Brainstuff
BrainStuff
Visit Show Website http://www.howstuffworks.com/Recently Aired
-
HD
Why are West Coast waves bigger than East Coast waves?
The West Coast of the United States seems to produce ...
The West Coast of the United States seems to produce bigger, more impressive waves than the East Coast. But why? In this episode, Marshall explains the various factors that make West Coast waves bigger and better.
-
HD
Why use a humidifier in your home in the winter?
Lots of people use humidifiers in their homes, especially in ...
Lots of people use humidifiers in their homes, especially in winter. But why? Marshall discusses some advantages of using humidifiers (and disadvantages of not using them) and different types of home humidifiers.
-
HD
Tiny Houses
Tiny houses are part of a growing trend, but why ...
Tiny houses are part of a growing trend, but why would someone want an itty bitty house? In this episode, Marshall talks about the benefits and challenges of building a tiny home.
-
HD
What is Schadenfreude?
Schadenfreude is a German word that means taking pleasure in ...
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.
-
HD
What is a cyberwar, and what tactics do cyber warriors use?
Modern warfare has expanded beyond its tradtional venues and tactics, ...
Modern warfare has expanded beyond its tradtional venues and tactics, infiltrating the world of cyberspace. In this episode, Marshall discusses the many forms of cyber warfare, from computer hacking to viruses.
-
HD
Is it possible to get free land and free houses in the U.S.?
In the 1860s, the Homestead Act provided free land to ...
In the 1860s, the Homestead Act provided free land to settlers. Is there anything like that in 2010? In this episode, Marshall explains why and how it's possible to acquire land and houses for free -- or really cheaply -- in the United States today.
-
HD
How does Nitroglycerin work?
What do you get when you combine acids and glycerin? ...
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.
-
HD
How does fusion power work?
Fusion reactors like the sun produce huge amounts of energy, ...
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.
-
HD
Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky?
In countries like the United States, people have a superstitious ...
In countries like the United States, people have a superstitious fear of one particular date: Friday the 13th. But why? In this episode, Marshall discusses the two main fears that have fueled the Friday the 13th superstitions, as well as their origins.
-
HD
How does WikiLeaks work?
WikiLeaks is a controversial "not-for-profit media organization" that disseminates secret, ...
WikiLeaks is a controversial "not-for-profit media organization" that disseminates secret, leaked information to the public. But how exactly does this group work? And why does it exist? Marshall Brain takes a look at WikiLeaks in this episode.
