BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

Why doesn't paper money disintegrate in the washing machine? Jul 20, 2015

Show notes

Normal paper is made of cellulose from trees, but paper money is made from cotton and linen fibers. Learn how this makes paper money more water-resistant in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would happen on a carousel moving at the speed of light? Jul 17, 2015

Show notes

If you could spin a carousel fast enough, would time stand still for the people on the carousel? Theoretically, it's a reasonable assumption. Join Marshall Brain as he breaks down the speed of light and time in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can I make artificial snow in my backyard? Jul 15, 2015

Show notes

If you live in a cold enough climate, you can make fake snow just like they do for ski resorts. In this episode, Marshall shares two techniques for creating artificial snow in your own backyard -- and what to do if you live in a warm climate.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is wire measured? Jul 13, 2015

Show notes

In the United States, wires are measured by diameter using a standard called AWG, or American Wire Gauge. Discover how the AWG system works -- and where it came from -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can water go bad? Jul 10, 2015

Show notes

Many people store water for emergencies -- but is it true that water sitting for too long will go bad? Listen in as Marshall Brain breaks down the science of water purification in this HowStuffWorks podcast.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do the ul marks on so many products mean? Jul 08, 2015

Show notes

UL stands for 'underwriters laboratories,' a safety testing organization -- but what exactly does this group do, and why do they do it? Tune in and learn more about the UL mark in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's the total amount of gold in the world? Jul 06, 2015

Show notes

Have you ever wondered how much gold the world has produced over time? How about platinum? Get the grand totals in this HowStuffWorks podcast.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do candles work? Jul 03, 2015

Show notes

Before there were light bulbs, candles made the world a brighter place. Discover the ingenious technology behind candles in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are frankincense and myrrh? Jul 01, 2015

Show notes

You might recognize frankincense and myrrh from the Biblical story of Jesus, but have you ever wondered exactly what they are? Tune in to get the skinny on frankincense and myrrh in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can an electric toothbrush recharge its batteries? Jun 29, 2015

Show notes

An electric toothbrush gets power from its base without the help of metal contacts. Find out how this sealed system works in the following podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.