How languages evolve - Alex Gendler
Adults HistoryOver the course of human history, thousands of languages have developed from what was once a much smaller number. How did we end up with so many? And how do we keep track of them all? Alex Gendler explains how linguists group languages into language families, demonstrating how these linguistic trees give us crucial insights into the past.
The hidden meanings of yin and yang
Adults HistoryThe ubiquitous yin-yang symbol holds its roots in Taoism/Daoism, a Chinese religion and philosophy. The yin, the dark swirl, is associated with shadows, femininity, and the trough of a wave; the yang, the light swirl, represents brightness, passion and growth. John Bellaimey explains why we all contain the spirit of yin and of yang -- and how we can achieve a balance of both in our lives.
Myths and misconceptions about evolution
Adults HistoryHow does evolution really work? Actually, not how some of our common evolutionary metaphors would have us believe. For instance, it's species, not individual organisms, that adapt to produce evolution, and genes don't "want" to be passed on -- a gene can't want anything at all! Alex Gendler sets the record straight on the finer points of evolution.
Vsauce Breaks Down The Problems Of Naming Everything In Our World
Adults HistoryA misnomer is a word or term that suggests a meaning that is known to be wrong. Misnomers often arise because the thing named received its name long before its true nature was known. A misnomer may also be simply a word that is used incorrectly or misleadingly.
A brief history of melancholy
Adults HistoryIf you are a living, breathing human being, chances are you have felt sad at least a few times in your life. But what exactly is melancholy, and what (if anything) should we do about it? Courtney Stephens details our still-evolving understanding of sadness -- and even makes a case for its usefulness.
Highest Resolution Machu Picchu Picture Ever Taken
Adults HistoryHave you ever made a panorama? Cool! But, have you ever made a panorama consisting of 1920 photos??? No! Check out this little behind the scenes video for such a panorama in one of the most iconic places on earth - Machu Picchu in Peru. As you will see, you're not going to take this one hand-held, and there is a bit of paper work to be done you go there. Travel through the final photo here