BrainStuff
2,442 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★ - 1.6K ratingsWhether the topic is popcorn or particle physics, you can count on BrainStuff to explore -- and explain -- the everyday science in the world around us.
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Episodes
How Color Blindness Works
August 13, 2014 18:19 - 1 minute - 1.52 MBColor blind individuals can suffer from an inability to differentiate between hues, and occasionally may not be able to see any colors at all. Learn more about color blindness in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do limbs fall asleep?
August 11, 2014 15:18 - 1 minute - 1.48 MBPressure on nerves can cause the nerves to stop sending impulses to the brain, causing limbs to fall asleep. Learn more about limbs falling asleep in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do electric plugs have holes?
August 08, 2014 16:09 - 2 minutes - 1.94 MBYou might have noticed that plugs for electric appliances have two holes. There are three reasons for these apertures -- find out what they are in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is the right way to remove a leech?
August 06, 2014 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.42 MBPeople have cooked up all sorts of ways to remove leeches over the years, but the simplest is still the most effective. Discover how to safely detach a leech using your hands in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do one-way mirrors work?
August 01, 2014 15:10 - 3 minutesOne-way mirrors are ubiquitous in crime dramas, but how do they work? Discover the secret behind one-way mirrors in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
Why does lettuce stored in a bag stay fresh longer?
July 30, 2014 14:49 - 2 minutes - 2.24 MBMany foods you'll find at the grocery store -- like lettuce, for example -- are stored in special plastic packaging called MAP that helps them stay fresh longer. Find out what MAP is, and how it keeps food fresh longer, in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How much sugar do they really put in soda?
July 28, 2014 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.32 MBSodas and soft drinks contain a surprising amount of sugar -- more than you might expect. Tune in as Marshall Brain reveals how much sugar is in soda in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is market capitalization?
July 24, 2014 00:13 - 2 minutes - 2.65 MBIf all the money in the US only totals 8 trillion dollars, how can the New York Stock Exchange have stocks valued at 26 trillion dollars? Tune in as Marshall Brain breaks down the practice of stock capitalization in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why can you hear the ocean in a seashell?
July 14, 2014 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.72 MBThere are various theories about why you can hear ocean-like sounds when you hold a seashell up to your ear. Marshall Brain explains what you're probably hearing in that seashell -- and why you don't need a shell to hear it -- in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is an Omega-3 fatty acid?
July 11, 2014 13:00 - 6 minutes - 5.67 MBOmega-3 fatty acids are essential to the human body. Tune in to hear Marshall Brain explain the chemistry of fat molecules and fatty acids, Omega-3s in particular, in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do those diamond-shaped signs on buildings mean?
July 09, 2014 20:08 - 3 minutes - 3.05 MBThe National Fire Protection Agency, or NFPA, uses these signs to indicate hazardous materials stored in an unknown building. Listen in to learn how the signs work -- and how they help firefighters -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Should you turn your computer off when it's not in use?
July 07, 2014 15:43 - 3 minutes - 3.09 MBWhen it comes to the question of whether or not you should turn off your computer when you're not using it, there's no simple answer. Tune in to get Marshall's thorough take on the topic in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How big is the universe?
July 04, 2014 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.27 MBIf all the matter in the universe was pushed into one corner, how much space would it take up? Listen in as Marshall Brain explores the size of the universe in this podcast from HowStuffWorks. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why does hydrogen peroxide foam when you put it on a cut?
July 02, 2014 15:21 - 1 minute - 1.7 MBHydrogen peroxide's foaming action is due to the catalase in blood and cells. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn how hydrogen peroxide interacts with catalase. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is a medical leech?
June 25, 2014 17:52 - 2 minutes - 2.1 MBMedical leeches are raised in captivity and help patients heal wounds. Discover how leeches and other parasites are used for medical purposes in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does water desalination work?
June 23, 2014 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.11 MBMost of the water on the planet is salty, so people have come up with various ways to turn it into freshwater. Explore three methods of desalinating water in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why does my hard drive make that churning sound?
