What is China's one-child policy?
20 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
China's one-child policy, implemented in 1979, was designed to limit population growth. In this epis...
What is a hangover, really?
15 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
After a night of heavy boozing, many partygoers find themselves the victim of a hangover. But what e...
How to Find the History of Your House
13 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered about the history of your house? In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Ch...
Who were the first Americans?
08 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Columbus is often touted as the "discoverer" of the Americas, he wasn't the first to set foot on Ame...
Health Care Systems Around the World
06 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this final installment of their 4-part suite on health care, Josh, Chuck and Molly take a tour of...
Is Bhutan on to something with Gross National Happiness?
01 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
How do you measure happiness? How do you measure it on a national scale? Tune in as Josh and Chuck d...
Rumors, Myths and Truths Behind Obama's Health Care Plan
29 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this third episode of Stuff You Should Know's health care reform series, Josh and Chuck -- and sp...
Do zombies really exist?
24 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In movies and stories, zombies are undead menaces that lurch around mindlessly, in search of flesh -...
President Obama's Health Care Plan: Soup to Nuts
22 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of Stuff You Should know, the second in a four-part series, Josh and Chuck -...
How do dogs perceive time?
17 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
A dog that knows exactly when its owners will arrive home every day seems to have a human perception...
How Health Care in the United States Works Right Now
15 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The United States is abuzz with talk of health care reform, but why does the system need repairs in ...
Could microlending develop the world?
10 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Microlending is a practice that provides funds for entrepreneurs in developing countries who couldn'...
What is geocaching?
08 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Armed with only a GPS and a sense of adventure, geocachers use their wits to locate containers acros...
What is an Ig Nobel Prize?
03 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Each year, the Ig Nobel Prize is awarded to researchers for unusual -- and generally humorous -- con...
Why is the U.S. so dependent on cars?
01 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Today, automobiles are undoubtedly the dominant form of transportation in the United States, but tha...
How Muppets Work
27 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Jim Henson's Muppets, including the beloved Kermit the Frog, first came to life in the mid-1950s. Jo...
How easy is it to steal a nuclear bomb?
25 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Nuclear weapons are extremely well guarded, so stealing one would be quite tricky. Join Josh and Chu...
Is the Necronomicon real?
20 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
H.P. Lovecraft's strange, elaborate stories and mythologies have inspired a devoted following. Join ...
What's sarcopenia and what can you do about it?
18 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Sarcopenia is a form of muscle loss and coordination associated with aging. Luckily, a little extra ...
Is fluoride making us stupid?
13 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Fluoride is a common additive in toothpaste and the water supply of some countries. It's purportedly...
What are Japanese stragglers?
11 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
During World War II, Japanese soldiers adopted a version of the samurai code of honor. Fiercely comm...
What's up with competitive eating?
06 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Competitive eating is a modern "sport" that's very popular in the United States. Join Josh and Chuck...
How Agent Orange Worked
04 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Agent Orange was a potent herbicide used by the U.S. government during the Vietnam War. Learn more a...
How Whale Sharks Work
30 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the ocean. Tune in as Josh and Chuck discuss these gentle giant...
What are tinnovators?
28 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Tinnovators are folks who come up with new and innovative ways to use old Altoids mint tins. Learn a...
Three Gross Parasites
23 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
There are some pretty disgusting parasites out there, but Josh and Chuck have settled on three parti...
Are stupid people happier?
21 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Is there a negative correlation between happiness and intelligence? Is ignorance truly bliss? Josh a...
What is a body farm?
16 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Most farms host crops and animals, but body farms specialize in corpses. Join Josh and Chuck as they...
How has toxoplasma turned the world into zombies?
14 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that favors cats, but it can also be found in humans. Discove...
How Twinkies Work
09 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Twinkies have a reputation for being so processed that they can last for years and years, but they'r...
Is it possible to brainwash someone?
07 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Brainwashing is an extreme form of "thought reform," but does it actually work? Tune in to this podc...
How can hypermiling save you gas?
02 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The EPA tests vehicles for maximum fuel efficiency, but those impressive estimates don't always pan ...
How Earthquakes Work
30 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
What makes the earth quake? Join Josh and Chuck as they explore the science and history of earthquak...
