TED Talks
TED: How to build synthetic DNA and send it across the internet | Dan Gibson
Biologist Dan Gibson edits and programs DNA, just like coders program a computer. But his "code" creates life, giving scientists the power to convert digital information into biological material like proteins and vaccines. Now he's on to...
SciShow
Seasonal Genes & The Science of Fear
This week on SciShow News, we explore how our genes change with the seasons! Plus, it turns out that even flies get scared sometimes.
SciShow
The Human Neocortex Isn’t as Special as We Thought
For a long time, scientists considered the neocortex the brainiest part of the human brain – an obvious candidate for the thing that makes us unique. But in some ways, it’s not that different from other mammals’ brains. So researchers...
TED Talks
Craig Venter: Watch me unveil "synthetic life"
Craig Venter and team make a historic announcement: they've created the first fully functioning, reproducing cell controlled by synthetic DNA. He explains how they did it and why the achievement marks the beginning of a new era for science.
SciShow
Breast Cancer gets Worse in the Spring and Fall. But...Why?
Seasonal illnesses from infectious diseases aren’t a new concept, but a few decades ago public health experts began to notice the same behavior in some non-infectious diseases like breast cancer. These patterns have helped us learn a lot...
SciShow
The First Computer-Generated Bacterial Genome | SciShow News
In this week's news, scientists announce that they’d made the first entirely computer-generated bacterial genome, and a new surgical procedure that does away with cuts and scars.
SciShow
What Can You Actually Learn from Your Genome?
Genetic tests can give you advice about what lifestyle, diet, and level of exercise are best for you. But you should take those suggestions with a grain of salt, because, when it comes to our bodies, our genes aren’t so much an open...
SciShow
What’s in the 4% of our DNA that makes us different from chimps?
On the genetic level, we're not all that different from chimps. But those small differences in DNA can have huge effects.
SciShow
Plastic Bunny 3D Printed From Its Own DNA
A team is encoding digital data into DNA molecules which are then embedded into larger physical objects, like this plastic bunny! And researchers are working on a new, low maintenance oral contraceptive.
SciShow
Sneaky Ways Chemists Are Making Our World Safer
The path that products take to get onto store shelves doesn’t always leave the best impact on the environment. But with green chemistry, chemists have found ways to make the production of some items safer for both people and the planet.
SciShow
4 Ways CRISPR Is More Than Just Gene Editing
While it’s probably most famous for its role in gene editing, CRISPR does more than just that: its ability to precisely cut and alter DNA could lead to new antibiotics, faster diagnosis tools, and more. Chapters CREATING ANTIBIOTICS 1:07...
TED Talks
Karissa Sanbonmatsu: The biology of gender, from DNA to the brain
How exactly does gender work? It's not just about our chromosomes, says biologist Karissa Sanbonmatsu. In a visionary talk, she shares new discoveries from epigenetics, the emerging study of how DNA activity can permanently change based...
SciShow
These AIs Are About to Revolutionize Biology
Even though proteins are fundamental to life, it’s hard to predict what they look like. But two independent groups announced that they’d cracked it, and it’s all thanks to some seriously clever artificial intelligence.
TED-Ed
These salamanders snack on each other (but don't die) | Luis Zambrano
Axolotls are one of science's most studied animals. Why, you ask? These extraordinary salamanders are masters of regeneration: they can flawlessly regenerate body parts ranging from amputated limbs and crushed spines to parts of their...
SciShow
3 Great Discoveries of 2013
Hank lays out three of the most awesome discoveries in science in 2013, from the fields of physics, space science and anthropology.
TED Talks
Spencer Wells: A family tree for humanity
All humans share some common bits of DNA, passed down to us from our African ancestors. Geneticist Spencer Wells talks about how his Genographic Project will use this shared DNA to figure out how we are -- in all our diversity -- truly...
SciShow
How Researchers Made Mice Pups from Two Moms and Two Dads | SciShow News
This week in news: Scientist successfully breed mice using same-sex parents and some very clever genetic engineering.
TED Talks
Svante Pääbo: DNA clues to our inner neanderthal
Sharing the results of a massive, worldwide study, geneticist Svante Pääbo shows the DNA proof that early humans mated with Neanderthals after we moved out of Africa. (Yes, many of us have Neanderthal DNA.) He also shows how a tiny bone...
TED Talks
Craig Venter: Sampling the ocean's DNA
Genomics pioneer Craig Venter takes a break from his epic round-the-world expedition to talk about the millions of genes his team has discovered so far in its quest to map the ocean's biodiversity.
SciShow
4 Ways Humans Are Still Evolving
When we think about evolution, we typically think about big changes that happened long ago, but we humans are still evolving!
SciShow
The Chromosomes Hiding in Specks of Lint
Tiny versions of chromosomes show up in things like birds, reptiles, and amphibians. These mysterious lint-like flecks may be the building blocks for our entire genomes.
SciShow
6 Accidental Discoveries You've Probably Never Heard Of
From insects to infections, and polymers to pacemakers, scientists have discovered some very cool things entirely by accident, thanks to some careful observation and curiosity. Chapters ALEXANDER FLEMING 0:19 A CRICKET STD 1:21 STREP'S...
SciShow
Counting Species out of Thin Air
Recent proof-of-concept studies showed that researchers were able to survey animals in an area simply by vacuuming up DNA in the air.
TED Talks
Ross Lovegrove: Organic design, inspired by nature
Designer Ross Lovegrove expounds his philosophy of "fat-free" design and offers insight into several of his extraordinary products, including the Ty Nant water bottle and the Go chair.