BrainStuff

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Latest Episodes:

BrainStuff Classics: How Do Homeless Americans Vote? Nov 13, 2022

Show notes

Not having a permanent address or access to identifying documents can make voting in U.S. elections nearly impossible. Learn more about these challenges -- and what some organizations are doing to help -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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BrainStuff Classics: What Was The Great Pox? Nov 12, 2022

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You've heard of smallpox, but what was the great pox? And did Shakespeare have it? Learn about the spread of (spoiler alert) syphilis in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/literature/pox-on-that-refers-to.htm

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How Do Seahorses Work? Nov 11, 2022

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These social fish are fascinating for reasons far beyond their unique shapes. Learn about them in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/seahorses.htm

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Can the President Control Gasoline Prices? Nov 10, 2022

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There's very little that any U.S. president can do to affect gas prices in the short term. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://money.howstuffworks.com/president-gas-prices.htm

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Can You Get Pregnant During Your Period? Nov 09, 2022

Show notes

Short answer: Yes, totally. Human bodies all work a little differently, so it's possible to have an egg ready to go while you're having your period. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on these articles: https://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/pregnancy/fertility/abnormal-menstrual-cycles-and-fertility.htm; https://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/pregnancy/fertility/pregnant-during-period.htm

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Do Political TV Ads Really Change Voters' Minds? Nov 08, 2022

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In hotly contested elections, campaigns flood television channels and streaming services with ads for or against the people running. Learn when they can make a difference in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/do-campaign-tv-ads-change-voters-minds.htm

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Why Are Graveyards Scary? Oct 31, 2022

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Cemeteries and other places where we inter or honor the dead are often at least a little unsettling. Learn about the psychology and philosophy behind this phenomenon in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/afterlife/scary-graveyard.htm

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Why Does It Feel So Good To Be Scared? Oct 30, 2022

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Plenty of things are scary these days, so why do people pay good money to see horror movies and go to 'haunted' houses? Learn why psychologists say these fearful experiences are helpful in today's classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/emotions/why-love-to-be-scared.htm

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How Does the Monstrous Lamia Work? Oct 29, 2022

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Lamia is a character from Greek myth who, in various tellings, devours children or seduces men. Learn about her legends in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/lamia.htm

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Can You Sleep With Your Eyes Open? Oct 25, 2022

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It's not necessarily fun (nor on purpose), but yes, some people sleep with one or both eyes partially open. Learn how nocturnal lagophthalmos works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/disorders/can-fall-asleep-with-eyes-open.htm

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