BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

What's the Science Behind Applause? Nov 05, 2019

Show notes

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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Could Science Create a Better Blood Supply? Nov 04, 2019

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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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Did Humans Evolve To Be Superstitious? Nov 01, 2019

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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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What Is Eye of Newt? Oct 31, 2019

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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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What Exactly Is Candy Corn? Oct 30, 2019

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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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What's Happening During A Near-Death Experience? Oct 29, 2019

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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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What Is the Legend of the Hawaiian Night Marchers? Oct 28, 2019

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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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Can We 3-D Print Meat in Space? Oct 25, 2019

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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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How Do Sea Urchins Work? Oct 24, 2019

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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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How Does Venus Work? Oct 23, 2019

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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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