Video of the Day
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WhatsApp, Facebook and privacy
WhatsApp is known for privacy, praised by many of its 1.5 billion for its end-to-end encryption. But when it announced a new update that meant it would share data with Facebook, millions fled to...
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The squids that learnt to fly
Squids are usually found in the ocean, propelling their way through water with powerful muscles to chase down prey. But one species has learnt to jump from the depths and fly through the air –...
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The art of lying
Lying is among the most sophisticated and demanding accomplishments of the human brain. Learning to lie is a natural part of childhood development, and most adults lie on an almost daily basis....
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The great inflation mystery
In 2008, a Big Mac cost £2.29. Now, it’s £3.19. This is down to inflation. But over the past two decades, inflation has failed to follow expected rules, remaining low in good times and bad....
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Language, culture and hidden bias
When do you become a speaker of a language? When you use it at home, to chat to friends or if you pass an exam? This fascinating Ted Talk explores how the links between language and culture can...
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The real cost of smart speakers
In 2014, Amazon released a device that would change speakers forever. Today, 200 million people own an Alexa. But few know that it makes voice recordings – and that those recordings are stored...
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The impact of fracking
In a world demanding more energy every year, solutions for cheap and accessible fuel are more important than ever. Some say fracking is the answer. But what exactly is it, and why is it so...
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The life cycle of a cup of coffee
How many people does it take to make a cup of coffee? Trace the globe-spanning journey of coffee as it goes from plant to brew, and the complex infrastructure that makes it possible.
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The science of skimming stones
Skimming stones isn’t easy. It can take countless tries to get it right. Explore the physics behind the perfect throw – from picking the right stone to choosing the ideal angle.
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How to play quantum table football
What would happen if the ball was a giant electron? How would you control it enough to score any goals? Discover what would happen in a game of quantum “foosball” in this intriguing thought...
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What if we nuked the Moon?
During the Cold War, the Moon was an important goal for space exploration and therefore a possible military target. But how would nuclear warfare on the Moon’s surface affect us back on Earth?
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Protests and the future of Poland
In November, Poland saw its biggest protests in 30 years. They were sparked by a new ruling on abortion – but many also worry about further political changes, and what they could mean for the...
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Why we walk on two legs
Very few creatures in the animal kingdom stand on two legs. In many ways, it's not very efficient or stable. So why do humans stand upright – and how did we end up walking on two legs, not four?
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Building the world’s biggest dam
This power plant produces more energy than the world’s largest coal and gas plants combined. The fuel? Water. Discover the Three Gorges Dam – the biggest and most controversial power plant on...
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The flying cars of the future
We have wanted to make cars fly for decades, but creating one that actually works is a major challenge. One company thinks it has cracked it. Its cars could soon be on our roads – and in our...