Showing titles in How Things Work

Hear about some of the world's greatest gadget disasters. Find out how each gadget failed, what went wrong with its design or manufacture, and what programmers learned from their mistakes.

Hear about some of the world's biggest building blunders. Find out how each structure failed, the basic building block that was missed during construction, and what engineers learned from their mistakes.

The world can be a dangerous place. Over time, animals evolved many natural defenses to help them survive. Combat during wartime is extremely dangerous. Why not look to nature to find the best defenses for soldiers on the battlefield? Military forces have done just that for hundreds of years. From the armor of medieval knights to tomorrow's advanced camouflage, learn how military technology often mimics the traits of animals to help protect soldiers in combat. Then be sure to catch the other amazing titles in the Beasts and the Battlefield series.

In the wild, animals use teeth, claws, and other natural weapons to attack their prey. On the battlefield, soldiers need weapons to fight the enemy. Military forces have often looked to nature for inspiration to develop effective weapons and combat tactics. From the first feathered arrows to tomorrow's high-tech weaponry, learn how military technology often imitates the natural weapons of animals to help soldiers succeed in combat. Then be sure to catch the other amazing titles in the Beasts and the Battlefield series.

From the stethoscope to the clinical trial, this exploration of scientific inquiry celebrates the greatest inventions in medicine. Get to know the physicians, scientists, and other researchers responsible for these breakthroughs in medicine, and explore the ups, the downs, and the eureka moments that are science in action.

From the first immunosuppressant drugs to the first successful heart transplant, this exploration of scientific inquiry celebrates the greatest developments to date in transplant medicine. Get to know the physicians, scientists, and other researchers responsible for these breakthroughs in medicine.

You probably use Wi-Fi all the time to connect to the internet through your laptop, tablet, or phone. It's easy. Wi-Fi hotspots surround you as you go through your day—from school to a pizza place or coffee shop, and then back home. Not so long ago, the internet wasn't as accessible. Find out how Wi-Fi works, how it became commonplace, and what it might do for you in the future.

In science fiction, deflector shields protect ships, bases, and even planets from enemy attack. How could a protective space that absorbs energy from weapons be created? Scientists have some ideas, which include using lasers. Discover the science and technology behind what it would take to make a real-life deflector shield!

In science fiction, energy blades are weapons or tools that look like glowing swords. How could one of these powerful devices work? Scientists have some ideas, which include using plasma. Discover the science and technology behind what it would take to make a real-life energy blade!

In science fiction, flying cars let people soar over traffic jams and get to where they're going quickly. How could a vehicle that both flies and drives be created? Scientists' ideas for this involve futuristic materials and technology from drones. Discover the science and technology behind what it would take to make a real-life flying car!

Over the last 400 years, telescope technology has come a long way. From dying stars to burping black holes, take a look at the most exciting discoveries in deep space.

A virtual assistant by any name—Alexa, Siri, whoever—can be a sweet addition to your home. You might use one for simple jobs like playing music or streaming podcasts. And you might use one to communicate with friends and remind you about homework coming due while helping you make your breakfast. Find out how digital assistants work and what the future might hold for this part of a high-tech home.

Did you see a flagpole today? Then you’ve seen a pulley at work! These simple machines are all around. Take a listen and discover 13 different uses for pulleys.

Did you put the cap on the toothpaste tube today? Then you’ve used a screw! These simple machines are all around. Take a listen and discover 13 different ways we use screws.

Nuclear weapon bunkers keep the world's dangerous nuclear weapons safe. Guards, electronic security systems, and barriers protect the bunkers. Learn more about these high-security places!

Did you use a fork today? Then you’ve used a lever! These simple machines are all around. Take a listen and discover 13 different ways we use levers.

How can important information and valuable items be kept safe as years pass? Many of these items are stored in underground vaults, including recordings and photos from U.S. history, important documents, and more. Locks, guards, secret passwords, and technology all play a part in the protection of the items.

Air Force One keeps the U.S. president safe while flying. Learn more about the features that protect this amazing plane. Also find out how team members protect the president as he travels on Air Force One.

The United States keeps its gold safe at Fort Knox. How is this done? There are fences, locks, guards, and more. Learn more about this high-security place!

Streaming puts a world of options at your fingertips when you’re at home and, with a smartphone or tablet, when you're on the go. Find out how streaming was invented, how it works, and what the future might hold for this part of a high-tech life.