The natural world is an amazing thing, and despite the volumes upon volumes that we know about it, we’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to truly understanding our universe and the things within it. Yet just because there’s so much information out there doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to learn as much as you can about science. These lectures reflect information that’s at the cutting edge, from medical discoveries that could change lives to astrophysical research that’s expanding our knowledge of the worlds that lie beyond our own galaxy, and they can help you get an education in some of the greatest wonders the scientific fields have to offer.

Humans

These lectures address the science of human life, from how our brains work to how we interact with one another.

Technology

The latest technology and the speed with which it is evolving is nearly always awe-inspiring. Hear from some of the greatest technological thinkers working today about ideas that could shape the future of our world in these TED talks.

Evan Grant: Making sound visible through cymatics: In this talk, you’ll learn more about programs that can make complex sounds visible to the human eye, not only creating beautiful designs but letting us experience with two senses the sounds that are around us. Brian Cox on CERN’s supercollider: The Large Hadron Collider at CERN has been a subject of much debate, but in this lecture you’ll learn about the amazing science that went into its construction and what it really may be capable of helping scientists discover. Kwabena Boahen on a computer that works like the brain: Drawing links between the brain and computer processors, this talk explores how studying the way the brain works may enable us to make computers that work better, faster and more efficiently than ever before. Juan Enriquez wants to grow energy: With global warming looming and issues with oil in constant political debate, it makes sense to find an alternative energy source. Learn about how we may be able to grow our own plant-based energy, turning farms into fuel. Rachel Armstrong: Architecture that repairs itself?: Buildings today need repairs in order to avoid decay and eventual destruction, but in this talk, you’ll hear about some innovative new materials that may allow buildings to repair themselves.

Space

The celestial world has puzzled humankind for thousands of years and even now with modern technology we’re still struggling to learn about the mysteries it holds. Check out these lectures to learn more about the latest research being done and some of the amazing discoveries that have come with it.

Charles Elachi on the Mars Rovers: While it is our closest neighbor our solar system, Mars has always remained a place of mystery for us. Learn more about one of the most successful and enlightening missions to the red planet in this talk from NASA’s jet propulsion expert Charles Elachi. Patricia Burchat sheds light on dark matter: Dark matter and dark energy are everywhere, making up over 96% percent of our universe, but what they are and how they work are still a bit of a mystery. Watch this talk from Burchat, an expert on dark matter, to learn about how these invisible substances play a huge role in our universe. George Smoot on the design of the universe: With stunning photos of the cosmos, astrophysicist George Smoot inspires listeners to consider the very structure and design of the universe in this amazing talk from 2008.

Nature

Understanding the biological processes as well as the plants and animals of this world is a challenging but immensely interesting undertaking. These talks will help show you some awe-inspiring ideas about the world we call our home and those we share it with.

Richard Preston on the giant trees: Some of the biggest and oldest living things on our planet are trees, namely the awe-inspiring redwoods of the Pacific Northwest. Learn about their history and how little we still understand about these magnificent trees from this lecture. Lee Hotz: Inside an Antarctic time machine: Get insights into a living time machine in this talk from journalist Hotz, as scientists study the history of climate change through ten thousand year old ice from Antarctica. Michael Pollan gives a plant’s-eye view: We tend to think of plants as passive living things, capable of growing and spreading but not of having a conscious will or agenda. Michael Pollan questions that view, suggesting we think of it in another way and consider the ways plants may be manipulating us to their own ends. Spencer Wells builds a family tree for humanity: Our DNA is more than just a map of who we are. It is also a blueprint for where we came from, not only telling scientists who our parents were but who are ancient ancestors were as well. In this lecture, learn how this genetic data can lead scientists to discover where we all came from and how we’re all connected. Richard Dawkins: Growing up in the universe: Given in 1991, this lecture will inspire awe in viewers. Dawkins gives a history of our universe and the life within it that showcases the true wonder of evolution and nature.

Health and Medicine

From extending life to creating it from nothing, these lectures delve into some amazing medical issues that may even inspire you to pursue your own degree in healthcare.