BrainStuff

Whether the topic is popcorn or particle physics, you can count on BrainStuff to explore -- and explain -- the everyday science in the world around us.

Science
Natural Sciences
Technology
2051
Why do apples and potatoes turn brown when you ...
All cells contains thousands of enzymes, and each of these enzymes is necessary for the cell. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn which enzymes cause apples and potatoes to turn brown upon exposure to oxygen.
1 min
2052
What is an anti-siphon valve?
In houses with a built-in sprinkler system, anti-siphon valves prevent pesticides, pet waste, and other contaminants from polluting the home's water source. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about anti-siphon valves.
3 min
2053
How a GFCI outlet works
A normal 120 volt outlet in the US has two vertical slots and a role hole centered below the slots -- the outlets with a pair of red and black 'test' and 'reset' buttons are known as GCFI outlets. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more.
0 min
2054
Could anti-lock brakes detect a flat?
By using a computer to monitor the rotation of the car's wheels, an anti-lock braking system helps drivers avoid skids. Could this computer also monitor flat tires? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about brake systems.
2 min
2055
How Gun Silencers Work
The sound of gunfire is incredibly loud, and it is amazing that anything is able to silence a firearm. However, the principle behind a gun silencer is surprisingly simple. Check out our HowStuffWorks article to learn more about silencers.
2 min
2056
How Heart Bypass Operations Work
Since the heart is a muscle, it relies on the oxygen and nutrients contained in blood. This blood is supplied by arteries on the exterior of the heart -- when these arteries are blocked, a heart attack results. Take a look at our HowStuffWorks article to
2 min
2057
What is the difference between jelly jam and pr...
Jam, jelly, and preserves are all made from fruit mixed with sugar and pectin. Jell-O, on the other hand, is completely different. Take a look at our HowStuffWorks article to learn more.
1 min
2058
How children from the same parents look so diff...
Every person has a set of chromosomes, or coiled strands of DNA. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn how chromosomes combine to promote variation from one generation to the next.
2 min
2059
How Catapults Works
There are three different technologies that fall into the catapult category: the ballista, the trebuchet and the catapult. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about the differences between catapult technologies.
1 min
2060
What does the computer in a car do?
All cars manufactured today contain at least one computer -- but what does it do? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about car computers.
1 min
2061
How Water Softener Works
The idea behind a water softener is simple: the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water are replaced with sodium ions. Learn more about the harmful effects of hard water -- and the benefits of soft water -- in this HowStuffWorks podcast.
2 min
2062
How Carbon Chains Work
Learn how the length of hydrocarbon atom chains have different properties, producing substances such as kerosene, methane and other forms of fossil fuel. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about fossil fuels.
2 min
2063
Do the humps on camels hold water?
The camel's hump is a giant deposit of fat that lets the camel survive up to 2 weeks without food. Learn more about camels in this HowStuffWorks podcast.
1 min
2064
Why does Alka-Seltzer fizz?
The fizzing you see when you drop an Alka-Seltzer tablet in water is the same sort of fizzing that you see from baking powder. This reaction is caused by an acid reacting with a base. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more.
1 min
2065
What causes the banging noise in my home's pipes?
The problem of pipes banging on a wall is often called "water hammer." Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about this phenomenon.
2 min
2066
How Catalytic Convertors Work
Catalytic convertors convert hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides into three harmless chemicals, making the exhaust of a vehicle much cleaner.
1 min
2067
How 3-Way Lightbulbs Work
A 3-way bulb contains two filaments, and these filaments have differing wattages. Depending on the setting, the filaments operate separately or together to create the appropriate amount of light. Learn more about 3-way bulbs in this HowStuffWorks podcast.
1 min
2068
How Breathing in a Submarine Work
For air in a submarine to remain usable, three things must happen: The oxygen must be replenished as it is consumed, the carbon dioxide must be removed from the air, and the moisture in human breath must also be removed.
2 min
2069
How Fever Works
In this podcast, learn what causes a fever and what actually happens to the body when a fever occurs.
1 min
2070
How Fountains in Rome Work
Built before the invention of electric pumps, fountains in Rome were powered through an ingenious system of gravity, cisterns, and aqueducts. Learn more about fountains in Rome in this HowStuffWorks podcast.
1 min
2071
How Nautical Miles Work
One minute of arc on planet earth is equal to one nautical mile. Listen to this HowStuffWorks podcast and learn more about the measurement of nautical miles.
1 min
2072
How Digital Answering Machines Work
Today, most answering machines are digital, and use the same technology as a CD or MP3 player. Learn more about digital answering machines in this HowStuffWorks podcast.
1 min
2073
How Maple Syrup Works
The clear, thin sap of Maple trees must be boiled down to create maple syrup -- it takes about 30 to 40 gallons of sap to create one gallon of syrup. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about Maple syrup.
2 min
2074
How Glowing Watch Hands Work
In many watches, phosphor is mixed with a radioactive element that continously charges the phosphor, powering glowing watch hands. Learn more about glowing watch hands in this HowStuffWorks podcast.
1 min
2075
How Uninterruptible Power Supplies Work
An uninterruptible power supply protects computers against surges, spikes, sags, and total power failure. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about uninterruptible power supplies.
1 min