For years, Jean Béliveau walked from country to country, with the goal of circumnavigating the globe on foot. While few people have the time or desire to walk such extreme lengths, research shows that adding even a modest amount of walking to your daily routine can dramatically improve your health. So, what exactly happens to your body when you increase your step count? Shannon Odell investigates. Lesson by Shannon Odell, directed by Avi Ofer.

The year is 1030 CE. Chu Hong's best friend, Liang Gao, tells him that the local magistrate has been spotted holding a surprise archery competition in a nearby town and will arrive at their village soon. This is Hong’s chance to showcase his talents in martial arts— and secure some much-needed money for his family. Peter Lorge outlines a day in the life of a Chinese martial artist. Lesson by Peter Lorge, directed by KERO Animation.

No substance has been as constant an ally to insidious scheming as arsenic, the so-called “king of poisons.” In its chemically pure form, it isn’t much of a threat because our bodies don’t absorb it well; it’s when arsenic combines with other elements that things get dangerous. So, how did this substance become such a popular poison? Neil Bradbury digs into the element's sordid and lethal history. Lesson by Neil Bradbury, directed by Luisa Holanda.

In 1935, researchers found that after removing the frontal lobes of two chimps, they no longer experienced frustration or anxiety. Neurologist Egas Moniz believed that replicating this in humans could cure mental illness— leading to one of the most controversial and destructive medical treatments of the 20th century: the lobotomy. Jenell Johnson uncovers the history of the procedure. Lesson by Jenell Johnson, directed by Anton Bogaty.

Today, rats are often regarded as the most successful invasive species in the world. The most common species of rat scurried onto the scene roughly 1 to 3 million years ago in Asia. There, they craftily survived Earth’s most recent ice age, and eventually, began living around and with humans— though often at the mercy of human priorities. Max G. Levy traces the entangled history of human and rat. Lesson by Max G. Levy, directed by Denys Spolitak.

In 1968, the American Heart Association made an announcement that would influence people’s diets for decades: they recommended that people avoid eating more than three eggs a week. Their reasoning was that the cholesterol packed into egg yolks could increase cardiovascular disease risk. So, what exactly is cholesterol? And is it actually bad for you? Hei Man Chan digs into this complex molecule. Lesson by Hei Man Chan, directed by Igor Ćorić, Artrake Studio.

Moore’s Law states that every 1 to 2 years the number of transistors that can fit on a given size computer chip will double. Thanks to this law, chips have gotten smaller, faster, more efficient, and cheaper. But today, there are four key problems that trip up this trend, potentially ending Moore’s Law and fundamentally changing how computing progresses. Sajan Saini and George Zaidan investigate. Lesson by Sajan Saini and George Zaidan, directed by Jeff Le Bars, JetPropulsion.space.

As of 2022, humans have deforested 17% of the Amazon, and scientists warn that we may be approaching a tipping point. It’s like removing bricks from a house: take a few and the house remains standing; remove too many and the whole thing will collapse. So, what would happen if the entire Amazon disappeared? Anna Rothschild explores the relationship between this ecosystem and the rest of the planet. Lesson by Anna Rothschild, directed by Upamanyu Bhattacharyya, Otter Studios.

This is episode 1 of the animated series, “Ada.” This 5-episode narrative follows the young library assistant Ada as she juggles two worlds: her daily mundane reality and the future she vividly imagines for all humanity. Traveling through her visions of potential futures, Ada grapples with the ethical and social implications of new technologies and how they could shape the world. Written by Elizabeth Cox, directed by Elizabeth Cox & Kirill Yeretsky.

Many of us have experienced feeling stuck. People often report feeling highly motivated at the start and end of a project, but the middle can feel untethered. It can happen when tackling something as simple as a term paper or as monumental as social inequality or the climate crisis. So, are there ways to get unstuck? Shannon Odell digs into the psychology of overcoming your motivational obstacles. Lesson by Shannon Odell, directed by Avi Ofer.

This is episode 2 of the animated series, “Ada.” This 5-episode narrative follows the young library assistant Ada as she juggles two worlds: her daily mundane reality and the future she vividly imagines for all humanity. Traveling through her visions of potential futures, Ada grapples with the ethical and social implications of new technologies and how they could shape the world. Written by Elizabeth Cox, directed by Elizabeth Cox & Kirill Yeretsky.

