BrainStuff

If you've ever bitten into a Wint-O-Green Life Saver candy in the dark, you've probably noticed an accompanying spark of light. Marshall Brain explains the chemistry behind the phenomenon known as triboluminescence in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's no secret that fossil fuels have a detrimental effect on the environment, but do feasible alternatives exist? In this episode, Marshall takes a look at the possibilities of DIY biofuel. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claiming the "insanity defense" in fictional courts of law is common and seems pretty straightforward; in real life, it's much more rare and complex. Discover the legal definition of "insanity" -- and how it relates to mental illness -- in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BrainStuff, Marshall Brain gives a detailed explanation of the Jewish dietary laws and preparations that make foods "kosher" and "pareve." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savant capabilities seem extraordinary, but what if they aren't? What if we all have amazing talents embedded in our brains? In this episode, Marshall discusses different techniques that have revealed savant-like qualities in ordinary people. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tapping into someone's phone line is relatively easy to do on a land line. Fortunately, phone taps are easy to detect. Tune in to this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to get Marshall Brain's tips on ferreting out illegal phone taps. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you enjoy drinking carbonated water, this episode's for you! Listen in as Marshall Brain explains how to make your own carbonated water at home for a fraction of the price you pay in stores. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fossils provide us with an important picture of ancient life. But how is a fossil created, exactly? Marshall Brain breaks down the various natural processes behind fossilization in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Superconductive materials have no electrical resistance, but why is superconductivity a big deal? Marshall Brain explains the potential benefits and implications of superconductive materials, as well as how they work, in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Terrorists have a new way of getting bombs into the United States: mailing them. In this episode, Marshall breaks down the science behind the types of bombs used by terrorists, and the explosive ingredients involved. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know that exercise is an important way to safeguard your health. But how, exactly? In this episode, Marshall discusses the health benefits of exercise -- and how much we need each week in order to take advantage of these benefits. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waterjets are tools that use highly pressurized, focused streams of water to cut through metal and other solid materials. Learn more about waterjets in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Insects like flies have a very different respiratory system than we do. Learn more about how flies and insects breathe in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new state quarter is released about every ten weeks, and they're released according to the order in which each state joined the union. Learn more about state quarters in this podcast from HowStuffWorks. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest improvement on the internal combustion engine is called gasoline direct injection. In this episode, Marshall explains how gasoline direct injection technology works -- and how soon we'll see it in production vehicles. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shell games and three-card monte games are common sights in big cities, but did you know they're scams? Marshall explains the similar principles and tricks behind these "games" -- and why you can't win them -- in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass is a special, expensive type that blocks out ultraviolet and infrared light. This coated glass can help protect your furniture and improve the energy efficiency of your home, as Marshall Brain explains in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each roller coaster car is moved by the cars connected to it, which makes the experience of riding a rollercoaster a bit different in each car. Learn which seat on a roller coaster is best for you, based on science and your personal preferences. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it possible to rescue an electronic device dunked in water? In this episode, Marshall recounts an unfortunate meeting between a GPS device and a dog's water bowl. Tune in to learn whether or not he was able to fix it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The moon has orbited over human civilization since the dawn of time, but it took us thousands of years to figure out how it actually got there. Tune in as Marshall Brain examines the formation of the moon. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's easy to jump on an exercise machine and watch the calorie meter -- but how accurate are these meters? Learn more about calorie meters in this HowStuffWorks podcast Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Popcorn is a ubiquitous snack, but there's nothing commonplace about its creation. How does a kernel of corn become a puffed white treat? Find out in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The boiling point of water decreases as altitude increases -- generally, this temperature decreases by one degree for every 540 feet of altitude. Learn more about cooking at high altitudes in this podcast from HowStuffWorks. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cat whiskers, also known as "tactile hairs," are very different from a cat's regular body hair. In this episode, Marshall explains how these hairs are unique and what cats use them for. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Color blind individuals can suffer from an inability to differentiate between hues, and occasionally may not be able to see any colors at all. Learn more about color blindness in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.