. Learn why -- and why your veins appear blue through your skin -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Email systems are designed to keep BCC recipients hidden, but mistakes -- and attacks -- can happen. Learn about CCing, BCCing, etiquette, and email security in this episode of BrainStuff.

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There are indeed gusts of wind strong enough to knock a person off their feet, but for most of us, it'd take a lot of wind. Learn more about how wind works in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Shangri-La began as a work of fiction, but it's loosely based in Buddhist mythology and has borne a couple namesakes in the real world. Learn about Shangri-La in this episode of BrainStuff.

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NASA tests everything it sends into space for a lot of things -- including stinkiness. Learn who NASA's odor volunteers are and what they do in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Since the Civil War, Americans have taken a day in late May to honor fallen soldiers. Learn two theories on how this tradition began in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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If you've ever gotten a hot shock from someone flushing a toilet while you were taking a shower, there's an easy fix for that. Learn why it happens and how to fix it in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Depending on the camera settings and recording technology used to film helicopters, the blades can appear to bend, fragment, stand still, or move backwards. Learn why in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Karl Marx was one of the most influential (and, ultimately, destructive) thinkers in history. Learn about his life, what he wrote, and why his ideas are still worthwhile in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The eighth planet in our solar system is fairly mysterious: Why is it tilted on its side? Why is it so much colder than similar planet? Learn what we know -- and what we don't know -- about Uranus in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Cuttlefish are clever cephalopods that communicate with color. Learn the basics about cuttlefish in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Together, Mitsuye Endo and James C. Purcell -- a Japanese-American woman and her lawyer -- brought down Executive Order 9066, which interred Japanese Americans during WWII. Learn about the order and its demise in this episode of BrainStuff.

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From an uncertain start to an empire of kitsch, Chia Pets have become an American icon. Learn the history behind the trend in this episode of BrainStuff.

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It’s almost impossible to trick your brain in order to tickle yourself. Learn why, and how tickling works to begin with, in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Anxiety is a normal, healthy response in the human body, but when it interferes with daily life it can become a disorder. Learn about anxiety's symptoms and biochemistry -- and how you treat it -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff..

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Antibodies are an important part of our immune system's toolkit in identifying and fighting infections. Learn how they work -- and what antibody tests can tell us -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Yes, NASA has a beach house, and yes, it's the setting for some fabulous stories. Learn the history of the the Kennedy Space Center Beach House and Conference Center in this episode of BrainStuff.

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African American folk spirituals were participatory music meant not just to comfort but to convey messages among enslaved people. Learn how historians think they worked -- and how they influenced modern music -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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If you've ever heard a group of birds cawing their little lungs out for minutes on end, you may have heard a bird mob. Learn how bird mobs work in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Tales of honorable samurai and unscrupulous ninja abound, but are these legends based in reality? (Spoiler alert: uh, sorta.) Learn about the real history of samurai and how the stories came about in this episode of BrainStuff.

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You may have heard that if you keep your eyes open during a sneeze, they could pop out of their sockets -- but is that true? Learn the science of how your eyes stay in your head -- and why they can pop out -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Sure, night vision looks cool in the movies - but what is it, exactly? Learn how can a scope or a pair of goggles help you see in near-absolute darkness in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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The largest jigsaw puzzles in the world have hundreds of thousands of pieces, but the hardest have less than a dozen. Learn about record-breaking jigsaw puzzles -- including the first one in history -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Motor vehicles need to be driven to keep them in working order. Learn how just 20 minutes a week can help, plus other tips for maintenance, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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NASA has announced the first launch of American astronauts from U.S. soil in almost a decade -- and it will be on a privately developed spacecraft. Learn about the mission and what it could mean in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Plankton can barely be seen with the naked eye, but they're responsible for the air we breathe and the energy we use. Learn more about these tiny aquatic organisms in this episode of BrainStuff.

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In the late 17- and early 1800s, rumors of vampires ran rampant through New England. Learn what happened (and why tuberculosis was to blame) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Some people seem to attract tons of mosquito bites -- others, none at all. Learn what factors attract more mosquitoes -- and why they 'bite' us in the first place -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Do animals have a sixth sense that can detect earthquakes and tsunamis -- or do they just make better use of their other senses than humans? Learn what research has found in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Long before Lewis Carroll wrote 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,' hatters had a reputation for health issues -- mental and physical. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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This Australian marsupial has officially been deemed extinct since 1936, but reports of sightings continue to this day. Learn about the uncertain existence of the thylacine in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Although thousands of lynchings were committed after the American Civil War, Emmett Till's shook America's conscience and became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Before the late 1970s, almost all pistachios found in the U.S. were dyed bright red. Learn why -- and why a famous diplomatic standoff changed that -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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This distant blue ice giant boasts incredible winds, storms, and moons. Learn why the coldest planet is so cool in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Agoraphobia is a complicated and difficult psychological condition that is easily misunderstood. Learn about life with agoraphobia in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Juice can contain good stuff, and cleansing sounds like a good thing -- but can juice cleanses deliver the results they promise? Learn about how your body uses nutrients and removes toxins in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Cleopatra is a fascinating historical figure, but a lot of stories about her were misinformation spread by her enemies. Learn what historians think the real Cleopatra was like in this episode of BrainStuff.

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It seems like a simple question, but the answer involves a combination of physics, geometry, electromagnetic radiation, and biology. Learn why we perceive the sky as blue in this episode of BrainStuff.

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For nearly 80 years, the New York Times Crossword puzzle has been an institution -- but the paper didn't even want to publish one at first. Learn the history and modern workings of the puzzle in this episode of BrainStuff.

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There's a modern myth that using your cell phone while pumping gasoline may cause a fire or explosion, but it's been debunked. Learn why (and why static electricity may have started the myth) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Don't worry, there isn't any kind of shortage of food in the United States due to COVID-19 -- but our supply chain is changing. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff.

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If every animal that ever lived became fossilized, we'd be swimming in seas of fossils right now. Learn why we aren't in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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If you've ever gotten a painful shock from biting down on a piece of aluminum foil, it's becauce dental metal in your mouth formed a type of battery with the foil. Learn how it works in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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A bridge connecting San Francisco to the Marin Headlands was proposed 60 years before construction actually began. Learn how it finally happened (and why you shouldn't call the iconic Golden Gate Bridge 'red') in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Tortoises are a type of turtle, but the differences among these reptiles aren't always clear. Learn more about these shelled reptiles in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Of all things to run low on during a pandemic: Why toilet paper? Learn the reasons behind the perceived shortage and empty shelves in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Glass isn't a liquid, but it's not quite a normal solid, either. Learn why glass is an amorphous solid (and why old window panes have ripples) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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In the early 1800s, one swindler tricked hundreds of people into investing in a nonexistent country -- and even into moving there. Learn about Gregor MacGregor's invented kingdom of Poyais in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Dressing up to feel powerful may have been a fashion fad of the 1970s and '80s, but do we really think and act differently if we wear formal clothes? Learn the psychology of power dressing in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Clowns are usually goofy, raucous characters designed to be the life of any party. But they’re not universally adored. Learn why some people find clowns downright frightening in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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The American dollar has been the de facto world currency for decades. Learn why -- and what would need to happen for that to change -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The tiny South Pacific island nation of Niue is the first in the world to designated an International Dark Sky Place. Learn how it achieved this -- and why it's more than a title -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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With the world changing so quickly, it may seem strange that Plato is still so often required reading in philosophy and education programs. Learn why his work has survived in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The reef manta rays of eastern Australia are normally black and white, but one specimen is a shocking bight pink. Learn about the manta ray nicknamed Inspector Clouseau in this episode of BrainStuff.

