BrainStuff
2,648 episodes — Page 46 of 53
Can water go bad?
Many people store water for emergencies -- but is it true that water sitting for too long will go bad? Listen in as Marshall Brain breaks down the science of water purification in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do the ul marks on so many products mean?
UL stands for 'underwriters laboratories,' a safety testing organization -- but what exactly does this group do, and why do they do it? Tune in and learn more about the UL mark in this podcast from HowStuffWorks. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the total amount of gold in the world?
Have you ever wondered how much gold the world has produced over time? How about platinum? Get the grand totals in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do candles work?
Before there were light bulbs, candles made the world a brighter place. Discover the ingenious technology behind candles in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are frankincense and myrrh?
You might recognize frankincense and myrrh from the Biblical story of Jesus, but have you ever wondered exactly what they are? Tune in to get the skinny on frankincense and myrrh in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How can an electric toothbrush recharge its batteries?
An electric toothbrush gets power from its base without the help of metal contacts. Find out how this sealed system works in the following podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Smoke Works
When you put a fresh piece of wood on a hot fire, volatile organic carbons in the wood evaporate, creating smoke. Learn more about smoke in this Brainstuff podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How X-Ray Machines Work
An X-ray machine is essentially a camera that uses x-rays to expose the film, instead of visible light. Learn more about x-ray machines in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Boogers and Mucuous Membranes Work
Mucous contains mostly water and mucin -- a branched polysaccharide. When polysaccharides such as mucin or cornstarch are mixed with water, the result is a sticky substance. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can we make gasoline from bacteria?
A new company is claiming that, next year, the problems of carbon emissions, foreign oil dependence, oil spills, fuel shortages, etc. will all end due to a breakthrough in biotechnology. Is it true? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is the difference between good and bad toy helicopters?
Can you buy a good, long-lasting toy helicopter for under $30? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do human beings have eyebrows?
Eyebrows are prominent human features, but what purpose do they serve? Scientists think they help keep stuff out of our eyes and aid in nonverbal communication, among other things. Learn more about eyebrows in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where do salad dressings get their bizarre names?
Salad dressings like Ranch and Thousand Island are traditional favorites, but have you ever wondered how they got their names? Marshall Brain reveals what salad dressings are made of -- and where their famous names came from -- in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Botulism Works
Botulism bacteria creates a type of poisoning and paralysis -- but how does it actually work? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about the effects and spread of botulism. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Diaper Crystals Work
Most disposable diapers contain a crystalline, absorbent substance called sodium polyacrylate. Learn how this polymer helps contain messes -- and some of the controversy surrounding this substance -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How V-chips Work
As of 1999, all TV sets sold in the Untied States are required to contain a viewer-control chip, also known as a v-chip. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about v-chips and television ratings Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do aircraft carriers work?
Aircraft carriers contain some of the most advanced technology in the world. Learn more about aircraft and aircraft carriers in this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does an upside down airplane's engine get fuel?
Airplanes rely on gravity to disperse fuel to the engine, but what happens when the plane is flying upside down? Tune in to this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to discover ways that acrobatic planes fly upside down without crashing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is a decibel, and how is it measured?
The decibel unit is used to measure the intensity of a sounds. Check out our HowStuffWorks article to learn more about the decibel scale. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do the plugs on some appliances have two prongs and others have three?
When you look at a normal 120-volt outlet in the United States, there are two vertical slots and then a round hole centered below. Take a look at this HowStuffWorks article to learn why appliance cords are shaped this way. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do sodium acetate heat pads work?
Sodium acetate heat pads start out as a pouch of liquid and crystallize into a warm solid. Explore the fascinating chemistry that makes these heat pads 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 they create patterns in a baseball field?
Groundskeepers at baseball fields create patterns using a process called lawn striping. Tune in to find out how this process works -- and how you can duplicate it to create designs in your own yard. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does rust work?
In this episode of BrainStuff, Marshall Brain explains the chemistry behind rust, or iron oxide, and the rusting process. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What exactly is pastrami?
Like cheese, pastrami is a good example of old-fashioned food preservation techniques. Find out how corned beef becomes pastrami 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 instant cameras work?
Instant cameras makes it possible to see a photograph almost immediately after you take it. But how? In this episode, Marshall explains the chemical processes behind regular and instant photographic film. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do feet stink?
