BrainStuff
2,727 episodes — Page 46 of 55
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.
What is sodium nitrate?
You'll find sodium nitrate in lots of pink meats like hot dogs and salami, but why? And is it bad for you? Find out what's up with sodium nitrate 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 cavities work?
It's editor's choice month, so tune in and catch our editors' favorite episodes. This week, Marshall is covering cavities: They're formed by bacteria that excrete an acid onto the enamel of a tooth -- but how? Listen in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does Krispy Kreme work?
A single Krispy Kreme store can produce 100,000 doughnuts a day. To learn more about how these Krispy Kreme doughnuts are made, check out this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why use a humidifier in your home in the winter?
Lots of people use humidifiers in their homes, especially in winter. But why? Marshall discusses some advantages of using humidifiers (and disadvantages of not using them) and different types of home humidifiers. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do I burn calories on a stair machine?
If you've ever sweated your way through a work-out on a stair machine, you know that calories are definitely being burned in the process. But how? Learn more about foot-pounds, horsepower and stair machines 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 a Dippy Bird work?
A Dippy Bird is a strange-looking novelty toy, but how does it work? Marshall Brain breaks down the surprisingly sophisticated mechanics of the Dippy Bird in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Marshmallows Work
Marshmallows are an old candy -- they've been around since the 1800s. The name marshmallow comes from the original recipe, which called for sap from the marshmallow plant. Check out this HowStuffWorks to learn more about the history of marshmallows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do honeybees make honey?
When it comes to making honey, bees are skilled chemists. Discover how they use enzymes to turn sugary flower nectar into a sweet, stable food source 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 some eggs be better for you than others?
If you've been to the grocery store recently, you know that eggs come in many varieties, some claiming to be better for you than others. What differentiates a normal egg from a "special" one? 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 airport scanners work?
The new full-body scanners used at airports in the United States have caused a huge controversy -- but how do they work? In this episode, Marshall breaks down the science behind full-body scanners, along with the uproar they've caused. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How can you drive across Antarctica?
Given that it's more than 2,000 miles across and without a gas station in sight, driving across Antarctica is a daunting task. Tune in as Marshall Brain explains how it works. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is the difference between a turbo-charger and a super-charger?
Both turbo- and super-chargers are forced inductions systems, meaning they compress the air flowing into the engine. This compression causes each cylinder of an engine to produce more power. Check out this HowStuffWorks article to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Rearview Mirrors Work
How can the same piece of glass have two different amounts of reflection? Learn more about rearview mirrors in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will a really big earthquake sink Western California?
Given California's history of earthquakes and major fault lines, it's not surprising that people speculate about parts of California breaking off into the ocean. Fortunately, seismic forces don't work that way, as Marshall Brain explains in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do astronomers measure distance?
Since astronomers can't actually travel to a star, they rely on two ingenious methods to measure a star's distance from earth. Listen in as Marshall Brain breaks down the science of space measurement in this editor's choice podcast from HowStuffWorks. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What will airplanes look like in 2025?
Most modern airplanes have a similar design, but NASA has a plan to move the world of aviation into the future by partnering with the world's airplane manufacturers to radically redesign the typical airplane. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How is olive oil made?
People across the planet love olive oil, and it's not hard to see why: This tasty liquid lends flavor to hundreds of dishes, and it's been used for thousands of years. But how does it get from the tree to the bottle? Tune in to find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do 3D movies cause headaches?
Although 3-dimensional movies have become increasingly popular, numerous viewers have complained of headaches while watching these films. Why? Tune in as HowStuffWorks.com founder Marshall Brain breaks down the science behind 3D films. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Helium Works
The helium used in balloons is created by uranium interacting with natural gas. Learn more about helium and uranium in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Subprime Loans Work
Subprime loans are made to borrowers who do not qualify for the best market interest rates. Learn more about subprime loans in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Night Vision Works
Although the human eye is able to adapt to wildly different environments, it takes a certain amount of time to adjust to sudden changes in light. Learn more about the chemicals powering the human eye in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.