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It's Okay to Be Smart
Why Useless Knowledge Can Be So Useful
Season 12
Episode 17
Our lizard friend the Gila monster probably has no idea that a chemical in its spit inspired one of the most important medical advancements of the 21st century. But this story is really about something bigger. Something deeper, beneath the surface. About why we do science in the first place. And about what kind of questions are the best ones for scientists to ask.
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14:28
These tiny pieces of an ancient asteroid could hold the secret to the origin of life.
10:28
What do scientists think are the best ways of reaching out to aliens?
9:40
How bad is climate change in 2023? Can we do anything about it?
13:38
A cosmic soup hadn’t existed in 13.8 billion years. Now, scientists cook it up in a lab.
12:56
After a century of industrial pollution and superstorms, New York's waterways needs help!
37:33
Crashing a car is usually a terrible accident. But sometimes, it’s a way to save lives.
18:10
A huge part of our identities, emotions, and our lives get tied up...Why is that?
10:57
X is everywhere and it’s probably thanks to math. But why is x the symbol for the unknown?
17:34
What’s the most average thing in the universe? We’re on a mission to find it.
17:48
New ideas come from chance events and unexpected connections involved in working together.
11:18
Our universe locked incredible secrets in a code written in rainbows.
13:54
Butterfly metamorphosis is one of nature’s most magical transformations.