Brainstuff

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a lot of confusion over food allergies, intolerances, and other disorders with similar symptoms. So how can you tell the difference, and how many of us should be concerned? Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/allergies/food-allergy/information/why-there-is-so-much-confusion-about-who-has-food-allergies.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sparticus was an enslaved man who led a revolt against the Roman Republic that changed the course of history. Learn about the life of this gladiator turned rebel leader in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/spartacus.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Panama Canal makes ships float uphill between oceans -- and creating it took solving an epidemic, moving millions of tons of earth, and inciting a revolution just to start out. Learn more about the Panama Canal in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/structural/panama-canal.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some microbes make food spoil, but others help preserve it -- and even create our favorite flavors and effects, from cheese to chocolate to chardonay. Learn more about food fermentation in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/food-fermentation.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This question is surprisingly difficult answer, in no small part due to the stigma against discussing mental health. Learn about researchers' best estimates for the prevalence of depression around the world and in the U.S. in this episode of BrainStuff, with material from this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/depression/facts/depression.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The largest planet in our solar system has the shortest days, at least 95 moons, a few faint rings, and mysteries to boot. Learn more about Jupiter in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/46003-jupiter-explained.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some food safety charts claim that whole milk goes off more quickly than skim milk, but the scientific evidence is mixed. Learn more about milk science in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/dairy/does-whole-milk-spoil-faster-than-skim-milk.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scorpions light up a glowing green under ultraviolet light. Science isn't entirely sure how but has a few theories on why. (Y'know, aside from "Scorpions are metal.") Learn more about scorpions' fluorescence in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/arachnids/why-scorpions-glow-under-black-light.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From particle physics to immunology to the ozone layer, these six scientists from the Spanish-speaking Americas redefined their disciplines with their work. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/dictionary/famous-scientists/physicists/10-hispanic-scientists.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dodo was the first animal that we watched go extinct due to human intervention -- could it be the first animal we bring back? Learn more about the dodo and de-extinction in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/extinct-animals/dodo.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Depression is a common condition, and highly treatable, but there's still a lot we don't understand about how it works. Learn about depression's probable causes, usual symptoms, and effective treatments in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/depression/facts/depression.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To be eligible to be elected president of the United States, you have to be at least 35 years old. But why 35? And why is there no upper age limit? Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/us-millennials-under-35-age-limit-president.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doughnuts have been around in some form for thousands of years, but a lot had to happen to make them the near-ubiquitous snack they are today. Learn about the history of doughnuts in this episode of BrainStuff, based on these articles: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/5-things-didn-t-know-about-doughnuts.htm; https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/ridiculous-history-vitamin-donuts.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.