The Stuff of Genius
Have you ever had an idea that seemed crazy -- maybe crazy enough to work? Every invention starts out as an idea, and it only takes a bit of genius to make it reality. See how some of the greatest inventions were brought to life ...
Have you ever had an idea that seemed crazy -- maybe crazy enough to work? Every invention starts out as an idea, and it only takes a bit of genius to make it reality. See how some of the greatest inventions were brought to life in The Stuff of Genius from HowStuffWorks.com. When George de Mestral and his dog set out on a leisurely mountain stroll, they returned covered in burrs. Learn how an afternoon walk inspired the creation of Velcro in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
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Control Your Cruising: The Ralph Teetor Story
Although he was blinded at the age of six, Ralph ...
Although he was blinded at the age of six, Ralph Teetor rose through the ranks of industry to become the president of his own manufacturing company -- and he didn't stop there. Tune in to learn how an uncomfortable auto ride inspired the Stuff of Genius.
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The Safety Pin
With patents on everything from fountain pens to rifles, Walter ...
With patents on everything from fountain pens to rifles, Walter Hunt has sometimes been called "America's forgotten inventor." However, his most successful invention is incredibly commonplace -- tune in and learn more about the safety pin.
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Henry Phillips and the Screwdriver
Flat-head screwdrivers have been around for centuries, but when Henry ...
Flat-head screwdrivers have been around for centuries, but when Henry Phillips realized he'd need a better screwdriver for power tools, inspiration struck. Learn more about his Stuff of Genius -- the Phillips Screwdriver -- in this episode.
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The Pop-up Toaster
Although toast itself dates back into prehistory, the toaster is ...
Although toast itself dates back into prehistory, the toaster is a very recent -- and convenient -- invention. Tune in and learn how Charles Strite's Stuff of Genius became a fixture of the modern kitchen.
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The Liquid Paper Story
Also known as Whiteout, liquid paper is used to cover ...
Also known as Whiteout, liquid paper is used to cover up mistakes and typos -- but how did it get here, and how does it relate to the Beach Boys? Tune in to find out.
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The Junk Food King
During World War II, William Mitchell made a discovery that ...
During World War II, William Mitchell made a discovery that led to the emergence of junk food for the masses. Learn how tapioca led to pop rocks in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
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How Norm Larsen Made WD-40
Norm Larsen started with a simple idea: If water causes ...
Norm Larsen started with a simple idea: If water causes rust, then a substance that displaces water can prevent rust. Sure, his first thirty-nine tries didn't work out -- but the last one was pure genius. Tune in and learn more.
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Edward Budding, the Father of the Lawnmower
Before 1830, trimming a lawn was time-consuming and difficult. At ...
Before 1830, trimming a lawn was time-consuming and difficult. At least, that is, until a fabric-shaving machine inspired Edward Budding to invent the lawnmower -- and save future landscapers from countless hours of hacking at the ground with scythes.
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Community Antenna Television: The John Walson Story
John Walson couldn't sell many television sets in Mahanoy City ...
John Walson couldn't sell many television sets in Mahanoy City -- the reception was terrible, and no one wanted a television that couldn't pick up any channels. Tune in to learn how John fixed the problem -- and invented cable TV in the process.
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No Ordinary Diode: The Nick Holonyak Story
The light emitting diode, or LED, emits less heat than ...
The light emitting diode, or LED, emits less heat than a traditional incandescent light bulb, and it also lasts much longer. But where did these brilliant diodes come from? Tune in to learn more.
