Playlist
Explores the idea that the oceans, especially salt-marshes, sea-grasses and mangroves, can absorb more carbon than trees.
Startups are using AI to create avatars that allow relatives to talk with their loved ones after they have died. An exploration of a profound human desire and the consequences of turning the dream of immortality into a product.
"I wanted to see if he was okay," explains Christi, one of the users of Project December. With this innovative software, users can communicate with a virtual version of the deceased through a chatbot that simulates the dead person's conversation patterns. Hers was an attempt to check on her first love. Others may simply miss someone, seek permission to move on, or want to rid themselves of guilt.
Little is known about the effects that this kind of generative AI might have on our brains, hearts, and wallets. The filmmakers, Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck (The Cleaners, 2018 Sundance Film Festival), do not claim to have the answers, but instead bring up various emotional and moral complexities we should be aware of. Eternal You poses important questions about algorithmic immortality, and the need to take a closer look at our future "digital remains."—AT
Take a birds-eye-view journey into the world of the migratory shorebird. The world's greatest endurance athletes fly up to 9 days non-stop, and they need your help. Come along and hear the message from the birds
With Björk as narrator and in IMAX 3D, we are taken on a fascinating journey of discovery into the world of fungi, which may hold new solutions to our biggest problems.
Led by star scientist Eske Willerslev, a team of researchers are sequencing DNA from before the Ice Age for the first time in history. A project that could revolutionise our understanding of the history of life itself.
At the age of six, Emily Whitehead was diagnosed with leukemia and the lives of her and her parents were suddenly thrust into uncertainty. Through bracingly honest interviews and home videos, Of Medicine and Miracles details her family's experience bouncing from hospital to hospital, trying to stay hopeful amidst hopelessness, and their fateful correspondence with a doctor whose research could hold the key to her survival. But time is of the essence.
A stunning feat of non-fiction filmmaking, Of Medicine and Miracles applies an acutely personal perspective to a highly publicized case, allowing Emily's parents to speak candidly about the American healthcare system, experimental cancer treatments, and their overwhelming love for their daughter. Academy Award winner Ross Kauffman's new documentary is a tear-jerking, heart-racing record of medical history that honors its subjects and their trauma while empowering future generations to attempt the impossible.
Besieged by drought, bushfires and ecological despair, in the soil beneath her feet and begins a journey of discovery to regenerate the land on her farm
Anthony Morgan shines a light where the sun doesn't usually shine. Why we have butts, how they evolved and how to keep yours healthy.
Fun science for all audiences. "Órbita Laika" has been exploring the magic of science for ten seasons, featuring a variety of topics and all kinds of interesting facts from experts who help viewers understand their environment and open their minds to new experiences and knowledge.
Let's Find Out – Protecting Planet Earth! is a children's science television program produced by RTÉjr in Ireland. The show features Captain Zoom, Amy, and Mark as they explore various ways to protect our planet. Through engaging experiments, visits to eco-friendly locations, and interactive quizzes, the program educates young viewers on environmental conservation and sustainability. Each episode includes segments where children conduct experiments to demonstrate scientific concepts related to Earth's protection.
Communication with possible extraterrestrial civilizations is part of the collective imagination. Is there intelligent life outside of Earth and does it feel like chatting? We'll find out by sending a message to a specific planet.
"Reading," often taken for granted as a natural ability, is not something everyone can effortlessly do. The human history of reading goes back just 6,000 years. Reading is not an innate ability, and 6,000 years is an extremely short time for the abilities associated with reading to evolve. So how do humans read? How are you reading this text right now? We explore the secrets of reading from the perspectives of neuroscience and cognitive science, with the collaboration of various scholars, both domestic and international, as well as science communicators.
The moment our gaze falls on the characters, our brain engages in the magnificent task of "reading." Reading is a highly sophisticated cognitive process that requires almost all areas of the brain to activate and collaborate smoothly. A special region in the left hemisphere of the brain, located at the boundary of the occipital and temporal lobes, plays a crucial role in this amazing journey, responding exclusively to "characters," not images or objects. Let's open the box of characters inside the brain, the first clue to decipher the secret of reading.
The desire to obtain more information faster is insatiable. If there were apps to help us read faster, many might consider trying them. However, there are limits to how fast we can read. Our eyes accept and process information through "saccades" and "fixations." What differences in the quality of information might there be based on reading speed? Through experiments analyzing reading methods and comprehension based on reading speed, utilizing eye movement tracking techniques with the cognitive neurolinguistics research team, we seek answers.
When we read, we unconsciously convert characters into speech. Although this process occurs as naturally as breathing, phonemic awareness significantly influences reading. Difficulty in the phenomenon of "vocalization" can lead to reading challenges. By examining cases of dyslexic children in the United States and Korea, we can understand the importance of vocalization.
