The Stuff of Genius
John Shepherd-Barron and the ATM
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Mr. Alexanderson and the Long-Range Radio
Before Ernst Alexanderson designed the high-frequency alternators that transmitted radio ...
Before Ernst Alexanderson designed the high-frequency alternators that transmitted radio broadcasts in a continuous wave, radio was not usable over long distances. Tune in and learn more Stuff of Genius in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
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Peter Henlein and the Wristwatch
Nowadays, wristwatches aren't anything to write home about... but this ...
Nowadays, wristwatches aren't anything to write home about... but this wasn't always the case. Learn how locksmiths like Peter Henlein miniaturized the dubious clocks of the day to create portable timepieces in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
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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.
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Joshua Silver and the Self-Adjustable Glasses
Professor Joshua Silver isn't an optometrist, but his self-adjustable eyeglasses ...
Professor Joshua Silver isn't an optometrist, but his self-adjustable eyeglasses have improved the vision of people across the developing world. Tune in and learn how this Oxford physicist plans to improve the vision of a billion people by 2020.
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Revolution: Theophilus Kannel and the Revolving Door
Today, revolving doors are a common sight in large buildings ...
Today, revolving doors are a common sight in large buildings across the world -- but how did they get here? This episode ... wait for it ... revolves around Theo Kannel and his astonishing Stuff of Genius.
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Sylvan Goldman Presents: The Shopping Cart
As a grocer in Oklahoma, Sylvan Goldman had a hunch ...
As a grocer in Oklahoma, Sylvan Goldman had a hunch that he was losing business because customers only bought as much as they could carry. Check out this episode to learn how his Stuff of Genius saved his store and spread throughout the world.
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Napoleon and Canned Food: The Story of Nicolas Appert
Nowadays, canned food is everywhere -- but how did this ...
Nowadays, canned food is everywhere -- but how did this industry begin? Tune in to learn how Nicholas Appert discovered the principles used in canning food -- and why we have Napoleon to thank for this Stuff of Genius.
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How Rudolf Diesel Changed the World
Born in 1858, Rudolf Diesel was fascinated by engines from ...
Born in 1858, Rudolf Diesel was fascinated by engines from a young age. However, the engines of the time were incredibly inefficient -- at least, that is, until Rudolf's Stuff of Genius struck. Tune in to learn more.
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Otto's Awesome Auto Engine
Nikolaus Otto wasn't the first to design an internal combustion ...
Nikolaus Otto wasn't the first to design an internal combustion engine, but his improved design made the engine practical and popular. Learn more about Otto's auto-related Stuff of Genius in this episode.
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From Irritation to Innovation: The Band-Aid Story
Earle Dickson was exhausted. He spent nearly every night making ...
Earle Dickson was exhausted. He spent nearly every night making bandages for his accident-prone wife, and he knew there had to be a better, faster way. Learn how his Stuff of Genius healed cuts around the world in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
