How Stuff Works? (2008)

CORN - It is the biggest crop in the world and can be turned into everything from fuel to plastic to life-saving medicine. Explore the genetic secrets, high-tech labs and hard work that goes into transforming this ordinary plant into a modern miracle.

TIMBER - Timber has been the basic building block for man-made structures for centuries and is used for everything from paper to furniture. Now scientists are creating super trees that can be used for even more, including powering our cars.

ALUMINUM - In addition to being one of Earth's most common elements, aluminum is light enough for flight and dense enough to stop bullets. This natural marvel, once scarcely used, is now being scientifically studied as a vital metal of the future.

STEEL - The world's longest bridges and tallest buildings stand as testaments to the incredible strength and flexibility of steel. Find out how this versatile alloy can be so powerful and so delicate at the same time, and how scientists are pushing it to be even more.

WATER - Water has the power to both destroy and support life. In many ways, it defies the laws of physics. There is simply nothing on Earth quite like it. Now, as scientists work to decode its secrets, they're discovering that it can do even more than we imagined.

SALT - The average American knows this super spice as a way to liven up food, but in fact, salt has over 14,000 known uses. From evaporating oceans to underground mines, there is an almost never-ending supply, and a limitless number of uses still to be discovered.

WHEAT - Stronger than wood and packing enough energy to power plants, wheat is the major component of everything from bread to pasta to cereal. Already an integral part of our lives, scientists are now pushing to see how much more it has to offer.

RUBBER - Every year, 10 million tons of rubber are made into 50,000 products ranging from balloons to plumbing supplies. Learn how this durable, elastic and malleable product has become a vital part of every industry and household in America.

TURKEY - Turkey has been a staple of American holiday dinners since the first Thanksgiving feast was held in 1621. From conception to processing, follow the complex and fascinating journey turkeys take to get to your table.

LEAD - Strong enough to build the tallest cell phone towers and dense enough to protect us from radiation, lead supports our life in countless ways. Discover more about one of Earth's most recyclable resources and why it may have gotten a bad wrap.

BEER - With everyone from home enthusiasts to industry giants continuing to push the limits of flavor development and production technology, beer is more than just a refreshing beverage. It's the world's greatest science project.

COFFEE - Boasting more than 200 chemical compounds, coffee's makeup is more complex than meets the eye. Second only to water in consumption around the world, the average U.S. coffee drinker consumes an astounding 1,168 cups a year.