HowStuffWorks Videos "Reality Matters: Body Image and Substance Abuse"

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How Smell Works (1:49)

A good sense of smell can be a gift and a curse, but scientists have found smells may also be instrumental in triggering memories. Learn more about smell in this HowStuffWorks video.

Watch this video from the University of Chicago showing results of an empathy test. Researchers have shown that some people can turn on and off their empathy switch - such as doctors that have to inflict pain to ultimately help patients.

Reality Matters: To Your Health (3:17)

This clip discusses things that children and teenagers can do to improve their health.

Reality Matters: The Quest for the Perfect Body (3:36)

This clip discusses image disorders that affect children and teenagers.

Reality Matters: Self Images of Teens and Children (4:19)

This clip shows what children and teenagers do to influence their self images.

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Talking Synesthesia: How it Works (6:27)

In this clip from the Science Channel's "Talking Synesthesia," Dartmouth professor Megan Steven lets us in on the secrets of synesthesia.

How Optical Illusions Work (3:07)

In a world overloaded with visual information, the brain relies on previous experience to take shortcuts and make assumptions. However, these assumptions are not always correct. Check out this clip to learn more about optical illusions.

How Illusions Work: Film (1:19)

The brain relies on experience and shortcuts to make assumptions about information. However, these 'loopholes' can be exploited in several ways. Take a look at this clip to learn more about film and illusions.

One Step Beyond: Synesthesia (2:56)

On Discovery Channel's "One Step Beyond," learn about synesthesia, a condition where the brain mixes up all the senses.

Understanding: World Church of the Creator (1:26)

On TLC's "Understanding," Reverend Matt Hale, founder of the World Church of the Creator is profiled. He is a white supremacist who believes that a racial holy war is inevitable.

More TLC Videos

Understanding: Sense of Touch (2:06)

The sense of touch is extremely important for a babies development. Learn more about our sense of touch on TLC's "Understanding."

More TLC Videos

Understanding: Taste Buds (1:21)

On TLC's series "Understanding," human taste buds can only taste 4 different flavors: sweet, salty, bitter and sour. This is a regulatory system ensuring we eat the right things that our body needs.

More TLC Videos

Understanding: The Smell Center (1:03)

On TLC series, "Understanding: The Amazing Brain," when a person smells something, odor molecules link up with receptors in the brain. People usually describe these smells by reference.