BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

La Pascualita: Bridal Mannequin or Embalmed Corpse? Nov 01, 2024

Show notes

From the window of a small bridal shop in Mexico, an eerily lifelike mannequin has inspired macabre legends. Learn about La Pascualita in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/la-pascualita.htm

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How Do Ouija Boards Work? Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

This board game brought communing with spirits to the mass market in the mid-1900s. Learn about Ouija's storied history -- plus how science says our subconscious is responsible for moving the planchette -- in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/unexplained-phenomena/ouija-boards.htm

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Does Gunslinger Tom Horn Haunt the American West? Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Some real-life legends haunt us even if literal ghosts do not. Learn how the tales about hired gun Tom Horn caught up with him in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/tom-horn.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: Why Do We Make Our Monsters Cute? Oct 26, 2024

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Pop culture loves making horrific figures adorable, from Cthulhu plushies to 'cute' Freddy Krueger costumes. But why? Learn what researchers think about the spectrum of cute to monstrous in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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How Do Yaks Work? Oct 25, 2024

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The yak is a beautiful bovine adapted especially for its cold, high-altitude environment. Learn about yaks and their amazing milk and fiber in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/yak.htm

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Can Absinthe Really Make You Hallucinate? Oct 24, 2024

Show notes

Absinthe once had a sinister reputation for causing hallucinations and even insanity, but it's only as hazardous as any other alcohol. Learn about the history and science behind absinthe in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/absinthe.htm

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Is There Life in Antarctica's Volcanic Ice Caves? Oct 23, 2024

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In frigid Antarctica, hidden ice caves warmed by volcanic activity can reach warm springtime temperatures and feature lots of liquid water. Learn what researchers hope to find in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/biology-fields/intricate-ice-caves-in-antarctica-may-harbor-unique-life.htm

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How Was Vasco da Gama, Portugal's Columbus, Just as Controversial? Oct 22, 2024

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During the Age of Exploration, Vasco da Gama established a water route from Europe to spice-rich India -- and established Portugal as a fearsome colonial force. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/vasco-da-gama.htm

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Is Genius Genetic? Oct 16, 2024

Show notes

Intelligence and talent may be something we're born with, but there's evidence that nurture is at least as important as nature in determining genius. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/genius-genetic.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: Why Are Suburbs So Unwalkable? Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

Many modern cities feature grided streets made for walking, but suburbs' wide, winding roads require cars to get around. Learn why, plus how it might change, in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/civil/why-so-many-suburban-streets-twist-and-turn.htm

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