BrainStuff

The afterburner on a jet engine adds thrust to the engine. Tune in as Marshall Brain explains how an afterburner works -- and the pros and cons of using one -- in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn...

The afterburner on a jet engine adds thrust to the engine. Tune in as Marshall Brain explains how an afterburner works -- and the pros and cons of using one -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

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. Learn more about your ad-choices at...

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.

Most leather is made from processed cattle skin, although synthetic and other varieties exist. Learn more about leather in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at...

Most leather is made from processed cattle skin, although synthetic and other varieties exist. Learn more about leather in this episode of BrainStuff.

There are hundreds of satellites orbiting the Earth, but it's not always easy to see them. Get Marshall's tips on how to spot satellites in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your...

There are hundreds of satellites orbiting the Earth, but it's not always easy to see them. Get Marshall's tips on how to spot satellites in this episode of BrainStuff.

The sonic booms formed by planes are similar to the wakes left by boats in water. To learn more about sonic booms, check out this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at...

The sonic booms formed by planes are similar to the wakes left by boats in water. To learn more about sonic booms, check out this HowStuffWorks podcast.

Self-setting clocks and watches synchronize themselves with the atomic clock in Colorado with the help of a special radio station. Find out how -- and learn more about NIST's radio station -- in...

Self-setting clocks and watches synchronize themselves with the atomic clock in Colorado with the help of a special radio station. Find out how -- and learn more about NIST's radio station -- in...

Stitches have been used for centuries, but dissolvable ones are the most common these days. Why would you want stitches to dissolve, and how do they work? In this episode, Marshall discusses the...

Stitches have been used for centuries, but dissolvable ones are the most common these days. Why would you want stitches to dissolve, and how do they work? In this episode, Marshall discusses the...

If you fired a gun from a train moving at the speed of a bullet, what would happen? It depends on your frame of reference. Learn more about reference frames and physics in this episode of...

If you fired a gun from a train moving at the speed of a bullet, what would happen? It depends on your frame of reference. Learn more about reference frames and physics in this episode of BrainStuff.

You'll find sodium nitrate in lots of pink meats like hot dogs and salami, but why? And is it bad for you? Find out what's up with sodium nitrate in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more...

You'll find sodium nitrate in lots of pink meats like hot dogs and salami, but why? And is it bad for you? Find out what's up with sodium nitrate in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

It's editor's choice month, so tune in and catch our editors' favorite episodes. This week, Marshall is covering cavities: They're formed by bacteria that excrete an acid onto the enamel of a tooth...

It's editor's choice month, so tune in and catch our editors' favorite episodes. This week, Marshall is covering cavities: They're formed by bacteria that excrete an acid onto the enamel of a tooth...