After witnessing a bird carrying a single golden hair, King Mark of Cornwall declared his future bride must have equally radiant locks. The only royal matching this description was Princess Isolde of Ireland. So the king sent Tristan, his bravest knight, to extend an olive branch to the royal family and deliver his proposal of marriage. Iseult Gillespie shares the tale of Tristan and Isolde. Lesson by Iseult Gillespie, directed by Ciara Nolan, Paper Panther.

This is episode 3 of the animated series, “Ada.” This 5-episode narrative follows the young library assistant Ada as she juggles two worlds: her daily mundane reality and the future she vividly imagines for all humanity. Traveling through her visions of potential futures, Ada grapples with the ethical and social implications of new technologies and how they could shape the world. Written by Elizabeth Cox, directed by Elizabeth Cox & Kirill Yeretsky.

When reading "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," most readers visualize the queen’s croquet game play out in their heads. A few might see the scene in vivid detail. However, a small fraction of readers have a drastically different experience: within their heads, they "see" absolutely nothing. Why do some people have an inability to visualize images? Adam Zeman explores the science of aphantasia. Lesson by Adam Zeman, directed by Biljana Labović. Animation by Manon David.

This is episode 4 of the animated series, “Ada.” This 5-episode narrative follows the young library assistant Ada as she juggles two worlds: her daily mundane reality and the future she vividly imagines for all humanity. Traveling through her visions of potential futures, Ada grapples with the ethical and social implications of new technologies and how they could shape the world. Written by Elizabeth Cox, directed by Elizabeth Cox & Kirill Yeretsky.

Globally, we produce more than a trillion computer chips every year. Which means about 20 trillion transistors are built every second— and this process is done in fewer than 500 fabrication plants. How do we build so many tiny, intricately-connected devices, so incredibly fast? George Zaidan and Sajan Saini explore how photolithography helps build these devices and its environmental impact. Lesson by George Zaidan and Sajan Saini, directed by Kozmonot Animation Studio.

This is episode 5 of the animated series, “Ada.” This 5-episode narrative follows the young library assistant Ada as she juggles two worlds: her daily mundane reality and the future she vividly imagines for all humanity. Traveling through her visions of potential futures, Ada grapples with the ethical and social implications of new technologies and how they could shape the world. Written by Elizabeth Cox, directed by Elizabeth Cox & Kirill Yeretsky.

Achinpur was on the precipice of demonic takeover. A mysterious woman beguiled the king and infiltrated the royal family. But she wasn’t human; under her beautiful façade lurked an insatiable appetite for flesh. One night, the demon queen devoured the king's sons — but the princes managed to evade death. Malay Bera shares the tale of their quest to free the kingdom from the scourge of demons. Lesson by Malay Bera, directed by Ahmad Thabit, Samaka Studio.

Two species of Demodex mites specifically inhabit human follicles. And not just some people’s— nearly everyone is thought to host mites. One person’s face might harbor hundreds or even thousands of individual mites. On any given day, these microscopic arachnids are probably eating, mating, and laying eggs inside your pores. So, is this… okay? M. Alejandra Perotti investigates. Lesson by M. Alejandra Perotti, directed by Caitlin McCarthy.

Industrial manufacturers spend a huge amount of energy generating heat to make everyday materials and objects, like cement, steel, and paper. And since most companies use fossil fuels to reach these high temperatures, industrial heat accounts for 20% of our annual global carbon pollution. Thankfully, this is where a century-old technology comes in. Rachel Yang explores how heat batteries work. Lesson by Rachel Yang, directed by Sofia Pashaei.

For as long as humans have had lice, we’ve fought hard to get rid of them. Nit combs, the fine-tooth brushes used to remove lice and their sticky eggs, have been found among the ancient remains of cultures across the globe. Today it’s estimated we spend billions of dollars each year treating infestations. So why are lice so difficult to get rid of? Nazzy Pakpour digs into these stubborn insects. Lesson by Nazzy Pakpour, directed by Oksana Kurmaz.

Humans have been transforming seawater into potable freshwater for millennia. Today, billions of people can’t access clean drinking water, and 87 different countries are projected to be “water-scarce” by 2050. So, how can we use seawater desalination to combat water scarcity? And can we do it without further harming the environment? Manish Kumar digs into how scientists are creating freshwater. Lesson by Manish Kumar, directed by Vitalii Nebelskyi, and action creative agency.

