BrainStuff
2,648 episodes — Page 44 of 53
How do motion sensors work?
There are many kinds of motion sensors, from active to passive systems. Get the scoop on how myriad motion sensing systems work in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does a modern smart house look like?
What makes a "smart" house so smart? These high-tech houses intelligently use resources and are responsive to the needs and habits of their occupants. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it possible to turn coal into oil?
As the demand for dwindling oil supplies rises, scientists across the world search for new ways to generate energy. In this episode, Marshall looks at a new attempt to stave off the looming fossil fuel crisis: Turning coal into oil. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do artificial sweeteners work?
At many restaurants, a little container on the table will have regular sugar in addition to artificial sweeteners. But what exactly are artificial sweeteners, and how do they differ in comparison to regular sugar? Listen in to find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can people really build missiles from scratch?
In the film Salt, Angelina Jolie's character creates a missile from handy household ingredients -- but could this happen in real life? Tune in as Marshall breaks down the science behind improvised explosives. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does a pressurized airplane cabin work?
How does a pressurized airplane cabin work -- more importantly, what happens when the pressure fails? Join Marshall Brain as he breaks down the science behind cabin pressurization. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are chiggers, and how do they bite you?
If you go outdoors during the right time of year, you may be bitten by chiggers. But what are these creatures, and why do they attack unsuspecting humans? Listen in as Marshall Brain breaks down the life cycle of the chigger -- and how it can affect you. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do people choke under pressure?
Anyone who watched the Master's tournament knows that Rory McElroy famously choked under pressure -- but what exactly happened? In this podcast, Marshall explores the science behind choking in stressful or intimidating situations Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does safety glass work?
Laminated safety glass has been around since the 1920s. Find out how safety glass is made, how it works and what it's used for in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Sea Monkeys Work
Sea Monkeys are a type of brine shrimp. These shrimp create remarkably resilient eggs called cysts. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast and learn more about the secret behind Sea Monkeys. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do those plastic recycling symbols means?
A typical recycling symbol on plastic looks like a triangle made of arrows. There are seven different types of plastic indicated by the symbols. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn the difference between each of these plastic types. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's in mothballs?
There are two different types of mothballs, each of which contains separate moth-killing ingredients. Tune in as Marshall Brain explains the science behind mothballs in this podcast from HowStuffWorks. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is the heat index?
Your body has efficient ways to release excess heat, but high temperatures and high humidity create a sticky situation. Find out how the heat index keeps you abreast of dangerous heat situations in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do your ears pop when you dive in a deep pool?
Have you ever wondered why your ears pop when you plunge into the deep end of a swimming pool? It's all about keeping your ear drum happy, as this HowStuffWorks podcast reveals. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does someone become a saint?
Many religions bestow a special status on people who demonstrate a life of almost perfect virtue -- but how does canonization actually occur? In this episode, Marshall breaks down the process used to officially recognize a person as a saint. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is a restraining order, and how do you get one?
Restraining orders are cropping up in the news more and more frequently, but how do they work? Join Marshall Brain as he breaks down the legality of restraining orders -- and how to get one. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will space tourism become a reality?
With private companies frantically searching for new ways to take people into orbit, it seems that space tourism could become a reality (for those who can afford it). But will it ever really happen? Tune in and learn more in this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do carbohydrates work?
We hear about carbohydrates in the news constantly -- the complex carbs are supposed to be better than the simple ones, but why? In fact, what exactly is a carbohydrate? Listen in and learn more in this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Securing Your Wifi Router
Is it possible to get arrested for downloading illegal material even if you never download it yourself? Yes: When someone else logs onto your unprotected wifi, they can make a clean getaway while you get stuck with the blame. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do trick birthday candles work?
Candles are simple yet ingenious light-producing devices, and it only takes one extra ingredient to turn them into trick candles. Find out how regular and trick candles work in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's that bumpy stuff on my ceiling?
That popcorn-like stuff on your ceiling is actually a specific kind of ceiling finish. Tune in to this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to find out what this treatment is -- and why it's so popular. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do nail penny measurements work?
Nails are measured by a unit called a penny. This podcast from HowStuffWorks.com explains what the penny designation means -- and where it comes from. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do artificial flavors work?
Artificial flavors imitate natural flavors and are found in many processed products. Learn more about the chemistry of flavors, both natural and artificial, in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are motion cards and how do they work?
Motion cards, which have been around for decades, give the illusion of motion using multiple images and a special printing process. In this episode, Marshall discusses the technology behind motion cards and how it has improved over the years. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does an EPIRB distress radio work?
