Brainstuff

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a popular and effective method of birth control. So why don't Americans ​use them? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is silica gel, and why do I find little packets of it in everything I buy? Christian explains it all in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sure, rearview mirrors are cool -- but how do they actually work? How can the same piece of glass have two different amounts of reflection? Join Christian as he explains the science behind these handy devices. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some figs need fig wasps to pollinate their fruit. But are we eating dead wasps every time we bite into a fig? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered how accents work? Tune in to this episode of BrainStuff to find out about the ever-evolving accent. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For some people, winter means a daily battle against cracking, scaling or peeling lips. But what actually causes chapped lips? How can you prevent it? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cats purr for all kinds of reasons, including communication and healing themselves. Christian explains how purring works and which cats can't do it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They’re just horses with stripes, right? So why don’t we ride them around like Seabiscuit or Black Beauty? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stomach is a hollow, many-layered organ that produces powerful acids to break down food -- and another substance to protect the stomach from being digested. Find out what this substance is, and learn more about the stomach, in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cars rely on batteries to keep their electrical parts running and alternators to keep their batteries alive. Battery lights come into play when there's a charging problem. Find out more about battery lights in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When water comes in contact with the complex molecules that make up cotton and nylon, it causes a different action in each material -- but why? Listen in as Marshall Brain breaks down the science behind water absorption in this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are many kinds of motion sensors, from active to passive systems. Get the scoop on how myriad motion sensing systems work in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes a "smart" house so smart? These high-tech houses intelligently use resources and are responsive to the needs and habits of their occupants. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the demand for dwindling oil supplies rises, scientists across the world search for new ways to generate energy. In this episode, Marshall looks at a new attempt to stave off the looming fossil fuel crisis: Turning coal into oil. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At many restaurants, a little container on the table will have regular sugar in addition to artificial sweeteners. But what exactly are artificial sweeteners, and how do they differ in comparison to regular sugar? Listen in to find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the film Salt, Angelina Jolie's character creates a missile from handy household ingredients -- but could this happen in real life? Tune in as Marshall breaks down the science behind improvised explosives. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does a pressurized airplane cabin work -- more importantly, what happens when the pressure fails? Join Marshall Brain as he breaks down the science behind cabin pressurization. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you go outdoors during the right time of year, you may be bitten by chiggers. But what are these creatures, and why do they attack unsuspecting humans? Listen in as Marshall Brain breaks down the life cycle of the chigger -- and how it can affect you. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anyone who watched the Master's tournament knows that Rory McElroy famously choked under pressure -- but what exactly happened? In this podcast, Marshall explores the science behind choking in stressful or intimidating situations Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laminated safety glass has been around since the 1920s. Find out how safety glass is made, how it works and what it's used for in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.