BrainStuff
iHeartPodcasts
Whether the topic is popcorn or particle physics, you can count on BrainStuff to explore -- and explain -- the everyday science in the world around us.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 24, 2020 • 7min
What Do We Get Wrong About Cleopatra?
Cleopatra is a fascinating historical figure, but a lot of stories about her were misinformation spread by her enemies. Learn what historians think the real Cleopatra was like in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 24, 2020 • 5min
Why Is the Sky Blue?
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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 22, 2020 • 7min
How Does the New York Times Crossword Puzzle Work?
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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 21, 2020 • 4min
Can a Cell Phone Make a Gas Pump Explode?
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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 20, 2020 • 10min
How Is Our Food Supply Chain Changing?
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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 19, 2020 • 6min
BrainStuff Classics: Why Don't All Skeletons Become Fossils?
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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 18, 2020 • 3min
BrainStuff Classics: Why Can It Be Painful To Bite Aluminum Foil?
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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 17, 2020 • 9min
How Was the Golden Gate Bridge Designed?
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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 16, 2020 • 6min
What's the Difference Between Turtles and Tortoises?
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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 16, 2020 • 8min
Why Do Stores Keep Running Out of Toilet Paper?
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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
