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TED Health

TED

What does exercise do to your brain? Can psychedelics treat depression? From smart daily habits to new medical breakthroughs, welcome to TED Health, with host Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider. TED speakers answer questions you never even knew you had, and share ideas you won't hear anywhere else, all around how we can live healthier lives.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does exercise do to your brain? Can psychedelics treat depression? From smart daily habits to new medical breakthroughs, welcome to TED Health, with host Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider. TED speakers answer questions you never even knew you had, and share ideas you won't hear anywhere else, all around how we can live healthier lives.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

59hr 23min
Thumbnail for "The TED AI Show: AI therapy is here. What does it mean for you?".
Thumbnail for "Are life-saving medicines hiding in the world's coldest places? | Normand Voyer".
Thumbnail for "A special episode from Before We Go".
TED Health's very own Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider has a new podcast Before We Go.
Thumbnail for "A Healthier You: How to achieve fulfillment -- not just success".
Join Shoshana in this live taping at TEDNext 2024 for a perspective-shifting conversation on achievement with ethicist, author, and rabbi Ira Bedzow. Shoshana and Ira challenge the way today’s culture and individuals look at success, exploring life’s deeper meaning and purpose in a time that celebrates "urgency culture." You’ll gain practical strategies for reducing burnout, improving your mental well-being, and aligning your actions with your values. This is the last episode of our series "A Healthier You" -- check out the rest of the episodes and tell us what you think by leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Thumbnail for "Do gut microbes control your personality? | Kathleen McAuliffe".
Biologist Kathleen McAuliffe dives into emerging research that explores how certain gut bacteria can influence major parts of who you are, from your personality to life-changing neurological disorders. This week we're revisiting a talk that invites you to learn more about how this ongoing clinical medical and pharmaceutical research might change how we treat disease — and discover the impact of your internal microbial makeup on your mood, weight and more.
Thumbnail for "A Healthier You: Your guide to finding a workout that works".
Welcome back to our "A Healthier You" series, where TED Health host Shoshana Ungerleider guides you on a journey to your healthiest self. Join her and healthcare experts as they uncover insights that could revolutionize your understanding of health – from your heart to your brain to your gut. Embarking on a fitness journey can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be intimidating. In today's episode, Shoshana unveils practical strategies for creating an exercise routine that lasts and explores all kinds of workouts – from weightlifting to walking. She shares motivational fitness tips that will inspire both beginners and experienced athletes to move more, even amid life's busy schedules.
Thumbnail for "How targeted ads might just save your life | Sandersan Onie".
Could the tech industry's complex algorithms support people during their darkest times, rather than just deliver targeted ads? Drawing from his own experience with depression, this week we're revisiting a talk by global mental health researcher Sandersan Onie, who shows how internet search behaviors can provide valuable insights into suicide risk and potentially help save lives by reaching people in a deeply personal way, at a crucial moment.
Thumbnail for "A Healthier You: Your gut’s guide to a happier microbiome".
Welcome back to our "A Healthier You" series, where TED Health host Shoshana Ungerleider guides you on a journey to your healthiest self. Join her and healthcare experts as they uncover insights that could revolutionize your understanding of health – from the heart to the brain to today's focus: your gut! In this episode, Shoshana sits down with Dr. Megan Rossi, aka The Gut Health Doctor. As a leading scientist, registered dietitian, and nutritionist, Dr. Rossi reveals the crucial link between digestion and general health. She debunks common myths about the microbes that help (or harm) us, and shares accessible, evidence-based nutrition strategies to help you transform your diet for a happier, balanced gut microbiome. Check out the rest of our "A Healthier You" series wherever you are listening to this.
Thumbnail for "How does alcohol cause hangovers? | Judy Grisel".
The molecule responsible for hangovers is ethanol, which we colloquially refer to as alcohol. Ethanol is present in all alcoholic beverages, and generally speaking, the more ethanol, the greater the potential for a hangover. So, how exactly does alcohol cause a hangover— and is there any way to prevent one? This week, we're revisiting a TED-Ed lesson led by Judy Grisel, who explores the surprising ways that alcohol affects the body. This was originally an animated TED-Ed lesson. It was directed by Anton Bogaty and narrated by Alexandra Panzer, with music by Jarrett Farkas. After the lesson, our host Shoshana dives deeper into the effects of drinking alcohol and the specific impact it may have on women's health.
Thumbnail for "A Healthier You: A cardiologist's guide to protecting your heart".
Welcome back to our “A Healthier You” series, where TED Health host Shoshana Ungerleider guides you on a special journey to embrace your healthiest self. Join her and experts from across the healthcare space as they dive deeper into ideas and knowledge that could change the way you think about health – from your heart to your brain to your gut. This is the second episode of the series, where we talk all about heart health. Taking care of your heart doesn’t have to be hard — take it from preventative cardiologist Dr. Danielle Belardo — and also Shoshana’s doctor! In this episode, Shoshana sits down with Dr. Belardo to discuss the common misconceptions about heart disease, the best practices to prevent it and Dr. Belardo’s best advice for keeping our hearts safe and pumping.
Thumbnail for "Is there a link between cancer and heart disease? | Nicholas Leeper".
Does the key to stopping cancer lie in the heart? This week, we're revisiting a talk from cardiologist Nicholas Leeper, where he digs into scientific research on the link between the world's two leading causes of death, heart disease and cancer, sharing how their biological origins may be connected — and treatable with the same therapeutics. A call to challenge dogma and break down traditional silos in science, with the hope of saving lives. After the talk, our host Shoshana shares her own deeply personal experience with illness and the power of preventative action.