How Body Dysmorphic Disorder Works
25 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
People who suffer with body dysmorphic disorder have a distorted, unhealthy view of their bodies. Le...
Can you control your dreams?
23 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In a lucid dream, the sleeper is aware that he or she is in a dream state. Does that mean you can co...
What exactly is the Peter Principle?
18 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The Peter Principle describes how workers who excel in bureaucratic systems are promoted until they ...
Three Innovations We Need Right Now
16 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The world's problems necessitate innovative solutions. Listen in as Josh and Chuck propose some inno...
How Carbon Capture and Storage Works
11 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Carbon capture and storage is a way to filter excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it...
How did Nikola Tesla change the way we use energy?
09 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Many people associate Edison with the invention of electricity, but Nikola Tesla heavily shaped the ...
How Biohydrocarbons Work
04 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Hydrocarbons are simple compounds that help fuel the modern world, but they're not really a sustaina...
What's a brownfield remediation project?
02 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The EPA defines a brownfield as land that is abandoned because redevelopment is complicated by possi...
Is spontaneous human combustion real?
28 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Scientists have proven that spontaneous combustion, or burning without an external ignition source, ...
How Propaganda Works
26 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Propaganda, a persuasion tactic typically associated with deception, has been around for centuries. ...
Do animals have a sixth sense?
21 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
People have long believed that animals had mysterious powers of prediction. Do animals have a sixth ...
How Lobotomies Work
19 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Lobotomies -- brain surgeries to relieve psychiatric problems -- are rarely performed today, but the...
Is it better to buy local or organic food?
14 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
These days, shopping for food can pose a dilemma. Should you buy regular, organic or local food? Che...
What causes rigor mortis?
12 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever watched a crime drama, you know that bodies get stiff after death. But why? Explore t...
How can a lake explode?
07 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Lakes are usually tranquil bodies of water, but in rare instances, they can be deadly. Tune in to th...
Why do humans have body hair?
05 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Humans aren't truly naked apes, but other primates put us to shame when it comes to body hair. Why? ...
How do credit default swaps work?
30 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In theory, credit default swaps are simply insurance against failed investments. In reality, these s...
Is high fructose corn syrup bad for you?
28 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
High fructose corn syrup gets a bad rap, but is it deserved? Tune in as Josh and Chuck discuss the o...
How Face Transplants Work
23 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Believe it or not, scientists and doctors have discovered a way to transplant part -- or all -- of a...
How much money do I really need to live?
21 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
How much money does a person or a family need to live? Josh and Chuck are curious to find out, too. ...
Do toads cause warts?
16 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Toads have a reputation as wart-spreaders, but they're not actually to blame for the unsightly growt...
How Money Laundering Works
14 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Money laundering -- the practice of disguising illegal funds -- can be domestic or international in ...
How Ponzi Schemes Work
09 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
There's been a lot in the news about Ponzi schemes lately. How do they work? And who's Ponzi? Check ...
How can some centenarians lead unhealthy lives?
07 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
You'd think that centenarians -- people age 100 and older -- would owe their longevity to healthy ha...
Bizarre Ways to Die
02 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to shucking this mortal coil, no two deaths are exactly alike -- and some are truly bi...
Is the world going to end in 2012?
31 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
According to the Mayan calendar, a new age will begin on December 21, 2012. Will this mean the end o...
Are there dead bodies on Mount Everest?
26 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Every year, adventurers brave the elements and attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Yet dan...
How Déjà Vu Works
24 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Does this episode seem strangely familiar? If so, you might be experiencing déjà vu, a topic that ...
Can anger be a good thing?
19 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Anger gets a bad rap, but this unpopular emotion can actually be beneficial to us. Tune in to this p...
What are microexpressions?
17 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Microexpressions are brief facial cues that reveal a person's true intentions. Listen in as Chuck an...
How Aphrodisiacs Work
12 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
For thousands of years humankind has pursued the enhancement of sexual pleasure and performance thro...
Who owns the oceans?
10 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
International waters cover 71% of the Earth's surface, and a separate set of laws and regulations go...
How Alien Hand Syndrome Works
05 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
When a person has alien hand syndrome, his or her hand can move involuntarily, and seemingly of its ...
Could a 'thinking cap' make me a genius?
