Brains On! Science podcast for kids

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) when a dog looks in the mirror. Dogs are always dozing, and we’ll check in to see if they are dreaming too. And, we take a quick trip around the world in the language of barks. All that, plus a brand new Mystery Sound! Guest: Alexandra Horowitz - Dog Cognition Lab [https://dogcognition.weebly.com/] Guest: Vanessa Woods - Duke Puppy Kindergarten [https://stories.duke.edu/puppy-kindergarten] Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass [http://smartypass.org] to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jas5qvdsZVxFnRcrCIvFZxfZYxgQjBHB/view?usp=sharing] for a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

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 turn the tables on Thomas and ask him to guess some sounds you sent in. Put on your detective hat, break out the magnifying glass, and listen close! It’s time for the Mystery Sound extravaganza! Guest: Thomas Rex Beverly [https://thomasrexbeverly.com/] Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass [http://smartypass.org] to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JfoIMxbllUXWyBfr0LlXYuoHbpDhEe0o/view?usp=sharing] for a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

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 wonders. They’re joined by Dr. Jennifer Mathers, a biologist and psychologist who studies octopus cognition, and Ophelia, who is a chatty octopus. You can also play along with our octopus themed game show. All that plus a brand new Mystery Sound and mail from our listeners! Guest:  [https://news.gm.com/home.detail.html/Pages/topic/us/en/2022/sep/0923-soundtrack-your-drive.html]Dr. Jennifer Mathers, author of Octopus Mind [https://www.wellbeingintlstudiesrepository.org/animsent/vol4/iss26/1/] Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass [http://smartypass.org] to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-2M3oElDVRveZr0Sn6QSdXfm4jSTnopt/view?usp=sharing] for a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

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 interview Jay Kapadia, a sound designer who programs the special noises of electric cars for General Motors. And speaking of special noises, we’ve got a car sounds game show plus a new Mystery Sound! Guest: Jay Kapadia [https://news.gm.com/home.detail.html/Pages/topic/us/en/2022/sep/0923-soundtrack-your-drive.html], Creative Sound Director of General Motors Want to support the show? Head to smartypass.org [http://smartypass.org] to subscribe or donate! Click here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O5nliV9USQeqDInFVH0OcxkiCAdPzHR7/view?usp=sharing] for a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

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 unconventional band to learn why we fidget in the first place. Plus, neuroscientist Dr. Julie Schweitzer, from the UC Davis MIND Institute, answers questions about the science of fidget toys. All that plus a brand new Mystery Sound and peek into what's happening at the brand new Brains On Headquarters! Want to support the show? Head to smartypass.org [http://smartypass.org] to subscribe or donate! Click here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1weEOxUiNC_gxnN3Z2rgZfZ-nf720h0iC/view?usp=sharing] for a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.