The path of science is often a slow one, taking years of research and effort to bring ideas to life. Every once in a while, luck strikes and something new is suddenly born. And you won’t believe it, but some of the most important inventions in history were actually discovered by mistake.
A day in the life of a stealth bomber pilot
You’ve probably heard of the U.S. fleet of stealth bombers and their reputation as some of the most feared airplanes in the sky. As tools of destruction, they’ve been striking fear into our enemies for years. Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a pilot of one of these beasts? It takes a lot more than just guts.
Does this Leonardo da Vinci invention actually work?
Leonardo da Vinci didn’t just create iconic artwork like the Mona Lisa and the Vitruvian Man. He was also a brilliant inventor, constantly sketching his wildest ideas in his notebooks. From a helicopter to a sound recorder, his sketches are nothing short of impressive. But imagine if someone brought one of those sketches to life today. Would it work?
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Why scientists are creating liquid robots
Robots assemble cars, fly planes and build tiny, complex machinery. But anything too small is tough because robots can only get so tiny. That’s why scientists are developing liquid robots made of liquid metal, capable of fitting anywhere. You won’t believe how this cutting-edge technology works.
Stealing baseball signs using machine learning
Baseball may seem like a maze of statistics and numbers, but one tradition remains a mystery — the hand signals a third base coach uses to indicate a steal. Imagine if a simple app could predict the runner’s next move. That’s exactly what one computer engineer tried to do.
The science of fun
The joy we experience when we’re having a blast is phenomenal! Our brains release a multitude of chemicals that make us want to repeat the fun activity over and over again. We’re not the only creatures who engage in play just for fun, either.
How trees control the weather
There’s nothing quite like the smell of the trees while you’re walking through the forest. The compounds that make up that smell do more than just smell good. Those molecules actually aid in the creation of clouds and play a huge role in weather patterns around the world. But how?
The history and insane engineering of modern submarines
When you think of powerful military weapons, you probably think of an aircraft carrier or a nuclear weapon. Don’t forget about the modern submarine, which is truly the behemoth of modern military strategy. The power behind these silent titans will blow your mind.
Recreating gecko skin for robots
Geckos can climb walls and hang from ceilings with ease. They do this without using any adhesive or fine hair, instead relying on their incredibly complex feet. These little creatures can grip flat surfaces and even support their entire bodies with only one toe. What if scientists could recreate these feet for use in robotics?
Controlling lightning using lasers
Humans have been using lightning rods to protect buildings and people from the devastating power of lightning for hundreds of years. But we still can’t defend things like airplanes and boats. Scientists are now trying a new technology to guide lightning to a safe place — and even to trigger lighting at will.
How they de-aged Harrison Ford for 'Indiana Jones' 5
The trailer for “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” is out and it’s turning a lot of heads. There are short glimpses of a young Harrison Ford, and it’s not archival footage. It’s actually a whole new CGI technology created just for this movie. But how does it work?
How trail designers build good hikes
When you go on a hike, the trail might seem like something organic — like it’s always been there and no one person planned how it would look. The reality is that creating hiking trails takes an entire team of planners and builders. And if they do their jobs right, it will feel like they were never there.
The future of particle accelerators
Particle accelerators have been in the news a lot in the last few years. The most famous one is the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. In this video, take a science deep dive into how particle accelerators will advance in the coming years and how that will play a role in the larger world of science.
How Spotify determines your personal music taste
Spotify is one of the world’s largest music streaming services with almost a quarter billion active users. And if you have ever used Spotify, you know it is impressive how well the app can get to know your music preferences. How does this software work? Through extremely complex math, of course.
Why do we find things cute?
Why do we find certain animals and other things adorable? There’s a complex science behind cuteness and how it affects our behavior and emotion. From baby animals to round, chubby faces, uncovering the evolutionary and psychological reasons why we find certain things cute is astounding.
Using Rubik's Cubes to create stunning art
Meet 16-year-old Daniella Chaim, a talented artist who uses Rubik’s Cubes to create incredible works of art. From portraits to abstract designs, Daniella’s unique approach to art is impressive and inspiring.
The strongest magnets ever made by humans
Magnets can lift heavy objects and create strong electrical fields. They are truly a marvel of modern science and technology. But how strong can they get? Get ready to be amazed by the strength and capabilities of the strongest magnets humans have ever made.
The rise and fall of Circuit City
Circuit City, the once-dominant electronics retailer, really struggled to keep up with the rapid changes in the industry. From its humble beginnings in the 1950s to its eventual bankruptcy in the late 2000s, this is the story of Circuit City’s decline and fall.
How Switzerland became a giant bunker
Switzerland has long been known as a neutral country. They stayed out of World War II and the Cold War. But how did they remain protected, especially when Axis powers surrounded them? It turns out they just kept digging.