BrainStuff

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Latest Episodes:

What Is Peyote? Aug 07, 2019

Show notes

In brief, peyote is a cactus with hallucinogenic properties that's been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. Learn how it works and why it's endangered in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Why Does America Use Fahrenheit Instead of Celsius? Aug 06, 2019

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Most of the rest of the world uses the Celsius scale to describe temperature, but the U.S. uses Fahrenheit. Learn the origins and histories of these two scales in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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How Are Ethnicity and Race Different? Aug 05, 2019

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The concepts of ethnicity and race are both human inventions with no basis in science, but these concepts have huge impacts on us and our world. Learn the difference between ethnicity and race in this episode of BrainStuff.

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What Is the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon? Aug 02, 2019

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Also called the frequency illusion or recency illusion, the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon occurs when you learn something new, then notice instances of it everywhere. Learn how it works and how it got its name in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Could Frozen Zoo DNA Stave Off Species' Extinction? Aug 01, 2019

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As human civilization encroaches on wild animals' habitats, some face extinction. Learn how researchers hope to someday use frozen DNA sample taken from zoo animals to replenish wild populations in this episode of BrainStuff.

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How Does the Hippocampus Work? Jul 31, 2019

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Without the hippocampus, our brains have serious trouble recalling and recording certain types of long-term memories. Learn how this brain structure works in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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Is Permafrost Really Permanent? Jul 30, 2019

Show notes

Despite its name, permafrost doesn't necessarily last forever -- and when it melts, it can have a negative effect on the environment. Learn how permafrost works (and how it preserves long-dead creatures so well) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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What's the Difference Between Coroners and Medical Examiners? Jul 30, 2019

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These two types of professional death investigators often work together, but their jobs are usually distinct. Learn the difference in this episode of BrainStuff.

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How Do Animals Get Their Scientific Names? Jul 26, 2019

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The person who discovers a new species gets to name it -- but what do 'new' and 'discover' mean here? And do all names get approved? Learn how scientific naming and taxonomy work in this episode of BrainStuff (plus, meet a fish named after Greedo).

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Should You Rent Grass-Mowing Goats? Jul 25, 2019

Show notes

Goats were the original weed wackers, and they're still super effective at controlling lawns and brush today. Learn why they're gaining popularity again in this episode of BrainStuff.

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