BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

How Do We Get Iron and Steel Out of Stone? Jul 29, 2026

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Iron processing is a benchmark of civilization for good reason -- this metal makes a lot of technology possible. Learn about the history and science of refining iron and steel in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/iron.htm

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Did a Journalist's Probe into JFK's Assassination Lead to Her Death? Jul 27, 2026

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In the mid-1900s, Dorothy Kilgallen was a famous journalist and popular media personality -- but her investigation into the deaths of President Kennedy and his assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, may have gotten her killed, too. Learn about the alledged organized crime coverup Kilgallen was looking into in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/dorothy-kilgallen.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: Could the Great Depression Happen Again? Jul 25, 2026

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There were many factors that led to the depth and length of the Great Depression, but some of these mistakes are being repeated today. Learn what historians and economists are saying we should watch out for in this classic-but-relevant episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/great-depression.htm

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How Many Arachnids Live in Your Eyelashes? Jul 24, 2026

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Pretty much every human has thousands of microscopic mites living in the hair follicles on their face, feeding off of the dead skin cells and oils there. Learn why you probably shouldn't worry about Demodex mites in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/eye/are-there-really-arachnids-living-in-my-eyelashes.htm

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Are Induction Cooktops Better than Gas or Electric? Jul 22, 2026

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Instead of putting a pan on a source of heat (like a gas burner or electric element), an induction cooktop creates heat in the pan itself thanks to the principles of electromagnetism and resistance. Learn how it works -- plus the pros and cons of the technology -- in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://home.howstuffworks.com/induction-cooktops.htm/printable

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How Did Mastodons Defend the Legitimacy of America? Jul 20, 2026

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In the 1700s, fossil finds along the Ohio and Hudson Rivers indicated that North America was home to mysterious beasts. Learn how mastodon bones proved both that extinction is real and that America isn't full of degenerates in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/extinct-animals/mastodon-boneyard-that-stole-thomas-jeffersons-heart.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: Why Do Some People Eat Dirt? Jul 18, 2026

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The craving for and practice of eating earth is more widespread than you might think. Learn why researchers think people engage in this form of pica (i.e., geophagy) in today's classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/cultural-traditions/why-do-people-eat-dirt.htm

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What Advice About Lightning Is Wrong? Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

A lot of sayings and ideas about how to avoid getting struck by lightning are misguided. Learn how to stay storm safe in a building, a vehicle, or outside in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on these articles: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/storms/do-rubber-tires-insulate-car-from-lightning.htm; https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/storms/10-lightning-myths.htm

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How Did Wild Bill Hickok Become America's First Gunslinger? Jul 15, 2026

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In the mid-1800s, the archetype of the gentleman gunslinger emerged through tall tales of real people like James Butler 'Wild Bill' Hickok. Learn how Wild Bill became a legend in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/wild-bill-hickok.htm

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What Colors Are Impossible? Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

All colors only really exist in the mind of the beholder -- and there are colors that we can't perceive, or can only perceive under particular circumstances. Learn about impossible colors and how to see them in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/impossible-colors.htm

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