logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2019
6m 48s

Why Are Peat Bogs So Good at Preserving ...

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

Human bodies buried in bogs can retain some features -- like perfectly preserved skin, right down to forehead wrinkles -- for thousands of years. Learn how this natural mummification process works in today's episode of BrainStuff.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
BrainStuff Classics: Why Are Some Americans Cancelling Columbus Day?
Some U.S. cities and states have officially changed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. Learn why -- and why some Americans disagree with the change -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays- ... Show More
7m 17s
Oct 9
American Versus British English: What Are Biscuits, Muffins, and Pudding?
The English-language terms for different baked goods vary based on where English is being spoken. Learn why an American cookie is a British biscuit, an American biscuit is a British scone, our muffins have nothing to do with each other, and pudding doesn't have to involve pudding ... Show More
9m 51s
Oct 7
How Do Sunspots Work?
When dark spots appear on the surface of the Sun, we're actually seeing the result of massive distortions in solar magnetic fields caused by roiling plasma -- and they appear in regular(ish) 11-year cycles. Learn what we know (and don't know!) about sunspots in today's episode of ... Show More
14m 22s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2025
Bog Bodies
What lurks under the surface of the dense black peat pits strewn across northern Europe? Bog bodies, naturally mummified humans, have fascinated archeologists for decades as they offer unique insights into ancient cultures.Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Melanie Giles to ex ... Show More
1h 2m
Oct 2023
Selects: How Mummies Work
A mummy is a human being whose soft tissue has been preserved after death, and there are mummies around the world -- including natural mummies, as well as corpses that have been intentionally embalmed. Listen to this classic episode with Chuck and Josh to learn more.See omnystudi ... Show More
40m 22s
Nov 2023
Short Stuff: Petrified Wood
Petrified wood isn't just hard wood. Listen in today to learn all about this unique process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
10m 22s
Jan 2023
125 - Look at the Big Brain on Humans
tail spinning
52m 15s
Mar 2024
From the Vault: Washing of the Waters, Part 3
The idea of healing via immersion in sacred or special waters dates back to prehistory, and it’s still alive and well in the modern world. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the myth, history and reality and healing waters. (originally pub ... Show More
48m 29s
Mar 2024
From the Vault: Washing of the Waters, Part 4
The idea of healing via immersion in sacred or special waters dates back to prehistory, and it’s still alive and well in the modern world. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the myth, history and reality and healing waters. (originally pub ... Show More
39m 32s
Mar 2024
From the Vault: Washing of the Waters, Part 1
The idea of healing via immersion in sacred or special waters dates back to prehistory, and it’s still alive and well in the modern world. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the myth, history and reality and healing waters. (originally pub ... Show More
48m 36s
Mar 2024
From the Vault: Washing of the Waters, Part 2
The idea of healing via immersion in sacred or special waters dates back to prehistory, and it’s still alive and well in the modern world. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the myth, history and reality and healing waters. (Originally pub ... Show More
43m 26s
May 2013
How Coffins Work
<p>Sure, you've probably laid in one at the store or a funeral home, but how much do you know about receptacles used to bury the dead? We'll bet you'll learn plenty - like the difference between a coffin and a casket - in this episode.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices ... Show More
40m 3s
Mar 2022
The Only Human In The La Brea Tar Pits
While the famous La Brea Tar Pits are well-known for charismatic Ice Age megafauna, like sabertooth cats and dire wolves, a lesser-known discovery from the Pits is the partial skeleton of a human woman. In this episode, we walk through what the Tar Pits can tell us about the ecos ... Show More
16m 52s