Brainstuff

Honey bees are vanishing? But why? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The future of your favorite TV shows hinges on their ratings – but what is a rating, and where does it come from? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The next time you honk your car horn at that jerk who cut you off, you’ll understand how it uses physics to get the job done. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve all seen movies with supervillains building catastrophic Doomsday devices – but has anyone ever built a real one? Join Christian to learn how the Cold War led to the most dangerous nuclear system in history: Russia’s legendary – and terrifying – Dead Hand. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are many misconceptions about what causes the Aurora Borealis when it really requires solar winds, magnetic fields and excited atmospheric gases. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian defines what white noise actually is and how it's used to mask other annoying sounds. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A vitamin a day keeps you healthy to play. Or does it? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the vast majority of international travelers, a passport is a necessity. But why? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the vast majority of international travelers, a passport is a necessity. But why? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These insects live in your bedroom, drink your blood and stain your sheets. How do you get rid of them? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Without the moon, how would Earth's environment be affected? Would we survive? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A plumber in Alaska invented a bizarre condiment that launched a multimillion dollar industry, and today ranch is the most popular salad dressing in the US. But what exactly is this stuff? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve heard of fracking, and you’re pretty sure lots of people don’t like it, but do you know how it actually works? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do fireflies, TVs, neon signs, and glowsticks have in common? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much does your name actually matter? Are some names going to make you rich, while others make you poor? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever had a few too many beers at a party, then you've probably encountered the symptoms of a hangover -- the pulsing headache, dry mouth, nausea and more. But what's actually happening to you? And what is it about alcohol that can turn a wonderful Saturday night into an agonizing Sunday morning? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sitcoms use laugh tracks all the time. But where do they come from? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recorded sound of your voice usually makes you cringe because of two ways vibrations reach your ear. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the President travels the friendly skies, he does it in style. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People who smoke pot have a reputation for being forgetful or absentminded. But what's the real science behind this? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.