June 20, 2014 13:00 - 3 minutes - 3.01 MBInside the hard drive of many computers, a small arm moves across the face of the hard disk. Tune in to this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to discover how the movement of this arm produces sound -- and why the arm must move to load files. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do space suits work?
June 11, 2014 16:41 - 1 minute - 1.45 MBSpace suits provide oxygen, pressurize air, and control an astronaut's temperature. Learn more about space suits in this classic HowStuffWorks podcast, one of our editors' hand-picked favorites. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is a light year?
June 09, 2014 13:00 - 3 minutes - 3.12 MBA light year is a way of measuring distance -- specifically, the distance light can travel in one year. Just how far is that? Check out this classic Brainstuff podcast from HowStuffWorks' archives to learn more about astronomy. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do the Northern Lights work?
June 06, 2014 18:39 - 3 minutes - 3.47 MBThe Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, occur when charged electrons from the sun interact with the Earth's magnetic field. Learn more about auroras and solar activity in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What would happen if the polar ice caps melted?
June 04, 2014 13:00 - 4 minutes - 4.6 MBLearn more about melting ice caps, global warming and rising sea levels in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How can I recover a deleted file from my computer?
May 26, 2014 23:28 - 4 minutes - 3.89 MBIn many cases, it's possible to recover files that have been deleted by using your computer's Recycle Bin. Marshall Brain reveals ways to recover deleted files -- and how to erase them permanently -- in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Light Wave Interference Works
May 23, 2014 23:06 - 3 minutes - 3.03 MBWhen white light hits a film of oil floating on water, most of it passes through the film, but some of the light is reflected off the top and bottom layers of the film. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about light wave interference. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Phones Work During Power Outages
May 21, 2014 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.31 MBPhone companies use generators to ensure that landline phones will work, even in the event of a power outage. Learn more about phone systems in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Liquid Smoke Works
May 19, 2014 19:34 - 1 minute - 1.82 MBBy cooling smoke, the hydrocarbons forming smoke can be condensed, thinned, and bottled in a liquid form. Learn about the process of bottling liquid smoke in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do the yellow and black wires in a home telephone jack do?
May 14, 2014 15:54 - 2 minutes - 2.59 MBIt only takes two wires to connect a phone, but most house wiring contains four wires. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn why. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Happens to Blood During the Embalming Process?
May 12, 2014 13:00 - 3 minutes - 2.98 MBThe embalming process is designed to keep the body preserved until the funeral, but how exactly does it work and what happens to bodily fluids like blood? Get the gory details in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What makes us yawn?
May 07, 2014 13:00 - 4 minutes - 4.35 MBYawning is a universal human behavior, yet scientists still don't know exactly why we do it or what purpose it serves. Marshall Brain explores some of the theories behind yawning in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is Windows Safe Mode?
May 05, 2014 19:11 - 4 minutes - 4.43 MBSafe Mode is a feature of the Windows operating system that allows users to load a limited version of the system in order to troubleshoot problems. Learn more about using Safe Mode in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What makes glass transparent?
May 02, 2014 22:09 - 4 minutes - 3.84 MBThe transparency of materials has to do with their molecular state. Discover how silica and heat produce the transparent material we call glass in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is a blowout preventer?
April 30, 2014 18:38 - 5 minutes - 5.17 MBThe massive oil spill that flooded the Gulf of Mexico should have been prevented by a fail-safe device called a Blowout Preventer, or BOP. Find out how this safety mechanism is supposed to work -- and why it didn't -- in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is a rice krispy?
April 28, 2014 18:00 - 3 minutes - 3.51 MBLike many cereals, rice krispies are made by puffing grains -- in this case, rice. Find out how rice krispies and other puffed cereals are manufactured in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do hopping cars work?
April 25, 2014 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.5 MBLowriders are vehicles that ride very low to the ground and are often equipped with hydraulics systems that allow the cars to "hop." Learn more in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does hemp work?