Thumbnail for "A Healthier You: A 5-step guide to better doctor visits".
Over the next five weeks, Dr. Shoshana is taking you on a special journey to embrace your healthiest self. Join her and experts from across the healthcare space for our “A Healthier You” series, where we dive deeper into ideas and knowledge that could change the way you think about health — from your heart to your brain to your gut. Up first: how to advocate for yourself. The doctor’s office can be an intimidating place, and it can leave patients confused or worried. But it doesn’t have to be like that! In this episode, Shoshana shares how she’s navigated a recent medical experience and breaks down some key strategies to use at the doctor’s office to get the care you need — and deserve.
Thumbnail for "Why the price of insulin is a danger to diabetics | Brooke Bennett".
The price of insulin in the US is both outrageous and deadly to those who can't live without it. This week, we're revisiting an episode where diabetes advocate Brooke Bennett shares her own struggles living with type 1 diabetes and how the astronomical cost of a life-saving drug leaves millions struggling to survive. A rallying cry for an affordable and humane livelihood for those with chronic illness. Stay tuned after as Shoshana talks about the lifecycle of medication, from when it's made to how it's priced — and the companies looking to disrupt that process to make life-saving drugs more accessible.
Thumbnail for "How to Be a Better Human: The meaning of embodiment".
We can often forget that our bodies and minds are fundamentally connected, despite the fact that so much of our day-to-day lives are influenced by the state of our bodies. In this episode of How to Be a Better Human, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective, Prentis Hemphill, a therapist, somatics teacher, author, and the founder of The Embodiment Institute, joins host Chris Duffy to talk through what it means to be fully present in your body. They also chat about how embodiment can improve your understanding of yourself – and the world around you. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Find more How to Be a Better Human wherever you get your podcasts.
Thumbnail for "How to turn the tables on food waste | Dana Gunders".
We waste a staggering one trillion dollars worth of food each year, significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and the climate crisis. Food waste expert Dana Gunders shares innovative solutions to reduce waste — from solar-powered cold rooms to apps that sell discounted restaurant leftovers — and shares tips on how you can keep good food from going to the trash."
Thumbnail for "A special new podcast from Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider".
TED Health's very own Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider has a new podcast, Before We Go. This is the first episode -- if you'd like more from Before We Go, check it out wherever you are listening to this. Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider's world shifts when her father calls to say that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. As they navigate uncharted emotional terrain, Shoshana and her father explore options, including one they hadn’t before considered – medical aid in dying. But before they can decide, doctors tell Steven that something about his past might offer him hope.
Thumbnail for "Blindness isn't a tragic binary — it's a rich spectrum | Andrew Leland".
When does vision loss become blindness? This week we're revisiting a talk by writer, audio producer and editor Andrew Leland as he explains how his gradual loss of vision revealed a paradoxical truth about blindness — and shows why it might have implications for how all of us see the world.
Thumbnail for "How to live a meaningful life | Brian S. Lowery".
What makes for a meaningful life? Social psychologist Brian S. Lowery explores three ideas tied to the experience of meaning and shows why simply pursuing personal achievements isn't the best way to find it.
Thumbnail for "Why you should stop setting goals (yes, really) | Emmanuel Acho".
In athletics, in business, in life, everyone sets goals. But that's not the way to excel, according to former NFL player Emmanuel Acho, now an author and TV sports analyst. Here's what he says to do instead.
Thumbnail for "How do we determine the value of a life? | Rebecca L. Walker".
To protect against a possible resurgence of smallpox, the US government is funding research to improve treatments and vaccines. And since it's unethical to expose people to a highly lethal virus, labs are using monkeys as research subjects. But is it right to harm these animals to protect humanity from a potential threat? Rebecca L. Walker takes a look at this classic ethical dilemma. This TED-Ed lesson was directed by Sharon Colman, narrated by Alexandra Panzer and the music is by Miguel d'Oliveira.
Thumbnail for "How testosterone and culture shape behavior | Carole K. Hooven".
Drawing on her research into the science of play, evolutionary biologist Carole K. Hooven delves into how testosterone impacts the body and brain, interacting with culture to create differences in human behavior — starting with why boys tend to prefer rougher play than girls.
Thumbnail for "The single most important parenting strategy | Becky Kennedy".
Everyone loses their temper from time to time — but the stakes are dizzyingly high when the focus of your fury is your own child. This week we're revisiting a talk by clinical psychologist and renowned parenting whisperer Becky Kennedy. Not only does she have practical advice to help parents manage the guilt and shame of their not-so-great moments but she also models the types of conversations you can have to be a better parent. (Hint: this works in all other relationships too.) Bottom line? It's never too late to reconnect. After the talk, stick around for a conversation between Shoshana and author Emily Oster on how to use data in everyday parenting decisions.
Thumbnail for "Lessons from my father’s final days | Laurel Braitman".
"Life is an endless sushi conveyor belt of things that are going to test you and teach you at the same time," says writer Laurel Braitman. Exploring the relationship between bravery and fear, she shares hard-won wisdom on love, loss, self-forgiveness and how to embrace the full spectrum of human emotions.
Thumbnail for "Is cultivated meat the future of food? | Uma Valeti".
The way we raise animals is destructive to humans, animals and the environment, says cardiologist and entrepreneur Uma Valeti. He presents a solution that doesn't require you to give up your favorite protein-packed meals: cultivated meat, grown directly from animal cells. Reportedly some of the "most chicken-y chicken" you'll taste, Valeti envisions how such cultivated meat could save billions of animal lives, improve human health and help protect our planet.
