BrainStuff

BrainStuff

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BrainStuff episodes

  • When you have an itch, what's happening under your skin?
    Skin covers our bodies, so it's very easy for this delicate organ to get irritated. In this episode, Marshall explains why our bodies respond to irritants with an itching sensation -- and why we're programmed to scratch.
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    5 min
  • What is a digital signature?
    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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    7 min
  • Why do some engines use a dry sump oil system?
    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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    4 min
  • What are carbide tips?
    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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    4 min
  • Is it possible to use a leaf blower as a supercharger?
    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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    9 min
  • How does a QWERTY keyboard work?
    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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    6 min
  • How does a fiber optic cable work?
    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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    6 min
  • Does airing out mattresses outside do any good?
    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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    4 min
  • How Lava Lamps Work
    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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    4 min
  • How Dry Cleaning Works
    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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    4 min

About BrainStuff

From the publisher's feed

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.