As one of the agency’s best employees, you’ve been selected as a finalist to take on a new top-secret mission. You’ve already shown your aptitude for surveillance and disguise, but the agency’s looking to test one last critical skill: how well you can drive. Can you prove that you're a good driver? Iseult Gillespie shares tips on how to best tackle the challenges of driving and build confidence. Lesson by Iseult Gillespie, directed by Biljana Labović.

Mount Teide is one of the world’s largest active volcanoes, and there may be a way to use the basalt rock inside it to save humanity. Obviously, destroying an ancient volcano would cause catastrophic and unpredictable ecological fallout. But what if we harvested only some of that basalt— could it really stop climate change? Elise Cutts explores the fascinating science of enhanced rock weathering. Lesson by Elise Cutts, directed by Ivana Volda.

Of all Shakespeare’s plays, perhaps none is stranger than “Macbeth”— a parable on power rife with supernatural elements. But according to texts from the 11th century, this tragedy has its roots in reality. What’s more, other accounts mention witches, prophecies, and arboreal armies. Which raises the question: just how much of Shakespeare’s strange story is true? Benjamin Hudson investigates. Lesson by Benjamin Hudson, directed by Sarah Saidan.

For millennia, livestock farmers strategically guided animals to seasonal grazing areas. This mobile way of life, known as pastoralism, provided them with wealth, social status, and political independence into the 20th century. But in the last century, political and economic policies have worked against these communities. Take a closer look at the challenges of modern pastoralism. Directed by Anton Bogaty.

An epic written in Old English, “Beowulf” is known for its haunting monsters, dream-like language, and paranoid perspective, where violent threats are always waiting on the fringes of society. The action follows Beowulf, a prince of Geats, who travels to aid a kingdom in freeing itself from a monster’s reign of terror. Why is this poem considered a classic? Iseult Gillespie traces the hero’s tale. Lesson by Iseult Gillespie, directed by Raghav Arumugam, Jagriti Khirwar.

In the 17th century, Isaac Newton offered the first gravitational explanation of tides. As he correctly identified, tides are choreographed by the motions of celestial objects, and Earth’s tides in particular are mostly driven by the Moon. But the precise nature of this relationship is actually quite nuanced. Elise Cutts explains how the Sun and Moon are responsible for the tides. Lesson by Elise Cutts, directed by Rémi Cans, Atypicalist.

After wreaking havoc across the heavens and being captured in a white-hot prison cell, the Monkey King freed himself once more and was itching for a fight. Desperate, the Jade Emperor called on the supreme power in all the heavens: the Buddha himself. But even in the face of this almighty opponent, Sun Wukong was not cowed. Ji Hao follows the Monkey King's quest to outwit the Buddha. Lesson by Ji Hao, directed by Mohammad Babakoohi, Yijia Cao.

Faced with the realities of current crises, it’s easy to assume our world is headed in a bleak direction. But there’s good reason to be hopeful— with developments in science and technology, a positive future is more viable than ever before. So, what if the future was awesome? Iseult Gillespie explores what three cities could look like in 100 years if we harness the tools we have at our disposal. Lesson by Iseult Gillespie, directed by Devin Clark, Augenblick Studios.

Plants assume a variety of forms, and trees are just one of them. What makes or breaks a tree can come down to some pretty specific characteristics, based on how the plant develops as a result of how it evolved. Trees don’t all comprise one closely related group, like insects or mammals. So, how exactly do trees get classified as trees? Max G. Levy explains what distinguishes these woody plants. Lesson by Max G. Levy, directed by Evandro D'Hipolito.

Daedalus hasn’t been the same since losing Icarus. Suddenly, he begins expressing interest in buying the Sun from Helios. Rumors say Daedalus is aspiring to destroy it to avenge Icarus — or channel its immense power towards other imprudent aims. He summons a divine accountant and asks: how much would it cost to buy the Sun? Cella Wright conducts a financial analysis of our star’s worth. Lesson by Cella Wright, directed by Igor Ćorić, Artrake Studio.

In 1902, detectives arrived at a grisly murder scene and found a shard of broken glass with several bloody fingerprints. They painstakingly searched the police station’s records and eventually found a match— a man who later confessed to the crime. Today, fingerprints remain one of the most common types of evidence in criminal courts. But just how reliable are they? Theodore Yeshion investigates. Lesson by Theodore E. Yeshion, directed by Jeff Le Bars, JetPropulsion.space.

