BrainStuff

For cities plagued by yearly snowstorms, a fleet of snow plows and salt often aren't enough to get rid of excess drifts. Luckily, there's another option: Snow dragons. These machines can melt snow on the spot -- but how do they work? Tune in to find out.

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Some people have become so dependent on their nasal sprays and products that they might worry they're addicted. Marshall Brain explains why you can't really be addicted to nasal products in this episode.

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Schadenfreude is a German word that means taking pleasure in someone else's pain. But it's not the same as sadism, as Marshall Brain explains in this episode. Tune in to learn more about this particularly German sensation.

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Balloons are often filled with helium, which has a lifting force of one gram per meter. It's possible to assemble enough balloons to lift yourself from the ground -- but how many balloons does it take? Tune into this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more.

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Since liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas have very different properties, it's always important to specify which substance you will use when buying an appliance. Check out this podcast from HowStuffWorks to learn more.

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Check out this podcast from HowStuffWorks to learn how to gauge the distance of a lightning strike with a simple equation.

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Kitchen ovens typically have two settings: bake and broil. What's the difference between the two? Explore the science behind baking and broiling in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

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Astronauts wear special suits while they're working in space, and these spacewalks can last for hours. In this episode, Marshall Brain explains how astronauts take care of their basic needs while wearing spacesuits.

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A zebra's stripes offer protection from predators in the form of camouflage -- and a way to identify individual members within the larger group. Learn more about zebra stripes in this episode.

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They say that money can't buy happiness, but it can definitely contribute to your well-being. So what exactly should you spend your money on to maximize your happiness? Stuff? Experiences? Marshall Brain investigates in this episode.

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