BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

Why Is the Sky Blue? Apr 24, 2020

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It seems like a simple question, but the answer involves a combination of physics, geometry, electromagnetic radiation, and biology. Learn why we perceive the sky as blue in this episode of BrainStuff.

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How Does the New York Times Crossword Puzzle Work? Apr 22, 2020

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For nearly 80 years, the New York Times Crossword puzzle has been an institution -- but the paper didn't even want to publish one at first. Learn the history and modern workings of the puzzle in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Can a Cell Phone Make a Gas Pump Explode? Apr 21, 2020

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There's a modern myth that using your cell phone while pumping gasoline may cause a fire or explosion, but it's been debunked. Learn why (and why static electricity may have started the myth) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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How Is Our Food Supply Chain Changing? Apr 20, 2020

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Don't worry, there isn't any kind of shortage of food in the United States due to COVID-19 -- but our supply chain is changing. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff.

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BrainStuff Classics: Why Don't All Skeletons Become Fossils? Apr 19, 2020

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If every animal that ever lived became fossilized, we'd be swimming in seas of fossils right now. Learn why we aren't in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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BrainStuff Classics: Why Can It Be Painful To Bite Aluminum Foil? Apr 18, 2020

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If you've ever gotten a painful shock from biting down on a piece of aluminum foil, it's becauce dental metal in your mouth formed a type of battery with the foil. Learn how it works in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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How Was the Golden Gate Bridge Designed? Apr 17, 2020

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A bridge connecting San Francisco to the Marin Headlands was proposed 60 years before construction actually began. Learn how it finally happened (and why you shouldn't call the iconic Golden Gate Bridge 'red') in this episode of BrainStuff.

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What's the Difference Between Turtles and Tortoises? Apr 16, 2020

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Tortoises are a type of turtle, but the differences among these reptiles aren't always clear. Learn more about these shelled reptiles in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Why Do Stores Keep Running Out of Toilet Paper? Apr 16, 2020

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Of all things to run low on during a pandemic: Why toilet paper? Learn the reasons behind the perceived shortage and empty shelves in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Is Glass a Liquid or a Solid? Apr 14, 2020

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Glass isn't a liquid, but it's not quite a normal solid, either. Learn why glass is an amorphous solid (and why old window panes have ripples) in this episode of BrainStuff.

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