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COVID-19 is not a foodborne illness, but to be careful, you might want to disinfect food packaging and fresh produce using a doctor-approved modified sterile technique. Learn how in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Fire extinguishers are nearly ubiquitous, and they can be invaluable, life-saving devices. Learn what’s inside those little red cylinders, and how they can stop a fire, in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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GDP, GNP – what does it all mean? Learn what economists are saying when they bring up these common economic indicators in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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The mural 'The Last Supper' made da Vinci famous, but it wasn't what he wanted to work on at the time. Learn the history of the painting (and what historians still argue about within it) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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It's OK if you're confused by the concept of entropy -- it can mean different things in different situations and disciplines. Learn about the second law of thermodynamics in this episode of BrainStuff.

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When a person is having trouble breathing on their own, ventilators can help keep them alive until the underlying problem can be treated. Learn how they work and how they're being improved in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Ghee is a shelf-stable, nutty-flavored type of clarified butter. Learn how to make it and cook with it in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Because being a globetrotter isn't always practical, many cultural sites and museums have virtual tours available online. Learn about a few of our favorites in this episode of BrainStuff.

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It’s no secret that some animal species are highly intelligent – but can they “get” jokes? Can they laugh? Are laughter and intelligence even related? Learn about animal laughter in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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A recently launched spacecraft called the Solar Orbiter, or SolO, is en route to the sun to capture images from angles we've never achieved before. Learn how this will help us learn new things about our star in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Food banks and pantries, community kitchens, and the like help feed millions -- but many more may need help during the novel coronavirus outbreak. Learn what these organizations are doing to keep up (and keep safe) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Fruit flies are pests in our kitchens but glorious in genetics labs. Learn why -- and why they're not dangerous, even if they're annoying -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The U.S. is the only industrialized nation in the world where anyone with the funds, plan, and motivation can start their own bank. Learn how the process works in this episode of BrainStuff.

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It's hard to imagine other people's inner thoughts -- but we may be just as hard-pressed to explain our own. Learn how researchers have studied inner monologues and other modes of thought in this episode of BrainStuff.

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In America, many products -- including milk -- are sold in imperial ounces or gallons. But not so soda -- we often buy that in 1- or 2-liter bottles. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Washing your hands is way more effective than hand sanitizer at getting rid of germs because soap is scientifically amazing stuff. Learn why -- and how to use both -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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When infectious diseases have the potential to break out, keeping your distance from other people means you’re helping protect everyone -- and helps our medical system not get overwhelmed. Learn why -- and how to do it -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Every virus is different, and research into the novel Coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is ongoing -- but learn about how long viruses can remain infectious in the air or on surfaces in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Researchers have set out to catalog the scent compounds that make books and libraries smell so welcoming. Learn how in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The bigger that numbers get, the harder they are for us to conceive of -- but that doesn't mean they can't be useful. Learn about some just ridiculously huge numbers in this episode of BrainStuff.

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One guy is responsible for what we think pirates sounded like. Learn how actor Robert Newton changed the world in this episode of BrainStuff.

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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 scientists have high hopes for poo-pyrus in this episode of BrainStuff.

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As it turns out, most flying squirrels glow hot pink in ultraviolet light. Learn what researchers think may be the reason in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Words like 'poop' and 'wiggle' are inherently humorous, and science may have figured out why. Learn what science has to say about why some words tickle us in this episode of BrainStuff.

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It seems that dogs make more expressive faces when humans are watching. Are they trying to communicate? Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff.

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It's somewhere between tempting and inevitable to break into song in the shower. But why? Learn about the psychology and physiology of shower singing in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Lucille Ball's ex-husband wasn't just her 'I Love Lucy' co-star and writing partner -- Desi Arnaz changed the way television is produced and watched. Learn about his contributions to the industry in this episode of BrainStuff.

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You may have heard that people share about 50 percent of their DNA with bananas, and while there's a seed of truth to that, it's not quite right. Learn about our genetic similarity to fruit and other life forms in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Spoiler alert: Yep. A prehistoric species of freshwater sea turtles was a hundred times heavier than its modern relatives. Learn more about this giant in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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It's highly unlikely that most farts spread disease, but there is one strange case in the medical records. Learn why passing gas is almost always safe (except for our noses) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Four-leaf clovers have long been held as a symbol of good fortune. Learn why they're so rare (and why Saint Patrick used three-leaf clovers in his teachings) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The famous Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park has been changing its eruption patterns over the past few decades -- but it's still incredibly predictable. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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These insects live in your furniture, drink your blood, and stain your sheets. Learn how they thrive -- and how to get rid of them -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Today is Pi Day -- a celebration of the number pi (and pies, and mathematics in general). Learn what pi is and how this holiday came about in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Many Westerners are wary of any Friday that falls on the 13th of a month for reasons rooted in pop culture and ancient theology alike. Learn how these ancient memes got started in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Saturn is our solar system's second-biggest planet, the most elliptical in shape, and has a stunning set of rings. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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People who live in areas that depend on cars for transportation may be so used to car alarms that they ignore them completely -- but that doesn't mean the alarms aren't useful. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Most people know Shel Silverstein for his books of children's poetry like "Where the Sidewalk Ends," but he was a prolific writer. Learn more about Silverstein's life in this episode of BrainStuff.

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There's a lot of (valid, understandable) fear about novel Coronavirus in the news -- it can be deadly, but you can protect yourself and your community. Learn how -- and what Coronavirus is -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Our bodies are used to fairly regular patterns of sleep and wakefulness, and moving across time zones can mess that up royally. Learn why -- and what you can do to prevent it -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Astronauts have left over a hundred items on the moon's surface. Learn what telescopes are powerful enough to spot them in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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We humans have blood types that help determine what transfusions we can give and receive -- and other animals do too. Learn about cat, dog, and horse blood types, among others, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Legal pads' defining characteristics all date back to the turn of the 20th century. Learn how they came about in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Smallpox epidemics swept the colonies several times, but one African-American man known as Onesimus helped save Boston from the brunt of it. Learn how in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Everyone's brain works a little differently, but research shows that there's a time of day when most of us make decisions quickly, and another when most of us make decisions accurately. Learn when both occur in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Most hedgehog bodies are not meant for supersonic speeds, but most hedgehogs are not Sonic. Learn how Sonic's speed compares with other animals and how he might survive in this episode of BrainStuff.

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All the times a character in science fiction has gotten tossed out an airlock got us wondering: What would really happen to the human body if it were exposed to space without a protective suit? Learn what we found in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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You're enjoying a delicious frozen treat, and then, suddenly, it hits: brain freeze! Learn why this short, stabbing pain occurs in today's classic episode of BrainStuff.

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King cake is a tasty part of Mardi Gras celebrations today, but the traditions behind it go way back. Learn about the history of king cake, and why many now come with a small plastic baby, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Air pollution can carry the same compound that we use to make ink -- so why not capture that pollution and turn it into art? Learn how an innovative technology is making it possible in this episode of BrainStuff.