03 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
When Allan Snyder discovered that transcranial magnetic stimulation produces strange cognitive chang...
How Junk Mail Works
26 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Almost no one likes junk mail. It's seen as wasteful, unproductive and -- potentially -- harmful. Li...
Can people really die of fright?
24 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Can a human being be scared to the point of sudden death? Listen in as Chuck and Josh explore the ph...
How Going Over Niagara Works
19 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Since 1901, about 16 adventurous souls have gone over the falls in search of fame, usually in a barr...
How Squatting Works
17 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The practice of squatting is usually defined as camping on unused land or moving into an abandoned s...
How Friday the 13th Works
12 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
What is it about Friday the 13th that gives us the collective willies? Discover the surprising roots...
How long can you go without food and water?
10 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to survival, food and water are pretty much non-negotiable. How long can you go withou...
Why is it so hard to say "toy boat" three times fast?
05 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever tried to say "toy boat" three times fast, you'll know that these two words can quickl...
Why do some people believe the moon landings were a hoax?
03 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Three decades after the first reported manned lunar landing, some theorists still believe the landin...
How Hypoallergenic Cats Work
29 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
One-third of US cat owners are allergic to cats, resigning themselves to years of suffering and expe...
How Comas Work
27 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Several conditions can cause comas, including brain tumors and overdoses. Tune in as the crew discus...
How Moonshine Works
22 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Moonshiners brew illegal alcohol, usually a liquor from corn. In the United States, this practice le...
Recycling and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
20 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Recycling has come a long way since its debut -- and so have landfills. In this twofer HowStuffWorks...
How Redheads Work
15 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Redheads are supposedly fiery, passionate people, but is there any truth to these stereotypes? Find ...
What are urban explorers?
13 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Urban explorers investigate abandoned structures such as hospitals, grocery stores, warehouses and u...
How Body Armor Works: A Special Request
08 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Body armor has used by bodyguards, celebrities and soldiers for thousands of years. Tune into this H...
How Exorcism Works
06 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Is the idea of possession a misunderstanding of physiological and psychological conditions, or has s...
How Midnight Regulations Work
01 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
After the election in November, outgoing Presidents have an opportunity to pass last-minute (often u...
How Habeas Corpus Works
30 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Habeas Corpus is a Latin term meaning "you have the body," and -- in theory -- guarantees an incarce...
How to Survive a Plane Crash
25 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Although you're much more likely to die in an auto accident, odds are you're more afraid of flying -...
How Flirting Works
23 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Flirting is an ancient -- and, at times, unconscious -- form of communication used to indicate inter...
What can be done with a dead body?
18 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
From transforming into a gem to being shot into space, modern technology has created a multitude of ...
Where's the best place on your body to get shot?
16 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Although no one wakes up in the morning hoping for a gunfight, we all know life can be unpredictable...
Extended Product Warranties: To Buy or Not to Buy?
11 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Statistically speaking, extended product warranties aren't generally worth the money, but there are ...
How the Five Day Weekend Works
09 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
What if Congress passed a law mandating a two-day week work? The Friends of the Five Day Weekend wan...
How Guerrilla Gardening Works
04 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
You've heard of guerrilla fighting tactics, but how much do you know about guerrilla gardening? Chec...
How OCD Works
02 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compuls...
How Thanksgiving Works
27 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Thanksgiving is an unusual holiday in America -- there's no religious connotation, and the only trad...
How Albert Einstein's Brain Worked
25 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Albert Einstein is one of the world's most recognizable geniuses. But was his brain any different fr...
How Corporate Personhood Works
20 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Corporate personhood is an ancient legal custom tracing back to Roman law, whereby a corporation is ...
How Eco-anxiety Works
18 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Eco-anxiety -- a chronic fear of environmental doom -- is a recent, specialized type of anxiety diso...
Why doesn't the FDA regulate herbal supplements?
13 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
For thousands of years, societies across the globe have used herbs as medicine. While this practice ...
Did the CIA test LSD on unsuspecting Americans?
11 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
As more and more time passes, the Freedom of Information Act provides increasingly disturbing storie...
How Mortgage-backed Securities Work
06 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The 2008 US financial crisis has been blamed on the excessive use of mortgage-backed securities. But...