BrainStuff

Up until World War II, chewing gum was made of a substance called chicle. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about the ingredients of modern chewing gum. Learn more about your...

Up until World War II, chewing gum was made of a substance called chicle. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about the ingredients of modern chewing gum.

Intuitively, it makes sense that a trained athlete can run a marathon easily, while a "couch potato" can barely run a mile. But what's the biology behind it? Find out how fit and unfit bodies...

Intuitively, it makes sense that a trained athlete can run a marathon easily, while a "couch potato" can barely run a mile. But what's the biology behind it? Find out how fit and unfit bodies...

Polymer crystals are extremely absorbent, and that's why you'll often find them in disposable diapers. Marshall explains how polymer crystals are able to absorb large quantities of liquids -- and...

Polymer crystals are extremely absorbent, and that's why you'll often find them in disposable diapers. Marshall explains how polymer crystals are able to absorb large quantities of liquids -- and...

Have you ever seen those folks that can pull a whole truck with their teeth? Tune in as Marshall Brain explains the physics behind pulling large objects with your teeth in this episode. Learn more...

Have you ever seen those folks that can pull a whole truck with their teeth? Tune in as Marshall Brain explains the physics behind pulling large objects with your teeth in this episode.

Popsicles are also called "quiescently frozen confections" because of the way they're frozen. Learn more about how flavored ice treats are made -- and what distinguishes them from ice cream -- in...

Popsicles are also called "quiescently frozen confections" because of the way they're frozen. Learn more about how flavored ice treats are made -- and what distinguishes them from ice cream -- in...

Scratch-and-sniff stickers are novelties that delight both children and adults. Sniff out the ingenious technology that makes them work in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your...

Scratch-and-sniff stickers are novelties that delight both children and adults. Sniff out the ingenious technology that makes them work in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

The structure of hemoglobin causes oxygen to bind loosely to iron -- however, carbon monoxide binds very tightly to the blood's iron, reducing your ability to breathe. Check out this podcast from...

The structure of hemoglobin causes oxygen to bind loosely to iron -- however, carbon monoxide binds very tightly to the blood's iron, reducing your ability to breathe. Check out this podcast from...

From kudzu to cane toads, invasive species are changing the world. But which of these transplants is the worst for the local landscape? Tune in as Marshall Brain tackles invasive species across the...

From kudzu to cane toads, invasive species are changing the world. But which of these transplants is the worst for the local landscape? Tune in as Marshall Brain tackles invasive species across the...

If you've ever seen a Formula 1 race, then you know the race isn't just between cars -- it's also between pit stop crews. In seven seconds these crews perform an entire pit stop. But how does it...

If you've ever seen a Formula 1 race, then you know the race isn't just between cars -- it's also between pit stop crews. In seven seconds these crews perform an entire pit stop. But how does it...

When you write a check to purchase goods and services, it passes through the hands of several banks before the process is complete. Marshall explains how checks are processed through intermediary...

When you write a check to purchase goods and services, it passes through the hands of several banks before the process is complete. Marshall explains how checks are processed through intermediary...