logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2018
3m 44s

Why Is Head Scratching a Gesture of Thou...

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

Some gesticulations come naturally -- scratching your head when you're thinking is so common that it's basically a cliche. But why? Learn what researchers have to say in this episode of BrainStuff.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Today
How Is Tungsten So Hard and Heat-Resistant?
Tungsten's boiling point is over 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and as tungsten carbide, it's one of the hardest materials we know. Learn how it's used for everything from armor-piercing bullets to electron microscopes to ballpoint pens in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this ... Show More
9m 20s
Yesterday
BrainStuff Classics: How Does the Hippocampus Work?
Without the hippocampus, our brains have serious trouble recalling and recording certain types of long-term memories. Learn how this brain structure works in today's classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/nervous- ... Show More
7m 12s
Sep 12
What Happened During Agatha Christie's Mysterious Disappearance?
In 1926, detective novelist Agatha Christie disappeared for 11 days under strange circumstances. Learn about her life and record-setting, best-selling works (second only to the Bible and Shakespeare) in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.h ... Show More
13m 53s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2020
Short Stuff: That's A Head Scratcher
<p>It’s actually really strange that scratching your head is a widely understood sign that you’re puzzling over something. No one’s exactly sure why we do that, so interesting theories abound!</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwo ... Show More
10m 47s
Jan 2022
Mind Reading 2.0: Why did you do that?
<p>As we go through life, we’re constantly trying to figure out what other people are thinking and feeling. Psychologist <a href="https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/mcas/departments/psychology/people/faculty-directory/liane-young.html">Liane Young</a> says this ability to assess o ... Show More
48m 50s
Jul 2021
Brain Fart
Have your ever had inner monologue just slip the F out? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
4m 59s
Oct 2020
It Sees You
Have you ever had the feeling that someone or something is watching you? Perhaps you even feel a tingle on the back of your neck. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore this creepy feeling, research into its perception and what it means to meet another ... Show More
1h 11m
Sep 2016
Episode 45: What Are The Odds?
<p>This week on Hidden Brain, coincidences. Why they're not quite as magical as they seem... and the reasons we can't help but search for meaning in them anyway.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for in ... Show More
27m 37s
Sep 2015
Hidden Brain: A Sneak Peek
<p>Check out a few minutes of the latest podcast from NPR: Hidden Brain. Shankar Vedantam explores what happens when two people think they are talking about the same thing, but in reality are speeding down separate tracks. It usually doesn't end well.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simple ... Show More
5m 33s
Nov 2021
Mind readers
Will scientists ever fully understand the human brain? In their quest for knowledge, they’ve tried knives, magnets, computers, blood, and even a good metaphor. For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics ... Show More
32m 10s
May 2024
Itch hunt
Itch used to be understood as a mild form of pain, but scientists are learning this sense is more than just skin deep. How deep does it go? For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscripts For more, go to vox.com/unexplainable And please email us! unexplainable@vox.com We read ... Show More
18m 27s
May 2017
Encore of Ep. 45: What Are The Odds?
<p>This week on Hidden Brain: coincidences. Why they're not quite as magical as they seem, and the reasons we can't help but search for meaning in them anyway.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for info ... Show More
27m 37s
Sep 2023
How to decode a thought
Can researchers decipher what people are thinking about just by looking at brain scans? With AI, they're getting closer. How far can they go, and what does it mean for privacy? To buy tickets to our upcoming live show in New York, go to http://vox.com/unexplainablelive For more, ... Show More
31m 54s