BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

Why do most zippers say 'YKK' on the pull-tab? Apr 13, 2012

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Have you ever wondered why zippers often have the letters 'YKK' etched into them? Learn more about the Japanese company behind the tiny letters -- and the zippers -- in this episode.

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How much coal does a light bulb need to run for a year? Apr 09, 2012

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How much coal do you need to run a 100-watt light bulb 24 hours a day for a year? The answer might surprised. Tune in and find out in this episode of BrainStuff.

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What is mayonnaise? Apr 06, 2012

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Mayo is an emulsion - a mixture of two liquids that normally can't be combined. So how do these ingredients come together? Tune in to learn how oil, egg yolks and acid combine to form one of the world's most popular condiments.

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Is there an easy way to understand how time zones work? Apr 04, 2012

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There are 24 different time zones -- but why do we have them? In this podcast, Marshall recounts how society evolved time zones, and also gives you an easy way to model the structure of time zones across the globe.

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Can picking a movie theater get any more complicated? Mar 19, 2012

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With all the recent technological breakthroughs, choosing the right movie theatre has become increasingly complex. Why? Listen in as Marshall breaks down the different sound and video technologies available in modern movie theaters.

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How does emergency preparedness work? Mar 16, 2012

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In moments, a natural disaster can level cities, kill thousands and force survivors to scavenge through the rubble for supplies. In this podcast, Marshall discusses the importance of preparedness and the types of supplies you may need in an emergency.

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Why can biting on aluminum foil be painful? Feb 08, 2012

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When (dental) metal in your mouth comes in contact with aluminum foil, your teeth get a painful shock from the electricity produced. Marshall Brain explains how the voltaic effect plays out in your mouth in this episode.

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How does WikiLeaks work? Jan 27, 2012

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WikiLeaks is a controversial "not-for-profit media organization" that disseminates secret, leaked information to the public. But how exactly does this group work? And why does it exist? Marshall Brain takes a look at WikiLeaks in this episode.

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Are all blood types needed for donation? Jan 18, 2012

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In this episode, Marshall explains how proteins determine your blood type -- and why blood types must match for blood transfusions to be successful.

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Japan's Nuclear Problem Dec 28, 2011

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When the recent earthquake hit Japan, it seemed the country had withstood the worst of the blast -- until explosions occurred at a nuclear power plant. Is another disaster on the way? Tune in as Marshall explains the state of Japan's nuclear power plants.

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