BrainStuff

When you look at a normal 120-volt outlet in the United States, there are two vertical slots and then a round hole centered below. Take a look at this HowStuffWorks article to learn why appliance cords are shaped this way.

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Sodium acetate heat pads start out as a pouch of liquid and crystallize into a warm solid. Explore the fascinating chemistry that makes these heat pads work in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

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Groundskeepers at baseball fields create patterns using a process called lawn striping. Tune in to find out how this process works -- and how you can duplicate it to create designs in your own yard.

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In this episode of BrainStuff, Marshall Brain explains the chemistry behind rust, or iron oxide, and the rusting process.

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Like cheese, pastrami is a good example of old-fashioned food preservation techniques. Find out how corned beef becomes pastrami in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

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Instant cameras makes it possible to see a photograph almost immediately after you take it. But how? In this episode, Marshall explains the chemical processes behind regular and instant photographic film.

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What causes stinky, smelly feet? Sweat and bacteria. Find out exactly how bacteria turn sweat into malodorous feet in this episode.

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If you've ever looked carefully at a U.S. one-dollar bill, you've probably noticed some mysterious symbols and Latin phrases. What do these symbols stand for? Why are they on there? Marshall Brain breaks it down for you in this episode.

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The amount of calories a person needs to consume on a daily basis varies by individual. Discover the three factors that can help you determine your daily caloric needs in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Today's pencils are manufactured very differently than the original versions; but they still use a material called graphite, which isn't lead at all. How does the graphite get in the pencil? Find out in this episode.

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