BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

How Were Squeaky Floors Used for Security? Jun 10, 2020

Show notes

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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Can a Star Survive a Black Hole Encounter? Jun 09, 2020

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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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Why Is Tear Gas Especially Dangerous During COVID-19? Jun 08, 2020

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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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BrainStuff Classics: What Is Russia's 'Dead Hand'? Jun 07, 2020

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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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BrainStuff Classics: Does TV Resolution Matter? Jun 06, 2020

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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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Is It Safe to Swim During the COVID-19 Outbreak? Jun 05, 2020

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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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How Did the Mason-Dixon Line Come to Divide the North from the South? Jun 05, 2020

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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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How Many Americans Know Someone in Jail or Prison? Jun 05, 2020

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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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How Was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Perceived During His Time? Jun 05, 2020

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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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What Is the World's Most Dangerous Tree? Jun 01, 2020

Show notes

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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