BrainStuff
2,727 episodes — Page 48 of 55
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.
How do plastics work? What is actually in a plastic?
Plastics have become so ubiquitous that we often take them for granted, but have you ever wondered where these popular materials come from? In this episode, Marshall explains what plastics are made of. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does a speedometer in an airplane work?
Most people are familiar with speedometers in cars, but do you know how air speed is determined? In this episode, Marshall explains how devices called pitot tubes gauge the speed of moving aircraft. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does CCC, the new form of CPR, work?
Continuous chest compression is an updated form of CPR that's much easier to administer -- and, studies suggest, more effective. In this episode, Marshall Brain explains how CCC works. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is the difference between a hardwood and a softwood?
When it comes to differentiating between hardwoods and softwoods, it's not a matter of hardness or density -- it's all about plant reproduction. Marshall explains what angiosperms and gymnosperms are in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why does your computer need a battery?
Computers have a small battery that's important because it keeps the machine's clock running -- and sometimes, your computer. Get the goods on computer batteries 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 nitrous oxide help an engine perform better?
Nitrous oxide boosts engine power in two significant ways. Find out exactly how nitrous works its magic 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 an oxygen canister on an airplane work?
When you think of storing oxygen, metal tanks full of gas might come to mind. There's also a chemical method -- tune in to this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to learn about how oxygen canisters work. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In baseball, how does a pitcher throw a curveball?
A curveball is a pitcher's secret weapon for striking out batters. Discover the physics behind a great curveball in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do retractable roofs in convertible stadiums work?
Retractable roofs are the latest trend in sports stadium design. Marshall highlights multiple examples of convertible stadiums in the United States and explains how they work in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do strokes work?
In a stroke, something disrupts the normal blood supply to parts of the brain. Without oxygen, affected brain cells will begin to die. Tune in as Marshall explains the causes of -- and treatments for -- strokes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Semi Submarines
There's a reason that most submarines are owned by governments - they're incredibly expensive. So what's a sub-loving consumer to do? Tune in as Marshall Brain breaks down the science behind semi subs (and why it makes them so much less expensive). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do neon and fluorescent lights differ?
Neon and fluorescent lights differ in several ways, including bulb shape, color of light emitted and substances used to produce that light. Find out how neon and fluorescent lights 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 does a dollar bill changer work?
A dollar bill changer doesn't just have to sense a bill's denomination -- it also needs to be able to tell whether bills are fake. Join Marshall Brain as he breaks down the science behind bill changers in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is carrageenan?
Carrageenan is a gum derived from seaweed that helps processed food withstand the rigors of transportation and long waits in warehouses. Learn more about the role that carrageenan plays in food by checking out this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the birthday paradox?
In a group of 20, there's a 50/50 chance that two people will have the same birthday; this is called the birthday paradox. Find out how it works in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How long before sharks start going extinct?
Sharks are ancient, fierce creatures, but they're also in danger of extinction on many fronts. Discover all the factors that make sharks vulnerable -- and what you can do to help -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Replacing Toilets Works
A family of four can consume more than 300 gallons of water per day. Old toilets use 5 gallons per flush, and this water use quickly adds up. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast and learn why cities across the US are replacing their old commodes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why are my power bills so high?
When it comes to energy usage, heating and cooling appliances contribute the most to your power bill. Tune in to find out which appliances are the most power-hungry -- and why -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is there a way to compare a human being to an engine?
Human muscles are essentially biological engines. In terms of efficiency, biological engines are amazing. Listen in as Marshall Brain calculates human efficiency in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How High-level Nuclear Waste Works
What exactly is high-level nuclear waste, and how are we dealing with it today? In this episode, Marshall breaks down the techniques used to store high-level nuclear waste. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does fusion power work?
Fusion reactors like the sun produce huge amounts of energy, so why aren't there fusion power plants everywhere? In this episode, Marshall explains the chemistry of fusion reactions and discusses how close fusion is to becoming a viable energy source. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.