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Latest Episodes:

How do people get warts? Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

Warts are small bumps that can show up on our skin, especially on our hands, knees, or elbows. What are they? Where do they come from? We asked Dr. Kaveh Hoda to help us find the answer.

Got a question that’s got you TOADally stumped? Send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact, and we’ll help sort out wart’s wart.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does a platypus make its venom? Nov 29, 2024

Show notes

Platypuses seem like they were put together from other animal’s spare parts. They’ve got a bill like a duck, a flat tail like a beaver, and…venom? What’s up with that? We asked biologist Imogene Cancellare to help us find the answer.

Got a question that’s as confusing as platypus anatomy? Send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact, and we won’t even bill you for the answer!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did the peregrine falcon get its name? Nov 28, 2024

Show notes

Peregrine falcons are the fastest animals on earth. They’re the super sonic jets of the animal kingdom! So what does the word “peregrine” mean and how did these amazing birds get their name? We chatted with conservation biologist Imogene Cancellare to help us find the answer.

Got a question soaring through your brain? Send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact, and we’ll help you capture the answer!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why don’t mountain lions have manes? Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

When you picture a lion, what do you see? If you thought of a big fluffy mane, you’re not alone! But how come mountain lions don’t have manes? We asked conservation biologist Imogene Cancellare to help us find the answer.

Got a question that’s really hairy? Send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact, and we’ll make finding the answer our mane focus.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do birds cough or sneeze? Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

Birds have a lot going on. They fly, chirp, sing, make nests, lay eggs. But can they cough or sneeze? We asked biologist Imogene Cancellare to help us find the answer.

Got a question that’s flying around in your brain? Send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact, and we’ll help quack the case.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do bears make their dens? Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

Most bear species spend at least part of the winter season snoozing – a.k.a. hibernating! To prepare for that extended nap sesh, bears snuggle up in cozy dens where they can stay safe and hidden. But how does a bear make a den? We asked biologist Imogene Cancellare to help us find the answer.

Got a question that’s making you feel a bit grizzled? Send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact, and we’ll help i-DEN-tify the answer!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do we have friends? Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

Friends rule! The best ones are those that are always there to help you out, embark on a strange adventure, make you laugh so hard you cry and appreciate all the weird and wonderful things that make you… you! We love our friends! But do we humans need them as a species? We talked to psychologist/biologist Lauren Brent to find the answer.

Do you and your BFF have a question? Send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact, and we’ll be a friend and help find the answer!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the strongest glue? Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

Most of us have used a glue stick or Elmer’s, but what about the strongest glue in the WORLD? We got a fantastic question from a couple of listeners who wanted to know what the strongest glue is, so we reached out to biomedical engineer Danna Sheridan to help us find the answer.

Got a question that’s sticking in your mind? Send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact, and we’ll help unglue the answer!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do penguins sit down? Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

Did you know there are 18 species of penguin in the world? Each species has its own differences and quirks, but one thing all penguins have in common is that it can be tricky to tell if they’re standing up or sitting down. One curious listener wondered if they even sit down at all. We asked Dr. Michelle LaRue from the University of Canterbury to help us find the answer.

Got a question that’s knocked you off your feet? Send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact, and we’ll stand up and find the answer.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What causes solar flares? Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

Listener Graham wanted to know what solar flares are and what causes them, so we reached out to NASA Heliophysicist Nicola Fox to help us figure out why these bright flashes on the sun’s surface occur.

Got a question that’s been flaring up in your mind? Send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact, and we’ll help make you brighter!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.