BrainStuff

Seawater is salty because of several quirks in Earth's water cycle. Learn the reasons why in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/oceanography/why-is-seawater-salty.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Trying potential medical treatments on animals was once the best that science could do, but new technologies could make animal testing obsolete. Learn how in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/tech-transport/does-technology-make-us-drive-worse.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

It takes a particular kind of person to go from average citizen to amateur spy. Learn what history and psychology have taught us in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/why-do-ordinary-people-commit-acts-of-espionage.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

These large, leggy birds can run fast and make friends faster. Learn more about them in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/emu.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Herd immunity can help keep a population healthier, but achieving it can be difficult. Learn about vaccines and vaccination reluctance in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/herd-immunity.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In the 1850s, Oregon voted to outlaw slavery in their state -- but also to outlaw free Black people from living there. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/racial-history-oregon-was-whites-only-until-1926.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Some fish that strut the seafloor share a common ancestor with humans, so researchers are hoping that studying these fish could help us understand how we walk. Learn how in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/extinct-animals/ancient-fish-strutted-seafloor-before-land-animals.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Any high-tech car feature that takes your attention away from the road is a distraction, but are even our automatic safety systems making driving more dangerous? We explore in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/tech-transport/does-technology-make-us-drive-worse.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Rumor has it that Lucille Ball once picked up a spy's radio signal with her fillings -- but could it be true? Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/lucille-ball-fillings-spy.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Different kinds of spiders build all sorts of different webs, from beautiful bug-catchers to protective egg sacs to clever trap doors. Learn about them in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/arachnids/spiders-spin-webs.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Showering first thing or last thing in your day is largely a personal preference, but a few factors might sway you one way or the other. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/daily/tips/morning-vs-evening-showers-discuss.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

One of the results of burning coal to produce energy is the creation of coal ash, a toxic product that can wreak havoc when it spills into nearby ecosystems. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/deadly-problem-coal-ash.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Once a year, the U.S. government can use a process called reconciliation to fast-track big budget legislation through Congress. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/reconciliation.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In the incredible future, robots may be able to drive your car -- but will they be able to speed? Today's self-driving cars can. Learn why in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Researchers and chefs in Japan have invented an ice cream that doesn't melt on sunny days -- and it's all thanks to deformed strawberries. Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Zaron Burnett’s dad didn’t want slavery to be his son’s only image of Black people in American history. So every night, he filled Zaron’s dreams with these incredible stories of Black cowboys. Despite what Hollywood taught us, one-in-four cowboys were Black. Their stories tell a bigger, braver, more honest history of America.  Find Black Cowboys on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Our planet would be a very different place if it didn't rotate. Learn why the Earth spins -- and what it might look like if it slowly stopped -- in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Movies and other media often use stock sound effects to avoid the cost of recording new ones, but a particular scream has become a Hollywood in-joke. Learn where the Wilhelm scream comes from in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Dolphins are incredibly intelligent -- in some ways, they can mentally outperform chimpanzees. Learn about some of their amazing capabilities in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ever had a song or commercial jingle on repeat in your head for days? Learn how earworms work in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com