An "adult who knows little about baseball" and a "children's baseball team" engage in an extraordinary match. Through a reproduction experiment based on reading, which team do you think will win? Let's confirm through psychological experiments how background knowledge influences literacy. Reading is not just about recognizing and deciphering characters. It is completed when one thoroughly understands and comprehends the meaning and intent of the text, utilizing one's background knowledge and worldly knowledge.
In the premiere episode "Gatecrasher" of Wildlifers!, teenage documentary filmmakers Su and Pharrell venture into Kakadu National Park in Australia's Northern Territory. Amidst the vibrant ecosystem, they encounter frilled-neck lizards, aquatic creatures, and fruit bats. Their humorous and insightful interactions provide a unique lens into the natural world, blending wildlife exploration with teenage perspectives.
Exploring one of nature's most magical creatures, the cuttlefish. Discover how they use their colour changing and shape shifting abilities to survive and thrive in the open ocean.
A steep and rocky gorge isn't an easy place in which to grow up. These kestrel fledglings still rely on their parents, but soon they will have to learn what it means to be a true kestrel: not fighting the wind, but becoming one with it.
Behind an astronomer, there is a philosophy of life influenced by the secrets of the universe. Exploring the facilities of the Llano del Hato National Astronomical Observatory, we discover the human point of view of the scientists and employees who are dedicated to study the infinity of space.
More Than Meets the Eye: Octopus is a 7-minute short documentary directed by Autumn Rodgers. The film delves into the fascinating world of octopuses, highlighting their unique behaviors, intelligence, and adaptability. Through captivating visuals and insightful narration, the documentary aims to shed light on the complexities of these marine creatures, emphasizing that there is much more to them than meets the eye.
Ocean Sentinels is a 12-minute Australian short documentary directed by Ilana Jean Wolchinsky. The film explores the intersection of art and marine conservation through the lens of the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) and its captivating underwater sculptures. These sculptures, designed to promote coral growth and raise awareness about reef protection, serve as a testament to the innovative approaches being employed to safeguard marine ecosystems.
In 1925 a young physicist glimpsed the seed of this science, now known as quantum mechanics, on Helgoland island, and the world has never been the same. True Places Never Are follows three journeys into the unknown as they all converge on one lonely corner of the planet. Everyone comes to Helgoland to find something. What are you looking for?
Year after year, Pakistan is hit by devastating floods. The Living Indus Initiative wants to change that – by restoring 25 million hectares of the country's most important river. Watch how the river – a cradle of civilizations – turns into a beacon of hope for the future.
Aquanauts Under the Volcano is a 14-minute Spanish documentary produced by the National University of Distance Education (UNED). The film explores the Túnel de la Atlántida, the world's largest submerged volcanic lava tube located on Lanzarote Island in the Canary Islands. Through scientific exploration and underwater cinematography, the documentary highlights the geological significance and unique ecosystem of this underwater marvel.
When Darwin crafted his seminal theory, Victorian patriarchy subtly colored his view of nature, resulting in the marginalization of the female role. Why has it taken science 150 years to address this lingering Victorian influence?
The Galápagos archipelago is a remote chain of islands out in the Pacific Ocean and home to a unique flora and fauna, which has evolved over millions of years in isolation. Nature documentaries mostly show scenes of untouched natural ecosystems and emblematic animal species like the Galápagos giant tortoise. But often such documentaries do not mention the fact that nowadays over 30.000 people live permanently on the islands and that the number of tourists has increased exponentially reaching 268.000 in 2022. These developments entail severe problems for the sensitive ecosystems. Introduced plant and animal species represent an existential threat to native species. For example, the invasive blackberry has overgrown more than 30.000 hectares of native forest. Presently, invasive species are combated with pesticides, which could also affect native organisms. The film explores alternative strategies that are needed to preserve this unique natural paradise. This film accompanies scientists from the BOKU University who, in cooperation with the Galápagos National Park Authority, investigate the soils and land use of the archipelago. The scientists collect soil, plant and water samples from hardly accessible, remote locations. The results of their analyses allow the formulation of sustainable strategies and methods to effectively protect this nature paradise.
Plastic Swamp is a 25-minute documentary produced by Universidad CES in Colombia. The film explores the pervasive issue of plastic pollution in wetland ecosystems, highlighting the environmental impact of plastic waste accumulation in swamps and marshlands. Through compelling visuals and expert interviews, it emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable waste management practices to protect these vital habitats.
A young fossil hunter makes a groundbreaking discovery, challenging the worldview of 19th century England.
More on the film at https://www.seadragonfilm.com/
The Easiest Thing Nature Does is a short documentary produced by FuseNet, the European Fusion Education Network. The film offers an accessible introduction to nuclear fusion energy, exploring the scientific principles, challenges, and potential of harnessing fusion as a clean and virtually limitless energy source. Through interviews with fusion scientists and compelling visuals, the documentary aims to inspire and educate viewers about the quest for fusion energy.
