BrainStuff

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Latest Episodes:

What is a digital signature? Dec 30, 2013

Show notes

A digital signature is a way to authenticate electronic documents. Find out what 'authentic' means in this context -- and how encryption is involved in the authentication process -- in this episode.

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Why do some engines use a dry sump oil system? Dec 27, 2013

Show notes

Most car engines use a wet sump oil system, but some rely on a dry sump system. Find out how a dry sump system works -- and why it's advantageous -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

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What are carbide tips? Dec 25, 2013

Show notes

Many cutting tools are made of materials like steel but have carbide tips, which stay sharper longer. Learn more about carbide tips in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

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Is it possible to use a leaf blower as a supercharger? Dec 23, 2013

Show notes

Leaf blowers are convenient, but are they living up to their potential? In this podcast, Marshall examines superchargers, explaining how a leaf blower can (theoretically) perform the same duties. Tune in and learn more about hacking leaf blowers.

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How does a QWERTY keyboard work? Dec 20, 2013

Show notes

The QWERTY keyboard is the standard for most computers today, but why are the letters arranged in such a peculiar way? Learn more about the QWERTY keyboard's unusual layout -- and how it compares to the Dvorak design -- in this episode.

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How does a fiber optic cable work? Dec 18, 2013

Show notes

Fiber optic cables make long-distance telephone communication and Internet access much more affordable and accessible. Get Marshall's explanation of fiber optic cables in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Does airing out mattresses outside do any good? Dec 16, 2013

Show notes

Airing out rugs and mattresses outdoors is a great way to disinfect them, thanks to a little thing called ultraviolet light. Find out how UV light can disinfect everything from rugs to water in this episode of BrainStuff.

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How Lava Lamps Work Dec 13, 2013

Show notes

Liquid motion lamps -- or lava lamps -- use heat to create slight differences in the density of two liquids. Learn more about lava lamps and density in this Brainstuff podcast.

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How Dry Cleaning Works Dec 11, 2013

Show notes

Dry cleaning is not actually clean -- instead, it uses a petroleum solvent in place of water. Learn more about dry cleaning in this HowStuffWorks podcast.

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How Dehumidifiers Work Dec 09, 2013

Show notes

Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air -- but how does this actually work? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about dehumidifiers.

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