BrainStuff
iHeartPodcasts
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 2, 2015 • 3min
What is carrageenan?
Carrageenan is a gum derived from seaweed that helps processed food withstand the rigors of transportation and long waits in warehouses. Learn more about the role that carrageenan plays in food by checking out this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 31, 2014 • 2min
What's the birthday paradox?
In a group of 20, there's a 50/50 chance that two people will have the same birthday; this is called the birthday paradox. Find out how it works in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 29, 2014 • 3min
How long before sharks start going extinct?
Sharks are ancient, fierce creatures, but they're also in danger of extinction on many fronts. Discover all the factors that make sharks vulnerable -- and what you can do to help -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 24, 2014 • 2min
How Replacing Toilets Works
A family of four can consume more than 300 gallons of water per day. Old toilets use 5 gallons per flush, and this water use quickly adds up. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast and learn why cities across the US are replacing their old commodes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 22, 2014 • 3min
Why are my power bills so high?
When it comes to energy usage, heating and cooling appliances contribute the most to your power bill. Tune in to find out which appliances are the most power-hungry -- and why -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 17, 2014 • 3min
Is there a way to compare a human being to an engine?
Human muscles are essentially biological engines. In terms of efficiency, biological engines are amazing. Listen in as Marshall Brain calculates human efficiency in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 12, 2014 • 5min
How High-level Nuclear Waste Works
What exactly is high-level nuclear waste, and how are we dealing with it today? In this episode, Marshall breaks down the techniques used to store high-level nuclear waste. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 10, 2014 • 5min
How does fusion power work?
Fusion reactors like the sun produce huge amounts of energy, so why aren't there fusion power plants everywhere? In this episode, Marshall explains the chemistry of fusion reactions and discusses how close fusion is to becoming a viable energy source. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 8, 2014 • 3min
How does Nitroglycerin work?
What do you get when you combine acids and glycerin? Nitroglycerin! What is this substance used for, and why is it so unstable? In this episode, Marshall takes a look at the chemistry and explosive qualities of Nitrogyclerin. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 5, 2014 • 2min
What is chewing gum made of?
Up until World War II, chewing gum was made of a substance called chicle. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about the ingredients of modern chewing gum. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