Pandora is having a decisively bad day. She didn’t set out to open the box; if anything she’d resisted with every ounce of her will. But her curiosity got the better of her, and a cavalcade of evils of every shape and size spilled out. Pandora knows her only chance to fix this is to capture Hope before the imps all escape her home. Can you figure out which one is Hope? Alex Rosenthal shows how. Lesson by Alex Rosenthal, directed by Igor Ćorić, Artrake Studio.

Medusa, transformed into a monstrous Gorgon by a wrathful Athena, sought refuge in a hidden cave. Time after time, would-be heroes journeyed to the cave to make their names by murdering Medusa— but fell to her gaze every time. Until another young man, Perseus, began his quest for glory. Laura Aitken-Burt shares the myth of Medusa and her infamous power to petrify. Lesson by Laura Aitken-Burt, directed by Yael Reisfeld.

Under cover of darkness in 1909, Sultan Abdulhamid II left Istanbul – bringing an end to his reign. For almost six centuries, his family had ruled the Ottoman Empire, spanning regions in North Africa, southeastern Europe, and the Middle East. But the end of this dynasty had been brewing for years. What happened to this once-powerful empire? Mostafa Minawi traces the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Lesson by Mostafa Minawi, directed by Hernando Bahamon, Vicente Numpaque, Globizco Studios.

The infamous tongue-eating louse is one of nearly 400 species belonging to a family of fish parasites. Some latch onto their host’s head, others suck blood from fish gills, and others still burrow into fish flesh. But the Cymothoa exigua goes specifically for fish tongues. How do these parasites do it, and why? Niko Zlotnik explores the strategies tongue biters use to find a fish to call home. Lesson by Niko Zlotnik, directed by Flaka Kokolli, Flammorum Animation Studio.

Sports gambling has become more popular than ever. Mobile apps make it easier to place bets anywhere or anytime, especially for young people who make up the fastest-growing demographic. And the sports betting apps work just like the games in a casino— built to ensure that the house always wins. So, what exactly are the tricks these apps use? Shannon Odell shares what keeps you playing and paying. Lesson by Shannon Odell, directed by Biljana Labović.

Across 2023 and 2024, one internationally renowned musician flew their private jet 396 times in 365 days. Figures like this aren’t uncommon among the world’s richest jetsetters— in fact, this frequent flier probably isn’t even the celebrity you’re thinking of. So, what’s the price tag for this high flying lifestyle? Rachel Yang digs into the financial and environmental costs of flying private. Lesson by Rachel Yang, directed by Laura Jayne Hodkin.

Clambering through the bush on one of Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands, suddenly you spy a Komodo dragon in the clearing ahead. Forked tongue flickering; sharp, saw-like teeth glimmering; and strong, scaly body stretching up to 3 meters, Komodo dragons are formidable. So, what should you do? Are you doomed? Achmad Ariefiandy shares what we know about the world's largest lizards. Lesson by Achmad Ariefiandy, directed by Denys Spolitak

For decades, Yvonne and Zaina have been happily married and co-leading a non-profit. One day the couple is involved in a car accident, and on her deathbed, Yvonne asks Zaina to promise her two things. First, to continue financially supporting their non-profit. And second, to never remarry. Should Zaina be beholden to these promises? Sarah Stroud and Michael Vazquez explore this ethical dilemma. Lesson by Sarah Stroud and Michael Vazquez, directed by Prashanti Aswani.

Global warming is very, very expensive: extreme weather, rising sea levels, crop failures, health issues, and industry disruptions all cost money. So, what’s the best way forward? Is the estimated trillion-dollar price tag that comes with transitioning the world to clean energy worth the cost of investment? George Zaidan explores what it would take to become a green economy. Lesson by George Zaidan, directed by Sofia Pashaei.

Welcome to Risky Business, the game where we find out how far people will go to win a prize! Today’s contestants are a 21 year-old, a 16 year-old, and a 12 year-old. They'll compete in a series of three challenges: eating ghost pepper cookies, swimming in honey, and crossing a balance beam over poison ivy. Who will win? Dan Kwartler takes a look at how people at different ages make decisions. Lesson by Dan Kwartler, directed by Michalis Kalopaidis, Zedem Media.

