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Seizoen 2023
2023x1
Why do you want to squeeze cute things? - Joshua Paul Dale
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Jan 03, 2023
Watching a kitten fumbling around, it might feel as if you’ve never encountered anything so devastatingly adorable in your mortal life. You may want to pet its soft fur and kiss its tiny
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Watching a kitten fumbling around, it might feel as if you’ve never encountered anything so devastatingly adorable in your mortal life. You may want to pet its soft fur and kiss its tiny head. But you may also feel the conflicting urge… to squeeze or smush the kitten, maybe even stuff it in your mouth. What is this peculiar phenomenon? Joshua Paul Dale explores the urge known as cute aggression.
Lesson by Joshua Paul Dale, directed by Oksana Kurmaz.
Uitzenddatum
Jan 05, 2023
Nestled in the forests of Canada sits the world’s longest beaver dam. This 850-meter-long structure is large enough to be seen in satellite imagery and has dramatically transformed the
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Nestled in the forests of Canada sits the world’s longest beaver dam. This 850-meter-long structure is large enough to be seen in satellite imagery and has dramatically transformed the region, creating a pond containing 70 million liters of water. But dams of any size can have huge impacts on their environment. So how exactly do beavers build these impressive structures? Glynnis Hood investigates.
Lesson by Glynnis Hood, directed by Keegan Thornhill.
Uitzenddatum
Jan 10, 2023
Thomas Jefferson, founding father of the United States and primary author of the Declaration of Independence, was part of America’s fight for freedom and equality. But in his personal
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Thomas Jefferson, founding father of the United States and primary author of the Declaration of Independence, was part of America’s fight for freedom and equality. But in his personal life, he held over 600 people in slavery. Are his enlightened principles outweighed by his participation in a greater injustice? Frank Cogliano puts this controversial figure on trial in History vs. Thomas Jefferson.
Lesson by Frank Cogliano, directed by Brett Underhill, PorkchopBob Studio.
Uitzenddatum
Jan 12, 2023
A cockroach and jewel wasp are locked in battle. The wasp latches onto the cockroach and inserts her stinger into the cockroach's brain, where her venom blocks its fight-or-flight
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A cockroach and jewel wasp are locked in battle. The wasp latches onto the cockroach and inserts her stinger into the cockroach's brain, where her venom blocks its fight-or-flight response. Now, the cockroach is essentially a zombie, and its carcass will be used to grow the wasp’s offspring. Miles Zhang explores the gruesome evolutionary strategy known as parasitoidism.
Lesson by Miles Zhang, directed by Denys Spolitak.
Uitzenddatum
Jan 17, 2023
In August 1968, factory workers overheard news of a mandatory meeting. Whispered rumors described shipments of a gift from the country’s Communist leader, Chairman Mao Zedong. And sure
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In August 1968, factory workers overheard news of a mandatory meeting. Whispered rumors described shipments of a gift from the country’s Communist leader, Chairman Mao Zedong. And sure enough, managers soon distributed a gift to every factory worker– a glass box encasing a golden wax replica of a mango. What was the meaning behind this unusual offering? Vivian Jiang investigates.
Lesson by Vivian Jiang, directed by Kayu Leung.
Uitzenddatum
Jan 19, 2023
Most countries recognize 18 as the start of adulthood by granting various freedoms and privileges. Yet there’s no exact age or moment in development that we can point to as having
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Most countries recognize 18 as the start of adulthood by granting various freedoms and privileges. Yet there’s no exact age or moment in development that we can point to as having reached full maturity. If there’s no consensus on exactly when we reach maturity, when do we actually become adults? Shannon Odell shares how scientists define adulthood using stages of brain development.
Lesson by Shannon Odell, directed by Biljana Labović.
Uitzenddatum
Jan 24, 2023
Rejection hurts. It’s incredibly painful to feel like you’re not wanted — and we do mean painful. Researchers found that we relate rejection to being “hurt,” using terms like “crushed”
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Rejection hurts. It’s incredibly painful to feel like you’re not wanted — and we do mean painful. Researchers found that we relate rejection to being “hurt,” using terms like “crushed” or “broken-hearted.” So, why does rejection trigger such a strong response, and is there any way to cope with this unique kind of pain? Explore common strategies to help you process this emotional experience.
Directed by Caitlin McCarthy.
2023x8
Can you steal the most powerful wand in the wizarding world? - Dan Finkel
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Jan 26, 2023
The fabled Mirzakhani wand is the most powerful magical item ever created. And that’s why the evil wizard Moldevort is planning to use it to conquer the world. You and Drumbledrore have
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The fabled Mirzakhani wand is the most powerful magical item ever created. And that’s why the evil wizard Moldevort is planning to use it to conquer the world. You and Drumbledrore have finally discovered its hiding place in a cave, but the wand is hidden by a system of 100 magical stones. Can you figure out how to get to the wand before Moldevort? Dan Finkel shows how.
Lesson by Dan Finkel, directed by Igor Coric, Artrake Studio.
2023x9
Ethical dilemma: Should we get rid of mosquitoes? - Talya Hackett
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Jan 31, 2023
Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths every year than any other animal, but very few of the 3,500 mosquito species actually transmit deadly diseases to humans. Scientists have
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Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths every year than any other animal, but very few of the 3,500 mosquito species actually transmit deadly diseases to humans. Scientists have been conducting experiments using engineered technologies called gene drives that could theoretically get rid of the most lethal mosquitoes. So, should we eradicate these pesky insects? Talya Hackett investigates.
Lesson by Talya Hackett, directed by Luísa M H Copetti, Hype CG.
2023x10
What is Juneteenth, and why is it important? - Karlos K. Hill and Soraya Field Fiorio
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Feb 02, 2023
At the end of the Civil War, though slavery was technically illegal in all states, it still persisted in the last bastions of the Confederacy. This was the case when Union General Gordon
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At the end of the Civil War, though slavery was technically illegal in all states, it still persisted in the last bastions of the Confederacy. This was the case when Union General Gordon Granger marched his troops into Galveston, Texas on June 19th and announced that all enslaved people there were officially free. Karlos K. Hill and Soraya Field Fiorio dig into the history of Juneteenth.
Lesson by Karlos K. Hill and Soraya Field Fiorio, directed by Rémi Cans, Atypicalist.
2023x11
One of the most "dangerous" men in American history - Keenan Norris
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Feb 07, 2023
In 1830, David Walker sewed a pamphlet into the lining of a coat. The volume was thin enough to be hidden, but its content was far from insubstantial. At the time, many members of the US
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In 1830, David Walker sewed a pamphlet into the lining of a coat. The volume was thin enough to be hidden, but its content was far from insubstantial. At the time, many members of the US government considered this pamphlet to be one of the most dangerous documents in American history. But what was this incendiary document? And who exactly was the man who wrote it? Keenan Norris investigates.
Lesson by Keenan Norris, directed by Tomás Pichardo-Espaillat.
Uitzenddatum
Feb 09, 2023
By 1917, Albert Einstein had explained the relationship between space and time. But, that year, he designed a flawed airplane wing. His attempt was based on an incomplete theory of how
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By 1917, Albert Einstein had explained the relationship between space and time. But, that year, he designed a flawed airplane wing. His attempt was based on an incomplete theory of how flight works. Indeed, insufficient and inaccurate explanations still circulate today. So, where did Einstein go wrong? And how exactly do planes fly? Raymond Adkins explains the concept of aerodynamic lift.
Lesson by Raymond Adkins, directed by Michael Kalopaidis, Zedem Media.
2023x13
Can you freeze your body and come back to life? - Shannon N. Tessier
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Feb 14, 2023
This episode has no summary.
This episode has no summary.
Uitzenddatum
Feb 16, 2023
After a week of studying, you feel confident that you'll ace your exam. But when you get your grade back, it's much lower than you expected. You’re devastated, and the disappointment is
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After a week of studying, you feel confident that you'll ace your exam. But when you get your grade back, it's much lower than you expected. You’re devastated, and the disappointment is hard to shake. Should you be trying to look on the bright side? And is controlling your emotions even possible? Explore techniques to help you identify, understand, and regulate your emotions.
