Course 12 Revolutionary discoveries that could change everything. We live in a golden age of scientific and technological advancement. From messenger RNA (mRNA) technology based on COVID-19 vaccines to new research on the biology of lichens to new theories about the inner workings of black holes, the 21st century has given us a new understanding of ourselves and our world. And our world may view science as a linear process—something is discovered, and that discovery leads to new developments—but new findings occasionally contradict previous beliefs and lead us down new paths. In fact, “discoveries that could change everything” are important because they upend conventional wisdom, expand our knowledge, or help us experience the world more deeply. Now is your chance to take a look at 12 of the most fascinating and important scientific developments and paradigm shifts of recent years. 12 groundbreaking, unexpected, consequential, and often unexpected discoveries that could change everything are an inspiring introduction to science in the 21st century. Delivered by Laura Helmut, editor-in-chief of Scientific American, these 12 immersive talks will satisfy even the most curious mind. Laura sets the scene for things we already know—like how the solar system formed, how to lose weight through exercise, or what dinosaurs might have looked like. Then he examines current scientific literature to challenge our understanding of the world. Along the way, you’ll meet researchers from around the world, from leaders in their fields to graduate students looking to put their stamp on ordinary naturalists with extraordinary abilities. From the chemical composition of ocean particles to how the brain perceives the world, Laura takes you into the fields of neuroscience, botany, paleontology, oceanography, astrophysics, and more. What do textiles have to do with Viking conquests? What does quantum theory have to do with bird migration? Can you really learn in your sleep? 12 revolutionary discoveries that could change everything, rich in stories that will inspire scientists and ordinary people.
Addressing unconventional truths about our lives: One theme that runs through these revolutionary developments is their potential to optimize human life. For example, Laura explores whether it’s possible to learn while you sleep—something that was the subject of science fiction in previous generations. As it turns out, sleep learning may be possible. In another lesson, he explores the area of weight loss, sharing how anthropologists analyzed the caloric intake of some hunter-gatherer populations to determine how physical activity relates to the calories we burn. The results are counterintuitive, but offer new potential avenues for well-being research. Following the 2020 pandemic, we’re now familiar with messenger RNA technology, but did you know that this research has been going on for decades? Even more interesting, this technology has possibilities beyond respiratory vaccines—and is revolutionizing the field of infectious diseases in general.
Discover the hidden wonders of the world and the universe: While science offers many opportunities for self-improvement, curiosity about the world is an essential ingredient for any scientific mind. Laura will guide you to amazing developments that help us better understand the world. You will have the opportunity to explore:
- The mystery of bioluminescence over the world’s oceans at night.
- What DNA analysis reveals about the true color of dinosaurs.
- The mysterious nature of lichens, which are neither fungi nor algae, but something in between.
- The secrets of the magnetic field and its relationship to the brain of birds and more.