BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

How does the lighter in a barbeque grill work? Feb 19, 2014

Show notes

A barbeque grill has a push-button lighter that relies on piezoelectricity to generate a spark. Learn more about how piezoelectricity works -- and the kinds of devices that use piezoelectric materials -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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How can you measure the height of a tall tower? Feb 17, 2014

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In this episode of BrainStuff, Marshall reveals three common techniques for measuring the height of tall objects like towers.

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Why does the moon look bigger when it's near the horizon? Feb 14, 2014

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When the moon is near the horizon, it appears to be much bigger than when it's high in the sky. But is it really larger? Tune in to find out.

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How do photochromatic lenses work? Feb 12, 2014

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Photochromatic lenses darken when exposed to the sun. Discover where these lenses came from, how they work and why they're commonly referred to as "transition" lenses in this episode of BrainStuff.

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How does a movie clapperboard work? Feb 10, 2014

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A movie clapperboard isn't just a placemarker; this device helps movie makers synchronize a movie's audio and video elements. Find out how a traditional movie clapperboard works, as well as a digital one, in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Why doesn't gasoline burn cleanly? Feb 08, 2014

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Since gasoline is a liquid formed of carbon and hydrogen, it's possible to trace the chemical reactions in car exhaust and understand what types of pollutants are created by a car's engine. Tune in and learn more about the science behind burning gas.

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How do jet engines start? Feb 05, 2014

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If you've ever watched a jet engine start, you've probably noticed that the blades begin to rotate slowly before spinning up to full speed -- but why? Listen in as Marshall Brain breaks down the science behind jet engines in this episode.

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Can cans and string really be used like a telephone? Feb 03, 2014

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You've probably heard of this trick before: Connecting two cans with a piece of string in the bottom of each can will supposedly allow people to speak over a distance to one another. Tune in as Marshall Brain explains how it works in this episode.

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What is making my backyard sparkle at night? Jan 31, 2014

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One night, Marshall went outside with a headlight lamp on his head and discovered that his backyard was full of sparkling reflections. What were these sparkles? Discover the surprising answer in this episode.

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What can you do to make yourself really unhappy? Jan 29, 2014

Show notes

There are lots of articles and research on happiness these days, but what about unhappiness? What makes us unhappy, and will avoiding it make us happy? In this episode, Marshall points out three behaviors that are sure to create unhappiness.

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