From the Chinese Loong to the Filipino Bakunawa, the Scottish Beithir and the Greek Hydra, dragons have inflamed imaginations for millennia. Their ubiquity across world mythology has led many scholars to ponder their possible origins. Could it be that tales of dragons were crafted to make sense of violent weather events? Timothy J. Burbery shares what geomythology has uncovered about dragons. Lesson by Timothy J. Burbery, directed by Sailesh Gopalan, Lanlan Studios.

In 1943, chemist Albert Hofmann accidentally exposed himself to a drug he derived from ergot fungus and recorded its unexpected, mind-altering effects. The drug, lysergic acid diethylamide— or LSD— was soon heralded for its psychiatric potential. But how do LSD and other psychedelic drugs affect the body? And can they actually be medicinal? Anees Bahji explores the science of psychedelics. Lesson by Anees Bahji, directed by Rowena Sheehan.

Minerva, the esteemed Roman goddess of reason, wisdom, handicrafts, and war, is judging a contest: duo vera et mendacium. Three brave contestants will put their knowledge about ancient Rome to the test. How much of what they know about the time period is actually true? And which contestant will come out on top? Stephanie Honchell Smith debunks four common misconceptions about Ancient Rome. Lesson by Stephanie Honchell Smith, directed by Raghav Arumugam.

In the 1800s, minister Sylvester Graham believed Americans had a big problem— not just with their bodies, but their souls. He argued that overindulgence was fueling their baser desires, making them immoral and oversexed. To curb this corruption, puritanical reformers advocated for foods they thought curbed a variety of appetites. Stephanie Honchell Smith details the invention of Graham crackers. Lesson by Stephanie Honchell Smith, directed by Anton Bogaty.

Bloodletting was a pervasive medical practice that dates as far back as ancient Greece and continued well into the 19th century. Physicians like Hippocrates believed bad health could be attributed to a fluid imbalance, and recommended bloodletting to help reset the body's balance. So, why did bloodletting stick around so long? Stephanie Honchell Smith digs into its popularity and shortcomings. Lesson by Stephanie Honchell Smith, directed by Denys Spolitak.

In the city of Ockham, spellcasters invent incantations and publish them in scrolls that others can purchase. Unfortunately, you can’t always afford them. But one day, a friend tells you he uses an illegal duplication spell to copy scrolls. So, do you use his counterfeit scrolls to further your own research? Michael Vazquez and Will Kanwischer explore the ethics of intellectual property rights. Lesson by Michael Vazquez and Will Kanwischer, directed by Patrick Smith.

Ever since Einstein published his Special Theory of Relativity, one equation has been the bane of humans hoping to explore the stars: E=mc². In addition to informing our understanding of gravity, space, and time, this formula implies that traveling at or beyond light speed is impossible. Why is that? Lindsay DeMarchi and Fabio Pacucci explain the physics behind this unbreakable speed limit. Lesson by Lindsay DeMarchi and Fabio Pacucci, directed by Igor Ćorić, Artrake Studio.

In 2021, the Parker Solar Probe achieved its mission to touch the Sun, skimming through its outermost atmosphere. Since then, it’s carved closer and closer paths, but probing deeper into the corona— without melting, exploding, or falling into the Sun— is a monumental engineering challenge. Is it possible? Explore the obstacles of the mission and how it could unlock the mysteries of our star. Directed by Igor Ćorić, Artrake Studio.

Episode 1: Learn how to identify the qualities that make an idea worth sharing with an audience. This is episode 1 of the animated series, “Public Speaking 101.” Ideas change everything — and since language lets us share our ideas, learning how to use it well gives speakers the power to inspire people and even change how they think. This 11-episode course will teach you how to identify, develop, and share your best ideas, while mastering essential communication skills along the way. Directed by Tolga Yıldız, Kozmonot Animation Studio.

In 2023, a US grocer recalled over 10,000 cases of broccoli-cheddar soup over concerns they contained too much of an unintended ingredient. That ingredient? Bugs. We know insects regularly come into contact with our food— but how many are you actually eating? And is it okay? Carolyn Beans takes a look at figs and their conspicuously close bond with wasps. Lesson by Carolyn Beans, directed by Denys Spolitak.

Episode 2: Uncover your best ideas by exploring your unique experiences, interests, and perspective. This is episode 2 of the animated series, “Public Speaking 101.” Ideas change everything — and since language lets us share our ideas, learning how to use it well gives speakers the power to inspire people and even change how they think. This 11-episode course will teach you how to identify, develop, and share your best ideas, while mastering essential communication skills along the way. Directed by Tolga Yıldız, Kozmonot Animation Studio.

