BrainStuff

Shell games and three-card monte games are common sights in big cities, but did you know they're scams? Marshall explains the similar principles and tricks behind these "games" -- and why you can't win them -- in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass is a special, expensive type that blocks out ultraviolet and infrared light. This coated glass can help protect your furniture and improve the energy efficiency of your home, as Marshall Brain explains in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each roller coaster car is moved by the cars connected to it, which makes the experience of riding a rollercoaster a bit different in each car. Learn which seat on a roller coaster is best for you, based on science and your personal preferences.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it possible to rescue an electronic device dunked in water? In this episode, Marshall recounts an unfortunate meeting between a GPS device and a dog's water bowl. Tune in to learn whether or not he was able to fix it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The moon has orbited over human civilization since the dawn of time, but it took us thousands of years to figure out how it actually got there. Tune in as Marshall Brain examines the formation of the moon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's easy to jump on an exercise machine and watch the calorie meter -- but how accurate are these meters? Learn more about calorie meters in this HowStuffWorks podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Popcorn is a ubiquitous snack, but there's nothing commonplace about its creation. How does a kernel of corn become a puffed white treat? Find out in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The boiling point of water decreases as altitude increases -- generally, this temperature decreases by one degree for every 540 feet of altitude. Learn more about cooking at high altitudes in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cat whiskers, also known as "tactile hairs," are very different from a cat's regular body hair. In this episode, Marshall explains how these hairs are unique and what cats use them for.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Color blind individuals can suffer from an inability to differentiate between hues, and occasionally may not be able to see any colors at all. Learn more about color blindness in this HowStuffWorks podcast.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.