Video of the Day
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The largest star in the universe
Across the universe, there are stars that completely dwarf our local sun. Find out about some of the biggest that exist, how they are formed and what happens when they die.
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The absurdity of living
Does life have a purpose? Learn about the work and philosophy of Albert Camus and explore the question that fascinated him: if life is meaningless, do our lives still hold any value?
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Make our garden grow
French philosopher Voltaire’s phrase — you must cultivate your own garden — is one of the most famous in history. But what does it mean? And how can it help us in our daily lives today?
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The hedgehog and the fox
How good are we at predicting what will happen in the future? That might depend on how you see the world. Find out what hedgehogs and foxes have to do with prediction and risk.
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What freedom means to me
Thirteen-year-old Tilly lost both her hands after contracting meningitis, but her new bionic hands have vastly increased her freedom, changed the way people see her and boosted her confidence.
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A day in the life of an Ancient Greek architect
Pheidias, chief builder for the Parthenon, has a problem: he's been accused of embezzlement. He has until sunset to prove his innocence. Learn about a day in the life of an architect 1,500 years...
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The key to creativity
What is the secret to being more creative? It might sound counterintuitive, but it’s all about having limits. Explore how being challenged can help you perform better with these tips.
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A brief history of plastic
Today, plastics are everywhere. We use them for everything from furniture to phone cases. But how was plastic invented? And how has it changed over the course of the century?
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Superheroes
Who are your heroes? Last week, Stormzy released a new music video in schools around the country. It is a salute to young people – and a celebration of individuality.
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How to spot a good person
What is the best way to tell if someone is a good person? The answer depends on one surprisingly simple, crucial ingredient. Here is how to find out if you qualify.
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The power of resilience
What is the secret to success? British gold medal-winning sprinter and former gymnast Asha Philip tells the story of how she achieved her goals —and her tough journey along the way.
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How to be a cloud detective
Clouds come in all shapes and sizes: long and skinny, low and rumbly, white and fluffy, or anything in between. But how can you tell these formations apart? And what can each one tell us?
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Why we fall for fake news
Everyone can be tricked by misinformation. But why is it so easy to believe? Dig into the depths of distortion to see how facts can become twisted and misleading.
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The science of cravings
Why do we crave some foods more than others? Why are sweet foods so hard to resist? BBC Ideas looks at what happens in our brains when we see something tasty.
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Sleep: the memory hack
Ever been told to get a good night’s sleep before a test? Sleep scientist Matt Walker explains how getting enough sleep affects how our brains store and process memories.