Show Notes
Humans have been fascinated by metal for thousands of years. But it took us a long time to master making things with metal. In this episode we go back in time to learn how Japanese swords were forged, how swings were used to make thin metal wires and why steel cables saved so many lives. Molly and co-host Ava are joined by Dylan Thuras, co-founder of Atlas Obscura for part two of this deep dive on all things metal. Plus, Marc meets some talking boxes and there’s an all new Mystery Sound. Guest: Dylan Thuras, co-author of The Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide to Inventing the World. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here or a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More from Brains On! Science podcast for kids
Does it seem like your dog knows what you’re going to do before you do it? Do they know how you’re feeling? We’re going to answer these questions by talking to Dr. Alexandra Horowitz from the Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard College. We’ll take a look at dog body language and what we know about what they know. Tamas Farago from Eötvös Loránd University is going to help us decode all the sounds they make too, from barks to moans to whines to pants. Plus, Sanden tries to wrangle the Cat Advisory Council, to mixed results. Click here for a transcript of this episode. Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. Go to smartypass.org to learn more and sign up. Want to see Brains On live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to brainson.org/events. 10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows) 11/7 Norfolk, VA 12/6 Evanston, IL (two shows) 1/31 Princeton, NJ
The hair on our heads is on our minds. We have fun with follicles and learn about how they make hair. Our experts help us decipher what makes hair black or brown, blonde or red, and even why it turns gray. From eye lashes to ear and nose hair, this episode has it all. Why do humans have hair and not fur? Why is there hair on the top of our heads? How does hair grow? How does hair become curly or straight? Guests: Dr. Shani Francis, dermatologist and the director of the Hair Center of Excellence Sandy Cook evolutionary biologist of hair at Penn State University Click here for a transcript of this episode. Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. Go to smartypass.org to learn more and sign up. Want to see Brains On or Smash Boom Best live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to brainson.org/events. 10/11 Dallas, TX* 10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows) 11/7 Norfolk, VA 12/6 Evanston, IL (two shows) 1/31 Princeton, NJ *Smash Boom Best show
This is a sneak peak of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass members. It’s a follow up to our Forever Ago episode on the history of pizza. In this one, we look at the man who made pineapple on pizza a thing. Plus, we tell the story of how pineapple pizza created drama between two nations. To hear the whole, ad-free episode, sign up for Smarty Pass at smartypass.org.
Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters. This time they’re looking at the myths surrounding crystals. For hundreds of years, people have believed that these rocks are special and have powers. But is there any proof? Join Marc, Sanden and Mystery Moose as they dig into the lore and science of crystals. Guest: Marisa Galvez, professor of French and Italian at Stanford University Click here for a transcript of this episode. Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. Go to smartypass.org to learn more and sign up. Want to see Brains On or Smash Boom Best live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to brainson.org/events. 10/3 Toronto, ON* 10/11 Dallas, TX* 10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows) 11/7 Norfolk, VA 12/6 Evanston, IL (two shows) 1/31 Princeton, NJ *Smash Boom Best show
Oh boy, oh boy! Are you ready to do some guessing?!? We have doozies to detect. There are clues to calculate. And so, so many goodies to get into. We hope your ears are warmed up, because it’s time for the… Mystery Sound Extravaganza! Have a good Mystery Sound for us? Send it in! Go to brainson.org/contact and submit it. Don’t forget to record an answer too. Click here for a transcript of this episode. Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. Go to smartypass.org to learn more and sign up. Want to see Brains On or Smash Boom Best live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to brainson.org/events. 9/26 Charlotte, NC 10/3 Toronto, ON* 10/11 Dallas, TX* 10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows) 11/7 Norfolk, VA 12/6 Evanston, IL (two shows) 1/31 Princeton, NJ *Smash Boom Best show