BrainStuff

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Latest Episodes:

BrainStuff Classics: Can Used Books Spread Germs? Aug 06, 2023

Show notes

Libraries are bastions of knowledge -- but are they also bastions of germs? Short answer: Nope! For the long answer, tune in to this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/used-books-may-be-germy-but-wont-make-you-sick.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: Would Psychic Powers Really Cause Nosebleeds? Aug 05, 2023

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You've seen the trope: a character strains their psychic powers and gets a nosebleed to show for it. But would this actually happen if psychic powers were real? Learn the hypothetical science in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/extrasensory-perceptions/psychic-nosebleed-powers-really-happen.htm

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How Can You Tell Ravens and Crows Apart? Aug 03, 2023

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Ravens and crows are both large black birds with mythic reputations, but they're easy to tell apart once you know the differences between them. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/american-crows-and-ravens-whats-difference.htm

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Where Do Royalty's Nannies Get Their Training? Aug 02, 2023

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British royals and lots of the world's other prominent families hire their nannies out of one century-old school: Norland College. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/european-history/norland-college-royal-nannies.htm

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How Common Is Male Breast Cancer? Aug 01, 2023

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Although it's much more common in women, men get breast cancer, too -- it's not abnormal because we're all mammals, and we all have some amount of breast tissue. Learn about the symptoms and treatments in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/breast/men-breast-cancer.htm

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Where Did the 'Don't Tread on Me' Flag Come From? Jul 31, 2023

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The Gadsden flag -- with its coiled rattlesnake on a bright yellow field and the words 'don't tread on me' -- has symbolic roots stretching back before the American Revolution. Learn its history in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/revolutionary-war/dont-tread-on-me-flag.htm

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How Does Rhodium Work? Jul 28, 2023

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Rhodium's rarity, industrial usefulness, and straight-up shininess make it one of the most expensive metals on Earth. Learn how it was discovered and more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/rhodium.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: Were Unicorns Always Sweet? Jul 23, 2023

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The modern image of the elegant, gentle unicorn is a relatively recent invention. Learn about the history of unicorn myths and legends in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/strange-creatures/unicorn-in-history.htm

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Introducing: On the Job, Episode 8 Jul 22, 2023

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We've teamed up with the podcast On the Job to bring you a preview of episode 8: The Tears and Tenacity of A Clown. Brandon Dunn was born into rodeo royalty. And for twenty years he fulfilled his destiny -- until a tragic car accident ended his career. Or nearly ended it. Brandon tells his story of loss and rehabilitation, and welcomes us into the fascinating world of rodeo clowning. Check out Brandon in action here: http://www.roblittle.com

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How Could an Underwater Highway Help Save Sea Turtles? Jul 21, 2023

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OK, it's not a literal highway, but the Cocos-Galapagos Swimway is a proposed safety zone for sea turtles and other animals to migrate. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/oceanography/cocos-galapagos-superhighway.htm

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