How tap dancing was made in America
Adults Culture History MusicTap dancing originated in America. It's a mix of several dance styles-Irish jigging, British clogging, and the percussive steps from African dance. Tap dancing can be traced back to Five Points, now known as Chinatown in New York city. Tap dance also has its roots in minstrel shows, where it was viewed as American comedy. In the 70s, tap dancing legends, Jane Goldberg and Brenda Bufalino took tap from the bright show tune lights of Broadway back to a place of self expression.
The history of tea - Shunan Teng
Adults Culture Food HistoryTea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water -- and from sugary Turkish Rize tea to salty Tibetan butter tea, there are almost as many ways of preparing the beverage as there are cultures on the globe. Where did this beverage originate, and how did it become so popular? Shunan Teng details tea's long history. Lesson by Shunan Teng, animation by Steff Lee.
A psychologist debunks the claim that fidget spinners help kids focus
Adults Gadgets PsychologyFidget spinners are everywhere these days. You can buy them on any street corner for a few dollars, and both kids and adults are obsessed with them. The companies that make these hot new gadgets claim they help relieve stress and anxiety and can help kids with ADHD focus. David Anderson, PhD, a clinical psychologist from the Child Mind Institute, shares his thoughts on spinners.
A brief history of goths - Dan Adams
Adults Culture History MusicWhat do fans of atmospheric post-punk music have in common with ancient barbarians? Not much ... so why are both known as "goths"? Is it a weird coincidence - or is there a deeper connection stretching across the centuries? Dan Adams investigates. Lesson by Dan Adams, animation by Globizco.
History's deadliest colors - J. V. Maranto
Adults History ScienceWhen radium was first discovered, its luminous green color inspired people to add it into beauty products and jewelry. It wasn't until much later that we realized that radium's harmful effects outweighed its visual benefits. Unfortunately, radium isn't the only pigment that historically seemed harmless or useful but turned out to be deadly. J. V. Maranto details history's deadliest colors. Lesson by J. V. Maranto, animation by Juan M. Urbina.
Storing the Sun's Energy in Liquid Could Change Solar Forever
Adults Global Warming TechnologyResearchers have just found two new ways to make solar power more efficient. Could this solve our energy crisis?
How does money laundering work? - Delena D. Spann
Adults Business EconomyMoney laundering is the term for any process that "cleans" illegally obtained funds of their "dirty" criminal origins, allowing them to be used within the legal economy. And the practice is about as old as money itself. But how does it actually work? Delena D. Spann describes the ins and outs of money laundering. Lesson by Delena D. Spann, animation by Juan M. Urbina.
Gaming Through New Eyes - Award Winning Short Documentary
Adults Disability GamingThis is a short documentary about Toby Ott, a man who was born with Bilateral Anopthalmia, or in other words, without eyes. This didn't stop him from discovering the medium of video games, and his childhood interest grew into a lifelong passion. This is a whole new perspective on video games, from the imagination of someone who has never known what it is to have sight.
When a River Goes Missing, It's Kind of a Big Deal...
Adults Ecology Global Warming NatureHow does a river suddenly disappear? It gets stolen! How do you steal a river? With climate change!
Binging with Babish: Bob's Burgers
Adults Creativity FoodRestaurant chalkboards have become the artistic outlet of choice for coffee shops and pubs, but more than anyone, for the titular character of Bob's Burgers. Can a play on words make for a great burger, or will Bob's punny patties fall flat? Only thyme will tell.
We Found Another State of Matter: The Supersolid!
Adults Science TechnologyScientists have created, yet another state of matter called a supersolid! But what is it, and what does it do?
Flying Above The Clouds In A Hot Air Balloon
Adults Culture Transportation TravelThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon event in the world. For 9 days, it brings together pilots and guests from all over the world to witness a one of a kind experience. Seeker takes you to the festival to witness this beautiful event, and to envision what it's like to ride above New Mexico in a Hot Air Balloon.
9-Year-Old Piano Prodigy | Ryan Wang // 60 Second Docs
Adults Creativity Culture MusicRyan Wang is a typical 9-year-old boy, with one extreme exception -- he's a world-famous classical piano prodigy. In 2013, when he was just five years old, he performed at Carnegie Hall, and has since made appearances on The Ellen Show and with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. And through it all, Ryan remains a normal kid who loves life offstage, too.
A neuroscientist explains how exercise can make you smarter
Adults Health NeuroscienceDr. Wendy A. Suzuki is a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology in the Center for Neural Science at NYU and the the author of "Healthy Brain, Happy Life." Here, she explains the positive effects of exercising to the brain.
Food waste is the world's dumbest problem
Adults Food Global WarmingEat your peas! It's the easiest way to fight climate change.
Japan's robot volleyball team
Adults Sports TechnologyOne thing stands between Japan and the Volleyball World Cup: a team of robot jocks.
How does your body process medicine?
Adults Health Human ScienceHave you ever wondered what happens to a painkiller, like ibuprofen, after you swallow it? Medicine that slides down your throat can help treat a headache, a sore back, or a throbbing sprained ankle. But how does it get where it needs to go in the first place?
This incredible animation shows how deep the ocean really is
Adults Animals NatureJust how deep does the ocean go? Way further than you think. This animation puts the actual distance into perspective, showing a vast distance between the waves we see and the mysterious point we call Challenger Deep.