Directed by Daniel Stankler.
2023x15
One of the most banned books of all time - Mollie Godfrey
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Feb 21, 2023
In 1998, a school district removed one of American literature’s most acclaimed works from its curriculum. Parents pushing for the ban said the book was both “sexually explicit” and
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In 1998, a school district removed one of American literature’s most acclaimed works from its curriculum. Parents pushing for the ban said the book was both “sexually explicit” and “anti-white.” The book at the center of this debate was Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.” Why was the memoir so controversial? Mollie Godfrey digs into one of the most banned books of all time.
Lesson by Mollie Godfrey, directed by Laura White.
2023x16
Ice Age mummies frozen in time - Brendan Rogers and Jessica Howard
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Feb 23, 2023
In June 2022, a gold miner in the Canadian Yukon made a remarkable discovery. While working on the traditional lands of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, he uncovered the exceptionally
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In June 2022, a gold miner in the Canadian Yukon made a remarkable discovery. While working on the traditional lands of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, he uncovered the exceptionally well-preserved, frozen remains of a wooly mammoth calf that died 30,000 years ago. And this find isn’t the only of its kind. Brendan Rogers and Jessica Howard uncover secrets buried in the Arctic permafrost.
Lesson by Brendan Rogers and Jessica Howard, directed by Denys Spolitak.
Uitzenddatum
Feb 28, 2023
Imagine that your life began as one of the planet’s first humans. After dying, you're reincarnated as the second human ever to live. You then return as the third person, the fourth, the
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Imagine that your life began as one of the planet’s first humans. After dying, you're reincarnated as the second human ever to live. You then return as the third person, the fourth, the fifth, and so on – living the lives of every human that’s ever walked the Earth. How will your actions in one life impact your future selves? Explore the ethics of the philosophy known as longtermism.
Directed by Jay Septimo, Khoo Siew May, AIM Creative Studios.
2023x18
The continents are moving. When will they collide? - Jean-Baptiste P. Koehl
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Mrt 02, 2023
In the early 20th century, Alfred Wegener's theory of Continental Drift laid the foundation for our modern theory of plate tectonics. And today we know something even more exciting:
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In the early 20th century, Alfred Wegener's theory of Continental Drift laid the foundation for our modern theory of plate tectonics. And today we know something even more exciting: Pangea was only the latest in a long lineage of supercontinents, and it won’t be the last. Jean-Baptiste P. Koehl explores when the next supercontinent will emerge — and what it might mean for Earth’s environment.
Lesson by Jean-Baptiste P. Koehl, directed by Iuri Araujo, Província Studio.
2023x19
6 myths about the Middle Ages that everyone believes - Stephanie Honchell Smith
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Mrt 07, 2023
Medieval Europe. Where unbathed, sword-wielding knights ate rotten meat, thought the Earth was flat, defended chastity-belt wearing maidens, and tortured their foes with grisly gadgets.
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Medieval Europe. Where unbathed, sword-wielding knights ate rotten meat, thought the Earth was flat, defended chastity-belt wearing maidens, and tortured their foes with grisly gadgets. Except… this is more fiction than fact. So, where do all the myths about the Middle Ages come from? And what were they actually like? Stephanie Honchell Smith debunks common misconceptions about the time period.
Lesson by Stephanie Honchell Smith, directed by Avi Ofer.
Uitzenddatum
Mrt 09, 2023
People have been captivated by horses for a long time. They appear more than any other animal in cave paintings dating back 30,000 years. But how did horses make the journey from wild
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People have been captivated by horses for a long time. They appear more than any other animal in cave paintings dating back 30,000 years. But how did horses make the journey from wild animals to ones humans could hitch themselves to and even ride? William T. Taylor explores how the domestication of horses influenced the fate of entire civilizations and dramatically altered human history.
Lesson by William T. Taylor, directed by Denys Spolitak
Uitzenddatum
Mrt 14, 2023
Since the 1970s, researchers have engineered superbugs. While this research could help us prepare for future outbreaks, the stakes of this work are extremely high: if even one dangerous
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Since the 1970s, researchers have engineered superbugs. While this research could help us prepare for future outbreaks, the stakes of this work are extremely high: if even one dangerous virus escaped a lab, it could cause a global pandemic. So, what can we do to minimize risk? And is the knowledge gained even worth the risk in the first place? Dig into the ongoing debate over virology research.
Directed by Kevin Herrmann, AIM Creative Studios.
2023x22
What would happen if you lost your sense of touch? - Antonio Cataldo
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Mrt 16, 2023
We don’t often think of touch as being a vital part of movement, but touch is one part of a network that oversees all the sensations arising from the surface and interior of our bodies.
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We don’t often think of touch as being a vital part of movement, but touch is one part of a network that oversees all the sensations arising from the surface and interior of our bodies. Touch, pain, temperature, and our spatial awareness are regulated by this system. So, how exactly do our brains process these sensations? And what happens when something goes wrong? Antonio Cataldo investigates.
Lesson by Antonio Cataldo, directed by Yuriy Polyashko, Darvideo Animation Studio.
2023x23
A day in the life of a medieval teenage pilgrim - Birte Kristiansen and Petra Sijpesteijn
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Mrt 21, 2023
It’s 791 CE. As the morning sun shines on the Golden Gate Palace, brother and sister Hisham and Asma prepare for the journey of a lifetime: the hajj, a holy pilgrimage to Mecca. They
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It’s 791 CE. As the morning sun shines on the Golden Gate Palace, brother and sister Hisham and Asma prepare for the journey of a lifetime: the hajj, a holy pilgrimage to Mecca. They intend to travel with the big hajj caravan— but a last-minute mishap threatens to undo months of careful planning. Birte Kristiansen and Petra Sijpesteijn detail a day in the life of siblings in medieval Baghdad.
Lesson by Birte Kristiansen and Petra Sijpesteijn, directed by Mohammad Babakoohi.
2023x24
When you're an ant but also a fungus tycoon - Charles Wallace
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Mrt 23, 2023
In a Texas clearing, an ancient tale that ties four species together is unfurling. The first involved is a soon-to-be queen leafcutter ant. The second is fungus, a piece of which she
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In a Texas clearing, an ancient tale that ties four species together is unfurling. The first involved is a soon-to-be queen leafcutter ant. The second is fungus, a piece of which she scoops into her mouth pocket. The third are cockroaches, which nestle under her wings. And the fourth is the one that threatens them all. Charles Wallace takes a look inside the ant colony as a queen begins her reign.
Lesson by Charles Wallace, directed by Charlotte Arene.
2023x25
This one weird trick will get you infinite gold - Dan Finkel
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Mrt 28, 2023
A few years ago, the king decided your life would be forfeit unless you tripled the gold coins in his treasury. Fortunately, a strange little man appeared and magically performed the
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A few years ago, the king decided your life would be forfeit unless you tripled the gold coins in his treasury. Fortunately, a strange little man appeared and magically performed the feat. Unfortunately, you promised him your first-born child in exchange for his help — and today he’s come to collect. Can you figure out how to outsmart the man and keep your baby? Dan Finkel shows how.
Lesson by Dan Finkel, directed by Gavin Edwards, Movult.
2023x26
How stretching actually changes your muscles - Malachy McHugh
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Mrt 30, 2023
An athlete is preparing for a game. They’ve put on their gear and done their warmup, and now it’s time for one more routine — stretching. Typically, athletes stretch before physical
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An athlete is preparing for a game. They’ve put on their gear and done their warmup, and now it’s time for one more routine — stretching. Typically, athletes stretch before physical activity to avoid injuries like strains and tears. But does stretching actually prevent these issues? And if so, how long do the benefits of stretching last? Malachy McHugh explores the finer points of flexibility.
Lesson by Malachy McHugh, directed by Sofia Pashaei.