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You may have heard of other animals' trips into space, but France's spacefaring cat, Félicette, has been all but lost to history. Learn about her journey in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Vermont is considering a bill that would allow its drivers to add emoji to license plates -- and Queensland, Australia already has that option. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Black History Month helps celebrate the achievements and contextualize the experiences of black people in America, past and present. Learn the history behind it in this episode of BrainStuff.

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You may have heard rumors that wireless internet is a health hazard, but, spoiler alert: It's probably just fine. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Car horns are both important safety feature and an instrument of rage. Learn the physics behind the honk in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Crops like sugar and cotton are notoriously tied to slavery in the U.S. (and around the world), but indigo deserves infamy, too. Learn the dark history of this natural dye in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Throughout history, different cultures have had all kinds of ceremonies surrounding the loss of a first baby tooth. Learn where the Tooth Fairy fits in in this episode of BrainStuff.

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For dinosaur eggs to have survived until now, they must have fossilized -- which makes cracking them open to see what's inside a difficult prospect. Learn how researchers tackle it (and when they don't have to) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Lactose intolerance is rare in the U.S., but worldwide it's way more common. Learn what causes this and how researchers explain the divide in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Though we've all heard about how Rosa Parks' small act of resistance on a Montgomery bus sparked a boycott that spurred the civil rights movement, a lot of us get the details wrong. Learn the real story of Rosa Parks in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The so-called Birthday Paradox isn't a true paradox -- it's a fascinating example of how bad humans are at off-the-cuff probability. Learn what the Birthday Paradox is and how it works in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Our breath can smell bad for a number of reasons, but it tends to be worse first thing in the morning. Learn why in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Many humans enjoy eating chocolate -- but is it because of the taste, or because of compounds in the candy that simulate happiness in our brains? Learn about how chocolate affects us in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Cats seem to love kneading at soft things with their front paws -- but why do they do it? Learn about this (sometimes very pointy) behavior in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Balut is a street food delicacy found in Southeastern Asia -- and around the world. Learn about this eggy treat in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Single-use plastics are plastics made to be thrown away after one use. Learn why they're so damaging and how we can do better in this episode of BrainStuff.

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George P. Burdell has received several degrees, flown missions in several wars, hosted countless campus balls, and ordered countless pizzas -- but he's never technically existed. Learn about Georgia Tech's legendary student in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Crooke's radiometer is a device containing vanes that appear to spin because they're pushed by light itself, but that's not quite right. Learn what's really happening in this episode of BrainStuff.

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White noise generators are useful for masking all kinds of annoying sounds -- but what is white noise, and how does it work? Learn about white noise (and other 'colors') in this episode of BrainStuff.

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With most goods and services, as their price goes up, demand goes down -- but not so with luxury items from diamonds to college educations. Learn how Veblen goods work in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Mongooses are small, weasely mammals that can -- and do -- kill and eat big, venomous king cobras. Learn how they manage to come out on top in this grudge match in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Stacks of rocks called cairns have long been used for navigation and decoration, but scientists are now asking hikers to stop making them. Learn how simply moving rocks can be hugely destructive (even if you put them back) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The phrase 'holy cow' is an example of a minced oath -- a substitute for a taboo phrase. Learn how baseball was involved in its popularity in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Land animals tend to have an upper limit of size, beyond which they risk extinction. Learn why (and how King Kong is a great example of this) in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Sure, dogs age differently than humans -- but is a year for us really like seven years for them? Learn the truth about your dog's age in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Ranch is the most popular salad dressing in the United States, but what is that flavor supposed to be? Learn the history and modern make-up of ranch flavor in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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The most expensive 30-second commercial slot in this weekend's Super Bowl sold for $5.6 million, but the total cost to make these ads is more like $30 million. Learn what kind of return on investment companies hope to make in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Press briefings have been a regular event at the White House since the late 1800s, so why has the Trump administration cancelled them? Learn about the history behind the practice (and what's replaced them) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Replacing vintage engines with electric motors can help keep classic cars on the road (though don't worry, we're not coming for your collector's items). Learn why companies like Jaguar and Volkswagen are leading the charge in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Some beers develop in interesting and pleasant ways as they age -- but it's a science experiment with a lot of variables. Learn how to embark on the art and science of aging beer in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Taking your dog out on walks is great for it (and you!), but certain kinds of leashes can help keep you both safer. Learn why an expert recommends braided leather leashes (and when they recommend harnesses) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Most of us don't have to worry about ionizing radiation -- that is, the kind of radiation that can make you sick. Learn why (and what ionizing radiation can do) in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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You’ve heard of fracking, and you’re pretty sure lots of people don’t like it, but do you know what it really entails? Learn what goes into the fracking process in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Bengal cats are a hybrid of domestic cats and a small, wild type of leopard cat. Learn how this breed began and why they're an intensive pet in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Yes, there is a difference! Roadways in the United States are given designations based on what lines them and how they connect. Learn the differences between these and other passages in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Botanically speaking, bananas are berries and strawberries are not. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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For a long time, scientists thought monkeys and non-human apes simply lacked the vocal anatomy for human speech, but new research indicates otherwise. Learn what was found in this episode of BrainStuff.

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There's a myth that the trees that cork comes from are endangered, but they're doing just fine. Learn how the rumors may have started in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The exclamation point, once scorned by most, is appearing more and more in online communication — even in professional settings. Learn the history of this punchy punctuation in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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It may seem like magic, but microwave ovens employ the physics of the electromagnetic spectrum to heat your food. Learn how in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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If the moon suddenly disappeared from existence, Earth would be missing more than just our nightlight. Learn how the moon affects the Earth in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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It took a series of British courts to decide whether Pringles count as potato chips (or, rather, potato crisps). Learn why -- and what they decided -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Scientists have been studying the four fundamental forces (gravity, electromagnetism, the strong force, and the weak force) since the 1950s, but new research indicates that there may be a fifth. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff.

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We often use the two interchangeably (especially in times of need), but toilet paper and facial tissues are composed differently. Learn why you shouldn't flush tissues in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The technology already exists to put Breathalyzers in cars to prevent drunk driving, and some lawmakers are working towards mandating it. Learn how it might work in this episode of BrainStuff.

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What's in a name? Research shows that your name can indeed influence your career and your behavior. Learn how in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Pushing the tab on a car's rearview mirror seems to dim the headlights of the car behind you -- but how? Learn how rearview mirrors work in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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The internet's Wayback Machine isn't a time machine in the traditional sense, but it does archive web pages to provide a living history for users to explore. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff.

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When fish abandon unhealthy coral reefs, the whole ecosystem can collapse -- but new research shows that playing sounds from healthy reefs can lure fish back, helping stabilize the reef. Learn how in this episode of BrainStuff.

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New research indicates that permanent hair dyes and hair straighteners can increase women's risk of breast cancer. Remember, cancers are caused by many genetic & environmental factors -- but learn what the researchers found in this episode of BrainStuff.

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When something or someone is particularly emblematic of the U.S., we often say they're 'as American as apple pie'. Learn the history of apple pie, plus how that phrase got started, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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School buses are much safer than other vehicles on the road, statistically speaking, but they'd be even safer with seat belts. Learn why they haven't traditionally had them, and how that might change, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Museums and movies alike feature representations of dinosaurs, but how can we reconstruct their appearance from a bunch of million-year-old fossils? Learn what we can (and can't) glean from the fossil record in this episode of BrainStuff.