Bed bugs have tormented humans for millennia, so detested that their mere mention can make hearts race and arms itch. There are approximately 100 species of bed bugs, but thankfully only three of them feed on humans. So, why are these unwelcome houseguests so difficult to defeat? And is there any way to get rid of them for good? Gale E. Ridge investigates the tremendous staying power of bed bugs. Lesson by Gale E. Ridge, directed by Devin Clark, Augenblick Studios.

Episode 3: Discover how to put together the throughline, or main idea that acts as a connective thread or roadmap for your presentation. -- This is episode 3 of the animated series, “Public Speaking 101.” Ideas change everything — and since language lets us share our ideas, learning how to use it well gives speakers the power to inspire people and even change how they think. This 11-episode course will teach you how to identify, develop, and share your best ideas, while mastering essential communication skills along the way. Directed by Tolga Yıldız, Kozmonot Animation Studio.

Explore the effects that isolation has on your body and brain, and how a lack of interaction and activity can impact our well-being. -- Everyone needs time to themselves, and peaceful solitude has stress-relieving benefits. But when being alone is forced upon you, the effects can be surprisingly extensive. And though different people experience distinct effects, symptoms tend to become more severe and persistent the longer one’s isolated. So, how exactly does isolation affect your body and brain? Terry Kupers investigates.

Episode 4: Decide on a presentation plan that makes you feel prepared to communicate an idea to an audience confidently and passionately. -- This is episode 4 of the animated series, “Public Speaking 101.” Ideas change everything — and since language lets us share our ideas, learning how to use it well gives speakers the power to inspire people and even change how they think. This 11-episode course will teach you how to identify, develop, and share your best ideas, while mastering essential communication skills along the way.

The average person poops out approximately 11,030 kilograms of cumulative waste in a lifetime. That’s the equivalent of more than 6 SUVs. Oftentimes, that poop is brown. Why is that, considering all the comestibles one consumes? And what’s going on when poop appears in different colors and textures? Hannibal Person explains the colorful choreography going on inside your bowels. Lesson by Hannibal Person, directed by Flávia Godoy, Lívia Serri Francoio.

Episode 5: Learn to develop your voice and body language so that you are conveying meaning authentically, confidently, and comfortably. -- This is episode 5 of the animated series, “Public Speaking 101.” Ideas change everything — and since language lets us share our ideas, learning how to use it well gives speakers the power to inspire people and even change how they think. This 11-episode course will teach you how to identify, develop, and share your best ideas, while mastering essential communication skills along the way.

The gods watched as Oedipus’ daughter, Antigone, stole out of the palace in Thebes the morning after a devastating battle. Antigone was on a dangerous mission to do what she felt was right, though it meant risking her life. She sought to abide by divine law and honor her late brother Polyneices through burial— but the king had other plans. Stephen Esposito shares the tragic Greek tale of Antigone. Lesson by Stephen Esposito, directed by Josh Pilch, Augenblick Studios.

This is episode 6 of the animated series, “Public Speaking 101.” Ideas change everything — and since language lets us share our ideas, learning how to use it well gives speakers the power to inspire people and even change how they think. This 11-episode course will teach you how to identify, develop, and share your best ideas, while mastering essential communication skills along the way. Directed by Tolga Yıldız, Kozmonot Animation Studio.

Dig into what circumstances allow for an accidentally amputated limb to be reattached, and what options you have when it can't be. In order to reattach a severed limb after an accident, a number of things need to go right— and quickly. A clean cut, properly preserving the limb, and getting it to a skilled surgeon in time are just a few of these challenges. And unfortunately, there are countless complications that come up with most accidental amputations. So, when is limb reattachment possible? Jason Hoellwarth investigates.

4.5 billion years ago, Earth was struck by a rock the size of Mars flying 9 kilometers a second. The force of this collision temporarily turned Earth’s surface into an ocean of molten magma. Today, some scientists call this cosmic crash the Big Whack, and we’re still dealing with the impacts of this impact. Elise Cutts explores the pivotal role Earth’s obliquity plays in our planet's processes. Lesson by Elise Cutts, directed by Igor Ćorić, Artrake Studio.