Uitzenddatum
Apr 04, 2023
Is it possible that this century is the most important one in human history? The 21st century has already proven to be a period of rapid growth. We’re on the cusp of developing new
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Is it possible that this century is the most important one in human history? The 21st century has already proven to be a period of rapid growth. We’re on the cusp of developing new technologies that could entirely change the way people live— and could contribute to unprecedented levels of existential risk. Explore how the decisions we make now might have a major impact on humanity’s future.
Directed by Jon Mayes, AIM Creative Studios.
2023x28
How does this all-female species reproduce? - Susana Freitas and Darren Parker
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Apr 06, 2023
In 2021, workers at a Sardinian aquarium were stunned by the birth of a smooth-hound shark. What was shocking was that, for the last decade, the shark’s mother had been living only with
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In 2021, workers at a Sardinian aquarium were stunned by the birth of a smooth-hound shark. What was shocking was that, for the last decade, the shark’s mother had been living only with other females. So, how was this birth possible? And can other species reproduce this way? Susana Freitas and Darren Parker explore the phenomenon of asexual reproduction known as parthenogenesis.
Lesson by Susana Freitas and Darren Parker, directed by Petya Zlateva, Compote Collective.
2023x29
The epic tale of the wind goddess' gift - Sydney Iaukea
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Apr 11, 2023
Long ago, the Hawaiian wind goddess wielded a gourd that housed the winds of the Islands. It came to hold her bones, along with the life force they carried, and was eventually passed to
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Long ago, the Hawaiian wind goddess wielded a gourd that housed the winds of the Islands. It came to hold her bones, along with the life force they carried, and was eventually passed to her grandson, Paka'a. Like his father before him, he became the trusted attendant to the king of Hawaii. But his privileged status also made him a target. Sydney Iaukea shares the tale of the king's betrayal.
Lesson by Sydney Iaukea, directed by Ivana Bošnjak.
2023x30
What is a poop transplant, and how does it work? - Kathryn M. Stephenson and David L. Suskind
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Apr 13, 2023
1,700 years ago, Chinese alchemist Ge Hong was renowned for his soup that could cure diarrhea-stricken patients. It had a surprising secret ingredient: feces. While it might seem unwise
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1,700 years ago, Chinese alchemist Ge Hong was renowned for his soup that could cure diarrhea-stricken patients. It had a surprising secret ingredient: feces. While it might seem unwise to consume feces, exciting new research suggests that taking poop into the body in other ways might benefit our health. Kathryn M. Stephenson & David L. Suskind share the science of fecal microbial transplantation.
Lesson by Kathryn M. Stephenson and David L. Suskind, directed by Luisa Holanda.
2023x31
Whatever happened to the hole in the ozone layer? - Stephanie Honchell Smith
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Apr 18, 2023
In the 1980s, the world faced a huge problem: there was a rapidly expanding hole in the ozone layer. If it continued to grow, rates of skin cancer could skyrocket, photosynthesis would
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In the 1980s, the world faced a huge problem: there was a rapidly expanding hole in the ozone layer. If it continued to grow, rates of skin cancer could skyrocket, photosynthesis would be impaired, agricultural production would plummet, and entire ecosystems would collapse. So, what happened? Stephanie Honchell Smith shares how decisive global cooperation helped restore the ozone layer.
Lesson by Stephanie Honchell Smith, directed by Denys Spolitak.
Uitzenddatum
Apr 20, 2023
Soft percussion and a toasty scent mark the violent transformation of tough seeds into cloud-like puffs. This is the almost magical process of popcorn-making. Dozens of kinds of popcorn
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Soft percussion and a toasty scent mark the violent transformation of tough seeds into cloud-like puffs. This is the almost magical process of popcorn-making. Dozens of kinds of popcorn are now grown in the US, with different strains assuming distinctive shapes when their kernels explode. So, how did we actually end up with this whimsical food? Andrew Smith traces the history of popcorn.
Lesson by Andrew Smith, directed by Mitchelle Tamariz.
2023x33
Can zoos save species from extinction? - Nigel Rothfels
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Apr 25, 2023
For thousands of years, native Takhi horses roamed the steppes of Central Asia. But by the late 1960s, their extinction seemed inevitable. To prevent this, scientists and zoos started a
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For thousands of years, native Takhi horses roamed the steppes of Central Asia. But by the late 1960s, their extinction seemed inevitable. To prevent this, scientists and zoos started a breeding program and soon began releasing new generations of Asia's ancient wild horse back into their native habitat. Nigel Rothfels explains the twists and turns of this complicated conservation effort.
Lesson by Nigel Rothfels, directed by Anna Benner.
2023x34
The records the British Empire didn't want you to see - Audra A. Diptée
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Apr 27, 2023
In 2009, five Kenyan people took a petition to the British Prime Minister. They claimed they endured human rights abuses in the 1950s, while Kenya was under British colonial rule, and
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In 2009, five Kenyan people took a petition to the British Prime Minister. They claimed they endured human rights abuses in the 1950s, while Kenya was under British colonial rule, and demanded reparations. They had no documentary evidence that Britain sanctioned systems of torture— but thousands of secret files were waiting to be discovered. Audra Diptée digs into the Operation Legacy documents.
Lesson by Audra A. Diptée, directed by Hernando Bahamon.
2023x35
Why do we have crooked teeth when our ancestors didn’t? - G. Richard Scott
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Mei 02, 2023
According to the fossil record, ancient humans usually had straight teeth, complete with wisdom teeth. In fact, the dental dilemmas that fuel the demand for braces and wisdom teeth
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According to the fossil record, ancient humans usually had straight teeth, complete with wisdom teeth. In fact, the dental dilemmas that fuel the demand for braces and wisdom teeth extractions today appear to be recent developments. So, what happened? While it’s nearly impossible to know for sure, scientists have a hypothesis. G. Richard Scott shares the prevailing theory on crooked teeth.
Lesson by G. Richard Scott, directed by Igor Coric, Artrake Studio.
2023x36
The rise and fall of the Mughal Empire - Stephanie Honchell Smith
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Mei 04, 2023
Though he was descended from some of the world’s most successful conquerors, Babur struggled to gain a foothold among the many other ambitious princes in Central Asia. So he turned his
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Though he was descended from some of the world’s most successful conquerors, Babur struggled to gain a foothold among the many other ambitious princes in Central Asia. So he turned his attention to India, where his descendants stayed and built the Mughal Empire. Stephanie Honchell Smith details the rise and fall of one of the wealthiest and most powerful states in the early modern world.
Lesson by Stephanie Honchell Smith, directed by Raghav Arumugam, Jagriti Khirwar.
Uitzenddatum
Mei 09, 2023
While all humans share 99.9% of our DNA, differences in the remaining 0.1% hold important clues about the causes of diseases—and their potential treatments. The problem is, the genetics
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While all humans share 99.9% of our DNA, differences in the remaining 0.1% hold important clues about the causes of diseases—and their potential treatments. The problem is, the genetics that researchers are combing through are heavily biased to those of people from European descent, and often overlook other ethnicities. Greg Foot explains the importance of ethnic diversity in medical research.
Lesson by Greg Foot, directed by Kirk Zamieroski.
2023x38
Why were there three popes at the same time? - Joëlle Rollo-Koster
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Mei 11, 2023
For almost two millennia, the Pope has been a figure of supreme spiritual authority for Catholics around the world. But in the late 14th century, Catholics found themselves with not one,
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For almost two millennia, the Pope has been a figure of supreme spiritual authority for Catholics around the world. But in the late 14th century, Catholics found themselves with not one, not two, but three popes. Where did this plethora of popes come from? And who among them was the genuine article? Joëlle Rollo-Koster shares the origins of this papal predicament.
Lesson by Joëlle Rollo-Koster, directed by Kaspar Jancis.
Uitzenddatum
Mei 16, 2023
In 1815, Mount Tambora erupted and its emissions spread across the globe, blotting out the sun for almost an entire year. This wreaked havoc on agriculture, leading to famines all across
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In 1815, Mount Tambora erupted and its emissions spread across the globe, blotting out the sun for almost an entire year. This wreaked havoc on agriculture, leading to famines all across the Northern hemisphere. It was the year without summer— one of the darkest periods in human history. So why are some modern researchers considering repeating it? David Biello digs into geoengineering.