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One unpleasant effect of drinking alcohol can be the collection of symptoms known as a hangover -- a pulsing headache, dry mouth, nausea, and more. Learn what's actually happening to your body -- and whether there's any way to fix or prevent it -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The two aren't interchangeable -- baking powder consists of baking soda plus other stuff. Learn how both work -- and how to make baking powder from soda -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Spoiler alert: Yep, Dr. Seuss modeled the Grinch on himself. Learn how the generally joyful writer created such an infamous sourpuss in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Champagne is a type of sparkling wine made under a particular set of rules to protect it from imitators -- but it wasn't always so prized. Learn the history and science of what goes into a bottle of bubbles in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The tradition of dropping a ball in Times Square to mark the beginning of a new year only goes back about a century. Learn about the history -- plus four weird things that other cities drop instead -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Though it started as a symbol of nuclear disarmament, the peace sign has grown to apply to (and be applied to) all kinds of things -- but the creator didn't mind; he'd hoped it'd take off. Learn the history of the peace sign in this episode of BrainStuff.

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It’s true – some people hear colors, or taste words. Learn how synesthesia works in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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There's a lot of natural variation in the color of human hair. Learn the physical explanation for the difference in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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We all know "stop, drop, and roll," but a new fire safety tip is equally important: "close before you doze". Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Yes, there's a secret apartment atop the Eiffel tower -- and it's filled with science! Learn how it came to be -- and how it actually saved the tower from destruction -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Bing Crosby and hundreds of other singers have expressed their desire to see snow on Christmas, by why? Learn the history of this popular holiday song in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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How could a reindeer have developed a glowing red nose, and how does it work? Learn the science behind Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer's distinctive feature in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Male humans very rarely lactate, so why do they have nipples? Learn why evolution didn't edit that feature out in this episode of BrainStuff.

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You may have heard that the Brontosaurus never existed, but that isn't quite right. Learn how a feud between ex-friends created confusion surrounding this dinosaur in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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If the sound of gum being chewed or the crinkle of plastic fills you with inarticulate, homicidal fury (or any other inexplicable emotion), you may be experiencing misophonia. Learn how researchers think it works in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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As a German Jewish woman who came of age around WWI, Hedwig Kohn defeated all odds against her to live a long, successful life as a physicist. Learn her story in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Our use of electric lights after dark can mess with our circadian rhythms and make it harder to get a good night's sleep. Learn how a mere weekend of camping might help you reset in this episode of BrainStuff.

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You may have heard about a red tide menacing ocean beaches, but what causes it -- and can it be stopped? Learn about the algae that cause Florida's red tide in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Outside of Japan and the fanciest restaurants, most "wasabi" served with sushi is an imitation of the real thing. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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First, yes, there was once a job in royal courts called Groom of the Stool, and yes, it involved dealing with the king's poop. Learn why it was actually a covetable position in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Did Pop Rocks really blow the door off of a delivery van? Has anyone ever died from eating this unique (and uniquely loud) candy? Learn the truth behind the rumors surrounding Pop Rocks in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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We may not have mutant powers like the X-Men, but natural selection is still changing humanity… for the better. Learn about some of humanity's most useful modern mutations in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Spoiler alert: Sometimes! Not all molds are harmful, and some are even helpful -- but it's not always OK to cut away spots of mold and eat the food it was growing on. Learn when it is in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Modern concrete crumbles when exposed to the elements, but ancient Roman concrete only gets stronger over time. Learn how this is possible -- and why we're not using their recipe -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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We live in the incredible future of scanners, internet connectivity, and digital signatures -- so why do people still use fax machines? Learn why faxing perseveres in this episode of BrainStuff.

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There's no call to be pedantic, but sometimes a tiny punctuation mark can make a huge difference in meaning. Learn how the Oxford comma changed a judge's decision in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Humans and other animals tend to tune out the noises they themselves make. Learn how and why this happens in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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This is a more complicated question than it seems because oceans definitely get in the way, but there are a few ways to attempt to walk around the entire globe -- and a few people who have tried. Learn about them in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Short answer: Nope! Learn how long it really takes, plus how nuclear weapons helped scientists find the answer, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Macadamias are delicious and nutritious in small servings, but they're also the most expensive nuts in the world. Learn what they are and how they're grown in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Honeybees can heat and cool their hives to keep the temperature comfortable. Learn about one method -- bearding -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Researchers have found a sea slug that incorporates pieces of algae cells into its body to live off of photosynthesis. Learn more about it in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The star Polaris, when viewed in the Northern Hemisphere, points you almost due north. Learn how it's aided navigators for centuries, but why it won't always do so, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Walt Disney based Sleeping Beauty's castle -- the centerpiece of Disneyland and the Disney logo -- on a real castle in the Bavarian Alps of Germany. Learn about Neuschwanstein Castle's strange and tragic history in this episode of BrainStuff.

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OK, this one is no contest: Your dishwasher can get dishes cleaner, but that doesn't necessarily mean that using one is healthier. Learn about the science behind the suds in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Thousands of participants and millions of viewers turn out every year for the spectacle that is the Macy's Parade. Learn its history and what goes into running it in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Americans eat a LOT of turkey around the winter holidays, but why? Learn about turkey's festive history and when we eat the most of it in this episode of BrainStuff.

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It’s good hygiene to wash your hands after touching shared bathroom surfaces. But bars of soap are also a shared surface. Learn why soap is pretty clean in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Spoiler alert: Yep, all placental mammals have belly buttons, but dogs' and cats' look a little different than ours. Learn how belly buttons work in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Researchers have found evidence that plants have senses, memories, and can even communicate with each other. But does this mean they're conscious? Learn what science has to say in this episode of BrainStuff.

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A chicken stuffed inside a duck stuffed inside a turkey. Yep. Learn the history of the turducken and what it takes to prepare one in this episode of BrainStuff.

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We've all felt it: the dreaded brain drain after a long or taxing day. Learn why this occurs -- and what you can do to help prevent burnout -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Bird poop: It’s the bane of cars, statues, and occasional hapless pedestrians across the world. But what is this stuff anyway? Learn about birds' amazingly efficient waste systems (and why their waste is white) in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Soda may not dissolve teeth in 12 hours flat, but it can cause damage to your pearly whites. Learn how -- and how to avoid it without giving up your favorite drink -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Just looking at a world map makes it clear that today's continents were once a single mass, but scientists are still researching how they came together and apart. Learn about the history of the Southern Hemisphere's continents in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Researchers don't entirely understand why we humans sometimes walk around (or doing any number of other things) in our sleep, but there are a few myths that they can dispell. Learn more about sleepwalking, aka somnambulism, in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Evergreens' needles are their leaves, so why don't they change color and drop in the fall? Learn how evergreen leaves work in this episode of BrainStuff.

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You may have heard that people share about 50 percent of their DNA with bananas, and while there's a seed of truth to that, it's not quite right. Learn about our genetic similarity to fruit and other life forms in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Dogs communicate by yawning, and it's complex to figure out what they might mean.

