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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

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...

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...

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...