Lesson by David Biello, directed by Léon Moh-Cah, Andi Concha, Na Na Na Studio.
Uitzenddatum
Mei 18, 2023
Being caught talking to yourself can feel embarrassing, and some people even stigmatize this behavior as a sign of mental instability. But decades of research show that talking to
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Being caught talking to yourself can feel embarrassing, and some people even stigmatize this behavior as a sign of mental instability. But decades of research show that talking to yourself is completely normal; most if not all of us engage in some form of self-talk every day. So why do we talk to ourselves? And does what we say matter? Dig into the psychological benefits of positive self-talk.
Directed by Avi Ofer.
2023x41
4 epidemics that almost happened (but didn't) - George Zaidan
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Mei 23, 2023
In 2013, an Ebola outbreak began in Guinea. The country had no formal response system and the outbreak became the largest Ebola epidemic in recorded history. Guinea then completely
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In 2013, an Ebola outbreak began in Guinea. The country had no formal response system and the outbreak became the largest Ebola epidemic in recorded history. Guinea then completely overhauled their response system, and were able to successfully combat another outbreak in 2021. So what does an effective epidemic response look like? George Zaidan explores how different communities have taken action.
Lesson by George Zaidan, directed by Gavin Edwards, Movult.
2023x42
Can you outsmart Fate and break her ancient curse? - Dan Finkel
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Mei 25, 2023
Hundreds of years ago, your ancestor stole a magical tarot deck from Fate herself— and it came with a terrible cost. Once every 23 years, one member of your family must face Fate in a
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Hundreds of years ago, your ancestor stole a magical tarot deck from Fate herself— and it came with a terrible cost. Once every 23 years, one member of your family must face Fate in a duel with rules only known to your opponent. And every time, generation after generation, the outcome is the same: Fate claims their soul. Today, it’s your turn. Can you defeat Fate? Dan Finkel shows how.
Lesson by Dan Finkel, directed by Igor Coric, Artrake Studio.
2023x43
One of literature’s most confusing writers - Sascha Morrell
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Mei 30, 2023
William Faulkner is considered one of America’s most remarkable and perplexing writers. He confused his audience intentionally, using complex sentences, unreliable narrators, and
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William Faulkner is considered one of America’s most remarkable and perplexing writers. He confused his audience intentionally, using complex sentences, unreliable narrators, and outlandish imagery. His body of work is shocking, inventive, hilarious, and challenging. So how can readers navigate his literary labyrinths? Sascha Morrell explains how to read one of literature's most confusing writers.
Lesson by Sascha Morrell, directed by Naghmeh Farzaneh, Sarah Saidan.
2023x44
Test yourself: Can you tell the difference between music and noise? - Hanako Sawada
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Jun 01, 2023
In 1960, composer John Cage went on television to share his latest work. But rather than using traditional instruments, Cage appeared surrounded by household clutter, including a
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In 1960, composer John Cage went on television to share his latest work. But rather than using traditional instruments, Cage appeared surrounded by household clutter, including a bathtub, ice cubes, a toy fish, a rubber duck, several radios, and performed “Water Walk.” Most people watching had the same question: is this even music? Hanako Sawada explores the boundaries between music and noise.
Lesson by Hanako Sawada, directed by Héloïse Dorsan-Rachet.
2023x45
Food expiration dates don’t mean what you think - Carolyn Beans
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Jun 06, 2023
Countries around the world waste huge amounts of food every year: roughly a fifth of food items in the US are tossed because consumers aren’t sure how to interpret expiration labels. But
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Countries around the world waste huge amounts of food every year: roughly a fifth of food items in the US are tossed because consumers aren’t sure how to interpret expiration labels. But most groceries are still perfectly safe to eat past their expiration dates. If the dates on our food don’t tell us that something’s gone bad, what do they tell us? Carolyn Beans shares how to prevent food waste.
Lesson by Carolyn Beans, directed by Anton Bogaty.
Uitzenddatum
Jun 08, 2023
The quest for anesthetics that could induce unconsciousness and enable more meticulous surgeries began around the early 3rd century CE. Before anesthesia was widely used, patients had to
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The quest for anesthetics that could induce unconsciousness and enable more meticulous surgeries began around the early 3rd century CE. Before anesthesia was widely used, patients had to consciously endure every moment of surgery. So, what methods did doctors use before modern medicine caught up? Sally Frampton traces the history of anesthetic drugs.
Lesson by Sally Frampton, directed by Alexander Hellebaut.
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Are you able to see faces in everyday objects? - Susan G. Wardle
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Jun 13, 2023
Imagine opening a bag of chips, only to find Santa Claus looking back at you. Or turning a corner to see a building smiling at you. Humans see faces in all kinds of mundane objects, but
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Imagine opening a bag of chips, only to find Santa Claus looking back at you. Or turning a corner to see a building smiling at you. Humans see faces in all kinds of mundane objects, but these faces aren’t real— they're illusions due to a phenomenon known as face pareidolia. So why exactly does this happen, and how far does this distortion go? Susan G. Wardle explores why we see illusory faces.
Lesson by Susan G. Wardle, directed by Oksana Kurmaz.
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Who is the fastest creature in mythology? - Iseult Gillespie
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Jun 15, 2023
It’s time for the Myth Olympics: the eternal arena in which creatures and deities compete for glory. Almost every mythical tradition claims one creature as the fastest— from goddesses
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It’s time for the Myth Olympics: the eternal arena in which creatures and deities compete for glory. Almost every mythical tradition claims one creature as the fastest— from goddesses who run like the wind to creatures who outstrip every captor. So, who will emerge victorious in a race of superhuman swiftness? Iseult Gillespie convenes mythology’s speediest supernaturals for an epic showdown.
Lesson by Iseult Gillespie, directed by BASA.
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Why is Marie Antoinette so controversial? - Carolyn Harris
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Jun 20, 2023
She was the Queen of France, notorious for living in opulence while peasants starved and became a symbol of everything wrong with monarchy. But was Marie Antionette a heartless, wasteful
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She was the Queen of France, notorious for living in opulence while peasants starved and became a symbol of everything wrong with monarchy. But was Marie Antionette a heartless, wasteful queen, or a convenient scapegoat in turbulent times? Carolyn Harris puts this controversial figure on trial in History vs. Marie Antoinette.
Lesson by Carolyn Harris, directed by Brett Underhill, PorkchopBob Studio.
Uitzenddatum
Jun 22, 2023
Today in many countries solar is the cheapest form of energy to produce. Millions of homes are equipped with rooftop solar, with most units paying for themselves in their first seven to
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Today in many countries solar is the cheapest form of energy to produce. Millions of homes are equipped with rooftop solar, with most units paying for themselves in their first seven to 12 years and then generating further savings. So, how much money can you save by switching to solar? Shannon Odell shares how solar units could help pave the way for a cleaner and more reliable energy future.
Lesson by Shannon Odell, directed by Biljana Labović.
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What caused the Rwandan Genocide? - Susanne Buckley-Zistel
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Jun 27, 2023
For one hundred days in 1994, the African country of Rwanda suffered a horrific campaign of mass murder. Neighbor turned against neighbor as violence engulfed the region, resulting in
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For one hundred days in 1994, the African country of Rwanda suffered a horrific campaign of mass murder. Neighbor turned against neighbor as violence engulfed the region, resulting in the deaths of over one-tenth of the country’s population. How did this happen? And why didn't international organizations intervene? Susanne Buckley-Zistel digs into the history of the Rwandan Genocide.
Lesson by Susanne Buckley-Zistel, directed by Mohammad Babakoohi.
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Gravity vs. Pressure: Which is stronger? - Fabio Pacucci
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Jun 29, 2023
It’s time for the biggest battle in the Universe: the Big Bang. In one corner is gravity— the force that brings all matter together. In the other is pressure— the force that can push
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It’s time for the biggest battle in the Universe: the Big Bang. In one corner is gravity— the force that brings all matter together. In the other is pressure— the force that can push matter away. Over the next several hundred thousand years, these two contenders will be wrestling for the fate of the Universe. But what are these powers fighting over? Fabio Pacucci digs into this historic matchup.
