Nobel-winning biochemist Kary Mullis talks about the basis of modern science: the experiment. Sharing tales from the 17th century and from his own backyard-rocketry days, Mullis celebrates the curiosity, inspiration and rigor of good science in all its forms. Filled with insights and a few thought-provoking “heresies” (listen for Mullis’ take on global warming), this […]
If you’ve embedded a TEDTalk in the past on your own site or blog, today you may have noticed a new message in the embed player window: “Click here to view this video on TED.com. (Webmaster: Click through to embed our new player in your site)” The backstory is, VideoEgg, the longtime host of TEDTalks […]
During this holiday break, the conversation on TED.com has been as lively as ever. We talked about our resolutions: Cynthia Ryan writes: my resolution for 2009 is to (continue to) challenge my assumptions. Dan Dennett helps me do this, if only on his intellectual coattails. More than that, he has a way of imparting complex […]
At the 2008 Taste3 conference, New York Times reporter Jennifer 8. Lee talks about her hunt for the origins of familiar Chinese-American dishes — exploring the hidden spots where these two cultures have (so tastily) combined to form a new cuisine. (Recorded July 2008 in Napa, California. Duration: 16:38.) Watch Jennifer 8. Lee’s talk from […]
Earlier this month, Nicholas Negroponte flew to Colombia, along with a team from One Laptop per Child, to deliver bright-green XO laptops to schoolchildren in territory once held by guerrillas. TED came along to film as part of a new, occasional feature called “TED in the Field” that offers updates on TEDTalks speakers and the […]
With just over 40 days to go till TED, we’re proud to present what could be the best ever TED Speaker Program. At a time of deep uncertainty about the world’s future, it’s a wonderful prospect to be able to gather together for a few days and hear voices of insight, brilliance, passion and wisdom. […]
Mathematician Steven Strogatz shows how flocks of creatures (like birds, fireflies and fish) manage to synchronize and act as a unit — when no one’s giving orders. The powerful tendency extends into the realm of objects, too. (Recorded February 2004 in Monterey, California. Duration: 21:59.) Watch Steven Strogatz’s talk on TED.com, where you can download […]
In 2009, for the first time ever, you can experience the TED Conference live, from anywhere in the world. As part of our new Associate Membership program, you can join a live webcast of the conference and create a private TED event for you and your friends. But more than that, you’ll be part of […]
So the Mars Rovers didn’t scoop up any alien lifeforms … ? Scientist Penelope Boston thinks there’s a good chance — a 25 to 50 percent chance, in fact — that life might exist on Mars, deep inside the planet’s caves. She details how we should look and why. (Recorded February 2006 in Monterey, California. […]
UPDATE: Location confirmed! Lecture Theatre H1.25, Building H, Monash Caulfield campus, 871 Dandenong Road, Melbourne. TEDTalks fans in Melbourne, Australia, are inviting the world to an independently organized TEDx event. At the TEDx Melbourne Marathon, Jan. 17, 2009, from 10am to 7pm, you’ll see a program of live, local speakers and the crowd’s favorite TEDTalks […]
From Taste3 2008: Can happiness be bought? To find out, author Benjamin Wallace sampled the world’s most expensive products, including a bottle of 1947 Chateau Cheval Blanc, 8 ounces of Kobe beef and the notorious Kopi Luwak coffee. His critique may surprise you. (Recorded July 2008 in Napa, California. Duration: 14:40.) Watch Benjamin Wallace’s talk […]
Dan Gilbert presents research and data from his exploration of happiness — sharing some surprising tests and experiments that you can also try on yourself. Watch through to the end for a sparkling Q&A with some familiar TED faces. (Recorded July 2005 in Oxford, UK. Duration: 33:38.) Watch Dan Gilbert’s talk from TEDGlobal 2005 at […]
Jay Walker, curator of the Library of Human Imagination, conducts a surprising show-and-tell session highlighting a few of the intriguing artifacts that backdropped the 2008 TED stage. (Recorded February 2008 in Monterey, California. Duration: 7:09.) Watch Jay Walker’s talk on TED.com, where you can download this TEDTalk, rate it, comment on it and find other […]
TED@PalmSprings is a new way to experience TED. Wondering what it will be like? Watch this preview of the lively, loungey, interactive gathering to be held at Palm Springs this February. Find out more about TED@PalmSprings — there are still some spots available. Follow TED@PalmSprings on Twitter >>
Folk musician and storyteller David Holt plays the banjo and shares photographs and old wisdom from the Appalachian Mountains. He also demonstrates some unusual instruments like the mouth bow — and a surprising electric drum kit he calls “thunderwear.” (Recorded March 2004 in Monterey, California. Duration: 25:31.) Watch David Holt’s talk on TED.com, where you […]
Inventor Nick Sears demos the first generation of the Orb, a rotating persistence-of-vision display that creates glowing 3D images. A short, cool tale of invention. (Recorded March 2007 in Monterey, California. Duration: 3:46.) Watch Nick Sears’ talk on TED.com, where you can download this TEDTalk, rate it, comment on it and find other talks […]