In one of Aesop’s fables, a crow is searching for water. It spies a pitcher— but the water inside is beyond its reach. So, the crow begins dropping in pebbles. One-by-one, they displace the water, and the crow quenches its thirst. This is just one of many fascinating displays of intelligence from corvids. Katharina Brecht digs into what makes this bold, brainy family of songbirds so smart. Lesson by Katharina Brecht, directed by Irida Zhonga.

The first firefly is thought to have lived over 100 million years ago, illuminating the night with a glowing green light. And today, there are around 2,000 firefly species, found all over the world, from forests and grasslands to marshes and deserts. So, why do these insects glow? Emily A. Geest digs into the bioluminescent signals of fireflies. Lesson by Emily A. Geest, directed by Lou Morton.

Finnish sauna, Roman balneae, Japanese onsen, and Indigenous American sweat lodges are just a few examples of how cultures across the globe have long considered exposure to extreme temperatures therapeutic. But today scientists are only just beginning to unravel how and why this may be the case. So, what exactly is happening in your body when you feel the heat? Max G. Levy investigates. Lesson by Max G. Levy, directed by Noam Sussman, Ali Kellner, Homework Studio.

In the early 2000s, one of the world’s most widespread invasive species landed in Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau: big-headed ants. They expanded rapidly into super-colonies, preying on other insects, spiders, and even small birds. Their presence has wreaked havoc on the ecosystem and significantly changed the landscape. So, how did these tiny creatures have such a huge impact? Cella Wright investigates. Lesson by Cella Wright, directed by Steve West, Lazy Chief.

The immense physical variety of dogs makes them among the world’s most diverse species and likely the one with the greatest range in size. A Pomeranian, for example, might weigh 2 kilograms, while a Mastiff could tip the scale to 100. So, why is this? And what does a dog’s breed actually say about them? Kathleen Morrill Pirovich explores the dizzying diversity of dogs. Lesson by Kathleen Morrill Pirovich, directed by Anastasiia Falileieva, Studio Plastic Bag.

Andre and Leslie are a deaf couple who have decided to have a child, and they’re considering using a process to ensure deafness in their child. As deaf parents, they feel they could provide better guidance to a child that would share their lived experience and grow up immersed in deaf culture. But is this genetic intervention ethical? Michael Vazquez and Raye Ploeger explore this classic dilemma. Lesson by Michael Vazquez and Raye Ploeger, directed by Luisa Holanda.

Today, credit cards are a $500 billion-a-year industry. Banks consider these lines of credit when deciding whether or not to approve loans, incentivizing customers to maintain multiple credit cards. So, how did this lending system originate? And how did they get to be so popular? Nidhi Upadhyaya digs into the history of credit cards in the United States. Lesson by Nidhi Upadhyaya, directed by Jeff Le Bars, JetPropulsion.space.

Truffles are one of the world’s most expensive foods— in part because global demand often outstrips supply. And truffles are becoming even more rare and more expensive as deforestation and climate change shrink their suitable terrain. But why are these fungi so rare? And why don’t we just farm more of them? Carolyn Beans digs into the truffle’s unique and somewhat mysterious biology.

While cleaning out your uncle’s attic you find a chest with a sparkling potion. The attached tag declares drinking this liquid will make you immortal. Your body will be frozen at its current age, and these effects would be final and irreversible. The instructions are clear — the only question is, do you drink the potion? Sarah Stroud and Michael Vazquez explore this philosophical debate. Lesson by Sarah Stroud and Michael Vazquez, directed by Skirmanta Jakaitė.

Opera singer Denyce Graves-Montgomery shares how to find your voice, range, breath, and, ultimately, your truth. -- "Think Like A Musician" connects you with working musicians who want to help the music-curious and music-passionate hone and share the gift of music with the world. Part interview, part animated course, our first season "Think Like A Performer" features artists sharing their insight on the ins and outs of fine-tuning your instrument and crafting a great performance.

It was a rainy December morning in San Francisco when the Earth opened up. The ground suddenly fell away into a 12-meter-deep sinkhole that engulfed a garage, part of a street, and a multi-million-dollar mansion. Sinkholes can seem to strike out of nowhere, but they’re more common than people often think. So, how do they form? Elise Cutts details what’s happening just below your feet. Lesson by Elise Cutts, directed by Evandro D'Hipolito.

