Ted-Ed | Telegram Channel

The best pregnancy test used to be this frog ... no, really - Carly Anne York Dig into how African clawed frogs can help detect human pregnancy, and how their use in experiments had unintended consequences. In the early 20th century, pregnancy testing required a slippery piece of equipment: a female African clawed frog. For decades, hospitals and research labs had a trusted supply of these handy creatures, employing their help in testing for pregnancy and in numerous other scientific endeavors. So what makes these frogs so special? Carly Anne York shares the secrets of these remarkable amphibians. Lesson by Carly Anne York, directed by Yajun Shi. https://t.me/tededchannel

Do mosquitos actually bite some people more than others? - Maria Elena De Obaldia Explore the science of what attracts mosquitos, and find out why mosquitos bite some people more than others. Some swear they’re cursed to be hunted by mosquitos while their close-by companions are regularly left unscathed. Are mosquitos really attracted to some people more than others? And if so, is there anything we can do about it? Maria Elena De Obaldia digs into what factors make people tasty targets for these pesky insects. Lesson by Maria Elena De Obaldia, directed by Anton Bogaty. https://t.me/tededchannel

Ethical dilemma: What makes life worth living? - Douglas MacLean Puzzle through a classic ethical dilemma and decide: can human existence be meaningful without its creativity and culture? Life on your planet depends entirely on Nuronium for normal cognition. Unfortunately, its source has been compromised and you are now at risk of extinction. Scientists have found an alternate energy source, Polixate, but it can’t sustain cognition and would mean the loss of people's creativity. So, what shall it be: extinction or life without culture? Douglas MacLean explores this classic dilemma. Lesson by Douglas MacLean, directed by Asparuh Petrov, Compote Collective. https://t.me/tededchannel

A day in the rebellion against the Inca Empire - Gabriel Prieto Follow Maxo, a warrior of the Chimu Empire, as he navigates the Inca-conquered streets of Chan Chan to receive a secret message. It’s daybreak in the city of Chan Chan, and former soldier Maxo has been up all night fretting. Last night, a friend stopped by and instructed him to go to the plaza at noon to receive an important message. But with the recent defeat of their army and the overthrow of the king, answering this mysterious summons will be dangerous. Gabriel Prieto outlines a day in the life of a Chimu warrior. Lesson by Gabriel Prieto, directed by Qian Shi. https://t.me/tededchannel

What would happen if everyone stopped eating meat tomorrow? - Carolyn Beans Explore the possibilities and challenges of what a vegetarian world could look like if we all immediately stopped eating meat. Imagine if a wizard of meatless dining suddenly appeared on Earth and with one wave of a wand wiped away all meat from our shelves— along with any desire to eat it. Farm animals destined for food vanish, whisked away to another planet. What happens in the following days, years, and even millennia? Carolyn Beans explores what a vegetarian world could look like. Lesson by Carolyn Beans, directed by Mitchelle Tamariz. https://t.me/tededchannel

Which is better for you: "Real" meat or "fake" meat? - Carolyn Beans Explore the differences between farmed meat, plant-based meat, and lab-grown meat, and find out which is best for you and the planet. In 2021, a survey of over 1,000 Americans found that nearly two-thirds had eaten plant-based meat alternatives in the past year. Many cited potential health and environmental benefits as their motivation. But are these alternative meats actually better for us and the planet? Carolyn Beans investigates the differences between farmed meat, plant-based meat, and lab-grown meat. Lesson by Carolyn Beans, directed by Laura Jayne Hodkin. https://t.me/tededchannel

Can alligators survive this apex predator? - Kenny Coogan Explore the diverse and vital ecosystem of the Everglades, and discover why the alligator is so essential to the region. Despite alligators ruling the swamplands of the Everglades for millennia, the last 500 years have brought deadly new predators that challenge their reign. And the origins of these international invaders are just as unexpected as their impact on the Everglades. So, what exactly is threatening this biodiverse region? Kenny Coogan explores the unique and precious ecosystem. Lesson by Kenny Coogan, directed by Doug Alberts, Noodle. https://t.me/tededchannel

A 5,300-year-old murder mystery - Albert Zink Get to know the story of Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old glacier mummy who researchers discovered had been murdered. In September 1991, two hikers discovered a corpse emerging from the ice. Researchers soon realized they were looking at the mummified body of a man who’d lived about 5,300 years ago, and theorized he got caught in bad weather and froze. However, a shocking discovery revealed his true cause of death and upended his story. So, how did he die? Albert Zink uncovers the truth about Özti the Iceman. Lesson by Albert Zink, directed by Andrew Foerster, Rewfoe. https://t.me/tededchannel

How the water you flush becomes the water you drink - Francis de los Reyes Explore the science of wastewater treatment, and find out why water reuse has become increasingly common worldwide. In 2003, Singapore’s national water agency launched an unprecedented program to provide more than 50% of their nation’s water supply by recycling wastewater. The program had been planned for decades to ensure the island nation never ran out of clean water. But is it really safe to reuse anything we flush down the toilet? Francis de los Reyes explains the science of wastewater treatment. Lesson by Francis de los Reyes, directed by JodyPrody, The Animation Workshop. https://t.me/tededchannel

Whoever builds something here will be rich beyond measure - Fabio Pacucci Download a free audiobook version of “Project Hail Mary" and support TED-Ed's nonprofit mission: https://www.audible.com/ted-ed Since the 1950s, governments, companies, and researchers have been planting flags among the stars. But while it might seem like there’s plenty of room in space, some pieces of celestial real estate are more valuable than others. As far as human space exploration is concerned, Lagrange points may be the most important places in our solar system. So what exactly are they? Fabio Pacucci explains. Lesson by Fabio Pacucci, directed by Tim Rauch. https://t.me/tededchannel