Lesson by Fabio Pacucci, directed by Joseph Clark.
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Why did Megalodon go extinct? - Jack Cooper and Catalina Pimiento
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Jul 03, 2023
20 million years ago, the ocean housed a creature so colossal that its stomach could reach volumes of almost 10,000 liters— big enough to fit an entire orca. It was the megalodon, the
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20 million years ago, the ocean housed a creature so colossal that its stomach could reach volumes of almost 10,000 liters— big enough to fit an entire orca. It was the megalodon, the biggest shark to ever live. So, what was it like when megalodon ruled the seas? And what brought this formidable predator to extinction? Jack Cooper and Catalina Pimiento investigate.
Lesson by Jack Cooper and Catalina Pimiento, directed by Vitalii Nebelskyi, and action creative agency.
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Can you solve the time traveling car riddle? - Dan Finkel
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Jul 06, 2023
You and the professor have driven your DeLorean back to the past to fix issues with the spacetime continuum caused by your time traveling. But another DeLorean appears with older
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You and the professor have driven your DeLorean back to the past to fix issues with the spacetime continuum caused by your time traveling. But another DeLorean appears with older versions of you and the professor. The professors panic and explain that the universe could collapse now that you’re both in the same time and place. Can you merge the timestreams and travel home? Dan Finkel shows how.
Lesson by Dan Finkel, directed by Igor Coric, Artrake Studio.
Uitzenddatum
Jul 11, 2023
In 2018, an orca called Tahlequah gave birth. But her daughter died within an hour. Tahlequah, however, didn’t leave her body. Over the next 17 days and 1,600 kilometers, she kept it
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In 2018, an orca called Tahlequah gave birth. But her daughter died within an hour. Tahlequah, however, didn’t leave her body. Over the next 17 days and 1,600 kilometers, she kept it afloat atop her own. By altering her feeding and travel patterns, Tahlequah’s behavior was certainly unusual. But was she mourning— or just confused? Barbara J. King explores whether nonhuman animals experience grief.
Lesson by Barbara J. King, directed by Denis Chapon, The Animation Workshop.
Uitzenddatum
Jul 13, 2023
A hydrogen atom is traveling high within the outermost layer of Earth’s atmosphere. This particular atom first entered the exosphere millions of years ago, but today it overcomes Earth’s
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A hydrogen atom is traveling high within the outermost layer of Earth’s atmosphere. This particular atom first entered the exosphere millions of years ago, but today it overcomes Earth’s gravitational pull and escapes, joining the roughly 90 tons of material that leak out of our atmosphere each day. Should we be worried about these leaks? Shannon Odell digs into our planet’s imperfect plumbing.
Lesson by Shannon Odell, directed by Eva Münnich, Strange Beast.
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One of history's most dangerous myths - Anneliese Mehnert
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Jul 18, 2023
From the 1650s through the late 1800’s, European colonists descended on South Africa. They sought to claim the region, becoming even more aggressive after discovering the area’s abundant
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From the 1650s through the late 1800’s, European colonists descended on South Africa. They sought to claim the region, becoming even more aggressive after discovering the area’s abundant natural resources. To support their claims to the land, the colonizers asserted they were settling in empty land devoid of local people. Was this argument true? Anneliese Mehnert debunks the Empty Land Theory.
Lesson by Anneliese Mehnert, directed by Héloïse Dorsan-Rachet.
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The rise and fall of Italy’s warriors-for-hire - Stephanie Honchell Smith
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Jul 20, 2023
During the 14th and 15th centuries, mercenaries known as condottieri dominated Italian warfare, profiting from— and encouraging— the region’s intense political rivalries. As rulers
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During the 14th and 15th centuries, mercenaries known as condottieri dominated Italian warfare, profiting from— and encouraging— the region’s intense political rivalries. As rulers competed for power and prestige, their disputes often played out in military conflicts, fought almost entirely by the condottieri. So who were these elite and conniving warriors? Stephanie Honchell Smith investigates.
Lesson by Stephanie Honchell Smith, directed by Yael Reisfeld.
Uitzenddatum
Jul 25, 2023
Pseudoscience is a set of theories, methods, and assumptions that appear scientific, but aren’t. In the worst cases, pseudoscience practitioners encourage this confusion to exploit
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Pseudoscience is a set of theories, methods, and assumptions that appear scientific, but aren’t. In the worst cases, pseudoscience practitioners encourage this confusion to exploit people. But even when it's well-intentioned, pseudoscience can still prevent people from getting the help they need. So, how can you tell what’s science and what’s pseudoscience? Siska De Baerdemaeker investigates.
Lesson by Siska De Baerdemaeker, directed by Eoin Duffy.
Uitzenddatum
Jul 27, 2023
Flow is more than just concentrating or paying attention; it's a unique mental state of effortless engagement. And those who more frequently experience flow report higher levels of
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Flow is more than just concentrating or paying attention; it's a unique mental state of effortless engagement. And those who more frequently experience flow report higher levels of positive emotions, creativity, and feelings of accomplishment. But what exactly is flow? And how can we find it in our daily lives? Explore steps you can take to increase your chances of finding flow.
Directed by Leah Putnam.
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How dangerous was it to be a jester? - Beatrice K. Otto
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Aug 01, 2023
Contrary to common belief, jesters weren’t just a medieval European phenomenon but flourished in other times and cultures. The first reliably recorded jester is thought to be You Shi, of
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Contrary to common belief, jesters weren’t just a medieval European phenomenon but flourished in other times and cultures. The first reliably recorded jester is thought to be You Shi, of 7th century BCE China. Jesters had unique relationships to power: they could be viewed as objects of mockery or as entertainers and trusted companions. Beatrice K. Otto digs into history's most infamous jokers.
Lesson by Beatrice K. Otto, directed by Yael Reisfeld.
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Why your phone battery gets worse over time - George Zaidan
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Aug 03, 2023
Almost all batteries, even single-use batteries, are theoretically rechargeable. That’s because the metals and other chemicals are still there in the battery. So chemically speaking, a
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Almost all batteries, even single-use batteries, are theoretically rechargeable. That’s because the metals and other chemicals are still there in the battery. So chemically speaking, a dead battery is actually not that different from a fresh one. Then why do batteries die in the first place? And what should you do with them once they’re spent? George Zaidan digs into the science of batteries.
Lesson by George Zaidan, directed by Luisa Holanda.
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What happens if you don’t put your phone in airplane mode? - Lindsay DeMarchi
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Aug 08, 2023
Right now, invisible signals are flying through the air all around you. Massive radio waves carry information between computers, GPS systems, cell phones, and more. And the sky is
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Right now, invisible signals are flying through the air all around you. Massive radio waves carry information between computers, GPS systems, cell phones, and more. And the sky is flooded with interference from routers, satellites, and, of course, people flying who haven’t put their phones on airplane mode. So, what exactly does airplane mode do? Lindsay DeMarchi explains the setting's importance.
Lesson by Lindsay DeMarchi, directed by Sofia Pashaei.
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Whoever builds something here will be rich beyond measure - Fabio Pacucci
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Aug 10, 2023
Since the 1950s, governments, companies, and researchers have been planting flags among the stars. But while it might seem like there’s plenty of room in space, some pieces of celestial
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Since the 1950s, governments, companies, and researchers have been planting flags among the stars. But while it might seem like there’s plenty of room in space, some pieces of celestial real estate are more valuable than others. As far as human space exploration is concerned, Lagrange points may be the most important places in our solar system. So what exactly are they? Fabio Pacucci explains.
Lesson by Fabio Pacucci, directed by Tim Rauch.
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How the water you flush becomes the water you drink - Francis de los Reyes
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Aug 15, 2023
In 2003, Singapore’s national water agency launched an unprecedented program to provide more than 50% of their nation’s water supply by recycling wastewater. The program had been planned
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In 2003, Singapore’s national water agency launched an unprecedented program to provide more than 50% of their nation’s water supply by recycling wastewater. The program had been planned for decades to ensure the island nation never ran out of clean water. But is it really safe to reuse anything we flush down the toilet? Francis de los Reyes explains the science of wastewater treatment.