April 21, 2014 19:27 - 3 minutes - 2.92 MBHemp fibers are coarse and strong, perfect for things like rope -- hemp is also more environmentally friendly than many other crops. Listen in as Marshall Brain takes a look at the controversy surrounding hemp in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do self-cleaning ovens work?
April 18, 2014 22:39 - 3 minutes - 2.9 MBWhat does it take for an oven to clean itself? A whole lot of heat! Marshall Brain explains how these special ovens use intense temperatures to burn off baking spills and debris in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is low-power FM (LPFM)?
April 09, 2014 22:50 - 3 minutes - 3.25 MBFM radio stations have high operating costs, so they're seldom affordable to individuals and small organizations that want to use them for not-for-profit purposes. Find out how LPFM stations work in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does satellite Internet work?
April 07, 2014 18:02 - 3 minutes - 3.71 MBIf you're trying to access the Internet in a very rural or remote place, satellite Internet is probably your best bet. In this episode, Marshall explains how satellite Internet works. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is an IP address?
April 02, 2014 17:48 - 3 minutes - 3.55 MBEvery computer that's connected to the Internet has its own unique "address." Tune in as Marshall explains how IP addresses work -- and how many of them exist -- in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What happens when pregnant women smoke cigarettes?
March 31, 2014 23:32 - 4 minutes - 3.86 MBWhen pregnant women smoke, they expose their developing babies to a host of addictive, harmful chemicals. In this episode, Marshall Brain explains how nicotine and other compounds found in cigarettes affect developing fetuses. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is a funicular railway?
March 28, 2014 21:01 - 4 minutes - 4 MBA funicular railway combines the technology of an elevator and a train. But how do they actually work? Learn more about these fascinating railways -- and how old they are -- in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How are LCD screens backlit?
March 26, 2014 16:00 - 4 minutes - 4.49 MBIn this episode, Marshall explains the two technologies that are used to backlight LCD panels. Tune in to learn more about the science behind LCD panels. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is a stratospheric aerosol?
March 24, 2014 19:27 - 2 minutes - 2.66 MBStratospheric aerosols have been proposed as a new way to combat global warming -- but what's the science behind this proposal? Discover how stratospheric aerosols would work in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tiny Houses
March 19, 2014 18:05 - 4 minutes - 4.02 MBTiny houses are part of a growing trend, but why would someone want an itty bitty house? In this episode, Marshall talks about the benefits and challenges of building a tiny home. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is a Nor’easter?
March 10, 2014 16:57 - 3 minutes - 3.37 MBNor'easters are storm systems that frequently occur in the eastern United States during winter. In this episode, Marshall explains where Nor'easters get their name, how they work and why some Nor'easters are more powerful than others. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do smoke detectors intercommunicate?
March 07, 2014 20:54 - 2 minutes - 2.55 MBSome AC-powered smoke detectors are wired to communicate with each other. So when one unit is triggered, all of the units go off. Find out how this intercommunication works in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where did the potato chip come from?
March 05, 2014 18:09 - 4 minutes - 4.2 MBPotato chips were invented in 1853 by an American cook named George Crum, and they've been a popular food item ever since. Learn more about George Crum and the evolution of the potato chip in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What causes poison ivy blisters?
March 03, 2014 18:37 - 3 minutes - 3 MBWhen people get a rash from poison ivy, their bodies are reacting to a chemical called urushiol. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about poison ivy rashes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do mood rings work?
February 28, 2014 22:12 - 4 minutes - 4.45 MBMood rings claim to reflect changes in your emotional state -- and, in a way, they do. Discover the science behind mood rings in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What makes your knuckles pop?
February 26, 2014 19:26 - 4 minutes - 3.88 MBLearn more about the anatomy (and chemistry) behind that popping sound your knuckles make when you crack them in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Could I see a flashlight beam from Earth on the moon?
February 24, 2014 17:45 - 3 minutes - 3.64 MBIf you shone a flashlight beam from Earth, would you be able to see it from the moon? It depends. Find out why -- and get a lesson in how light works -- in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.