BrainStuff

If you look on the label of a water filter, you'll often see the filter contains activated charcoal -- but what exactly is this stuff? Tune in as Marshall Brain explains the nature of activated...

SETI -- the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence -- is an enormous, global undertaking meant to detect signs of life beyond our solar system. Learn how you can help from home in this podcast...

SETI -- the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence -- is an enormous, global undertaking meant to detect signs of life beyond our solar system. Learn how you can help from home in this podcast...

Everyone's familiar with those little packets of silicate gel, found in thousands of products -- but what exactly do they do? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast and learn more about silica gel....

Everyone's familiar with those little packets of silicate gel, found in thousands of products -- but what exactly do they do? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast and learn more about silica gel.

It's often said that "nature abhores a vacuum." If that's true, then why doesn't the vacuum of space suck away our atmosphere? Tune in as Marshall Brain explains the science behind vacuums in this...

It's often said that "nature abhores a vacuum." If that's true, then why doesn't the vacuum of space suck away our atmosphere? Tune in as Marshall Brain explains the science behind vacuums in this...

If a balloon was filled by a vacuum -- rather than helium or air -- would it float? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn the science behind balloons and vacuum. Learn more about your...

If a balloon was filled by a vacuum -- rather than helium or air -- would it float? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn the science behind balloons and vacuum.

An MRE -- or meal ready to eat -- contains precooked, sterilized food originally made to nourish soldiers. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about the retort packaging that makes...

An MRE -- or meal ready to eat -- contains precooked, sterilized food originally made to nourish soldiers. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about the retort packaging that makes...

Also known as 'lie detectors,' polygraphs are used to record an individual's vital signs, such as breathing rate, pulse, and so forth. Check out this podcast from HowStuffWorks to learn more about...

Also known as 'lie detectors,' polygraphs are used to record an individual's vital signs, such as breathing rate, pulse, and so forth. Check out this podcast from HowStuffWorks to learn more about...

A Boeing 747 uses approximately one galloon of fuel per second -- over the course of a ten hour flight, it might burn 36,00 galloons of fuel. How does this compare to a car? Check out this...

A Boeing 747 uses approximately one galloon of fuel per second -- over the course of a ten hour flight, it might burn 36,00 galloons of fuel. How does this compare to a car? Check out this...

CDs store music using 44,100 16-bit digital samples per second, adding up to about 10 megabytes per minute -- and that's too large to move easily move across the internet. Check out this...

CDs store music using 44,100 16-bit digital samples per second, adding up to about 10 megabytes per minute -- and that's too large to move easily move across the internet. Check out this...

All cells contains thousands of enzymes, and each of these enzymes is necessary for the cell. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn which enzymes cause apples and potatoes to turn brown...

All cells contains thousands of enzymes, and each of these enzymes is necessary for the cell. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn which enzymes cause apples and potatoes to turn brown...

In houses with a built-in sprinkler system, anti-siphon valves prevent pesticides, pet waste, and other contaminants from polluting the home's water source. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to...