Archive for January, 2009
You asked: If dinosaurs evolved into birds, why are there no modern birds with teeth? — Lee, Dusseldorf, Germany Marshall answered: It is true that all birds today have beaks. You do not see any birds with enamel. But if you look at the fossil record, you can see that birds once did have teeth. [...]
What happens when a fan blade lets go in a large jet engine? Here’s the answer: For more info see: How jet engines work [See previous question]
We see holograms everyday on our credit cards, and they are fairly common on book covers. But how can you make them on your own? Here are several examples of DIY homemade holograms: Here’s how to make them: Abrasion Holography [See previous DIY]
Here is a very detailed view of the Space Shuttle cockpit: Shuttle cockpit And the aft cockpit: Space Shuttle Aft Cockpit Here it is in 3 dimensions: If you would like to learn how to fly the shuttle: Orbiter space flight simulator For more info see: How space shuttles work [See previous photos]
This video demonstrates a fool-proof way to make sure that no one ever reads the data off your hard drive: Then you realize that this same technology can shred ANYTHING… Including: Refrigerators: Engine blocks: Whole cars:
One way to speed up any Windows installation it to disable the services that you do not need. Here are two guides that will teach you how with Windows XP: 1) The ultimate guide to tweaking useless Windows XP services 2) Windows XP x86 (32-bit) Service Pack 3 Service Configurations [See previous LS]
Here’s the answer: Why do wind turbines have three narrow blades, but ceiling fans have five wide blades? [See previous question]
Several conditions can cause comas, including brain tumors and overdoses. Tune in as the crew discusses the causes and treatments of comas — including some miraculous recoveries — in this HowStuffWorks podcast.
You asked: How do you find the North Star? — Erik, Kingman, Ariz. Marshall answered: If you are lost out in the middle of nowhere, finding your direction is important, especially if you don’t have a compass. The North Star is there to help. If you face the North Star, you are facing true north. [...]
Recent Postings by Category
BrainStuff
- Thank You and Best Wishes to Marshall Brain
- Contest – Design a $300 house and win $25,000
- How the Philtrum works – the place under your nose where your face comes together
The Coolest Stuff on the Planet
- Have a Coke and a Smile
- The Latest in Frugal Lodging: Camping in Somebody Else’s Backyard
- The Painted Beauties of Bucovina
Keep Asking
- Why can a 5 foot 8 inch man dunk a basketball on a 10 foot rim while some people of taller stature can’t?
- What happens to our sun once it runs out of fuel?
- How do we know the age of the universe?
Stuff Mom Never Told You
- Who invented the Christmas card?
- How the Kinsey Report Fueled Whiskey Sales
- How to Get Your Wedding Announcement into The New York Times
Stuff to Blow Your Mind
- Space Music: DJ Food and ‘The Search Engine’
- Stuff to Blow Your Mind: Hug it Out
- Space Music: Jay-Z and Beyoncé to Film Music Video in Orbit
Stuff You Should Know
- The Southern Death Cult, the Maya and Georgia
- Deformed Baby Spider Brains
- Amazing Medical Conditions: Maple Syrup Urine Disorder
The Stuff of Genius
CarStuff
- Why is NASA studying car safety?
- Tips for in-car Navigation Systems
- Tips for Using Bluetooth in the Car
How-to Stuff
- How to Swim with Dolphins (When Deep Water Terrifies You)
- How to Cure a Homemade Cookie Craving Without Turning on the Oven
- How to Know When It’s Time for a New Pet
PopStuff
- PopStuff Show Notes: Episode 36: Now Available in 3-D
- PopStuff Show Notes: Episode 35: Let’s do brunch!
- PopStuff Show Notes: Episode 34: Play it again, Sam
Stuff They Don't Want You To Know
Stuff to Change the World
- Who will own the Arctic?
- Obesity: The New Global Crisis
- Bill Gates Makes For A Pretty Decent Cartoon
Stuff You Missed in History Class
- Butch Cassidy: Should we read between the lines?
- Are we rooting for D.B. Cooper?
- Party Time: A Look at Unconventional Politics

