Why do we cry? The three types of tears
AdultsBiologyHumanScience...Whether we cry during a sad movie, while chopping onions, or completely involuntarily, our eyes are constantly producing tears. Alex Gendler tracks a particularly watery day in the life of Iris (the iris) as she cycles through basal, reflex and emotional tears.
Dead stuff: The secret ingredient in our food chain
AdultsEcologyFoodScience...When you picture the lowest levels of the food chain, you might imagine herbivores happily munching on lush, living green plants. But this idyllic image leaves out a huge (and slightly less appetizing) source of nourishment: dead stuff. John C. Moore details the "brown food chain," explaining how such unlikely delicacies as pond scum and animal poop contribute enormous amounts of energy to our ecosystems.
How Wolves Change Rivers
AdultsAnimalsEnvironmentNature...When wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in the United States after being absent nearly 70 years, the most remarkable "trophic cascade" occurred. What is a trophic cascade and how exactly do wolves change rivers? George Monbiot explains in this movie remix.
The mystery of motion sickness
AdultsHealthScienceBiologyAlthough one third of the population suffers from motion sickness, scientists aren't exactly sure what causes it. Like the common cold, it's a seemingly simple problem that's still without a cure. And if you think it's bad on a long family car ride, imagine being a motion sick astronaut! Rose Eveleth explains what's happening in our bodies when we get the car sick blues.
How sugar affects the brain
AdultsBiologyHealthHuman...When you eat something loaded with sugar, your taste buds, your gut and your brain all take notice. This activation of your reward system is not unlike how bodies process addictive substances such as alcohol or nicotine -- an overload of sugar spikes dopamine levels and leaves you craving more. Nicole Avena explains why sweets and treats should be enjoyed in moderation.
The Invisible Universe Of The Human Microbiome
AdultsBiologyHumanScience...The next time you look in a mirror, think about this: In many ways you're more microbe than human. There are 10 times more cells from microorganisms like bacteria and fungi in and on our bodies than there are human cells. But these tiny compatriots are invisible to the naked eye. So we asked artist Ben Arthur to give us a guided tour of the rich universe of the human microbiome.
How we found the giant squid
AdultsAnimalsWorldEnvironment...Humankind has been looking for the giant squid (Architeuthis) since we first started taking pictures underwater. But the elusive deep-sea predator could never be caught on film. Oceanographer and inventor Edith Widder shares the key insight that helped to capture the squid on camera for the first time.
Sleeping hummingbird "snores" in Peru
AdultsAnimalsEnvironmentNature...A female Amethyst-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus amethysticollis) sleeps in Peru.
Explore the Galapagos' biodiversity with Street View
AdultsTravelWorldNature...This week marks the 178th anniversary of Darwin's first exploration of the Galapagos Islands. This volcanic archipelago is one of the most biodiverse and unique places on the planet, with species that have remarkably adapted to their environment. Through observing the animals, Darwin made key insights that informed his theory of evolution. Here's a short documentary that captures the 10-day expedition: More info
Giant Ant Hill Excavated
AdultsAnimalsEnvironmentNature...A giant ant colony is pumped full of concrete, then excavated to reveal the complexity of its inner structure.
Nature's 3D Printer: MIND BLOWING Cocoon in Rainforest
AdultsAnimalsNaturePhotography...What is your theory about why there are holes in the cocoon?
Fish With Transparent Head Filmed
AdultsAnimalsNatureBiology...For the first time, a large Pacific barreleye fish - complete with transparent head - has been caught on film by scientists using remotely operated vehicles at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. The deep-sea fish's tubular eyes pivot under a clear dome.
What is fat? - George Zaidan
AdultsBiologyHealthScience...As the narrative goes, fat is bad. Well, it's actually more nuanced than that. The type of fat you eat is more impactful on your health than the quantity. George Zaidan examines triglycerides, the varied molecules that make up fat, and how to identify which types of fat you are consuming.
Amazing Avian Evolution
AdultsAnimalsNaturePhotography...All 39 species of New Guinea's spectacular birds of paradise have now been captured on film by renowned photographer Tim Laman and ornithologist Ed Scholes.