BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

Why is carbon monoxide so poisonous? Nov 19, 2014

Show notes

The structure of hemoglobin causes oxygen to bind loosely to iron -- however, carbon monoxide binds very tightly to the blood's iron, reducing your ability to breathe. Check out this podcast from HowStuffWorks to learn more.

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What is the worst invasive public species? Nov 14, 2014

Show notes

From kudzu to cane toads, invasive species are changing the world. But which of these transplants is the worst for the local landscape? Tune in as Marshall Brain tackles invasive species across the world -- and ultimately concludes which one is the worst.

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How many people work at a Formula 1 pit stop? Nov 12, 2014

Show notes

If you've ever seen a Formula 1 race, then you know the race isn't just between cars -- it's also between pit stop crews. In seven seconds these crews perform an entire pit stop. But how does it work, and how many people does it take? Tune in to find out.

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When I pay by check, where does that check go? Nov 07, 2014

Show notes

When you write a check to purchase goods and services, it passes through the hands of several banks before the process is complete. Marshall explains how checks are processed through intermediary banks in this episode.

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How does a credit card's magnetic stripe work? Nov 05, 2014

Show notes

The magnetic stripe on the back of the card plays a key role in transactions made by credit card. Learn more about how these "mag stripes" work in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Why do Wint-O-Green Life Savers spark in the dark? Nov 03, 2014

Show notes

If you've ever bitten into a Wint-O-Green Life Saver candy in the dark, you've probably noticed an accompanying spark of light. Marshall Brain explains the chemistry behind the phenomenon known as triboluminescence in this episode.

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How can we eliminate fossil fuels? Oct 31, 2014

Show notes

It's no secret that fossil fuels have a detrimental effect on the environment, but do feasible alternatives exist? In this episode, Marshall takes a look at the possibilities of DIY biofuel.

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What does "not guilty by reason of insanity" mean? Oct 29, 2014

Show notes

Claiming the "insanity defense" in fictional courts of law is common and seems pretty straightforward; in real life, it's much more rare and complex. Discover the legal definition of "insanity" -- and how it relates to mental illness -- in this episode.

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How do kosher foods work? Oct 27, 2014

Show notes

In this episode of BrainStuff, Marshall Brain gives a detailed explanation of the Jewish dietary laws and preparations that make foods "kosher" and "pareve."

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Do you have a hidden savant inside your brain? Oct 24, 2014

Show notes

Savant capabilities seem extraordinary, but what if they aren't? What if we all have amazing talents embedded in our brains? In this episode, Marshall discusses different techniques that have revealed savant-like qualities in ordinary people.

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