BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

How do thirty pounds of air in your tires hold up two tons of car? Feb 16, 2015

Show notes

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.

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Why don't they use normal air in race car tires? Feb 13, 2015

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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.

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How do plastics work? What is actually in a plastic? Feb 11, 2015

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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.

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How does a speedometer in an airplane work? Feb 06, 2015

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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.

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How does CCC, the new form of CPR, work? Feb 04, 2015

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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.

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What is the difference between a hardwood and a softwood? Feb 02, 2015

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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.

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Why does your computer need a battery? Jan 30, 2015

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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.

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How does nitrous oxide help an engine perform better? Jan 28, 2015

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Nitrous oxide boosts engine power in two significant ways. Find out exactly how nitrous works its magic in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

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How does an oxygen canister on an airplane work? Jan 26, 2015

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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.

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In baseball, how does a pitcher throw a curveball? Jan 21, 2015

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A curveball is a pitcher's secret weapon for striking out batters. Discover the physics behind a great curveball in this episode of BrainStuff.

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