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.
Show all Visit Show Website http://www.howstuffworks.com/Recently Aired
-
HD
John Shepherd-Barron and the ATM
John Shepherd-Barron usually stopped by his local bank on Saturdays ...
John Shepherd-Barron usually stopped by his local bank on Saturdays to cash checks. But when he arrived one minute after they closed, he was out of luck. Tune in and learn how John's irritating experience led to the Stuff of Genius in this episode.
-
HD
Best of 2010: Saving the World, One Invention at a Time
Over the past year, The Stuff of Genius has covered ...
Over the past year, The Stuff of Genius has covered dozens of amazing inventors. In this special year-end wrap-up, we're taking a look back at three inventors who used their genius to make the world a better place. Tune in to learn more.
-
HD
The Best Thing Since...
We've all heard the expression 'the best thing since sliced ...
We've all heard the expression 'the best thing since sliced bread,' but did someone actually invent slicing bread? Tune in to learn how Otto Rohwedder made the world's first bread-slicing machine in this podcast.
-
HD
Bioplastics: The Stuff of (Sustainable) Genius
Plastic is a ubiquitous and incredibly useful invention, but it ...
Plastic is a ubiquitous and incredibly useful invention, but it has some serious downsides. But what if plastics were biodegradable? Tune in to learn more about the evolution and advantages of bioplastics.
-
HD
Bartolomeo Cristofori: The Real-life Piano Man
Before Bartolomeo Cristofori began tinkering with musical instruments for Ferdinando ...
Before Bartolomeo Cristofori began tinkering with musical instruments for Ferdinando de Medici, no one had heard of a piano. Tune in to learn how Cristofori's Stuff of Genius changed music -- and history -- in this podcast.
-
HD
Raymond Damadian and the MRI
Today the MRI is a crucial piece of technology, and ...
Today the MRI is a crucial piece of technology, and its ability to scan the human body in a noninvasive way makes it an invaluable diagnostic tool. But who built it, and how does it work? Tune in to find out.
-
HD
Stuff of Genius: A Thanksgiving Special
Whether they're building blood banks or conveniences like air conditioning ...
Whether they're building blood banks or conveniences like air conditioning and the world wide web, inventors have given us a lot to be thankful for. Tune in and watch as we thank three inventors in particular in this special Thanksgiving episode.
-
HD
Living the High Life: The Evolution of High Heels
Unlike many modern inventions, high heels can't be traced to ...
Unlike many modern inventions, high heels can't be traced to a single inventor. In fact, this unique form of footware dates back into antiquity. Listen in and learn more about the evolution of high heels.
-
HD
Jacob, Levi and the Most American of Pants
Today, blue jeans are one of the world's most iconic ...
Today, blue jeans are one of the world's most iconic forms of clothing. But who came up with the idea? (Hint: It wasn't just Levi Strauss.) Tune in to learn more about blue jeans in this special episode featuring two inventors.
-
HD
Edmund McIlhenny and the Secret of Tabasco Sauce
You might be surprised to learn that the creator of ...
You might be surprised to learn that the creator of modern-day Tabasco sauce was once a banker. Yet when the Civil War wiped his fortunes away, Edmund didn't give up. He hunkered down in his garden and made the Stuff of Genius. Tune in to learn more.
