BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

Why Do Scientists Want You to Say 'UAPs', not 'UFOs'? Dec 15, 2022

Show notes

Researchers who are currently looking into inexplicable lights and objects in the sky are calling them unexplained aerial phenomena (UAPs), not unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/space/aliens-ufos/uaps.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BrainStuff Classics: Why Do We Get Hiccups? Dec 11, 2022

Show notes

What's happening when you get hiccups, and how can you stop them? Learn what science knows -- and doesn't know -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Every Snowflake Really Unique? Dec 10, 2022

Show notes

Snowflakes fall by the trillions during every snowstorm, so how could each one be unique? Learn about the incredible crystal physics behind snowflake development in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/is-every-snowflake-actually-unique.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Does Rudolph's Nose Glow Red? Dec 09, 2022

Show notes

We may never know exactly why Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer's nose glows -- but we have a few scientific suspicions. Learn about bioluminescence and atavisims in this episode of BrainStuff, based on these articles: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/bioluminescence.htm; https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/rudolph-red-nose-reindeer.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Could Temporary Tattoos Revolutionize Blood Pressure Monitoring? Dec 08, 2022

Show notes

Research into a new wearable electronic patch made of graphene may make it possible to monitor blood pressure continuously and unobtrusively in the next few years. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/cardiovascular/blood-pressure/blood-pressure-tattoo-news.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Does the Artemis I Mission Work? Dec 07, 2022

Show notes

The Artemis space program is an international effort to put people back on the Moon within the next several years. Learn how the first mission is going in this episode of BrainStuff, based on these articles: https://science.howstuffworks.com/artemis-news.htm; https://science.howstuffworks.com/snoopy-artemis.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BrainStuff Classics: What Happens to Balloons When You Release Them? Nov 27, 2022

Show notes

How high can helium balloons go before they burst? Do they always burst? Learn about the physics of escaped balloons in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BrainStuff Classics: Can Side Sleeping Help Prevent Snoring? Nov 26, 2022

Show notes

Snoring can root from a number of causes, but sleeping on your side can usually help prevent it. Learn the science of snores in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/disorders/does-sleeping-on-side-stop-snoring.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Does Checkout Charity Work? Nov 25, 2022

Show notes

Asking customers for charitable donations at checkout can raise a lot of money -- and a lot of goodwill for the business. (And no, businesses can't write off your donations on their taxes.) Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://money.howstuffworks.com/checkout-charity-is-good-for-business.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Do U.S. Presidents Pardon Turkeys for Thanksgiving? Nov 24, 2022

Show notes

This odd tradition seems to stem from early in the history of Thanksgiving being a national holiday, and has only gotten more formal (and more silly) in recent years. Learn about turkeys in the White House in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/presidential-turkey-pardon.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.