Throughout the history of science, many major discoveries came accidentally. Sometimes they came from recognizing potential in an unexpected product or waste. Other times, discovery came out of pure desperation from a seemingly dead-end experiment. This video presents some of those happy accidents that ended up changing the world.
Accidental Discoveries That Changed the World
Chemistry research usually involves precise measurements and careful testing in order to get significant results. Sometimes, however, notable discoveries happen by accident. In this video on accidental discoveries, you will get to know the stories of how TNT, dynamite, and even air bags were discovered by chance.
Accidental Discoveries That Went Boom
This animation explains how the control surfaces on an airplane's wing direct its flight and shows how movements of the ailerons, elevator, and rudder change the plane's flight path.
Airplane Controls
Have you ever wished you could hide under an invisibility cloak, like Harry Potter did? This video explores the science behind light, sight, and invisibility. Though we can't make ourselves invisible yet, some promising research may light the way—or rather, bend the light away.
Are Invisibility Cloaks Possible?
Are you breathing air molecules that were once exhaled by Caesar, Joan of Arc, or Madame Curie? Why did Albert Einstein try to break into the refrigerator business? In this video, writer Sam Kean, author of science books “Caesar's Last Breath” and “The Disappearing Spoon,” answers these questions.
Are We Breathing Caesar's Last Breath?
Vanilla is a flavor so common that some people use it as an adjective to describe something plain or ordinary. But watch out! This beloved, flavorful bean may soon become a rarity.
Are We Running Out of Vanilla?
This video explores a vocation that involves the blending of art and chemistry. Blacksmiths forge (heat and shape) metals or alloys to make objects—such as sculptures and cutlery—and then temper (cool) the heated metals to optimize their properties. Watch a blacksmith at work to see how this happens.
The Art and Chemistry of Blacksmithing
This animation explains the function of cam mechanisms and shows how cams produce desired physical movements in engines and other machines.
Cam Mechanism
Thanks to the demands of eco-conscious consumers, biodegradable and compostable plastics are cropping up everywhere. Are these green plastics the solution to our throwaway lifestyle? Well, it's complicated, as this video explains.
Can Plastic Be Composted?
Some clothing makers try to harness the antibacterial power of silver to combat the smell of sweat from people's workouts. Now, some manufacturers are adding nanotechnology to the mix. This video asks: does it work?
Can Silver Nanoparticles Combat Body Odor?