BrainStuff

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...

A normal 120 volt outlet in the US has two vertical slots and a role hole centered below the slots -- the outlets with a pair of red and black 'test' and 'reset' buttons are known as GCFI outlets....

A normal 120 volt outlet in the US has two vertical slots and a role hole centered below the slots -- the outlets with a pair of red and black 'test' and 'reset' buttons are known as GCFI outlets....

By using a computer to monitor the rotation of the car's wheels, an anti-lock braking system helps drivers avoid skids. Could this computer also monitor flat tires? Check out this HowStuffWorks...

By using a computer to monitor the rotation of the car's wheels, an anti-lock braking system helps drivers avoid skids. Could this computer also monitor flat tires? Check out this HowStuffWorks...

The sound of gunfire is incredibly loud, and it is amazing that anything is able to silence a firearm. However, the principle behind a gun silencer is surprisingly simple. Check out our...

The sound of gunfire is incredibly loud, and it is amazing that anything is able to silence a firearm. However, the principle behind a gun silencer is surprisingly simple. Check out our...

Since the heart is a muscle, it relies on the oxygen and nutrients contained in blood. This blood is supplied by arteries on the exterior of the heart -- when these arteries are blocked, a heart...

Since the heart is a muscle, it relies on the oxygen and nutrients contained in blood. This blood is supplied by arteries on the exterior of the heart -- when these arteries are blocked, a heart...

Jam, jelly, and preserves are all made from fruit mixed with sugar and pectin. Jell-O, on the other hand, is completely different. Take a look at our HowStuffWorks article to learn more. Learn more...

Jam, jelly, and preserves are all made from fruit mixed with sugar and pectin. Jell-O, on the other hand, is completely different. Take a look at our HowStuffWorks article to learn more.

Every person has a set of chromosomes, or coiled strands of DNA. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn how chromosomes combine to promote variation from one generation to the next. Learn...

Every person has a set of chromosomes, or coiled strands of DNA. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn how chromosomes combine to promote variation from one generation to the next.

There are three different technologies that fall into the catapult category: the ballista, the trebuchet and the catapult. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about the differences...

There are three different technologies that fall into the catapult category: the ballista, the trebuchet and the catapult. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about the differences...

All cars manufactured today contain at least one computer -- but what does it do? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about car computers. Learn more about your ad-choices at...

All cars manufactured today contain at least one computer -- but what does it do? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about car computers.

The idea behind a water softener is simple: the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water are replaced with sodium ions. Learn more about the harmful effects of hard water -- and the benefits of...

The idea behind a water softener is simple: the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water are replaced with sodium ions. Learn more about the harmful effects of hard water -- and the benefits of...

Learn how the length of hydrocarbon atom chains have different properties, producing substances such as kerosene, methane and other forms of fossil fuel. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to...