Does TikTok protect underage users? RTVE's Innovation Lab has created four fake accounts for children under 13, the minimum age to register on the app, and has found evidence that TikTok doesn't filter content by age. This is one of the concerns of the European Commission, which has opened a formal investigation to verify that the social network complies with the Digital Services Act. The TikToktives docuseries shows the harmful content to which minors are exposed, discusses the app's highly addictive design, and compares it to its twin sister, Douyin, the version available in China.
Aviation is one of the most polluting and environmentally unregulated industries. Do you think buying cheap carbon credits can offset the climate impact of your flight? Carbon Market Watch has the answer and they gave us the opportunity to represent it visually.
Mother Nature in the Boardroom is a 5-minute short film produced by the Sea Change Project. Narrated by Craig Foster and featuring the voice of Dr. Jane Goodall as Mother Nature, the film imagines what it would be like if nature had a seat at the corporate decision-making table. Premiered during Climate Week NYC in 2024, the film emphasizes the urgent need for decision-makers to prioritize biodiversity and sustainability in economic discussions.
In this short animated film, we explore the fascinating world of neuroplasticity – our brain's incredible ability to adapt and change throughout our lives. Think of your brain as a complex electrical system, with countless wires connecting thoughts, emotions and actions. When we consistently practice positive thoughts and behaviours, our brains form constructive 'brain habits', but negative patterns can reinforce harmful connections. The exciting part is that we have the power to rewire our brains. Embrace neuroplasticity and unlock your brain's extraordinary potential for a brighter future.
This animated short summarizes the findings of a research paper published in Science in 2021 titled "Extinction at the end-Cretaceous and the origin of modern Neotropical rainforests". Using mixed media, it illustrates how 66 million years ago the impact of the asteroid that fell on Chicxulub caused a global ecological catastrophe that ended the age of the dinosaurs, and also gave rise to modern tropical rainforests. Before the great extinction, tropical forests contained a wide variety of ferns, conifers, and flowering plants that grew to form open canopies and harbored very specific insects. However, these forests were replaced by new rainforests dominated by flowering plants that grew to form dense, closed canopies where insects fed indiscriminately on all available plants. After the asteroid, these new rainforests resemble those living today in tropical latitudes and indicate that the late Cretaceous extinction was essential in the evolution of modern rainforests.
This project, produced in both Spanish and English in Colombia, is part of an interdisciplinary collaboration between paleobiologists, anthropologists and artists; and its funding comes from research grants from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the National Science Foundation.
Change is coming. Humanity is entering a turbulent new era, unprecedented in both Earth and Human history. To survive the coming centuries and fulfill our potential as a species, we will have to overcome the biggest challenges we have ever faced, from extreme climate change, to rogue A.I., to the inevitable death of the sun itself. The headlines make our chances look bleak. But when you look at our history and our tenacity, it's clear that humanity is uniquely empowered to rise to the challenges we face. If we succeed, our potential is cosmic in scale. Incredible prosperity is within our reach. Being optimistic is not only justified, it's a powerful weapon in the fight for a higher future.
The Weirdest Thing About Microwaves is a 7-minute educational video produced by MinuteFood. The video explores the peculiar behaviors of microwaves, such as why certain items, like ice, don't melt as expected when microwaved. It delves into the science behind microwave heating, explaining concepts like dielectric heating and how microwaves interact with different materials. The video aims to demystify common misconceptions about microwave ovens through engaging visuals and clear explanations.
This 6-minute educational video by MinuteEarth explores why Antarctica is a prime location for meteorite hunters. The film explains how the continent's unique conditions—such as its vast ice sheets and minimal human activity—make it an ideal place to find and study meteorites. Through engaging visuals and clear narration, the video sheds light on the scientific significance of these extraterrestrial rocks and the reasons behind their abundance in Antarctica.
Curiosity: Origin is a short film produced by the 2009 Generation of the Luis Amigó Curiosity team from the Robotics and Scientific Research project. The film presents a narrative that intertwines themes of scientific exploration and human curiosity, aiming to inspire interest in robotics and scientific inquiry among viewers.
Join Lara Jones, great-granddaughter of the most famous archaeologist in the history of cinema, on her adventure to discover the secrets of the techniques of the Seventh Art and the most important paleontologists in history. All this through the silent film of "The Fly" added to the stop motion (Georges Cuvier), the transition to sound cinema with "The Jazz Singer" (Mary Ann Woodhouse and Gideon Mantell), the color cinema of "The Wizard of Oz" (Mary Anning, a heartless Plesiosaur and a worthless T. rex), the Cinemascope of "The Reef of Death" (Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh), the puppet animation of "The Muppets Take Manhattan" (Roy Chapman Andrews and his assistants) and the digital animation of "Toy Story" (Gloria Cuenca Bescós).
Seeing Is Believing is a 3-minute short film produced in 2023 by students from Fomento Miravalles – El Redín High School in Spain. The film delves into the intricate relationship between perception and reality, challenging viewers to question the reliability of their senses. Through a blend of visual storytelling and scientific inquiry, it emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in interpreting the world around us.