BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

BrainStuff Classics: Why Do Dogs' Paws Smell Like Corn Chips? Nov 12, 2023

Show notes

Dog enthusiasts sometimes revel in how their pup's paws smell gloriously of corn chips, but what causes this scent? Learn the science behind Frito paws in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/why-dog-paws-smell-fritos-corn-chips.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: Will Temperature Changes Make You Sick? Nov 11, 2023

Show notes

When the temperature drops (or bounces), are you more likely to get sick? Learn the science behind the old wives’ tale in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/cold-flu/can-change-in-temperature-really-make-sick.htm

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How Big Can a Tree Grow? Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

There's actually a natural limit on how tall trees can grow -- but what about circumference? Or total mass? Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/tree-grow.htm

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Has London Bridge Ever Fallen Down? Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

London Bridge crosses the Thames in a place where lots of bridges have stood -- and technically fallen -- before. Learn about the history of these bridges (and the nursery rhyme) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/structural/london-bridge.htm

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How Does the Slow Cone Snail Catch Prey? Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

Cone snails move slow, but catch prey fast with harpoons or clouds of paralyzing toxins. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/cone-snail.htm

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How Does el Día de los Muertos Work? Nov 01, 2023

Show notes

The Day of the Dead celebrates life by inviting the spirits of loved ones back home for feasting and fun. Learn about the history and traditions surrounding the holiday in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-other/day-dead.htm

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How Did Safety Coffins Ease Fears of Premature Burial? Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

When concerns about being accidentally buried alive swept Europe and North America in the 1800s, inventors (and showmen) came up with coffins that could let a living person escape -- or at least alert someone to come dig them up. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/afterlife/premature-burial-safety-coffins.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: Are Yeti Just a Bunch of Bears? Oct 29, 2023

Show notes

Genetics says "probably." In this episode of BrainStuff, learn what researchers found when they submitted supposed Yeti samples for genetic testing.

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BrainStuff Classics: Why Does Hot Food Seem More Satisfying? Oct 28, 2023

Show notes

Warm foods can feel more filling than chilled foods, but why? Learn the possible explanations behind the cravings in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/why-hot-food-more-satisfying-than-cold.htm

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What's the History of Paternity Testing? Oct 27, 2023

Show notes

Before DNA-based paternity tests were accurate and inexpensive, scientists (and pseudoscientists) claimed all kinds of things could work. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/history-paternity-testing.htm

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