An EPIRB, or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, helps rescuers find people -- mostly boaters -- in emergency situations. Tune in to find out how EPIRB radios work in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can you explain the diameter measurements used in bullets?
Bullets are measured by calibers, which indicate their diameter in inches. Find out more about bullets and measurement in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How are movies stored on DVD discs?
How can you store an entire movie on one little DVD disc? It's all about compression! In this episode, Marshall explains the technical details and standards of video compression. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why shouldn't you go swimming right after a meal?
As children, many of us have been admonished not to go swimming for at least an hour after eating. But, as it turns out, there's biology behind this commonplace advice. Tune in to this episode to find out why you shouldn't swim right after you eat. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What causes that howling sound in PA systems?
A public address system's speakers emit strange noises, or feedback, when sound gets re-amplified. Get a detailed explanation of how feedback occurs in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.A public address system's speakers emit strange noises, or feedback, when sound gets re-amplified. Get a detailed explanation of how feedback occurs in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does dry ice work?
Dry ice is different from regular ice in several ways. Find out what makes dry ice so unique -- and why it's so good for transporting perishables over long distances -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it true that a diesel engine can operate underwater?
Under certain circumstances, diesel engines can operate while submerged in water. Find out what it takes to waterproof an engine -- and why diesel engines are better candidates than their gasoline counterparts -- in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where does cork come from?
Most cork comes from special trees that grow in places near the Mediterranean Sea. Learn more about cork oak trees, cork properties, cork products and cork processing in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does Pez mean?
Today, Pez candy dispensers are a sweet treat for children and a novelty for adults. Originally, however, they were created to help adults quit smoking. Learn more about the fascinating history of Pez in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do we measure sea level?
Sea level is an important measurement, but it's also a complicated one. Find out why in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the sound on vinyl records better than on CDs?
The sound quality of vinyl records is sometimes better than that of CDs and DVDs -- and sometimes worse. Learn more about the difference between the sound quality of records, CDs and DVDs in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does high-speed rail work?
Although it's common in some countries, high-speed rail service isn't available in the United States -- yet. Tune in to learn more about this swift rail service -- and how soon we're likely to have it in the U.S. -- in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does a traffic light detect cars?
Traffic lights detect vehicles using a variety of methods. Check out this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to find out how timers, inductive loops and other detectors keep traffic running smoothly. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How can turbines change our energy future?
Gas turbine engines often power jet airplanes and helicopters, but they may turn up in other applications in the near future. Discover how turbine engines work in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do self-winding watches work?
Self-winding watches keep the time with the help of a piece of metal, gravity and the natural movement of your arm. Tune in to learn more about self-winding watches in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does catnip work?
You've probably heard that catnip drives felines wild, but did you know that it's a plant related to mint? And that it doesn't affect all cats? Find out how catnip works in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do freezing temperatures yield both snow and rain?
When the temperature dips below freezing, precipitation often turns into snow, but sometimes you'll get freezing rain or sleet. Why? Find out in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do they make fortune cookies?
You've probably had countless fortune cookies after Chinese meals, but have you ever wondered how they're made? Discover the "food technology" behind those prescient little cookies in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does a jet engine's afterburner work?
The afterburner on a jet engine adds thrust to the engine. Tune in as Marshall Brain explains how an afterburner works -- and the pros and cons of using one -- in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does a magneto work?
A magneto is a kind of electrical generator used in small gasoline engines in lieu of a battery. Find out how magnetos work in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is leather and where does it come from?
Most leather is made from processed cattle skin, although synthetic and other varieties exist. Learn more about leather in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is there any way to see satellites that are in orbit?
There are hundreds of satellites orbiting the Earth, but it's not always easy to see them. Get Marshall's tips on how to spot satellites in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Sonic Booms Work
The sonic booms formed by planes are similar to the wakes left by boats in water. To learn more about sonic booms, check out this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do self-setting clocks work?
Self-setting clocks and watches synchronize themselves with the atomic clock in Colorado with the help of a special radio station. Find out how -- and learn more about NIST's radio station -- in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are dissolvable stitches?
Stitches have been used for centuries, but dissolvable ones are the most common these days. Why would you want stitches to dissolve, and how do they work? In this episode, Marshall discusses the benefits and features of absorbable sutures. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What would happen if you fired a gun on a moving train?
If you fired a gun from a train moving at the speed of a bullet, what would happen? It depends on your frame of reference. Learn more about reference frames and physics in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.