BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

BrainStuff Classics: Why Can't You Reach the End of a Rainbow? Apr 09, 2023

Show notes

Rainbows may look like they touch the ground somewhere off in the distance, but it's physically impossible for the viewer to reach the spot where it touches. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff.

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How Does the Martini Glass Work? Apr 08, 2023

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This angular, stemmed glass has been synonymous with the martini cocktail for nearly a hundred years. Learn more about the history of both the martini glass and cocktail in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/martini-glass.htm

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What's Happening When You Get the Wind Knocked Out of You? Apr 07, 2023

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When you get the wind knocked out of you, your normally automatic breathing system is being temporarily interrupted. Learn how phrenospasm works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/respiratory/wind-knocked-out.htm

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Are There Alien Asteroids in Our Midst? Apr 06, 2023

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Researchers have identified at least one asteroid from another sun that's been hanging out in our solar system for billions of years. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/alien-asteroids-been-lurking-in-solar-system-since-beginning.htm

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How Did the Radium Girls Change Workers' Rights? Apr 05, 2023

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In the early 1900s, women who fell deathly ill from working with radioactive paint fought back when their employers denied responsibility. They changed workers' safety laws -- though many didn't live to see the results. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/radium-girls.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: Is Coconut Oil a 'Superfood' or 'Pure Poison'? Apr 02, 2023

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Recent health claims about coconut oil range from 'superfood' to 'pure poison'. Learn why the truth is somewhere in between in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/coconut-oils-superfood-pure-or-poison.htm

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How Does Historical Cryptology Work? Apr 01, 2023

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To crack ciphers written centuries ago, historical cryptologists have to be half artist, half accountant, and use some of the most powerful computing tools known today. Learn how a team cracked Mary, Queen of Scots's code in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/math-concepts/historical-cryptologists.htm

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Why Do We Turn Down the Radio When We're Lost? Mar 31, 2023

Show notes

Even seemingly passive activities (like listening to music) can interrupt our brains while we're doing something important (like driving). Learn why we're so bad at multitasking in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/turn-down-radio-when-lost.htm

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Introducing: Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman Mar 30, 2023

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Hi, BrainStuff fans! Listen to Inner Cosmos hosted by David Eagleman! Neuroscientist David Eagleman tackles the big and totally unexpected questions that live at the intersection of our brains and our lives. Don't just take our word for it, check out the trailer to decide for yourself!

About Inner Cosmos: Stanford neuroscientist and bestselling author David Eagleman explores wacky and insightful questions to reveal how modern brain science intersects with our lives, passions, and behaviors. Through thrilling journeys into your Inner Cosmos, Eagleman unfolds totally unexpected facets of our brains, allowing us to see the world from new angles.

Listen to Inner Cosmos on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!

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How Did Trepanation Work? Mar 30, 2023

Show notes

One of the earliest, most common medical treatments in history (and prehistory!) involved drilling a hole in the patient's skull. Learn more about trepaning in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/surgeries-procedures/trepanation.htm

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