logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2023
30m 10s

How do our eyes, skin and hair get their...

American Public Media
About this episode

All the different colors in our eyes, hair and skin are made by a super special substance called melanin! In this episode, we’ll meet a melanocyte, the artistic cell that makes melanin. Plus, Molly and cohost Jeremy talk with Dr. Tina Lasisi to learn why humans have so many different colors of skin in the first place. And a scientist goes undercover to try to solve the many mysteries surrounding melanin. All that, plus a brand new mystery sound!


This episode was sponsored by:



  • Didn’t I Just Feed You (Didntijustfeedyou.com/ - A podcast to help busy home cooks feed their families.)


  • Buy a Toyota (BuyAToyota.com - To explore Toyota SUVs.)


  • Indeed (Indeed.com/BRAINS - To claim your ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post. Terms and conditions apply.)





*****
Don’t miss our next virtual events! In September, your favorite hosts from Brains On!, Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago are going on virtual field trips, and you can join them LIVE for just $19.99 per family. Your ticket gets you one of our limited spots to an online live-action adventure, complete with a live chat and a chance to talk with Molly, Marc, or Sanden after the show. 


Plus, Smarty Pass holders get 20% off (sign up today to get yours and the discount). It all starts on September 21, so go to brainson.org/fieldtrips to get your tickets!

Up next
Jun 11
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 mean ... Show More
2m 56s
Jun 3
The life of a NASA astronaut
Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live shows | Get the newsletter for parents | Find ... Show More
35m 17s
May 27
How do weather stations predict the weather?
Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live shows | Get the newsletter for parents | Find ... Show More
28m 29s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2023
Cone Snails vs. Tsetse Flies: a deadly debate
Today’s debate is a poisonous, blood-sucking battle between two dangerous creatures. One hides out in a decorative shell, the other buzzes ‘round like a carousel. It’s Cone Snails vs. Tsetse Flies! Radiolab co-host and science historian Latif Nasser gives it his all for the steal ... Show More
35m 3s
Nov 2023
Cone Snails vs. Tsetse Flies: a deadly debate
Today’s debate is a poisonous, blood-sucking battle between two dangerous creatures. One hides out in a decorative shell, the other buzzes ‘round like a carousel. It’s Cone Snails vs. Tsetse Flies! Radiolab co-host and science historian Latif Nasser gives it his all for the steal ... Show More
35m 3s
Apr 2022
Why Do Colors Exist?
Why do colors exist in the world? That’s what Phoebe wants to know. The answer might change how you think about the colors that you see! Neuroscientist and artist Bevil Conway bends our minds and our eyes, to show us how colors are the ultimate optical illusion. We’ll discover wh ... Show More
24m 10s
Mar 2023
The Tiny Family
Narrator: Simon Mattacks 🇬🇧Writer: Jo Steer ✍️Sound design: crickets, whirring fridge 🌾 🔌Includes mentions of: Food, Heights, Children, Enclosed Spaces, Gratitude Welcome back, sleepyheads. Tonight’s story is our first about a charming family who have a unique perspective on ... Show More
51m 30s
Feb 2024
Tie-Dye vs. Friendship Bracelets: a crafty debate
Today’s debate is a creative collection of craftsmanship. It’s a colorful spread against a twisted thread. It’s Tie-Dye vs. Friendship Bracelets! Brains On producer Aron Woldeslassie paints a picture for team Tie-Dye, while comedy writer Sam Suksiri deftly defends team Friendship ... Show More
35m 25s
Feb 2024
Tie-Dye vs. Friendship Bracelets: a crafty debate
Today’s debate is a creative collection of craftsmanship. It’s a colorful spread against a twisted thread. It’s Tie-Dye vs. Friendship Bracelets! Brains On producer Aron Woldeslassie paints a picture for team Tie-Dye, while comedy writer Sam Suksiri deftly defends team Friendship ... Show More
35m 25s
Oct 2023
Hot Sauce vs. Butter: a flavorful debate
Today’s debate is a saucy matchup of two flavorful feasts. It’s zesty tang meets creamy dream – hot sauce vs. butter! Brains On co-creator Marc Sanchez is ready to sizzle for team Hot Sauce and podcast producer Tracy Mumford will take you from bland to grand with Team Butter. Hea ... Show More
35m 20s
May 2024
86. Solo: Q&A: Let’s Talk Life!
Welcome back to an intimate and heartfelt episode with Mallory, where she opens up about life, marriage, fashion, motherhood and more. Addressing questions directly from her listeners, Mallory’s authentic and candid responses provide an upfront and personal window into her world, ... Show More
41m 14s
Sep 2023
What is Your Parenting Style??
Parenting is one of the hardest jobs on the planet.The one thing that we can agree on is that there isn't just one way to parent. People have so many opinions on how to manage your kiddos and it can be very overwhelming.  There are days that you feel like you nailed it and then t ... Show More
33m 35s
May 2024
Stripes vs. Polka Dots: a stylish debate
Today’s debate is a charming challenge between two patterned phenoms. It’s Stripes vs. Polka Dots! Voice actor and podcaster Merk Nguyen is ready to straighten the record for team Stripes, and actor, playwright and improviser Shanan Custer is ready to round out the story for team ... Show More
33m 50s