How mastering metal saved lives

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 …

How is metal made?

Metal is amazing. It can be super strong like a steel beam. Or super flexible, like a copper wire. Humans have been obsessed with metals of all kinds for a very long time. This is part one a three-part look at how humans have used metal throughout history. Molly and co-host Ava are joined by Dylan …

How does music get recorded and stored?

Most of us take listening to music or podcasts for granted. You can find them on your phone, in the car or just about anywhere you can imagine. But, have you ever wondered how those sounds were captured in the first place? To find out, Molly and Co-host Canyon shrink down and follow a sound waves a…

Do dogs know that they're dogs?

We treat dogs like they're part of the family. But do they know they are a different species, or do they think they're just short, four-legged people? In this episode, canine cognition researcher Alexandra Horowitz helps us puzzle out this question. We’ll also find out what happens (or doesn’t) wh…

Mystery Sounds from the natural world

Today’s episode is full of Mystery Sounds from around the world. Molly and co-host Rehema are joined by sonic explorer Thomas Rex Beverly, who travels the globe to capture the sounds of the natural world. He brings us some beautiful head-scratchers that really must be heard to be believed. Plus, we…

Why are octopuses so smart?

Octopus, more like ROCK-topus! Because these creatures bring the excitement. They can shape shift to match their surroundings. They have three hearts and teeth on their tongues! And they are super smart. Join fill-in host Rosie duPont and co-host Izumi as they explore the world of their eight-armed…

Why do electric cars sound so unique?

You may have noticed that electric cars sound different from gas powered cars. The engine doesn’t rumble; instead, it might sound like a hum or even a song. Why is that? Ride along as we learn how electric cars work and why there is so much shush in their woosh. Plus, Molly and co-host Asher interv…

Do fidget toys really help people focus?

Fidget toys are everywhere. There are ones you can squeeze, or click, or spin. Others are puzzles or have cool textures to touch. Some classrooms even have fidget toys for students, but do they help kids concentrate or are they just a distraction? Molly and co-host Penelope team up with an unconven…

We’re back! Brains On Universe has a new headquarters

We’re back! We’ve officially moved into our new headquarters! Come unpack with us and get a tour while we fill you in on some big news. Plus, new episodes of Brains On coming later this month and new Smash Boom and Forever Ago after that. If you want to support the show or drop us a line, head to b…

A big update about the Brains On Universe

We're moving the Brains On Universe Headquarters, and that means we have to stop putting out new episodes until we get settled. We know: not cool. But, our new home is going to be bigger and better and the absolute BEST. We can't wait until it's ready for you to visit. In the meantime, we still h…