BrainStuff

Plants turn sunlight into food via photosynthesis, which is pretty amazing -- and its evolution is fairly mysterious. Learn how researchers think it happened in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of America's many mass shootings, some states are enacting laws that allow police to confiscate citizens' firearms when a concern about violence is reported. Learn how these red flag laws work in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prostheses for humans are already in use, so why not for other animals? Learn how veterinarians are using 3-D printed limbs, fins, beaks, bones, and shells to help injured animals in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some U.S. cities and states have officially changed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. Learn why -- and why some Americans disagree with the change -- in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Astronomers think there's an object in the far reaches of our solar system that's six times as massive as Earth. Learn why some think it's a planet and others propose it's a type of black hole in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This dog breed is known for its distinctive wrinkles, and genetic researchers have figured out why those wrinkles occur. Learn about it (plus whether a Shar-Pei might be a good dog for you) in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planting gardens, grasses, or wildflowers on urban roofs can solve a lot of problems, but it can cause a few along the way. Learn more about green roofs in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bobcat populations weren't doing so well a few decades ago, but these resilient wild cats are on the rebound. Learn about bobcats in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are a couple mathematically tested strategies for finding a parking spot that costs you the least time in terms of searching and walking to your destination. Learn what science has to say about parking in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although shoes with high heels are often coded feminine in modern culture, men wore them first -- military men, specifically. Learn the history of high heels in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few types of chickens are so pigmented that not just their feathers but their very flesh is a deep blue-black color. Learn how researchers think this came about in today's episode of BrainStuff.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the United States, many states don't put a lower age limit on arrests, and children as young as six years of age have been arrested by police. Learn why, and how some lawyers and lawmakers are trying to change that, in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being trapped in a car is a scary thought, but safety experts say that being prepared for emergencies saves lives. Learn what devices can help and how to use them in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not every bacterium is an enemy, but illness-causing germs are out there -- and some love your coffee cup. Learn how often research indicates you should wash that reusable cup in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Maine Coon breed of cats has a reputation for being more doglike than catlike. Learn about how they stand out in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These over-the-counter medications all do fairly similar jobs of relieving aches and pains, but there's a best (and a worst) way to use each type. Learn the differences between pain relievers in this episode of BrainStuff.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The traditional color of blueprints wasn't chosen because it's pretty -- it's a result of a chemical copying process. Learn the history of blueprints in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the help of specially made fins (and some swim lessons), anyone can become a mermaid or merman — there are even mer-professionals. Learn how mermaiding works in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s been a call for investigation into the history of Lyme disease, and whether it might’ve been an accidentally released bioweapon. Learn both sides of the debate in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Statue of Liberty is so iconic that it's hard to imagine New York City without it, but plans for the statue got started less than 200 years ago. Learn how Lady Liberty was created in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gingko biloba trees have changed so little over the past few hundred million years that researchers can use their leaves to track how the environment has changed over that time. Learn how in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investigating murders right here on planet Earth can be tricky -- how would it be handled in space? Who would even be in charge? (Do we need space cops??) Learn what current and future laws may apply in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maggots are undeniably gross, but black soldier fly maggots are a more efficient source of protein than anything else on the planet. Learn how researchers hope to get more people eating insects in this episode of BrainStuff.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fish live in water, but, just as our land-dwelling bodies have to carefully regulate our water and salt levels, so do fish bodies. Learn how fish stay hydrated in this episode of BrainStuff.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Though he was the father of psychoanalysis, Freud and his theories don't hold up so well today. Learn about his famous Oedipus complex concept and what modern psychiatrists and psychologists think in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.