Brainstuff
BrainStuff
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How does disk defragmentation work?
The term 'disk defrag' usually refers to the Windows utility ...
The term 'disk defrag' usually refers to the Windows utility known as the disk defragmenter. But what exactly is this thing, and how does it work? Tune in as Marshall Brain explains disk defragmentation in this podcast.
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Can nasal sprays be addictive?
Some people have become so dependent on their nasal sprays ...
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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How do astronauts function in their spacesuits?
Astronauts wear special suits while they're working in space, and ...
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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Is there a way to compare a human being to an engine?
Human muscles are essentially biological engines. In terms of efficiency, ...
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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How do people pull large objects with their teeth?
Marshall Brain explains the physics behind pulling large objects with ...
Marshall Brain explains the physics behind pulling large objects with your teeth in this episode.
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Why does a manual transmission make a whirring noise?
When manual transmissions are put in reverse, they produce a ...
When manual transmissions are put in reverse, they produce a loud, whirring noise. What's the culprit? Gears. Marshall Brain explains how helical and spur gears work in manual transmissions in this episode.
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Why do human beings have eyebrows?
Eyebrows are prominent human features, but what purpose do they ...
Eyebrows are prominent human features, but what purpose do they serve? Scientists think they help keep stuff out of our eyes and aid in nonverbal communication, among other things. Learn more about eyebrows in this episode.
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Where do salad dressings get their bizarre names?
Salad dressings like Ranch and Thousand Island are traditional favorites, ...
Salad dressings like Ranch and Thousand Island are traditional favorites, but have you ever wondered how they got their names? Marshall Brain reveals what salad dressings are made of -- and where their famous names came from -- in this episode.
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What is a funicular railway?
A funicular railway combines the technology of an elevator and ...
A funicular railway combines the technology of an elevator and a train. Find out how these fascinating railways work -- and how old they are -- in this episode.
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What do the symbols on the U.S. one-dollar bill mean?
If you've ever looked carefully at a U.S. one-dollar bill, ...
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.
