BrainStuff

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Intuitively, it makes sense that a trained athlete can run a marathon easily, while a "couch potato" can barely run a mile. But what's the biology behind it? Find out how fit and unfit bodies respond to exercise in this episode.

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Polymer crystals are extremely absorbent, and that's why you'll often find them in disposable diapers. Marshall explains how polymer crystals are able to absorb large quantities of liquids -- and keep you cool and dry -- in this episode.

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Have you ever seen those folks that can pull a whole truck with their teeth? Tune in as Marshall Brain explains the physics behind pulling large objects with your teeth in this episode.

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Popsicles are also called "quiescently frozen confections" because of the way they're frozen. Learn more about how flavored ice treats are made -- and what distinguishes them from ice cream -- in this episode.

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Scratch-and-sniff stickers are novelties that delight both children and adults. Sniff out the ingenious technology that makes them work in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

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