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There are lots of misconceptions out there about what causes the stunning Aurora Borealis. Learn what's really up with the Northern Lights in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Deep frying anything is a science -- but perhaps especially a whole turkey. Learn how to do it (and why it works) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The vast (vast!) majority of humans need a passport in order to travel internationally. Learn why -- and who doesn't -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Spoiler alert: Yes, breeds of dogs said to be hypoallergenic can still set off your allergies -- but they may be better for you than other breeds. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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You may have heard about the supposed inverse relationship between confidence and knowledge -- but is it true? Learn more about the Dunning-Kruger effect in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Heating homes and other human hangouts requires a huge carbon footprint -- but meanwhile, we're wasting heat every day (and sweating) in systems like subways. Learn how one project hopes to use that excess heat for the greater good in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Bacon and eggs are a traditional breakfast -- but that tradition only goes back about a century. Learn how Sigmund Freud's nephew invented public relations and changed the way we eat breakfast in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Cockroaches are, if nothing else, admirably persistent -- they can spring back from a 90% population loss just a couple generations. Learn how hardy they are in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Wolverines may not have adamantium-reinforced skeletons, but this species of weasel boasts a few superpowers of its own. Learn more about wolverines in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Something has to be done with all those fall leaves, but the best option for the environment (and your lawn) isn't raking, it's mulching. Learn why, and how to get started, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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We often use the terms 'wasp' and 'hornet' interchangeably, but that's not quite right, and knowing the difference can save you a sting. Learn about these insects in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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In cases of spontaneous sex reversal, an animal born male can become female, or vice versa, due to genetic or hormonal changes. Learn the story of how one hen became a rooster in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Farmers in the Himalayas depend on yearly snow melts to water their crops, but climate change means they're not getting enough snowfall to replenish natural glaciers. Learn how artificial glaciers are helping in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The way that applause starts and moves through a large crowd is scientifically predictable. Learn what the research shows about the influence of sound and psychology in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Millions of lives are saved by blood transfusions every year, but sometimes donations are in short supply. Learn how researchers are hoping to make more blood universally transferable in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Humans and other animals often hold superstitions -- but why? Could it have been biologically advantageous to our ancestors? Learn more about superstition in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The witches in Macbeth describe a disturbing brew -- eye of newt, toe of frog, etc. -- but that was just code for common plants. Learn what eye of newt really is in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Americans buy some 9 billion kernels of candy corn every year. Learn this candy's history plus how it's made in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Some patients brought back from cardiac arrest describe seeing a bright light at the end of a tunnel, or other phenomena known as a near-death experience. Learn how some researchers have tried to explain this in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Hawaiian folklore tells of the huaka'i pō, or night marchers -- ghostly warriors whose sense of duty has kept them on guard even after death. Learn the legend (and what to do if you hear them coming) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Lab-created meat may help prevent harm to animals here on Earth, but it'd be even more helpful for feeding people in space. But can tech like 3-D printers work in space? Learn about the potential future of space burgers in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Spiny on the outside and gooey on the inside, sea urchins are a weird and wonderful animal -- and delicacy. Learn more about them in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Venus is the hottest planet, its years are shorter than its days, and its atmospheric pressure is 92 times greater than that on Earth. Learn how researchers think Venus got this way in today’s episode of BrainStuff.

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Sitting too much and not getting the right kinds of exercise can lead to gluteal tendinopathy — dead butt syndrome. Learn why (and what can be done about it) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Nothing in our environment exists in a vacuum -- everything is interconnected. Learn how the study of ecosystems attempts to learn about things through those connections in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The mystery of what happened to nine hikers one wintery night has gone unsolved for 60 years. Learn what evidence has been found -- and what's still unknown -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Plants turn sunlight into food via photosynthesis, which is pretty amazing -- and its evolution is fairly mysterious. Learn how researchers think it happened in this episode of BrainStuff.

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In the wake of America's many mass shootings, some states are enacting laws that allow police to confiscate citizens' firearms when a concern about violence is reported. Learn how these red flag laws work in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Prostheses for humans are already in use, so why not for other animals? Learn how veterinarians are using 3-D printed limbs, fins, beaks, bones, and shells to help injured animals in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Some U.S. cities and states have officially changed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. Learn why -- and why some Americans disagree with the change -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Astronomers think there's an object in the far reaches of our solar system that's six times as massive as Earth. Learn why some think it's a planet and others propose it's a type of black hole in this episode of BrainStuff.

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This dog breed is known for its distinctive wrinkles, and genetic researchers have figured out why those wrinkles occur. Learn about it (plus whether a Shar-Pei might be a good dog for you) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Planting gardens, grasses, or wildflowers on urban roofs can solve a lot of problems, but it can cause a few along the way. Learn more about green roofs in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Bobcat populations weren't doing so well a few decades ago, but these resilient wild cats are on the rebound. Learn about bobcats in this episode of BrainStuff.

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There are a couple mathematically tested strategies for finding a parking spot that costs you the least time in terms of searching and walking to your destination. Learn what science has to say about parking in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Although shoes with high heels are often coded feminine in modern culture, men wore them first -- military men, specifically. Learn the history of high heels in this episode of BrainStuff.

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A few types of chickens are so pigmented that not just their feathers but their very flesh is a deep blue-black color. Learn how researchers think this came about in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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In the United States, many states don't put a lower age limit on arrests, and children as young as six years of age have been arrested by police. Learn why, and how some lawyers and lawmakers are trying to change that, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Being trapped in a car is a scary thought, but safety experts say that being prepared for emergencies saves lives. Learn what devices can help and how to use them in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Not every bacterium is an enemy, but illness-causing germs are out there -- and some love your coffee cup. Learn how often research indicates you should wash that reusable cup in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The Maine Coon breed of cats has a reputation for being more doglike than catlike. Learn about how they stand out in this episode of BrainStuff.

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These over-the-counter medications all do fairly similar jobs of relieving aches and pains, but there's a best (and a worst) way to use each type. Learn the differences between pain relievers in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The traditional color of blueprints wasn't chosen because it's pretty -- it's a result of a chemical copying process. Learn the history of blueprints in this episode of BrainStuff.

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With the help of specially made fins (and some swim lessons), anyone can become a mermaid or merman — there are even mer-professionals. Learn how mermaiding works in this episode of BrainStuff.

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There’s been a call for investigation into the history of Lyme disease, and whether it might’ve been an accidentally released bioweapon. Learn both sides of the debate in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The Statue of Liberty is so iconic that it's hard to imagine New York City without it, but plans for the statue got started less than 200 years ago. Learn how Lady Liberty was created in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Gingko biloba trees have changed so little over the past few hundred million years that researchers can use their leaves to track how the environment has changed over that time. Learn how in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Investigating murders right here on planet Earth can be tricky -- how would it be handled in space? Who would even be in charge? (Do we need space cops??) Learn what current and future laws may apply in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Maggots are undeniably gross, but black soldier fly maggots are a more efficient source of protein than anything else on the planet. Learn how researchers hope to get more people eating insects in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Fish live in water, but, just as our land-dwelling bodies have to carefully regulate our water and salt levels, so do fish bodies. Learn how fish stay hydrated in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Though he was the father of psychoanalysis, Freud and his theories don't hold up so well today. Learn about his famous Oedipus complex concept and what modern psychiatrists and psychologists think in this episode of BrainStuff.

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New York state recently banned cat declawing. Learn what the process entails and why veterinary groups recommend against it in this episode of BrainStuff.