Thumbnail for "How babies think about danger | Shari Liu".
Are babies oblivious to danger? It's not that simple, says cognitive scientist Shari Liu. Sharing surprising insights from studies of early human development, Liu highlights the unexpected ways babies perceive and respond to risky situations — and what these findings could unravel about the inner workings of our minds.
Thumbnail for "Even healthy couples fight — the difference is how | Julie and John Gottman".
Can conflict actually bring you and your partner closer? It depends on how you fight, say Julie and John Gottman, the world's leading relationship scientists. They share why the way couples fight can predict the future of their relationships — and show how anybody can transform conflict into an opportunity for deeper connection and understanding.
Thumbnail for "The world's rarest diseases — and how they impact everyone | Anna Greka".
Physician-scientist Anna Greka investigates the world's rarest genetic diseases, decoding the secrets of our cells through "molecular detective work." This week we're revisiting her talk which explains how her team is using new, advanced technology to solve decades-old medical mysteries — and shows how this work could help develop precision treatments for millions of people across the globe.
Thumbnail for "Why broken hearts hurt — and what heals them | Yoram Yovell".
What's the relationship between physical and mental pain, and how can you ease both? Revealing how your experiences of love, loss and pain are deeply intertwined, neuroscientist Yoram Yovell sheds light on the surprising role of your brain's endorphins and opioid receptors to ease physical and emotional suffering — and shows how this connection could pave the way to new treatments for mental health and well-being.
Thumbnail for "My quest to cure prion disease — before it's too late | Sonia Vallabh".
Biomedical researcher Sonia Vallabh's life was turned upside down when she learned she had the genetic mutation for a rare and fatal illness, prion disease, that could strike at any time. Thirteen years later, her search for a cure has led to new insights about how to catch and prevent disease — and how to honor our grandest, most mysterious inheritance: our brains.
Thumbnail for "How to calm your anxiety, from a neuroscientist | Wendy Suzuki".
What if you could transform your anxiety into something you can actually use during your work day? This week, we're revisiting a talk by neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki, who shares two evidence-based activities — breathing and movement — that can soothe your nervous system and fuel creativity and connection.
Thumbnail for "The science of lifespan — and the impact of your five senses | Christi Gendron".
What you experience through your senses — sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch — can impact how healthy you are and how long you live, says neurobiologist Christi Gendron. She explores how environmental cues like temperature, light and even just the sight of death have influenced the lifespan of fruit flies, suggesting your everyday perceptions may have direct repercussions on your ability to live a long, healthy life.
Thumbnail for "How aerosols brighten clouds — and cool the planet | Sarah J. Doherty".
Here's a conundrum: the same aerosol pollutants that harm human health also help cool the climate, says atmospheric scientist Sarah J. Doherty. Is there a way to clean up the air without warming the planet? Exploring the unintended consequences of reducing air pollution, she makes the case for a better understanding of marine cloud brightening — or intentionally adding sea salt aerosols to clouds over the ocean, which could reflect sunlight back into space and potentially reduce global warming.
Thumbnail for "Food expiration dates don't mean what you think | Carolyn Beans".
Countries around the world waste huge amounts of food every year: roughly a fifth of food items in the US are tossed because consumers aren't sure how to interpret expiration labels. But most groceries are still perfectly safe to eat past their expiration dates. If the dates on our food don't tell us that something's gone bad, what do they tell us? Carolyn Beans shares how to prevent food waste. This TED-Ed lesson was directed by Anton Bogaty, narrated by Alexandra Panzer and the music is by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio.
Thumbnail for "The miracle of organ donation — and a breakthrough for the future | Abbas Ardehali".
Organ transplants save lives, but they come with challenges: every minute a healthy donated organ is on ice increases risk. And even if things go perfectly, rejection of the organ is still possible. Cardiothoracic surgeon Abbas Ardehali introduces cutting-edge medical advances in machine perfusion — a portable platform that keeps organs alive outside of the body — that could help put time back on the patient's side.
Thumbnail for "The vital data you flush down the toilet | Newsha Ghaeli".
"Everybody pees and poops — and we know that urine and stool contain a rich source of information on our health," says data detective Newsha Ghaeli. Exploring the growing field of wastewater epidemiology, she shows how studying sewage can (anonymously) reveal a lot about the collective well-being of our cities — leading to real-time quality-of-life improvements like tracking pandemics, updating social policies and much more.
Thumbnail for "Why is it so hard to cure the common cold? | George Zaidan".
On average, adults catch more than 150 colds throughout their lives. Even with similar symptoms, the cause could be different each time. Common colds are caused by at least 8 different families of virus, each of which can have its own subtypes. How can so many different viruses cause the same illness? And is a cure even possible? Explore the two main strategies we employ to fight viruses. This TED-Ed lesson was directed by Anton Bogaty, narrated by George Zaidan and the music is by Nikola Radivojevic.
Thumbnail for "What happens to sex in midlife? A look at the "bedroom gap" | Maria E. Sophocles".
Menopause isn't just hot flashes, says gynecologist and sexual medicine specialist Maria Sophocles. It's often accompanied by overlooked symptoms like painful sex or loss of libido. Shedding light on what she calls the "bedroom gap," or the difference in sexual expectations of men and women in midlife due to societal norms, Sophocles advocates for education, medical advancement and a new understanding of menopause — because sex should be pleasurable and comfortable for everyone. After the talk, join Shoshana for a conversation with OB/GYN and women’s health advocate Dr. Jessica Shepherd.
