BrainStuff

You may have heard about the supposed inverse relationship between confidence and knowledge -- but is it true? Learn more about the Dunning-Kruger effect in this classic episode of BrainStuff....

Heating homes and other human hangouts requires a huge carbon footprint -- but meanwhile, we're wasting heat every day (and sweating) in systems like subways. Learn how one project hopes to use...

Sure, everyone knows that bacon and eggs are a traditional breakfast - but why? Listen in to learn how Freud's nephew invented PR and changed the way America eats breakfast. Learn more about your...

Cockroaches are, if nothing else, admirably persistent -- they can spring back from a 90% population loss just a couple generations. Learn how hardy they are in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn...

Wolverines may not have adamantium-reinforced skeletons, but this species of weasel boasts a few superpowers of its own. Learn more about wolverines in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about...

Something has to be done with all those fall leaves, but the best option for the environment (and your lawn) isn't raking, it's mulching. Learn why, and how to get started, in this episode of...

We often use the terms 'wasp' and 'hornet' interchangeably, but that's not quite right, and knowing the difference can save you a sting. Learn about these insects in today's episode of BrainStuff....

In cases of spontaneous sex reversal, an animal born male can become female, or vice versa, due to genetic or hormonal changes. Learn the story of how one hen became a rooster in this episode of...

Farmers in the Himalayas depend on yearly snow melts to water their crops, but climate change means they're not getting enough snowfall to replenish natural glaciers. Learn how artificial glaciers...

The way that applause starts and moves through a large crowd is scientifically predictable. Learn what the research shows about the influence of sound and psychology in this episode of BrainStuff....

Millions of lives are saved by blood transfusions every year, but sometimes donations are in short supply. Learn how researchers are hoping to make more blood universally transferable in this...

In History Vs., a new podcast from Mental Floss and iHeartRadio, we’ll explore how larger-than-life historical figures faced off against their greatest foes. In this inaugural season, we’re looking...

Humans and other animals often hold superstitions -- but why? Could it have been biologically advantageous to our ancestors? Learn more about superstition in this episode of BrainStuff.  Learn more...

The witches in Macbeth describe a disturbing brew -- eye of newt, toe of frog, etc. -- but that was just code for common plants. Learn what eye of newt really is in this episode of BrainStuff. ...

Americans buy some 9 billion kernels of candy corn every year. Learn this candy's history plus how it's made in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at...

Some patients brought back from cardiac arrest describe seeing a bright light at the end of a tunnel, or other phenomena known as a near-death experience. Learn how some researchers have tried to...

Hawaiian folklore tells of the huaka'i pō, or night marchers -- ghostly warriors whose sense of duty has kept them on guard even after death. Learn the legend (and what to do if you hear them...

Ideas are coming at you every day from all directions. How can you process it all? You can start with The Next Big Idea. Host Rufus Griscom and legendary thought leaders Malcolm Gladwell, Adam...

Lab-created meat may help prevent harm to animals here on Earth, but it'd be even more helpful for feeding people in space. But can tech like 3-D printers work in space? Learn about the potential...

Spiny on the outside and gooey on the inside, sea urchins are a weird and wonderful animal -- and delicacy. Learn more about them in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at...