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American presidents can opt to affix the presidential seal to official documents and have used it as an official decoration. Learn the how and why the seal was created, plus the symbolism behind it, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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There hasn't been any official research into the effects of alcohol on the body in space, but at least a few astronauts and cosmonauts have imbibed. Learn about the history and potential future of booze in space in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Motion-activated porch lights and app-controlled interior lights are commonly used to prevent burglaries, but do they really work? Learn what burglars themselves say in this episode of BrainStuff.

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These legends of the deep are notoriously shy, but researchers have recently captured images and video of living giant squid. Learn how they did it in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The element cobalt is responsible for brilliant blue paints and rechargeable batteries alike. Learn how it works and why its supply is uncertain in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Socks aren't just a fashion accessory -- they can help keep your feet healthy! Learn how to stay safe while sockless in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The Sagrada Familia Basilica was started by Antoni Gaudí in 1882 and is still undergoing its initial construction today. Learn more about the architect and his long-running project in this episode of BrainStuff.

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If you guessed 'gravity' you're right -- but a few specific factors make Jupiter so much moonier than planets like Earth. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Long before scientists fully understood how important the Everglades are to Florida's weather and ecosystem, Marjory Stoneman Douglas campaigned to preserve them. Learn about this journalist and activist in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Rumor has it that a jab to the nose will stop anything from a shark to a bear from attacking you, but how effective would that really be? Learn the circumstances under which nose punching might actually help in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The cells that make up plants and animals are incredibly similar considering how different a carrot is from a corgi. Learn the small factors that make all the difference in this episode of BrainStuff.

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For most mammals, aging increases our probability of dying -- it seems like a given. Learn about one animal, the naked mole rat, for which age has no impact on mortality in this episode of BrainStuff.

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On the last Wednesday in August every year, up to 30,000 people participate in La Tomatina, a massive tomato fight in Buñol, Spain. Learn how it goes down in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The fancy science word for building muscle is hypertrophy, but it's not inaccessible. Learn how hypertrophy works and why building muscle keeps us healthy in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Shredded, chewed, exhumed, or burnt American bills aren't necessarily lost -- a service of the Department of Treasury may reimburse you for their cash value. Learn about the Mutilated Currency Redemption Service in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Light and tender fried fish plated with crisp fried potatoes is a classic English comfort meal, but it's only a little over a century old. Learn the history of fish and chips in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Ocean water can appear many dazzling shades of blue and green depending on where you are. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Starlings flock in swooping, harmonious groups of thousands of birds called murmurations. Learn how these birds pull off such an amazing feat through simple actions in this episode of BrainStuff.

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More people are drinking fizzy water, both plain and in a boggling array of flavors. Learn about the different types of sparkling water and what you should watch out for in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Yes, there’s a cave shaped like a rhinoceros in Washington State. Learn how it was created and discovered in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Trees pull and store carbon, but lots of land that could support them is deforested. Learn how researchers think planting trees could help mitigate climate change in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Research shows that women are less likely to receive CPR when they need it, and fixing that might require introducing training mannequins with breasts. Learn about a project that’s trying to help in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Seashells are a pretty sight on beaches, but it turns out that they play an important role in seaside structures and ecosystems. Learn why -- and why shell poaching is a problem -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Humans have only very recently developed scientific ways of proving who a child's biological father is, but that didn't stop us from trying beforehand. Learn the weird history of paternity tests in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The blue whale is the largest known animal to ever grace the planet -- they may be twice as big as Megalodon was! Learn what science knows (and doesn't know) about blue whales in this episode of BrainStuff.

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In brief, peyote is a cactus with hallucinogenic properties that's been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. Learn how it works and why it's endangered in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Most of the rest of the world uses the Celsius scale to describe temperature, but the U.S. uses Fahrenheit. Learn the origins and histories of these two scales in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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The concepts of ethnicity and race are both human inventions with no basis in science, but these concepts have huge impacts on us and our world. Learn the difference between ethnicity and race in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Also called the frequency illusion or recency illusion, the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon occurs when you learn something new, then notice instances of it everywhere. Learn how it works and how it got its name in this episode of BrainStuff.

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As human civilization encroaches on wild animals' habitats, some face extinction. Learn how researchers hope to someday use frozen DNA sample taken from zoo animals to replenish wild populations in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Without the hippocampus, our brains have serious trouble recalling and recording certain types of long-term memories. Learn how this brain structure works in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Despite its name, permafrost doesn't necessarily last forever -- and when it melts, it can have a negative effect on the environment. Learn how permafrost works (and how it preserves long-dead creatures so well) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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These two types of professional death investigators often work together, but their jobs are usually distinct. Learn the difference in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The person who discovers a new species gets to name it -- but what do 'new' and 'discover' mean here? And do all names get approved? Learn how scientific naming and taxonomy work in this episode of BrainStuff (plus, meet a fish named after Greedo).

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Goats were the original weed wackers, and they're still super effective at controlling lawns and brush today. Learn why they're gaining popularity again in this episode of BrainStuff.

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NASA recently announced that they're sending a rotorcraft to explore Saturn's giant moon Titan from the land and air. Learn how the Dragonfly mission will be different than other otherworldly explorations in this episode of BrainStuff.

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According to the guy who popularized a famous meditation technique for getting to sleep fast, the results are excellent. Learn its history and how it works in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Food forests are free, edible community gardens that make the most of the land by following nature's lead on design. Learn how they work and how they may help end food deserts in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Birds are the only creature in the world that have the specially evolved organ called the syrinx, and it's what lets them sing. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Tidal bores are huge, fast waves that travel the wrong way up rivers, and they only form during very specific circumstances. Learn how they work in this episode of BrainStuff.

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There's a new global arms race: to build missiles that could travel at hypersonic speeds. Learn where the technology stands and what it might be capable of in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Adding turmeric to recipes and taking supplements with it (or its active ingredient, curcumin) has become a global trend. Learn what science has to say about turmeric's medicinal properties in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Although researchers think we've found most large asteroids whose orbits bring them near Earth, some are still surprising us. Learn why -- and how we find them -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The amygdala is a part of the brain that handles fear -- so would having one that doesn't fully function be a good thing or a bad thing? Learn about how fear hurts and helps us in this episode of BrainStuff.

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American soldiers have stood guard over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every minute of every day since July 2, 1937. Learn what this monument means and who's interred there in this episode of BrainStuff.

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In the early 1800s, a woman known as Mrs. Cheng or Ching Shih commanded the world's largest-ever pirate crew -- and she managed to retire and live a long, peaceful life. Learn about Mrs. Cheng's pirate empire in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Proponents of raw milk (that is, milk that isn't pasteurized or homogenized) say it's healthier and tastes better, but the U.S. government still classifies raw milk as potentially hazardous. Learn both sides of the issue in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Something about the bright dot of a laser pointer is irresistible to many cats -- but why? And does this kind of play provide good entertainment for cats? Learn about lasers and the benefits of play for cats in this episode of BrainStuff.

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There are as many ways to attempt to predict a storm's behavior, and none are perfect. Spaghetti plots help researchers visualize the probabilities of different predictions. Learn how they work in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Alan Turing was the brilliant mathematician who designed a legendary test of artificial intelligence before computers as we know them even existed. Learn about his life and legacy in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Canning foods preserves them, but the texture and nutritive value can suffer -- and what about the potential dangers of BPA and botulism? Learn what's true and what's myth when it comes to canned food in this episode of BrainStuff.

