BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

Is there a way to compare a human being to an engine? Dec 17, 2014

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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.

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How High-level Nuclear Waste Works Dec 12, 2014

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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.

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How does fusion power work? Dec 10, 2014

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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.

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How does Nitroglycerin work? Dec 08, 2014

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What do you get when you combine acids and glycerin? Nitroglycerin! What is this substance used for, and why is it so unstable? In this episode, Marshall takes a look at the chemistry and explosive qualities of Nitrogyclerin.

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What is chewing gum made of? Dec 05, 2014

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Up until World War II, chewing gum was made of a substance called chicle. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about the ingredients of modern chewing gum.

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Why can't a couch potato run a marathon? Dec 03, 2014

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Intuitively, it makes sense that a trained athlete can run a marathon easily, while a "couch potato" can barely run a mile. But what's the biology behind it? Find out how fit and unfit bodies respond to exercise in this episode.

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How do polymer crystals work, and why do they absorb so much water? Nov 28, 2014

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Polymer crystals are extremely absorbent, and that's why you'll often find them in disposable diapers. Marshall explains how polymer crystals are able to absorb large quantities of liquids -- and keep you cool and dry -- in this episode.

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How do people pull large objects with their teeth? Nov 26, 2014

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Have you ever seen those folks that can pull a whole truck with their teeth? Tune in as Marshall Brain explains the physics behind pulling large objects with your teeth in this episode.

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Why is a popsicle called a quiescently frozen confection? Nov 24, 2014

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Popsicles are also called "quiescently frozen confections" because of the way they're frozen. Learn more about how flavored ice treats are made -- and what distinguishes them from ice cream -- in this episode.

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How do scratch-and-sniff stickers work? Nov 21, 2014

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Scratch-and-sniff stickers are novelties that delight both children and adults. Sniff out the ingenious technology that makes them work in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

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