Archive for November, 2009
At its height, the city of Angkor was larger than Rhode Island. Replete with ornate architecture, the metropolis also served as a religious center. Yet by the time Europeans discovered the site, it was ruined. What happened? Listen in and learn more.
Kids have been playing with the Hot Wheels loop for decades. Here’s an example of kids at play: What if you tried to do a loop like this in real life with a real car? Would it work? It has actually been tried, and here is the video: See also: How Roller Coasters Work [[[Jump [...]
Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen, so why aren’t we able to breathe underwater? Find out in this episode of BrainStuff.
Tikal is a popular archeological site that was once a powerful, thriving city-state in the Mayan empire. Learn more about Guatemala’s most famous attraction, and some fun facts about the ancient Mayas, in this episode of The Coolest Stuff on the Planet.
As an audiophile, James Russell loved his record collection despite the scratching and warping of vinyl. As an inventor, he knew there had to be a better way to play music. Learn more about his Stuff of Genius in this episode.
Serial killers typically work alone. However, some serial killers have claimed to be part of a nationwide cult — and some people believe them. Why? After all, this theory relies on the statements of the criminally insane. Learn more in this episode.
In honor of Thanksgiving, here are 5 fun, surprising facts about turkeys: Who would have thought that turkeys were capable of parthenogenesis? Turkey facts – Among other things: “45 million turkeys are cooked and eaten in the U.S. at Thanksgiving.” More info: Different ways to cook a turkey See also Turkey Trivia: And: Wrong Turkey [...]
When a weapon impacts a target, does it carry a measurable kinetic energy?
by Marshall Brain | November 26, 2009
You Asked: When a weapon impacts a target, does it carry a measurable kinetic energy? — Jason, Home, Wash. Marshall Brain Answers: When a gun shoots a bullet, the only thing the bullet has going for it is kinetic energy. The kinetic energy is what allows the bullet to penetrate and damage the target. The [...]
You Asked: Why are insects attracted to light sources? — Ravi, Nagpur, India Marshall Brain Answers: On a warm summer night, scenes like this are not uncommon: Thousands of insects (mostly moths in this case) are attracted to the light. But why are the moths attracted? The funny thing is, no one really knows why. [...]
As excitement builds over evolving hybrid technology, Scott and Ben revisit the subject in a two-part “pros and cons” podcast. Tune in and learn about the pros of buying a hybrid, but don’t head to the dealership yet — the next episode is yet to come.
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
- Vacation Deprivation: Who’s got it?
- Have a Coke and a Smile
- The Latest in Frugal Lodging: Camping in Somebody Else’s Backyard
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

