Skydiving from space
On 16 August 1960, Joe Kittinger jumped out of a balloon at an altitude of over 30 kilometres and plummeted to Earth. It鈥檚 a feat that has yet to be repeated, let alone bettered.
7 min
The science of living longer
Advertisement
Want to know what supplements the world鈥檚 leading ageing researchers take to increase their lifespan? Tune in to this fascinating discussion between some of the world鈥檚 leading longevity researchers, talking to US science show host Charlie Rose. Watch it before your holiday feast if you want to take advantage of the advice on caloric restriction.
56 min
Fermat鈥檚 last theorem
Andrew Wiles begins his compelling documentary about how he cracked the most famous problem in mathematics: 鈥淧erhaps I could best describe my experience in doing mathematics in terms of entering a dark mansion鈥︹��
45 min
Inner life of the cell
Breathtaking, scientifically accurate animation of how immune cells move from blood into tissue.
8 min 30 sec
Broadcast version from ABC World News.
2 min 50 sec
The boy with the incredible brain
The remarkable story of Daniel Tammet, who can remember p to 25,000 decimal places, learn a language in a week and multiply huge numbers together. He says he can see the numbers in his head, a claim that may change our understanding of neuroscience.
47 min
How to evolve a watch
If a creationist ever asks you why a boxful of gears and cogs never evolve into watch, no matter how much you shake them, show them this video.
10 min
Feynman on quantum electrodynamics
Quite possibly the greatest science lecturer in history takes you from photons as corpuscles of light to quantum electrodynamics in a four-part lecture recorded in 1979. Amazingly, no detailed prior knowledge of physics is required. Set aside a few hours for this series.
First part, 1 hr 20 min
The social atom
Physicist and writer Mark Buchanan lectures on how simple physics models can reproduce the bizarre decision-making behaviour of humans. A fascinating introduction to the new discipline of social physics.
1 hr 9 min
(requires Internet Explorer 6 and Microsoft Media Player 7 or higher)
A ride into space
NASA astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman describes what it鈥檚 like in space and talks through photos from his five shuttle flights, including the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission.
7 min
Two takes on mitosis
A synchronised swimming team demonstrates how this type of cell division takes place.
1 min
Or try this more traditional explanation.
1 min 29 secs
Cornflour capers
Tape a baking tray to a loudspeaker, fill it with cornflour and water, and watch what emerges.
2 min 26 sec
Black market
Photographer Patrick Brown investigates how traditional Chinese medicine fuels an illicit international trade in wildlife. He follows the trail from market stalls to the jungles of Cambodia, where he joins customs officials tracking rhino poachers.
10 min
Alex the African grey parrot
With a vocabulary of 100 words, an ability to count to 6 and to recognise shapes and colours, Irene Pepperberg鈥檚 African grey parrot wowed scientists and the public alike until his untimely death earlier this year at the young age (for a grey parrot) of 31.
2 min
Lighting a magnesium pencil sharpener with water
Water doesn鈥檛 extinguish burning magnesium 鈥� it makes the fire all the fiercer. Vital knowledge if you鈥檙e a firefighter.
1 min 49 sec
The iPhone challenge
Columnist David Pogue of The New York Times reviews the Apple iPhone in the heady days before its official launch earlier this year.
5 min 49 sec
LSD tested on British soldiers
How acid could bring world peace, man.
1 min 37 sec
Cape Canaveral rocket explosion
A Delta rocket carrying a $45 million GPS satellite explodes over the launch pad, raining fire on the surrounding area.
2 min
Cosmos: Shores of the cosmic ocean
The first episode of the landmark popular science series presented by the astronomer Carl Sagan. Awe-inspiring in approach, panoramic in breadth and overdue for a revival. Altogether now: 鈥淭he cosmos is all there is or ever was or ever will be鈥︹��
1 hr
(Portugese subtitles)
Ali G on science
The British comedy character Ali G interviews a panel of scientists. Thought-provoking stuff.
7 min
The joy of stats
Swedish development expert Hans Rosling debunks myths about the developing world with engaging graphics and 鈥渢he best stats you鈥檝e ever seen鈥�. One of several fascinating talks filmed at the Technology, Entertainment, Design conference.