Thumbnail for "How to make smart decisions more easily | Alexandra Panzer".
Everything our bodies do— whether physical or mental— uses energy. Studies have found that many individuals seem to have a daily threshold for making decisions, and an extended period of decision-making can lead to cognitive exhaustion. So, what kinds of choices lead us to this state, and what can we do to fight fatigue? Explore the psychology of decision fatigue and ways you can avoid fatigue. Directed by Jolene Tan, narrated by Alexandra Panzer and music by Jeremie Lim.
Thumbnail for "The science of laughter | Sasha Winkler".
Isn’t it odd that, when something’s funny, you might show your teeth, change your breathing, become weak and achy in some places, and maybe even cry? In other words, why do we do this bizarre thing that is laughter? Since there’s no archaeological record of laughter, it’s impossible to say exactly how and why it evolved, but scientists have some theories. Sasha Winkler digs into the reflex. This TED-Ed lesson was directed by Hanna Rybak, narrated by Susan Zimmerman and the music is by Jarrett Farkas.
Thumbnail for "What if a simple blood test could detect cancer? | Hani Goodarzi".
Catching cancer at its earliest stages saves lives. But in a body made up of trillions of cells, how do you spot a small group of rogue cancer cells? Biomedical researcher Hani Goodarzi discusses his lab's discovery of a new class of RNAs that, when paired with emerging AI tools, could help detect cancer earlier, more precisely and even through routine blood work — potentially transforming our understanding of the disease.
Thumbnail for "The diseases that changed humanity forever | Dan Kwartler".
Since humanity’s earliest days, we’ve been plagued by countless disease-causing pathogens. Invisible and persistent, these microorganisms and the illnesses they incur have killed more humans than anything else in history. But which disease has been the deadliest? Dan Kwartler digs into how human progress and innovation throughout history exposed us to surprising new maladies. This TED-Ed lesson was directed by BASA, narrated by Addison Anderson and the music was created by Igor Figueroa, Estudio Mono.
Thumbnail for "A campaign for period positivity | Ananya Grover".
Having your period is exhausting — and for many people across the world, menstruation is even more challenging because of stigmas and difficulty getting basic hygiene supplies, says social activist Ananya Grover. In this uplifting, actionable talk, she shares how "Pravahkriti," her campaign to spread period positivity, creatively engages with everyone to promote menstrual health, raise awareness and break taboos around periods. After the talk, Shoshana has a sweeping conversation with OB/GYN, activist and fellow TED Audio Collective host Dr. Jen Gunter on breaking down period myths and misconceptions.
Thumbnail for "Do gut microbes control your personality? | Kathleen McAuliffe".
Biologist Kathleen McAuliffe dives into emerging research that explores how certain gut bacteria can influence major parts of who you are, from your personality to life-changing neurological disorders. Learn more about how this ongoing clinical medical and pharmaceutical research might change how we treat disease — and discover the impact of your internal microbial makeup on your mood, weight and more.
Thumbnail for "How to hack your brain when you're in pain | Amy Baxter".
Have we misunderstood pain? This week we’re revisiting a talk by researcher and physician Amy Baxter as she unravels the symphony of connections that send pain from your body to your brain, explaining practical neuroscience hacks to quickly block those signals. Her groundbreaking research offers alternatives for immediate pain relief -- without the need for addictive opioids. (Followed by a Q&A with TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers)
Thumbnail for "What happens as we die? | Kathryn Mannix".
Have we lost the practical wisdom of what happens as people die? With lessons from a career witnessing thousands of people's final breaths, palliative care expert Kathryn Mannix urges us to demystify the experience of death, sharing how a better understanding of what actually happens can reduce fear in the final days, for you and your loved ones. After the talk, Shoshana shares how one patient changed her life forever and led her to found endwellproject.org, a platform dedicated to making end-of-life PART of life.
Thumbnail for "Is alternative meat the recipe for a healthier planet? | Tao Zhang".
A Chinese saying goes, "There's no pleasure in eating without meat." And the data backs that up: every year, China consumes 26 percent of the world's meat and 45 percent of its seafood — numbers that could grow alongside rising incomes. Impact investor Tao Zhang shows why getting Chinese consumers to switch to plant-based alternatives is vital to tackling climate change and explores how it's also a massive business opportunity to bring tasty, affordable new proteins to market.
Thumbnail for "What happens when we deny people abortions? | Diana Greene Foster".
How does getting an abortion — or not — influence a woman's life? Demographer Diana Greene Foster puts forward the results of The Turnaway Study, her landmark work following nearly 1,000 women through abortion or childbirth, presenting definitive data on the long-term physical, mental and economic impacts of the right to choose on pregnant people and their families. "Access to abortion is about control over one's body, life and destiny," says Foster.
Thumbnail for "My mission to change the narrative of mental health | Glenn Close".
Legendary actor and mental health advocate Glenn Close is on a quest to change how we think about mental health, starting with her decision to speak out about her own family's struggles — a brave choice considering the stigma that pervades the topic. In a sweeping conversation with TEDWomen curator Pat Mitchell, Close shares the inspiration behind the advocacy group she founded to combat the crisis, underscoring the transformative power of community and the critical need for comprehensive mental health care systems.
Thumbnail for "Why you shouldn't trust boredom | Kevin H. Gary".