Lesson by Francis de los Reyes, directed by JodyPrody, The Animation Workshop.
Uitzenddatum
Aug 17, 2023
In September 1991, two hikers discovered a corpse emerging from the ice. Researchers soon realized they were looking at the mummified body of a man who’d lived about 5,300 years ago, and
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In September 1991, two hikers discovered a corpse emerging from the ice. Researchers soon realized they were looking at the mummified body of a man who’d lived about 5,300 years ago, and theorized he got caught in bad weather and froze. However, a shocking discovery revealed his true cause of death and upended his story. So, how did he die? Albert Zink uncovers the truth about Özti the Iceman.
Lesson by Albert Zink, directed by Andrew Foerster, Rewfoe.
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Which is better for you: "Real" meat or "fake" meat? - Carolyn Beans
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Aug 22, 2023
In 2021, a survey of over 1,000 Americans found that nearly two-thirds had eaten plant-based meat alternatives in the past year. Many cited potential health and environmental benefits as
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In 2021, a survey of over 1,000 Americans found that nearly two-thirds had eaten plant-based meat alternatives in the past year. Many cited potential health and environmental benefits as their motivation. But are these alternative meats actually better for us and the planet? Carolyn Beans investigates the differences between farmed meat, plant-based meat, and lab-grown meat.
Lesson by Carolyn Beans, directed by Laura Jayne Hodkin.
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Can alligators survive this apex predator? - Kenny Coogan
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Aug 24, 2023
Despite alligators ruling the swamplands of the Everglades for millennia, the last 500 years have brought deadly new predators that challenge their reign. And the origins of these
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Despite alligators ruling the swamplands of the Everglades for millennia, the last 500 years have brought deadly new predators that challenge their reign. And the origins of these international invaders are just as unexpected as their impact on the Everglades. So, what exactly is threatening this biodiverse region? Kenny Coogan explores the unique and precious ecosystem.
Lesson by Kenny Coogan, directed by Doug Alberts, Noodle.
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The one thing stopping jellyfish from taking over - Mariela Pajuelo & Javier Antonio Quinones
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Aug 29, 2023
Over the past two decades, jellyfish have begun to overwhelm our oceans. If things stay on their current trajectory, we could be headed for a future where the entire ocean is thick with
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Over the past two decades, jellyfish have begun to overwhelm our oceans. If things stay on their current trajectory, we could be headed for a future where the entire ocean is thick with jellyfish. So, is there anything that can keep these gelatinous creatures under control? Mariela Pajuelo and Javier Antonio Quinones take a look at the jellyfish’s most ancient predator.
Lesson by Mariela Pajuelo and Javier Antonio Quinones, directed by Sinan Göksel, Emre Kanlıoğlu, Studio Big Box.
Uitzenddatum
Aug 31, 2023
Many people deal with a nail-biting habit at some point in their lives. Some will go to great lengths to try to stop, employing strategies like dipping their hands in salt or wearing
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Many people deal with a nail-biting habit at some point in their lives. Some will go to great lengths to try to stop, employing strategies like dipping their hands in salt or wearing gloves. And while not all of us are nail-biters, most of us do have a habit we’d like to kick. So, what's the best way to break one? Explore how habits are formed, and discover tips on how to manage these behaviors.
Directed by Sacha Beeley.
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This is what happens when you hit the gas - Shannon Odell
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Sep 05, 2023
In 2015, two men drove a Volkswagen across the US on just over 100 gallons of fuel. Their 81-mile-per-gallon performance doubled the car’s estimated fuel rating, and set the record for
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In 2015, two men drove a Volkswagen across the US on just over 100 gallons of fuel. Their 81-mile-per-gallon performance doubled the car’s estimated fuel rating, and set the record for the lowest fuel consumption ride of a diesel car. The duo were experts in techniques that maximize fuel efficiency. So, how did their strategy save fuel? Shannon Odell explores what’s going on beneath a car’s hood.
Lesson by Shannon Odell, directed by Kevin Hermann, AIM Creative Studios.
Uitzenddatum
Sep 07, 2023
Ah, spring. As Demeter, Goddess of the Harvest, it’s your favorite season. Humans and animals look to you to balance the bounty of the natural world which, like any self-respecting
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Ah, spring. As Demeter, Goddess of the Harvest, it’s your favorite season. Humans and animals look to you to balance the bounty of the natural world which, like any self-respecting Goddess, you do with a pair of magical dice. But then, along comes the trickster god Loki, who invades your land and curses your dice. Can you fix the dice and keep the world in perfect harmony? Dan Finkel shows how.
Lesson by Dan Finkel, directed by Igor Coric, Artrake Studio.
Uitzenddatum
Sep 12, 2023
An early bird rises with the sun, springing out of bed abuzz with energy. Meanwhile, a night owl groggily rises much later, not hitting their stride until late in the day. How many
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An early bird rises with the sun, springing out of bed abuzz with energy. Meanwhile, a night owl groggily rises much later, not hitting their stride until late in the day. How many people are truly night owls or early birds? And are our sleep schedules predetermined at birth, or can we change them? Explore how our circadian systems act as internal clocks to keep our bodies functioning properly.
Directed by Avi Ofer.
A special thanks to Jamie M. Zeitzer, Ph.D who provided information and insights for the development of this video.
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What happens when you fall into piranha-infested waters? - Antonio Machado-Allison
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Sep 14, 2023
You’re peering into the Amazon River when, suddenly, you lose your footing and fall. Piranhas dart about in the rapidly approaching water. So, are you doomed? Will your fall trigger a
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You’re peering into the Amazon River when, suddenly, you lose your footing and fall. Piranhas dart about in the rapidly approaching water. So, are you doomed? Will your fall trigger a feeding frenzy that will skeletonize your body within minutes? Antonio Machado-Allison shares what we know about these purportedly ferocious fish.
Lesson by Antonio Machado-Allison, directed by Anton Bogaty.
Uitzenddatum
Sep 19, 2023
In 1915, an exhibition of radical artworks opened in Russia. Many pieces pushed the boundaries of form and style, but one was particularly controversial: Kazimir Malevich’s “Black
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In 1915, an exhibition of radical artworks opened in Russia. Many pieces pushed the boundaries of form and style, but one was particularly controversial: Kazimir Malevich’s “Black Square.” Criticized as simple and uninspired, Malevich’s work is more complicated than it first appears— and may not be a painting of a black square at all. Allison Leigh digs into the art style known as Suprematism.
Lesson by Allison Leigh, directed by Alexia Roider, Zedem Media.
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The best pregnancy test used to be this frog ... no, really - Carly Anne York
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Sep 21, 2023
In the early 20th century, pregnancy testing required a slippery piece of equipment: a female African clawed frog. For decades, hospitals and research labs had a trusted supply of these
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In the early 20th century, pregnancy testing required a slippery piece of equipment: a female African clawed frog. For decades, hospitals and research labs had a trusted supply of these handy creatures, employing their help in testing for pregnancy and in numerous other scientific endeavors. So what makes these frogs so special? Carly Anne York shares the secrets of these remarkable amphibians.
Lesson by Carly Anne York, directed by Yajun Shi.
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Do mosquitos actually bite some people more than others? - Maria Elena De Obaldia
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Sep 26, 2023
Some swear they’re cursed to be hunted by mosquitos while their close-by companions are regularly left unscathed. Are mosquitos really attracted to some people more than others? And if
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Some swear they’re cursed to be hunted by mosquitos while their close-by companions are regularly left unscathed. Are mosquitos really attracted to some people more than others? And if so, is there anything we can do about it? Maria Elena De Obaldia digs into what factors make people tasty targets for these pesky insects.
Lesson by Maria Elena De Obaldia, directed by Anton Bogaty.