What causes stinky, smelly feet? Sweat and bacteria. Find out exactly how bacteria turn sweat into malodorous feet in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do the symbols on the U.S. one-dollar bill mean?
If you've ever looked carefully at a U.S. one-dollar bill, you've probably noticed some mysterious symbols and Latin phrases. What do these symbols stand for? Why are they on there? Marshall Brain breaks it down for you in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How many calories does a person need daily?
The amount of calories a person needs to consume on a daily basis varies by individual. Discover the three factors that can help you determine your daily caloric needs in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do they get the lead in a wooden pencil?
Today's pencils are manufactured very differently than the original versions; but they still use a material called graphite, which isn't lead at all. How does the graphite get in the pencil? Find out in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How can a valet rip you off?
Once relegated to high-end restaurants and clubs, valets are increasingly common across the United States. But how can you trust your valet -- and how will you know if the valet is scamming you? Tune in and find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Proton Therapy Works
As a method of treating cancer, proton therapy has great potential. But how does it work, exactly, and what makes it superior to other forms of cancer treatment? Tune in and find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is a lightyear?
A lightyear is a way of measuring distance -- specifically, the distance light can travel in one year. Just how far is that? Check out this podcast from HowStuffWorks to learn more about astronomy. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How much oxygen does a person consume in a day?
The average adult at rest inhales and exhales between 7 to 8 liters of air each minutes. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn how much oxygen a person uses during a day of inhalation and exhalation. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does chlorine bleach work?
When you buy a gallon of bleach at the grocery store, what are you actually purchasing? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about bleach, chlorine and the chemical reactions behind these products. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why can't we breathe underwater?
Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen, so why aren't we able to breathe underwater? Find out in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does it mean when a car has dual overhead cams?
A camshaft plays an integral role in the functioning of an engine. And dual overhead cams ramp up a machine's performance even more. Find out how dual overhead camshafts work in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Could anti-lock brakes detect a flat tire?
By using a computer to monitor the rotation of the car's wheels, an anti-lock braking system helps drivers avoid skids. Could this computer also monitor flat tires? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about brake systems. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why are traffic lights being replaced with LEDs?
Across the country, incandescent traffic lights are being replaced with LED arrays. Check out this podcast from HowStuffWorks to learn more about the advantages of LED traffic lights. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why is a circular saw louder than a table saw?
Circular saws are much noisier than table saws partly because of the type of motor they possess. Learn more about universal and induction motors in BrainStuff, a podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does an airplane toilet work?
Airplane toilets serve the same function as regular ones, but because they exist in a moving environment, they rely on slightly different technology to get the job done. Find out how they 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 cats purr?
Cats tend to purr when they're happy, but pleasure isn't the only reason for this behavior. And they aren't the only animals who purr. Find out why and how cats and other animals purr in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Flatulence Works
Learn about the causes of gas -- and not the kind you put in your car -- in this podcast from Marshall Brain. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the deal with milk?
Milk is often touted as a "miracle drink," full of restorative, nutritional properties. And there's some truth to this claim. Find out why mammal milk is called "the perfect food" in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How much does planet Earth weigh?
As far as weight goes, Earth is a pretty hefty celestial body. But exactly how heavy? And how does one measure something so massive? 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.
What are other ways to store energy besides batteries?
Batteries are a common way to store energy, but there are many others. Discover more energy storage techniques, from falling weights to fuel cells, 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 the common cold work?
We've all had a cold at one point or another; it entails an uncomfortable cocktail of symptoms like sneezing, coughing and a runny nose. But why do we get colds? How do they work? 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 dry chemical fire extinguishers work?
Three elements create a fire. Discover what they are and how dry chemical fire extinguishers combat them in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where does aluminum come from?
Aluminum is both lightweight and strong, so it's no wonder that space stations, airplanes and thousands of other products use this metal. But where does it come from, and what makes it so special? Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do thirty pounds of air in your tires hold up two tons of car?
Cars are heavy machines, so how can a few small, pressurized tires support their weight? Marshall Brain explains how tire pressure and contact patches work in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why don't they use normal air in race car tires?
Race car tires are often filled with nitrogen because nitrogen pressure is more consistent than air pressure. In this episode, Marshall explains why nitrogen is better for race cars -- but not for regular vehicles. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.