Are you actually bored, or is something else going on? Educator Kevin H. Gary shares three practical takeaways to deal with the doldrums, so you can take control of your attention, figure out which feelings to trust and name the real problem. After the talk, join Shoshana for a sweeping conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Harstad on the relationship between boredom and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.
Thumbnail for "Racism has a cost for everyone | Heather C. McGhee".
Racism makes our economy worse — and not just in ways that harm people of color, says public policy expert Heather C. McGhee. From her research and travels across the US, McGhee shares startling insights into how racism fuels bad policymaking and drains our economic potential — and offers a crucial rethink on what we can do to create a more prosperous nation for all. "Our fates are linked," she says. "It costs us so much to remain divided." After the talk, Shoshana sits down with Dr. Aletha Maybank — physician, chief health equity officer and senior vice president of the American Medical Association — to discuss how our neighborhoods impact our health.
Thumbnail for "The science behind how sickness shapes your mood | Keely Muscatell".
Your immune system is more socially aware than you think, says social neuroscientist and psychology professor Keely Muscatell. Investigating the interconnectedness of your mood and your inflammatory system, she offers an evolutionary reason as to why being sick may make you feel depressed — and vice versa.
Thumbnail for "Are you really as good at something as you think? | Robin Kramer".
Does confidence equal competence? Not quite. In a talk that will make you better aware of yourself, experimental psychologist Robin Kramer delves into the Dunning-Kruger effect — which argues that those who are least capable often overestimate their skills the most — and explores just how good you are at judging your own abilities.
Thumbnail for "Which is better for you: "Real" meat or "fake" meat? | Carolyn Beans".
In 2021, a survey of over 1,000 Americans found that nearly two-thirds had eaten plant-based meat alternatives in the past year. Many cited potential health and environmental benefits as their motivation. But are these alternative meats actually better for us and the planet? Carolyn Beans investigates the differences between farmed meat, plant-based meat, and lab-grown meat. This TED-Ed lesson was directed by Laura Jayne Hodkin, and narrated by Alexandra Panzer and the music is by Carlos Magaña Bru, cAMP Studio.
Thumbnail for "The truth about human population decline | Jennifer D. Sciubba".
With birth rates falling, the worldwide human population is getting older and smaller. According to traditional thinking, this spells a future of labor shortages, bankrupt social security systems and overall economic collapse. Before you panic about the end of life as we know it, political demographer Jennifer D. Sciubba has a thoughtful playbook for managing the new normal — including ideas on the future of work and migration — and a reminder that a resilient future relies on present-day action.
Thumbnail for "Why I gave my teenage daughter a vibrator | Robin Buckley".
"Why does a vibrator make us uncomfortable, but Viagra does not?" asks cognitive-behavioral coach Robin Buckley. Sharing her own personal story of empowering her teenage daughter to explore the power of pleasure, Buckley encourages parents to talk to their teens about healthy sexual development -- and shares why the awkward conversations are worth it.
Thumbnail for "So much sitting, looking at screens. Can we combat our sedentary lives? | Body Electric".
On Body Electric, host Manoush Zomorodi investigates the relationship between our technology and our bodies.
Thumbnail for "Artificial skin? We made it — here's why | Anna Maria Coclite".
Material scientist Anna Maria Coclite unveils "smart skin" — artificial skin technology that responds to touch, temperature and humidity like your very own. (It's actually even more sensitive than human skin!) From helping burn victims to paving the way to smarter, safer humanoid robots, Coclite highlights the broad-ranging potential of this innovation.
Thumbnail for "Why you feel anxious socializing (and what to do about it) | Fallon Goodman".
In crowds, at meetings, get-togethers with friends, everyday interactions: social anxiety can show up as an unwelcome guest at any time. But why? Psychologist Fallon Goodman digs into the source of social anxiety, setting the record straight about this common condition with practical solutions to help you feel the most authentically "you" while out and about. After we revisit this talk, mental health specialist Dr. Jessi Gold joins Shoshana in a sweeping conversation on social media’s impact on social anxiety and how we can best support ourselves and others.
Thumbnail for "The secret to a happy life — lessons from 8 decades of research | Robert Waldinger".
The happiest and healthiest people are those who have an abundance of warm connections with others, says psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, who leads the Harvard Study of Adult Development — one of the longest-running studies of adult life ever conducted. We’re revisiting a conversation that explores the link between social bonds and quality of life, as Waldinger shares insights into how to identify and strengthen the relationships that impact your well-being most. This conversation, hosted by TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers, was part of an exclusive TED Membership event. Visit ted.com/membership to become a TED Member. After the talk, Shoshana shares a surprising perspective shift that may boost your happiness.
Thumbnail for "Are life-saving medicines hiding in the world's coldest places? | Normand Voyer".
Could the next wonder drug be somewhere in Canada's snowy north? Take a trip to this beautiful, frigid landscape as chemist Normand Voyer explores the mysterious molecular treasures found in plants thriving in the cold. These scarcely investigated organisms could hold immense medical promise, he says — so long as we work quickly enough to discover them.
Thumbnail for "CRISPR's next advance is bigger than you think | Jennifer Doudna".
You've probably heard of CRISPR, the revolutionary technology that allows us to edit the DNA in living organisms. Biochemist and 2023 Audacious Project grantee Jennifer Doudna earned the Nobel Prize for her groundbreaking work in this field — and now she's here to tell us about its next world-changing advancement. She explains how her team at the Innovative Genomics Institute is pioneering a brand new field of science — precision microbiome editing — that uses CRISPR in an effort to solve seemingly insurmountable problems like asthma, Alzheimer's and climate change. This ambitious idea is part of the Audacious Project, TED's initiative to inspire and fund global change.