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The conspiracy to take down the Inca empire - Gabriel Prieto
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Sep 28, 2023
It’s daybreak in the city of Chan Chan, and former soldier Maxo has been up all night fretting. Last night, a friend stopped by and instructed him to go to the plaza at noon to receive
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It’s daybreak in the city of Chan Chan, and former soldier Maxo has been up all night fretting. Last night, a friend stopped by and instructed him to go to the plaza at noon to receive an important message. But with the recent defeat of their army and the overthrow of the king, answering this mysterious summons will be dangerous. Gabriel Prieto outlines a day in the life of a Chimu warrior.
Lesson by Gabriel Prieto, directed by Qian Shi.
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Ethical dilemma: What makes life worth living? - Douglas MacLean
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Okt 03, 2023
Life on your planet depends entirely on Nuronium for normal cognition. Unfortunately, its source has been compromised and you are now at risk of extinction. Scientists have found an
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Life on your planet depends entirely on Nuronium for normal cognition. Unfortunately, its source has been compromised and you are now at risk of extinction. Scientists have found an alternate energy source, Polixate, but it can’t sustain cognition and would mean the loss of people's creativity. So, what shall it be: extinction or life without culture? Douglas MacLean explores this classic dilemma.
Lesson by Douglas MacLean, directed by Asparuh Petrov, Compote Collective.
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What would happen if everyone stopped eating meat tomorrow? - Carolyn Beans
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Okt 05, 2023
Explore the possibilities and challenges of what a vegetarian world could look like if we all immediately stopped eating meat.
Imagine if a wizard of meatless dining suddenly appeared
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Explore the possibilities and challenges of what a vegetarian world could look like if we all immediately stopped eating meat.
Imagine if a wizard of meatless dining suddenly appeared on Earth and with one wave of a wand wiped away all meat from our shelves— along with any desire to eat it. Farm animals destined for food vanish, whisked away to another planet. What happens in the following days, years, and even millennia? Carolyn Beans explores what a vegetarian world could look like.
Lesson by Carolyn Beans, directed by Mitchelle Tamariz.
Uitzenddatum
Okt 10, 2023
The vast, white surface of Antarctica stretches for over 3 million square kilometers. On the coast of this expanse, just a few meters beneath the ice, lies a remarkably diverse realm
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The vast, white surface of Antarctica stretches for over 3 million square kilometers. On the coast of this expanse, just a few meters beneath the ice, lies a remarkably diverse realm that is home to over 8,000 species of sea denizens who rely on an arsenal of otherworldly traits to survive. So how do these species not only live, but thrive, in such harsh conditions? Nadia Frontier investigates.
Lesson by Nadia Frontier, directed by Sharon Colman.
Uitzenddatum
Okt 12, 2023
A 2006 study took a class of surgical residents and split them into two groups. Each received the same study materials, but one group was told to use specific study methods. When tested
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A 2006 study took a class of surgical residents and split them into two groups. Each received the same study materials, but one group was told to use specific study methods. When tested a month later, this group performed significantly better than the other residents. So, what were these methods? Explore how the brain learns and stores information and how to apply this to your study habits.
Directed by Biljana Labović.
Uitzenddatum
Okt 17, 2023
If you’ve ever looked at the bottom of a disposable bottle or cup, you’ve probably noticed a recycling symbol. Seeing this, many people assume the item should be put in a recycling bin.
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If you’ve ever looked at the bottom of a disposable bottle or cup, you’ve probably noticed a recycling symbol. Seeing this, many people assume the item should be put in a recycling bin. Yet many plastics are incapable of being recycled at most centers. In fact, only 9% is recycled each year. So why are so few plastics recycled? And what do these symbols actually mean? Shannon Odell investigates.
Lesson by Shannon Odell, directed by Yuval Haker, Alon Sivan.
Uitzenddatum
Okt 19, 2023
People often describe failure as a teachable moment— a necessary stumble on our way to improvement. But learning from our mistakes isn’t always easy, especially when those failures are
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People often describe failure as a teachable moment— a necessary stumble on our way to improvement. But learning from our mistakes isn’t always easy, especially when those failures are demoralizing, overwhelming, or just downright confusing. So what prevents us from turning our mistakes into mastery? Explore the biggest obstacles of learning from failure, and how to cultivate a growth mindset.
Directed by Luiz Stockler.
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A tour of the ancient Greek Underworld - Iseult Gillespie
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Okt 24, 2023
Achilles, just slain in the Trojan War, arrives in the Underworld and is greeted by Sibyl of Cumae— a prophetess and also the realm’s local guide. Though it gets a bad rap, Sibyl is
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Achilles, just slain in the Trojan War, arrives in the Underworld and is greeted by Sibyl of Cumae— a prophetess and also the realm’s local guide. Though it gets a bad rap, Sibyl is determined to prove to the newcomer that hell is actually a lovely place to live; bursting with historic charm and eccentric neighbors. Iseult Gillespie takes a tour of the Underworld and its most infamous inhabitants.
Lesson by Iseult Gillespie, directed by Arvind Singh Jeena, Nikhita Prabhudesai Jeena, Totem Creative.
Uitzenddatum
Okt 26, 2023
Stories of werewolves have existed for thousands of years and continue to live on today. They’re especially prominent in European literature and folklore, and often found in cultures
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Stories of werewolves have existed for thousands of years and continue to live on today. They’re especially prominent in European literature and folklore, and often found in cultures where the wolf is the largest natural predator. Over the years its image has continuously evolved, often reflecting the fears and prejudices of that time. Craig Thomson traces the history of werewolves.
Lesson by Craig Thomson, directed by Avi Ofer.
Uitzenddatum
Okt 31, 2023
Oiwa’s only hope for ending her marriage to the cruel and dishonorable samurai, Iemon, was her father. But after he tried to end the union, Iemon murdered him in cold blood. With plans
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Oiwa’s only hope for ending her marriage to the cruel and dishonorable samurai, Iemon, was her father. But after he tried to end the union, Iemon murdered him in cold blood. With plans to marry another, Iemon conspired to poison his wife and left her for dead. But unfortunately for Iemon, it wouldn’t be the last of Oiwa. Kit Brooks shares the chilling tale of Oiwa’s ghostly revenge.
Lesson by Kit Brooks, directed by Adriana Monteforte Lahera.
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What really caused the Irish Potato Famine - Stephanie Honchell Smith
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Nov 02, 2023
For over 200 years, potatoes thrived in Ireland; roughly half the country’s residents lived almost entirely on potatoes. But when harvesting began in 1845, farmers found their potatoes
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For over 200 years, potatoes thrived in Ireland; roughly half the country’s residents lived almost entirely on potatoes. But when harvesting began in 1845, farmers found their potatoes blackened and shriveled. While this failed harvest created a crisis, the government’s response turned it into a national catastrophe. Stephanie Honchell Smith digs into Ireland's Great Famine.
Lesson by Stephanie Honchell Smith, directed by Denys Spolitak.
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Can you solve the secret assassin society riddle? - Alex Rosenthal
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Nov 07, 2023
Your agent has infiltrated a life or death poker game in a hidden back room of a grand casino. Your team is on the trail of an elite society of assassins, each of whom carries a
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Your agent has infiltrated a life or death poker game in a hidden back room of a grand casino. Your team is on the trail of an elite society of assassins, each of whom carries a signature playing card corresponding to their role— everyone at the table is either an assassin or a potential victim. Can you identify the assassins and save the victims? Alex Rosenthal shows how.
Lesson by Alex Rosenthal, directed by Igor Coric, Artake Studio.
2023x90
Sherlock Holmes and the case of the Red-Headed League - Alex Rosenthal
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Nov 09, 2023
One day in the fall, you called upon your friend, Sherlock Holmes, and found him in conversation with Jabez Wilson. Wilson had been working for the mysterious League of Red-Headed Men.
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One day in the fall, you called upon your friend, Sherlock Holmes, and found him in conversation with Jabez Wilson. Wilson had been working for the mysterious League of Red-Headed Men. Today, he arrived at work to find the group had disappeared, and now turns to Holmes to make sense of the events. Follow the detective and see if you can solve this adaptation of one of Sherlock’s most famous cases.
