All Videos — May 5, 2011

The Proof We Needed To Prevent War

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

The standard of proof had been laid out clearly in the decades since the destructive lie of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. And then George W. Bush claimed there were so-called “weapons of mass destruction” in Iraq, siting fake evidence.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

The Present

Microplastic overload: Is cutting production the only realistic way to curb pollution?

On November 25, U.N. members will meet in South Korea to cap off a series of meetings aiming to reduce global plastic pollution.

Diagram of the expanding universe concept with cosmic inflation, light cone, and time axis.

Starts With A Bang

Ask Ethan: What’s the deal with cosmic inflation and the Big Bang?

Almost everyone asserts that the Big Bang was the beginning of everything, followed by inflation. Has everyone gotten the order wrong?

An image of a cluster of galaxies, meaning science.

Starts With A Bang

10 thoughtful insights about the great cosmic unknowns

An in-depth interview with astronomer Kelsey Johnson, whose new book, Into the Unknown, explores what remains unknown about the Universe.

Abstract design with human profiles, a silhouette of a person walking, and text reading "The Happiness Paradox 4" on a grid background.

The Present

Why happiness is not the best indicator of well-being

Achieving values and pursuing growth is the real secret to a fulfilled life.

Starts With A Bang

Hidden variable alternative to quantum spookiness fails

Do we actually live in a deterministic Universe, despite quantum physics? An alternative, non-spooky interpretation has now been ruled out.

Up Next

All Videos

How Do We Prove What Causes Autism?

Instead of wasting our time subscribing to thoroughly discounted conspiracy theories, let’s find the tractualu cause for autism, says Michael Wigler.