Acoetes of Maeonia had been roped into serving as the navigator for a band of pirates. And now the pirates had kidnapped a sleeping youth. As they laid their victim’s body on the ship, Acoetes felt the pit in his stomach deepen. The pirates hadn’t noticed, but their new captive was a slumbering god. Iseult Gillespie digs into the Greek myth of Dionysus and his return to Thebes. Lesson by Iseult Gillespie, directed by Keegan Thornhill.

Salmonella infects millions worldwide each year, causing fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. And these effects can be extreme: Salmonella is the leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths from food poisoning. So, how does it spread from chickens to humans? And how does it make us sick? Emma Bryce follows the journey of this crafty pathogen from farm to plate. Lesson by Emma Bryce, directed by Denys Spolitak.

The night of her son's birth, the queen of Calydon was visited by three shadowy goddesses, known as the Fates. They gestured towards the blazing hearth and decreed that her son would live only until the burning log was reduced to embers. Terrified, the queen locked the log in a chest and guarded the key— but the secret would loom over his life. Iseult Gillespie shares the Greek myth of Meleager. Lesson by Iseult Gillespie, directed by Layron DeJarnette, Gumboyo Animation.

When the Visualphone VP210 hit the market in 1999, it advertised a never-before-seen feature: a camera. With only .11 megapixels, the Visualphone is a relic compared to modern devices. But while this technology has improved dramatically, engineers are rapidly approaching a hard limit on phone camera quality. So, what's limiting them? Rachel Yang shares a snapshot of how digital cameras work. Lesson by Rachel Yang, directed by Vicente Numpaque, Hernando Bahamon, Globizco Studios.

Inhalers are mainly used to treat two conditions: asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. And there are two main types: preventative inhalers and rescue inhalers. Preventative inhalers can be used every day to control symptoms, while rescue inhalers are great in an emergency. So, how do they work? Anna Rothschild explains the science behind these simple yet powerful devices. Lesson by Anna Rothschild, directed by Max Zaglotskyi, Anna Sai, Darvideo Animation Studio.

Drummers Tony Succar, Matt Flynn, Matt Tong, and Matt Johnson share what it takes to improve your skills and find your rhythm. -- "Think Like A Musician" connects you with working musicians who want to help the music-curious and music-passionate hone and share the gift of music with the world. Part interview, part animated course, our first season "Think Like A Performer" features artists sharing their insight on the ins and outs of fine-tuning your instrument and crafting a great performance.

Vampire bats are the only mammals to subsist on blood alone. Their ancient ancestors might have eaten parasites and insects off larger animals until vampire bats began feeding directly from those animals themselves. So, how do these nocturnal creatures find their sustenance? And what animals do they most commonly target? Imran Razik follows the nighttime routine of a vampire bat as she hunts. Lesson by Imran Razik, directed by Sharon Colman.

There are over 131 million pieces of debris currently whipping around the planet. They range in size from a grain of sand to the size of an entire bus. These orbital debris pose a serious threat to the thousands of satellites that underpin Earth’s vital technologies. So, how can we save our satellites and ourselves from all this trash? Jim Bentley and Imogen Ellen Napper investigate. Lesson by Jim Bentley and Imogen Ellen Napper, directed by Franz Palomares.

Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia for over three decades, used strategic dalliances, military might, and cutting-edge philosophy to modernize, expand, and transform the Russian Empire. But was she a dedicated ruler determined to move Russia into the future, or a ruthless monarch who oppressed anyone who questioned her? Carolyn Harris puts this controversial figure on trial. Lesson by Carolyn Harris, directed by Brett Underhill, PorkchopBob Studio.

In 2018, a nonprofit gave every adult in the Ahenyo village $500. Most families had lived in extreme poverty for generations, and this sum was roughly equivalent to their annual salaries. The money came with no strings attached to how it could be spent. Would this lift villagers out of poverty or be another failed philanthropic endeavor? Explore aid programs and how they address people's needs. Directed by Jolene Tan.

Long ago, a temple was built near the site of a naval battle that concluded the long and gruesome conflict known as the Genpei Wars. For centuries after, performers throughout the country honored this tragic past in beautiful, haunting performances. But the most skilled storyteller of all was a monk from this very temple. Jeffrey Angles digs into the Japanese legend of Hōichi the earless. Lesson by Jeffrey Angles, directed by Masayoshi Nakamura, Good General.