Lesson by Alex Rosenthal, directed by Skirmanta Jakaitė, Art Shot.
2023x91
What really killed the dinosaurs? (It wasn’t just the asteroid) - Sean P. S. Gulick
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Nov 14, 2023
Sixty-six million years ago, near what’s now the Yucatán Peninsula, a juvenile sauropod feasted on horsetail plants on a riverbank. Earth was a tropical planet. Behemoth and tiny
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Sixty-six million years ago, near what’s now the Yucatán Peninsula, a juvenile sauropod feasted on horsetail plants on a riverbank. Earth was a tropical planet. Behemoth and tiny dinosaurs alike soared its skies and roamed its lands while reptiles and tentacled ammonites swept its seas. But, in an instant, everything would change. Sean P. S. Gulick details one of Earth's most devastating periods.
Lesson by Sean P. S. Gulick, directed by Jeff Le Bars, JetPropulsion.space
2023x92
The gory history of barber surgeons - Stephanie Honchell Smith
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Nov 16, 2023
It’s a cold morning in 15th century France and you’re off to the barber for a shave and haircut. You hear the familiar sound of singing inside and eye a bowl of blood in the window. You
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It’s a cold morning in 15th century France and you’re off to the barber for a shave and haircut. You hear the familiar sound of singing inside and eye a bowl of blood in the window. You grab a cup of ale and examine the array of teeth strung from the walls. Suddenly, a scream sounds from one of the chairs. What's going on? Stephanie Honchell Smith shares the surprising history of barber-surgeons.
Lesson by Stephanie Honchell Smith, directed by Arvind Singh Jeena, Anantha Krishnan, Totem Creative.
2023x93
Something weird is happening in our galaxy - Ashkbiz Danehkar
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Nov 20, 2023
In 2010, NASA announced the discovery of a never-before-seen galactic object: two gigantic gaseous bubbles, each emanating an impressive 25,000 light years from the center of the Milky
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In 2010, NASA announced the discovery of a never-before-seen galactic object: two gigantic gaseous bubbles, each emanating an impressive 25,000 light years from the center of the Milky Way. Astronomers were perplexed: what created these structures? And could this mean that the black hole at the center of our galaxy was waking up? Ashkbiz Danehkar explores the possible origins of the Fermi bubbles.
Lesson by Ashkbiz Danehkar, directed by Igor Coric, Artrake Studio.
2023x94
Why did the US try to kill all the bison? - Andrew C. Isenberg
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Nov 21, 2023
By the mid-1700s, many Plains nations survived on North America’s largest land mammals: bison. They ate its meat, made the hides into winter coats and blankets, and used the bones and
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By the mid-1700s, many Plains nations survived on North America’s largest land mammals: bison. They ate its meat, made the hides into winter coats and blankets, and used the bones and horns for tools. But in the following decades, millions of bison would be deliberately slaughtered, threatening the survival of Plains societies. Andrew C. Isenberg shares what led to the animal's near-extinction.
Lesson by Andrew C. Isenberg, directed by Rémi Cans, Atypicalist.
2023x95
The diseases that changed humanity forever - Dan Kwartler
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Nov 28, 2023
Since humanity’s earliest days, we’ve been plagued by countless disease-causing pathogens. Invisible and persistent, these microorganisms and the illnesses they incur have killed more
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Since humanity’s earliest days, we’ve been plagued by countless disease-causing pathogens. Invisible and persistent, these microorganisms and the illnesses they incur have killed more humans than anything else in history. But which disease has been the deadliest? Dan Kwartler digs into how human progress and innovation throughout history exposed us to surprising new maladies.
Lesson by Dan Kwartler, directed by BASA.
Uitzenddatum
Nov 30, 2023
Everything our bodies do— whether physical or mental— uses energy. Studies have found that many individuals seem to have a daily threshold for making decisions, and an extended period
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Everything our bodies do— whether physical or mental— uses energy. Studies have found that many individuals seem to have a daily threshold for making decisions, and an extended period of decision-making can lead to cognitive exhaustion. So, what kinds of choices lead us to this state, and what can we do to fight fatigue? Explore the psychology of decision fatigue and ways you can avoid fatigue.
Directed by Jolene Tan.
2023x97
How did South African Apartheid happen, and how did it finally end? - Thula Simpson
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Dec 05, 2023
For 46 years, South Africans lived under Apartheid, a strict policy of segregation that barred the country’s Black majority from skilled, high-paying jobs, quality education, voting, and
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For 46 years, South Africans lived under Apartheid, a strict policy of segregation that barred the country’s Black majority from skilled, high-paying jobs, quality education, voting, and much more. So, how did these laws come to be? And how did this era of institutionalized discrimination finally come to an end? Thula Simpson explores how colonization led to the national trauma of Apartheid.
Lesson by Thula Simpson, directed by Aya Marzouk, Giraffics.
2023x98
The rights you might not realize you have - Shannon Odell
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Dec 07, 2023
Since 2015, an unprecedented movement has been sweeping courts around the world. Groups of young plaintiffs are suing their governments for their inaction on tackling climate change.
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Since 2015, an unprecedented movement has been sweeping courts around the world. Groups of young plaintiffs are suing their governments for their inaction on tackling climate change. These suits argue that climate inaction violates their basic human rights. But what do human rights have to do with the environment? Shannon Odell examines our right to a healthy environment, food, health, and water.
Lesson by Shannon Odell, directed by Lorenzo Mercanti, AIM Creative Studios.
2023x99
The largest river on Earth is actually in the sky - Iseult Gillespie
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Dec 12, 2023
The largest rainforest in the world, the Amazon, exists between two rivers — but not in the way you might think. At ground level, the Amazon River and its tributaries weave their path.
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The largest rainforest in the world, the Amazon, exists between two rivers — but not in the way you might think. At ground level, the Amazon River and its tributaries weave their path. But above the canopy, bigger waterways are on the move. These flying rivers are almost invisible, but are essential to life on Earth. Iseult Gillespie explores how this crucial system keeps the rainforest alive.
Lesson by Iseult Gillespie, directed by Upamanyu Bhattacharyya, Otter Studios.
2023x100
What the biggest brain on Earth can do - David Gruber and Shane Gero
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Dec 14, 2023
Soon after whaling ships began operating in the North Pacific, an interesting trend emerged. Within just a few years, whalers saw a 58% drop in their successful strikes. Sperm whales had
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Soon after whaling ships began operating in the North Pacific, an interesting trend emerged. Within just a few years, whalers saw a 58% drop in their successful strikes. Sperm whales had suddenly become harder to kill— they had begun fleeing the boats instead of forming their usual defensive circles. Were whales communicating new strategies to each other? David Gruber and Shane Gero investigate.
Lesson by David Gruber and Shane Gero, directed by Anna Benner.
2023x101
Does planting trees actually cool the planet? - Carolyn Beans
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Dec 19, 2023
In fighting climate change, few solutions are discussed more than planting lots and lots of trees. It sounds simple enough: trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, so planting more should
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In fighting climate change, few solutions are discussed more than planting lots and lots of trees. It sounds simple enough: trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, so planting more should help eliminate greenhouse gasses. The trouble is, tree planting efforts don’t always work as planned. So, when is it bad to plant trees? Carolyn Beans explores strategies to successfully re-green the planet.
Lesson by Carolyn Beans, directed by Ivana Bošnjak, Thomas Johnson Volda.
2023x102
Seizoensfinale
The science of laughter - Sasha Winkler
Episode overview
Uitzenddatum
Dec 21, 2023
Isn’t it odd that, when something’s funny, you might show your teeth, change your breathing, become weak and achy in some places, and maybe even cry? In other words, why do we do this
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Isn’t it odd that, when something’s funny, you might show your teeth, change your breathing, become weak and achy in some places, and maybe even cry? In other words, why do we do this bizarre thing that is laughter? Since there’s no archaeological record of laughter, it’s impossible to say exactly how and why it evolved, but scientists have some theories. Sasha Winkler digs into the reflex.
Lesson by Sasha Winkler, directed by Hanna Rybak.
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