Thumbnail for "What did people do before anesthesia? | Sally Frampton".
The quest for anesthetics that could induce unconsciousness and enable more meticulous surgeries began around the early 3rd century CE. Before anesthesia was widely used, patients had to consciously endure every moment of surgery. So, what methods did doctors use before modern medicine caught up? Sally Frampton traces the history of anesthetic drugs. This TED-Ed lesson was directed by Alexander Hellebaut, narrated by Alexandra Panzer and the music by Arthur Brouns.
Thumbnail for "A flavorful field guide to foraging | Alexis Nikole Nelson".
Whether it's dandelions blooming in your backyard or purslane sprouting from the sidewalk, forager Alexis Nikole Nelson is on a mission to show how freely growing flora could make its way to your plate. With contagious enthusiasm and a live cooking demo, she explains the benefits of expanding your palate to include "wild" foods that are delicious, nutritious and planet-friendly — and gives three tips for helping others go from skeptical to confident in their own food adventures. Stay tuned to hear how the honey bee plays an important role in your health as Shoshana sits down with entomologist and educator Dr. Samuel Ramsey.
Thumbnail for "The single most important parenting strategy | Becky Kennedy".
Everyone loses their temper from time to time — but the stakes are dizzyingly high when the focus of your fury is your own child. Clinical psychologist and renowned parenting whisperer Becky Kennedy is here to help. Not only does she have practical advice to help parents manage the guilt and shame of their not-so-great moments but she also models the types of conversations you can have to be a better parent. (Hint: this works in all other relationships too.) Bottom line? It's never too late to reconnect. After the talk, stick around for a conversation between Shoshana and author Emily Auster on how to use data in everyday parenting decisions.
Thumbnail for "The world's rarest diseases — and how they impact everyone | Anna Greka".
Physician-scientist Anna Greka investigates the world's rarest genetic diseases, decoding the secrets of our cells through "molecular detective work." She explains how her team is using new, advanced technology to solve decades-old medical mysteries — and shows how this work could help develop precision treatments for millions of people across the globe.
Thumbnail for "Can you change your sleep schedule? | Alexandra Panzer".
An early bird rises with the sun, springing out of bed abuzz with energy. Meanwhile, a night owl groggily rises much later, not hitting their stride until late in the day. How many people are truly night owls or early birds? And are our sleep schedules predetermined at birth, or can we change them? Explore how our circadian systems act as internal clocks to keep our bodies functioning properly. This TED-Ed lesson was directed by Avi Ofer, narrated by Alexandra Panzer and the music is by André Aires.
Thumbnail for "How to hack your brain when you're in pain | Amy Baxter".
Have we misunderstood pain? Researcher and physician Amy Baxter unravels the symphony of connections that send pain from your body to your brain, explaining practical neuroscience hacks to quickly block those signals. Her groundbreaking research offers alternatives for immediate pain relief -- without the need for addictive opioids. (Followed by a Q&A with TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers)
Thumbnail for "How targeted ads might just save your life | Sandersan Onie".
Could the tech industry's complex algorithms support people during their darkest times, rather than just deliver targeted ads? Drawing from his own experience with depression, global mental health researcher Sandersan Onie shows how internet search behaviors can provide valuable insights into suicide risk and potentially help save lives by reaching people in a deeply personal way, at a crucial moment.
Thumbnail for "Blindness isn't a tragic binary — it's a rich spectrum | Andrew Leland".
When does vision loss become blindness? Writer, audio producer and editor Andrew Leland explains how his gradual loss of vision revealed a paradoxical truth about blindness — and shows why it might have implications for how all of us see the world.
Thumbnail for "How to calm your anxiety, from a neuroscientist | Wendy Suzuki".
What if you could transform your anxiety into something you can actually use during your work day? Neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki shares two evidence-based activities — breathing and movement — that can soothe your nervous system and fuel creativity and connection.
Thumbnail for "The epidemics that almost happened | George Zaidan".
In 2013, an Ebola outbreak began in Guinea. The country had no formal response system and the outbreak became the largest Ebola epidemic in recorded history. Guinea then completely overhauled their response system, and were able to successfully combat another outbreak in 2021. So what does an effective epidemic response look like? George Zaidan explores how different communities have taken action. This TED-Ed lesson was directed by Gavin Edwards, Movult, narrated by Jack Cutmore-Scott, music by Cem Misirlioglu.
Thumbnail for "Introducing Body Electric".
We’ve got a special 6-part series with an interactive twist coming your way: On Body Electric, TED Radio Hour host Manoush Zomorodi investigates the relationship between our bodies and our technology…and she has a challenge for YOU. Starts Tuesday, October 3rd
Thumbnail for "Sex education should start with consent | Kaz".
Consent can be a tricky topic to talk about in sex education curriculums, but it doesn't have to be. This week, we're revisiting a hilarious and relatable talk where sex educator and TED Fellow Kaz offers a fresh look at teaching young people about the core principles of consent -- and shows how demystifying this topic leads to healthier and more satisfying relationships for people of all ages. Hear more from OB/Gyn Dr. Danielle Jones in conversation with our host Shoshana, as they discuss practical ways to teach consent -- in our own lives.
Thumbnail for "Why is it so hard to get effective birth control in the US? | Mark Edwards".
