TED Talks

Just recently, NPR ran a segment discussing explorer James Cook’s ship logs. Recently, nearly 300 logbooks dating back to the 1760s have been transcribed and digitized to help scientists take a deep gander into the world’s climate history. Since each log had accurate daily and hourly measurements of wind, air, temperature and ice formations, scientists can now determine just how the weather was back in 1760, on any given day. Simply amazing.

We may talk about these types studies in cocktail conversation, but it’s not often enough that we give a big “cheers” to those who dedicate their entire lives to these subjects. To the scientists who specialize in the most minute details of climate change!

And thanks to the wonderful academic organization that is TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design), we are able to learn from many of these scientists in bite-sized, compact segments that fascinate us without overwhelming us: Enter TED Talks.

Produced by the Sapling Foundation, an amazing non-profit, TED Talks are 2 to 20 minute videos that feature science geniuses with “ideas worth spreading.” And talk about a variety of topics. We’ve laughed at how the web enables intimacy between lovers and friends, been brought to tears by a woman who relives her own stroke (while knowing exactly what is happening – she’s a brain scientist), and sat wide eyed how AIDS has impacted Africa. Speakers have included former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, and zoologist Jane Goodall.

Check out a recent TED talk with Rachel Pike on the science behind a climate headline. This TED Talk is only 6 minutes long, and is a “behind the scenes” outlook into what exactly happens between hypothesis and Time magazine headline. It also has a feature at the end showing how Sweden used a traffic tariff and IBM technology to cut down on traffic and carbon emissions. Since IBM is a sponsor of TED, we’re wary of it being an ad in disguise, but it’s such a great initiative and worth a view.

The best part? These tasty video tidbits are free. Kill time on your commute and become smarter while doing it. Add TED talks to your Podcasts or simply watch a couple right now, by visiting TED.