BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

Do Other Planets Have Tectonic Plates? Jan 04, 2025

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Some scientists think tectonic plates are a prerequisite for life as we know it. Learn what we know about plate tectonics elsewhere in our solar system in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/is-earth-only-planet-with-tectonic-plates.htm

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Why (and How) Does Paper Crumple? Jan 03, 2025

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It turns out that thin, bendy sheets like paper crumple in predictable ways -- and we can learn a lot from the process. Learn more about the protective physics of crumpling in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/crumple-theory.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: What Exactly Are Frankincense and Myrrh? Dec 26, 2024

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Frankincense and myrrh play a part not only in the story of Christmas, but in lots of other religious traditions as well -- and a few practical ones, too. Learn more about these aromatic substances in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this episode: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/question283.htm

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How Does Fruitcake Work? Dec 25, 2024

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Whether you love it, hate it, or hurl it with a trebuchet, fruitcake holds a dense place in holiday traditions. Learn how it came to be (and where to win prizes for throwing it) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/menus/fruitcake.htm

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Why Carve Radishes for Christmas? Dec 24, 2024

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In Oaxaca, Mexico, a pre-Christmas tradition has hundreds of artists carving radishes into fun and festive figures every Dec. 23. Learn about La Noche de Rábanos in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/mexicos-night-of-radishes.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: Why Don't Evergreen Trees Lose Their Needles? Dec 20, 2024

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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 classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://home.howstuffworks.com/evergreen-trees-dont-shed.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: How Do Cold-Blooded Animals Survive the Winter? Dec 19, 2024

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Reptiles and amphibians have all sorts of adaptations for surviving cold weather, even in places where temperatures dip below freezing. Learn how they manage the cold in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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How Did Transcendentalism Shape America? Dec 18, 2024

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Transcendentalism was a philosophical movement in the 1800s that has had lasting effects in American society. Learn how it worked in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/transcendentalism.htm

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How Can We Help Prevent Suicide? Dec 17, 2024

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Suidice is a serious public health issue in the U.S., but there are lots of things we can do about it. Learn how communities and individuals can help in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/mental-disorders/us-needs-to-have-ongoing-conversation-about-suicide.htm

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Which of Today's Animals Lived Alongside Dinosaurs? Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

When the non-avian dinosaurs died out, a lot of other animals went with them -- but some sturdy species survived. Learn how they evolved and thrived in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/dinosaur-contemporary.htm

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