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U.S. presidents are voted into office by the electoral college, made up of representatives from each state. Learn how changing the way electors choose a candidate – from the state’s popular vote winner to the national popular vote winner – could change elections in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Chameleons don't change color to blend it -- they change to stand out. Learn how they create those colorful patterns in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Short answer: Yes. Ectopic lactation can occur when mammary tissue grows in different areas of your body. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Alcohol contains calories and ingredients like any other beverage, but only rarely does its packaging list those ingredients and nutrition facts. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Alchemists may have never turned lead into gold, but they did create the field of chemistry. Learn how the study of alchemy worked in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The Korean War began 70 years ago today, and remains unresolved. Learn how this war shaped the future of the powers involved in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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The line between appreciating and appropriating someone else's cultural products can be a blurry one. Learn how respect and research can go a long way in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The American president's motorcade includes multiple armored vehicles driving in a virtual ballet to ensure its passengers' safety. Learn what goes into creating the presidential motorcade in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Isotopes are variations on the same chemical element that have different numbers of neutrons. Learn how these variants can behave differently -- and why chemists, physicists, and paleontologists are all interested in them -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Professional wrestler and actor André the Giant had a reputation for kindness that outgrew his impressive stature. Learn about André Roussimoff's life and legacy in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Camel spiders have a fearsome reputation, but despite being large and fast, they're not a threat to humans. (Or camels. They're also technically not spiders.) Learn more about these fascinating creatures in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Subpoenas are orders that help courts and Congress obtain information necessary to cases and investigations -- and they're legally binding. So can you really ignore one? Learn what could happen if you do in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Remote islands are excellent laboratories for observing evolution at work -- and in the case of a flightless bird called the Aldabra rail, we can observe how its evolution happened twice. Learn about iterative evolution in this episode of BrainStuff.

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We humans tend to accumulate a lot of stuff -- to the point that it's a burden on our mental health. Learn about a method for lightening your life (and removing a future burden on your loved ones) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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An oligarchy is a society ruled by a few wealthy, powerful people – the media has applied the term to countries from Saudi Arabia to Brazil to the United States. Learn about oligarchies and whether the U.S. has become one in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The honey badger is internet famous, but it’s actually a fairly mysterious creature. Learn what we know (and don’t know) about honey badgers in this episode of BrainStuff.

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To launch a spacecraft successfully, the stars (and moon, and planets) must literally align. Learn about all the factors that are taken into account to schedule a space launch in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Of all the accessories you might think of bringing to a music festival, ear plugs might not be high on your list. Learn why they should be -- and how else you can prevent hearing damage -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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There were many factors that led to the depth and length of the Great Depression, but some of these mistakes are being repeated today. Learn what historians and economists are saying we should watch out for in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Tiny, handheld boxes that make a sharp clicking noise saved countless American lives during the confusion of D-Day in WWII. Learn how they were used and what to do if you have one in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Dogs do indeed go through emotional changes and gain independence during puberty -- it just happens within the first couple years of their life. Learn how you can help your 'teen' pup grow up in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Tunnels made from lava flows in Hawaii and Iceland are being studied by researchers in fields from geology to astrobiology. Learn how these lava tubes could help us explore space and even find extraterrestrial life in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Serving inmates low-quality food is cheap in the short term, but it can lead all kinds of health problems that prisons (and taxpayers) pay for in the long run. Learn how cheap American prison food is and why that's a problem in this episode of BrainStuff.

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In the mid-1800s, many people saved loved ones' hair -- but the collection of Peter A. Browne went much, much further than that. Learn why he thought it had scientific merit -- and why it actually does today -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Short answer: Nope! Although wolf spiders may sound (and look) fearsome, they're excellent helpers around your house, getting rid of more bothersome pests. Learn about wolf spiders in this episode of BrainStuff.

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In July of 1960, 26-year-old Jane Goodall began setting up her field station at Gombe, which would become the site of the longest-running wildlife research project in history. Learn more about Jane Goodall's life and legacy in this episode of BrainStuff.

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On May 10, 2019, the Trump administration increased tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese exports from 10 percent to 25 percent. But what does that mean for the global economy? Learn about trade wars in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Millipedes don't literally have a thousand legs, but how many do they really have? Learn about these fascinating arthropods in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Urinating in chlorinated swimming pools isn't just sorta gross -- it's actually a health hazard. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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We previously thought that all galaxies form with the help of dark matter, but researchers just found a galaxy that doesn't seem to contain any. Learn why that's so weird and what it might mean in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Court and other government documents are often presented with redactions -- that is, with some text blacked out or otherwise made unreadable. Learn how this is done -- and why -- in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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After the measles vaccine spread, researchers noticed that the death toll from many other diseases dropped. Learn how the measles destroys your immunity to other diseases, and why the vaccine is safe for most people, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Relative humidity can make pleasant temperatures unbearable (and vice versa). Learn why -- and what the dew point has to do with it -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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People who receive organ transplants often die with that organ working perfectly, but today, those organs are rarely retransplanted. Learn why -- and how some researchers are hoping to change that -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Some people think that there are no effective differences between religious agnosticism and atheism, but the two standpoints are distinct. Learn how both work in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The legal feud between carmakers Henry Ford and the Dodge brothers wasn't just deeply personal -- it changed the way Americans do business. Learn how in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Spoiler alert: Yes. But just one person. Learn who Eugene Shoemaker was and how his friends and family got him interred on the moon in this episode of BrainStuff.

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When the U.S. was building atomic bombs during World War II, it set up a secret city -- Oak Ridge, Tennessee -- to produce the uranium-235 it needed. Learn how this city worked and what it's used for today in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The craving for and practice of eating earth is more widespread than you might think. Learn why researchers think people engage in pica (a.k.a geophagy) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The blobfish has been voted the World's Ugliest Animal based on above-water photos, but its gelatinous features make it perfectly adapted for life deep in the ocean. Learn how in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Caucasian' is sometimes used to mean 'white', but the word comes from an old, incorrect scientific hypothesis and has been used to perpetuate prejudice. Learn why it would be better left in the past in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Seismic activity has been recorded on Mars, and researchers hope to use the data to learn lots about the history and current state of the red planet. Learn how in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Many tomatoes found in large grocery stores are mealy and lack flavor. Learn why -- and what researchers are doing about it -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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This cold Pacific current runs along South America's coast, creating some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Learn how it works and who it was named for in this episode of BrainStuff.

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No, it's not the lyrics -- the author of this nursery rhyme is what's in question. Learn why -- and how Henry Ford is involved -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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You may have heard differing advice on how often to have your car's oil changed. Learn how to figure out what's right for you and your car in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The bones of what appears to be high-ranking Viking warrior have been proven to belong to a genetically female person. Learn the story behind this ancient grave and its occupant in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Seed banks ensure that in case of disaster, Earth's plant life can be regrown from stored seeds -- but it turns out that lots of plants can't withstand conventional storage. Learn how researchers are working to solve this in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Neurologists and philosophers alike may argue that altruism doesn't exist because no act is ever completely unselfish. Learn why -- and why humans may have evolved this way -- in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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If golf is hard (and it is), sinking a hole-in-one seems practically impossible -- but it does happen. Learn the odds of getting a hole-in-one in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Everyone borrows and builds on other people's ideas, but plagiarism is outright stealing without giving credit. Learn why plagiarism hurts both parties -- and how it might be stopped -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Researchers have rendered the first-ever image of a black hole. Learn how they did it and how it helps prove Einstein right in this episode of BrainStuff.

