logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2015
32m 21s

Heartbeat in the Brain, Hole in the Skul...

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode
Trepanation is an ancient surgical procedure and we've found the millennia-aged skulls to prove it - each punctured and gouged to relieve inner-pressure and inner-madness. But is such cranial perforation truly a relic of a primitive age or do modern trepa 
Up next
Yesterday
The Monstrefact Redux: Hortus the Rotting Mermaid
<p>In this classic episode of STBYM&rsquo;s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the mermaid Hortus as described and illustrated in the book &ldquo;Dr. C. Lillefisk's Sirenology&rdquo; by Jana Heidersdorf. (originally published 1/15/2025)</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/li ... Show More
5m 16s
Nov 25
From the Vaults: A Case of the Urine Sweats
<p>In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss urohidrosis: the avian habit of urinating and/or defecating onto the scaly parts of one&rsquo;s own legs. Find out what it&rsquo;s all about&hellip; (originally published 11/19/2024)</p><p>See <a href=" ... Show More
52m 25s
Nov 24
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Hanuman vs. 7 Ultraman
<p>In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe consider the 1974 Thai co-production "Hanuman vs. &amp; Ultraman," in which the hindu god Hanuman teams up with the Ultra Seven to defeat evil monsters and dastardly human plots. (originally published 5/28/2021)</p><p>S ... Show More
1h 2m
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2021
How Trepanation Worked
<p>One of the oldest medical procedures in human history is also one of the riskiest. For thousands of years humans carried a type of proto brain surgery where a hole would be cut into the skull. And they were pretty good at it too.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at ... Show More
50m 41s
May 2018
What Are the Most-Believed Myths About Our Brains?
Over-simplifications about how our brains work abound, even among educators and neuroscientists. Discover what these myths are, and why it's important to fight them, in this episode of BrainStuff.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnyst ... Show More
4m 17s
Oct 2018
Would You Really Stay Conscious After Being Decapitated?
For everything we know about the human brain, consciousness is still mysterious. Could reports of people remaining conscious after being executed by decapitation be true? Learn what science has to say in this episode of BrainStuff.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www ... Show More
6m 55s
Feb 2020
BrainStuff Classics: Why Do We Get Brain Freeze?
You're enjoying a delicious frozen treat, and then, suddenly, it hits: brain freeze! Learn why this short, stabbing pain occurs in today's classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privac ... Show More
3m 52s
Aug 2021
BrainStuff Classics: What Are the Most-Believed Myths About Our Brains?
Over-simplifications about how our brains work abound. Learn what these myths are, and why it's important to fight them, in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/everyday-myths/even-educators-believe-common-my ... Show More
4m 47s
Feb 2019
Why Are Peat Bogs So Good at Preserving Human Remains?
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.i ... Show More
6m 48s
Apr 2020
BrainStuff Classics: Why Can It Be Painful To Bite Aluminum Foil?
If you've ever gotten a painful shock from biting down on a piece of aluminum foil, it's becauce dental metal in your mouth formed a type of battery with the foil. Learn how it works in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodc ... Show More
3m 6s
Sep 2020
BrainStuff Classics: What Made the Prehistoric 'Hell Ant' So Diabolical?
Instead of a mouth, the hell ant had blades and a metal horn. Learn more about this prehistoric creature on BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
3m 20s
May 2021
Selects: How Nitrous Oxide Works
<p>For about 175 years people have been huffing nitrous oxide for everything from vision quests to anesthetic to get plain old high. And after all that time we are only now beginning to understand how it works on our brains. Get the scoop in this classic episode.</p><p> </p> Lear ... Show More
53m 41s
Jan 2019
SYSK Selects: How Lobotomies Work
<p>Lobotomies -- brain surgeries to relieve psychiatric problems -- are rarely performed today, but they were once fairly common. Tune in to learn more about the controversial history and practice of lobotomies.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www ... Show More
33m 19s