BrainStuff

Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen, so why aren't we able to breathe underwater? Find out 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.

In this episode of BrainStuff, Marshall explains the physics behind satellites and orbits.

In this episode of BrainStuff, Marshall reveals three common techniques for measuring the height of tall objects like towers.

A barbeque grill has a push-button lighter that relies on piezoelectricity to generate a spark. Learn more about how piezoelectricity works -- and the kinds of devices that use piezoelectric materials -- 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.

Tools that say "drop forged" have been created using a technique called drop forging. Find out how drop forging and several other kinds of forging work, and why drop forging is a sign of a sturdy tool, in this episode of BrainStuff.

A T1 line is a dedicated fiber optic or copper cable that provides businesses with far more digital data than a residential line. Discover how T1 and other kinds of fiber optic lines work in this episode of 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.

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.

In the current U.S. debate over health care reform, a government-sponsored public option has been a controversial topic. Tune in to this episode of BrainStuff to hear Marshall Brain explain the nuances and implications of the public option.

Table salt contains iodine to help prevent thyroid problems and iodine deficiencies. Find out how table salt keeps your thyroid happy -- and what iodine has to do with a nuclear attack -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

Sodas and soft drinks contain a surprising amount of sugar -- more than you might expect. Tune in as Marshall Brain reveals how much sugar is in soda in this episode of BrainStuff.

Desktop computers and laptops only have so many USB ports, so what do you do when you want to plug in more USB devices and they're all full? You buy a USB hub. Find out how these hubs work, and which kind you should get, in this episode of BrainStuff.

You've probably had countless fortune cookies after Chinese meals, but have you ever wondered how they're made? Discover the "food technology" behind those prescient little cookies in this episode of BrainStuff.

Sea level is an important measurement, but it's also a complicated one. Find out why in this episode of BrainStuff.

Many foods you'll find at the grocery store, like lettuce, for example, are stored in special plastic packaging called MAP that helps them stay fresh longer. Find out what MAP is -- and how it keeps food fresh longer -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

Herbicides like Roundup are products that inhibit plant and weed growth in a very specific way. Explore the biochemistry behind glyphosphate-based herbicides in this episode of HowStuffWorks.com.

There's more than one way to mow a yard, but which is the most efficient? Tune in to this episode of BrainStuff to find out.