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NASA has been following intercellular changes in the bodies of an astronaut and his Earth-faring twin. The results are in! Learn what they found, and what further research is needed, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Following World War II, Australia became embroiled in another war -- with a population of emu. Learn how the Emu War unfolded in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Dogs and cats aren't the only pets presidents have kept. Learn about some of the strangest presidential pets -- from a raccoon to alleged alligators -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Short answer: Very carefully. Learn about the history and modern practices of paleoart in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Regular tuneups can keep some car engines running safely and smoothly, but the engines of most modern cars don't need them. Learn how car maintenance has changed in this episode of BrainStuff.

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They eat trash and they look a little freaky, but the North American opossum is a smart, clean, disease-fighting, and all-around fascinating creature. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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After the Chicxulub meteor hit what's now the Yucatan Peninsula about 65 million years ago, over half of the species living on Earth went extinct. Learn how prehistory may have unfolded without the Chicxulub impact in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The view out an airplane window is one of the perks of flying, but some airlines are experimenting with windowless planes -- and advanced digital displays. Learn how these planes hope to deliver better-than-real views in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Though we take medicines for their active ingredients, the inactive ones can affect us, too -- from allergens to sugars to animal-based gelatin capsules. Learn how a compounding pharmacy can help in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Men can experience postpartum depression, too. Learn why researchers think it happens -- and why it's so important to get treatment -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Cramming for a test or other deadline may give you decent short-term results, but research shows it sacrifices long-term comprehension and memory. Learn why study methods like spacing and interleaving are better in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Your local weather report may include a pollen count, but what does that mean, and how do they calculate it? Learn the science behind this sneeze factor in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Some snakes still carry the genes necessary to grow legs -- so why don't they? Learn how snakes may have lost their legs, evolutionarily speaking, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Delivering mail to all 372 million Americans along all 214,000 postal routes is no easy task. Learn how the U.S. Postal Service designs those routes in this episode of BrainStuff.

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A human fetus doesn't develop retinas until around gestational week 28. Learn how researchers have tried to figure out what babies can see in the few remaining weeks before they're born in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Although some driving skills can deteriorate with age, experienced drivers tend to be the safest drivers. To an extent. Learn when and how experts think drivers should be retested in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Horseshoe crab blood is one of the most valuable fluids on Earth due to it's ability to detects endotoxins released by bacteria. But what does this mean for the species? Learn what the future may hold for these primitive animals in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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California legislators are considering creating speed-limit-free areas on some of their roadways. Learn how this might work (and why it might NOT work) on today's episode of BrainStuff.

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When many people share a false memory, that's the Mandela Effect in action -- but how does it happen? Learn how our individual brains misremember stuff and how false memories can spread in this episode of BrainStuff.

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After you donate blood, it goes through a complex system of testing, processing, and storage before it can be delivered to patients who need it. Learn how the system works in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Some liberal U.S. politicians are promoting concepts of 'Medicare for All'. Learn how these proposals are different than the current American health care system (and how they compare to other countries' systems) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Cashmere can be more expensive than other wools because producing it is such an intensive process -- for the goats that grow it and the humans who care for them. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff.

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In the 1960s, advances in technology allowed brave aquanauts to explore deeper into the ocean than ever before, but the project was shut down. Learn how Sealab worked -- and how that technology is still used today -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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To prepare for the search for microbial life on Mars, researchers are probing some of the harshest environments on Earth -- like the Atacama Desert. Learn how this work will inform future space missions in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Lucille Ball's ex-husband wasn't just her 'I Love Lucy' co-star and writing partner -- Desi Arnaz changed the way television is produced and watched. Learn about his contributions to the industry in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Our galaxy isn't a flat disk -- it's warped like melted vinyl record. Learn how researchers discovered this and why they think it happened in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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A U.S. insurance companies has started cracking down on expensive emergency room visits by labeling some 'avoidable' and kicking the bills to the patients. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The 'modern' toilet was invented in the 1700s. So what was it like in the past, and how could we improve on it in the future? Learn more about waste technologies in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Some geologists say that humans have had a big enough impact on the Earth that we should declare a new epoch -- the Anthropocene. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Emotional support animals are a real and useful therapy tool, but not all of them are trained to deal with the crowds and stresses of air travel. Learn what airlines can and can't do to prevent accidents in this episode of BrainStuff.

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As many as 7 in every 10 Americans have a fear of public speaking. Learn how this type of social anxiety develops -- and what you can do to fight it -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Humans tend to max out at a couple minutes of breath holding, but some air-breathing reptiles and even mammals have evolved to spend extreme lengths of time underwater. Learn how long (and how they manage it) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The salty, buttery popcorn sold in movie theaters is nigh irresistible, but there's zero butter involved. Learn what it's made of in this episode of BrainStuff.

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NASA is planning a new series of moon missions, with the goal of sending astronauts back by 2028. Learn what they're hoping to build and study there in this episode of BrainStuff.

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People have been telling stories about the Sandman -- named for his magic sand, which you may find crusting your eyelashes when you wake up -- for centuries. Learn some of the oldest known stories and how they may have emerged in today’s BrainStuff.

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The HANS device supports a driver's head and neck in the event of a race car crash, saving lives. Learn its history in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Recycling rates seem to have plateaued in the United States, which is bad news for the environment. Learn why this happened -- and what might be done to help fix it -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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As it turns out, most flying squirrels glow hot pink in ultraviolet light. Learn what researchers think may be the reason in this episode of BrainStuff.

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We all know we're supposed to reach out to friends and family experiencing depression, but it's an intimidating prospect. Learn how to get a conversation started in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Kansas and Arkansas are spelled similarly but pronounced very differently. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Smartphone apps like Lyft and even Facebook seem able to identify our location with near-perfect accuracy, but the 911 emergency service still struggles. Learn why -- and what's being done about it -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The research facility on New York's Plum Island holds some of the most dangerous livestock diseases known to humankind. Learn about its history (and uncertain future) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Bacteria can survive way longer than humans under the right conditions, so a team of researchers designed an experiment on microbes that will take 500 years to complete. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Short answer: Yeah, probably. Most Westerners have traded squatting for sitting and standing, to the detriment of our backs and joints. Learn the benefits of a good squat -- and how you can incorporate them into your day -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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After 15 years, NASA has officially ended the mission of the Mars rover Opportunity. Learn what the little-robot-that-could helped us discover about the planet (and interplanetary missions) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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The oldest known intact Earth rock was collected on the moon in the 1970s. Learn how researchers think it got there it in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Researchers have found genes that help determine the shapes of fruits and vegetables. Learn how this could (and couldn't) change what you see at the grocery store in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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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 episode of BrainStuff.

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Some people hold that the number 23 has near-magical significance, but how did this fascination start? And can mere coincidences have real meaning? Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Sloths only defecate once a week or so, and more sloths die during the process than at any other time. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Many modern cities feature grided streets made for walking, but suburbs' wide, winding roads require cars to get around. Learn why, plus how it might change, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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