Nearly half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, the result of millions of people being unable to get the birth control method that works best for them. Reproductive health advocate and 2023 Audacious Project grantee Mark Edwards discusses Upstream USA's nationwide effort to expand access to high-quality contraceptive care by integrating it into primary health-care settings -- a crucial shift towards increasing equal health opportunities and empowering people to decide when and if they want to start families.
Thumbnail for "Your right to mental privacy in the age of brain-sensing tech | Nita Farahany".
Neurotechnology, or devices that let you track your own brain activity, could help you deeply understand your health. But without privacy protections, your innermost thoughts, emotions and desires could be at risk of exploitation, says neurotech and AI ethicist Nita Farahany. She details some of the field's promising potential uses -- like tracking and treating diseases from depression to epilepsy -- and shares concerns about who collects our brain data and how they plan to use it, ultimately calling for the legal recognition of "cognitive liberty" as we connect our brains and minds to technology.
Thumbnail for "The tragedy of air pollution -- and an urgent demand for clean air | Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah".
"Breathing clean air is every child's human right," says grassroots campaigner Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, while sharing the heartbreaking story of her seven-year-old daughter, Ella Roberta, whose asthma was triggered to a fatal point by air pollution. Now, Adoo-Kissi-Debrah is on a mission to raise awareness about the harmful effects of unsafe air on our health and the planet. In this moving talk, she details why governments have an urgent responsibility to take action on air pollution -- and ensure that all children have a chance to live full and healthy lives. After the talk our host Shoshana speaks with health policy expert Dr. Cara James on the necessary steps towards protecting everyone's right to a healthy environment.
Thumbnail for "Why do we have crooked teeth when our ancestors didn't? | G. Richard Scott".
According to the fossil record, ancient humans usually had straight teeth, complete with wisdom teeth. In fact, the dental dilemmas that fuel the demand for braces and wisdom teeth extractions today appear to be recent developments. So, what happened? While it's nearly impossible to know for sure, scientists have a hypothesis. G. Richard Scott shares the prevailing theory on crooked teeth. This TED-Ed lesson was directed by Igor Coric, Artrake Studio, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio.
Thumbnail for "Why thinking about death helps you live a better life | Alua Arthur".
As a death doula, or someone who supports dying people and their loved ones, Alua Arthur spends a lot of time thinking about the end of life. In a profound talk that examines our brief, perfectly human time on this planet, she asks us to look at our lives through the lens of our deaths in seeking to answer the question: "What must I do to be at peace with myself so that I may live presently and die gracefully?"
Thumbnail for "Why having fun is the secret to a healthier life | Catherine Price".
Have you had your daily dose of fun? It's not just enjoyable, it's also essential for your health and happiness, says science journalist Catherine Price. She proposes a new definition of fun -- what she calls "true fun" -- and shares easy, evidence-backed ways to weave playfulness, flow and connection into your everyday life. After the talk, Shoshana dives into what happens to your body when you play.
Thumbnail for "Is someone you love suffering in silence? Here's what to do | Gus Worland".
Lots of people talk about the need to be physically fit, but mentally fit? Not as much. In a powerful talk, mental health advocate Gus Worland shares how an experience of deep grief from his own life sparked his mission to advocate for suicide prevention -- and shows why "looking after your own village" can be as simple as sending a text message, right now, to the person you cannot imagine living without.
Thumbnail for "The Internet's First Main Character? | The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks".
What if the most exciting achievement in your career also created a cultural phenomenon that pushed your mental health to the brim? In this new podcast from the TED Audio Collective, host Dylan Marron explores the story behind one of the world's most controversial characters and the man who brought him to life. It's 1999, and sixteen years after its original release, a new Star Wars is finally coming. Fans have been camping out in front of theaters across the country just to be the first to see it. The beloved intergalactic saga is set to debut a slew of brand new characters, one of whom is a revolutionary CGI creation named Jar Jar Binks. Whispers begin to spread about big changes coming to the galaxy far, far away – and not everyone’s happy about it. This is the first episode of The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks. If you like what you hear, find The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks wherever you get your podcasts.
Thumbnail for "Lessons from losing my mind | Andy Dunn".
Neurodiversity and innovation often go hand in hand, but does that mean visionary entrepreneurs get a free pass to say and do anything they want? Bonobos founder and mental health advocate Andy Dunn shares his experience navigating bipolar I in the midst of running a successful startup, offering lessons learned on his journey to wellness and steps to create a future where everyone is able to "dream crazy dreams" -- while being held accountable.
Thumbnail for "What is a poop transplant, and how does it work? | Kathryn M. Stephenson and David L. Suskind".
1,700 years ago, Chinese alchemist Ge Hong was renowned for his soup that could cure diarrhea-stricken patients. It had one surprising secret ingredient: feces. While it might seem absurd, and nauseating, to consume feces, exciting new research suggests that taking poop into the body in other ways might provide health benefits. Kathryn M. Stephenson & David L. Suskind share the science of fecal microbial transplantation. This TED-Ed lesson was directed by Luisa Holanda, narrated by Susan Zimmerman, music by Gabriel Maia. After the talk, Shoshana delves into how your gut microbiome impacts your overall health.
Thumbnail for "How to keep house while drowning (w/ KC Davis)".
Let’s face it: if chores were fun, they probably wouldn’t be called that. Because for most people, life can be overwhelming – and that means it doesn’t always look like a cleaning commercial where everyone is dancing their way to do laundry, take out trash, or smiling while washing the dishes. KC Davis is a therapist, author, podcaster, and TikToker who knows that caring for yourself can be a struggle.
Thumbnail for "How does alcohol cause hangovers? | Judy Grisel".
