Brainstuff
BrainStuff
Visit Show Website http://www.howstuffworks.com/Recently Aired
-
HD
How does a magneto work?
A magneto is a kind of electrical generator used in ...
A magneto is a kind of electrical generator used in small gasoline engines in lieu of a battery. Find out how magnetos work in this episode of BrainStuff.
-
HD
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.
-
HD
What is the Strategic Petroleum Reserve?
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is the world's largest emergency oil ...
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is the world's largest emergency oil stockpile. But why do we have it? Where do we keep it? Find out why the United States created this reserve and where the oil is stored in this episode.
-
HD
How does the Radio Data System work?
The Radio Data System, or RDS, allows your radio to ...
The Radio Data System, or RDS, allows your radio to display information like song titles and radio station call signs. Find out how the RDS works in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
-
HD
How can you measure the height of a tall tower?
So which building really is the world's tallest? Why don't ...
So which building really is the world's tallest? Why don't all the experts agree? In this episode of BrainStuff, Marshall reveals three common techniques for measuring the height of tall objects like towers.
-
HD
How do they get the lead in a wooden pencil?
Today's pencils are manufactured very differently than the original versions; ...
Today's pencils are manufactured very differently than the original versions; but they still use a material called graphite, which isn't lead at all. How does the graphite get in the pencil? Find out in this episode.
-
HD
Is it possible to use a leaf blower as a supercharger?
Leaf blowers are convenient, but are they living up to ...
Leaf blowers are convenient, but are they living up to their potential? In this podcast, Marshall examines superchargers, explaining how a leaf blower can (theoretically) perform the same duties. Tune in and learn more about hacking leaf blowers.
-
HD
What are carbide tips?
Many cutting tools are made of materials like steel but ...
Many cutting tools are made of materials like steel but have carbide tips, which stay sharper longer. Learn more about carbide tips in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
-
HD
How does high-speed rail work?
Although it's common in some countries, high-speed rail service isn't ...
Although it's common in some countries, high-speed rail service isn't available in the United States -- yet. Tune in to learn more about this swift rail service -- and how soon we're likely to have it in the U.S. -- in this episode.
-
HD
Will a really big earthquake sink Western California?
Given California's history of earthquakes and major fault lines, it's ...
Given California's history of earthquakes and major fault lines, it's not surprising that people speculate about parts of California breaking off into the ocean. Fortunately, seismic forces don't work that way, as Marshall Brain explains in this episode.
