BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

How Does the Portuguese Man-of-War Work? Sep 27, 2023

Show notes

These stinging sea creatures aren't jellyfish -- they're actually colonies of individual creatures working as one. Learn more about men-of-war and other siphonophores in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/portuguese-man-of-war.htm

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What Causes 'New Baby Smell'? Sep 05, 2023

Show notes

That sweet-milky-musky scent that newborn babies have is a combination of hundreds of compounds. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/family/parenting/parenting-tips/recreate-new-baby-scent.htm

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Where Was Babylon, and How Did It Fall? Sep 04, 2023

Show notes

Over 2000 years ago, Babylon was the largest, wealthiest city in the world -- but it didn't last. Learn about its past, present, and myths in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/babylon.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: Is There a Best Way to Load the Dishwasher? Sep 03, 2023

Show notes

Which way should the plates face? What about the silverware -- handles up or down? Do you need to pre-rinse? Learn how to make your dishwashing machine work its best in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://home.howstuffworks.com/best-way-to-load-dishwasher.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: Do Carrots Really Help Your Eyesight? Sep 02, 2023

Show notes

Conventional wisdom says that eating carrots will give you better vision, but how true is that? Learn where the idea came from in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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Why Do Beached Whales Explode Sometimes? Sep 01, 2023

Show notes

It's best to give deceased beached whales a respectful amount of space because they can explode. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/beached-whales-explode.htm

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Was Humpty Dumpty Always an Egg? Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

The nursery rhyme about Humpty Dumpty (and his wall, and his fall) is omnipresent. But who (or what) was this guy, really? Learn about the weird history of this verse in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/literature/humpty-dumpty.htm

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How Do Peregrine Falcons Work? Aug 30, 2023

Show notes

These birds of prey are one of the fastest animals in the world -- engineers study them to make airplanes more aerodynamic. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/peregrine-falcons-are-one-fastest-animals-alive.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: Are Any Superstitions Universal? Aug 20, 2023

Show notes

Do you knock on wood or avoid particular numbers? People around the world adhere to superstitions to attempt to change their luck -- and some of those superstitions are remarkably similar. Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/superstitions-universal-across-cultures.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: Why Are Dogs’ Noses Wet? Aug 19, 2023

Show notes

Dogs’ noses are often wet, but why? And does a dry nose mean your pup is sick? Learn what science has to say about dogs’ noses in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/why-do-dogs-have-wet-noses.htm

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