The molecule responsible for hangovers is ethanol, which we colloquially refer to as alcohol. Ethanol is present in all alcoholic beverages, and generally speaking, the more ethanol, the greater the potential for a hangover. So, how exactly does alcohol cause a hangover -- and is there any way to prevent one? Judy Grisel explores the surprising ways that alcohol affects the body.
Thumbnail for "The science of preserving sight | Joshua Chu-Tan".
As you get older, your eyes worsen and become susceptible to a disease called age-related macular degeneration -- the leading cause of blindness, with no cure in sight. Sharing the science of how your vision works, researcher Joshua Chu-Tan offers breakthrough insights on a lesser-known RNA that could change the treatment for this disease, preserving the gift of sight for longer and improving the quality of life for millions of people.
Thumbnail for "The bias behind your undiagnosed chronic pain | Sheetal DeCaria".
While doctors take an oath to do no harm, there's a good chance their unconscious biases can seep into how seriously they treat pain. This week we are revisiting a talk by physician Sheetal DeCaria, as she explains how perception impacts medical care and treatment -- and calls for health care professionals to check in with themselves before checking in with their patients. Stay tuned after the talk as Shoshana digs deeper into how implicit bias impacts the quality of health care Black women receive.
Thumbnail for "A sex therapist's secret to rediscovering your spark | Ian Kerner".
Sex therapist Ian Kerner hears about a common problem from his patients: "failure to launch," or the inability to build and maintain sexual momentum. What's the solution? Whether you're looking to reignite the spark in your relationship or reconnect with your own desire, Kerner shares advice on how to cultivate your erotic imagination and get back on the "arousal runway." Note: This talk contains mature content. In order to protect patient privacy, the speaker has combined or adjusted several patients' experiences.
Thumbnail for "Mental health care that disrupts cycles of violence | Celina de Sola".
In Latin American countries like El Salvador, homicide rates are alarmingly high thanks in large part to a vicious cycle of violence -- people don't have a chance to heal from recurrent individual and collective trauma. With her team at Glasswing International, de Sola is hoping to break this cycle by equipping government employees like teachers and police officers with the skills and knowledge they need to provide mental health care to those who need it most.
Thumbnail for "What girls and women in sports need to unlock their potential | Kate Ackerman".
As a sports scientist, athlete and director of the Female Athlete Program at Boston Children's Hospital, Kate Ackerman understands that women athletes need more than pretty sports bras or new sneakers to achieve peak performance -- they need true investment committed to their health and well-being. Ackerman advocates for a long overdue sports medical system that's dedicated to the study and development of women athletes, supporting lifelong success on and off the field
Thumbnail for "Why nurses are key to medical innovation | Ben Gran".
Nurses represent the front line of health care -- from first breaths to last moments, and everything in between. But there's a vital place nurses are missing in action, says nurse and health educator Ben Gran.
Thumbnail for "Why autism is often missed in women and girls | Kate Kahle".
Women and girls with autism spectrum disorder often don’t display the behaviors people typically associate with neurodivergence, greatly impacting when, how -- and if -- they are diagnosed.
Thumbnail for "3 steps to help kids process traumatic events | Kristen Nguyen".
What do we say to kids when intensely traumatic events interrupt everyday life?
Thumbnail for "May the 4th Be With You: Introducing The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks".
Love him or hate him, ever since his debut in Star Wars Episode 1, Jar Jar Binks has been one of the most divisive characters in movie history. And the backlash against him? It almost destroyed the man who played him.
Thumbnail for "Fixable: Kelli - “How do I deal with a communication breakdown?"".
Kelli is a nurse at a leading teaching hospital where communication issues are not only leading to resentment – they could also be affecting patient care.
Thumbnail for "The secret to a happy life -- lessons from 8 decades of research | Robert Waldinger".
The happiest and healthiest people are those who have an abundance of warm connections with others, says psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, who leads the Harvard Study of Adult Development -- one of the longest-running studies of adult life ever conducted.
Thumbnail for "Where does your sense of self come from? A scientific look | Anil Ananthaswamy".
Our memories and bodies give us clues about who we are, but what happens when this guidance shifts?
Thumbnail for "How puberty changes your brain | Shannon Odell".
While we often talk about puberty's effect on the body, what gets overlooked are the fascinating changes that happen in the brain. Puberty, in fact, begins in the brain, and lasts as long as five years.
Thumbnail for "Why you feel anxious socializing (and what to do about it) | Fallon Goodman".
In crowds, at meetings, get-togethers with friends, everyday interactions: social anxiety can show up as an unwelcome guest at any time. But why?
Thumbnail for "How to do laundry when you're depressed | KC Davis".
Ever had a hard time doing daily household tasks -- cooking, cleaning, laundry -- and felt like a terrible person for struggling in the first place? Therapist KC Davis is here to flip that negative internalized script with a simple yet perspective-shifting fact that may change your approach to life.
Thumbnail for "A disability-inclusive future of work | Ryan Gersava".
One billion people worldwide are living with a disability, and too many of them are left unemployed or feeling like they need to hide their conditions due to discriminatory hiring practices, says social innovator and TED Fellow Ryan Gersava.
Thumbnail for "How to preserve your private life in the age of social media | Bryce Dallas Howard".
Growing up in the public eye, multi-hyphenate creator Bryce Dallas Howard experienced the familiar pressure to share her life with the world on social media.
Thumbnail for "3 ways community creates a healthy life | Olivia Affuso".
Maintaining a healthy weight takes more than diet and exercise, says physical activity epidemiologist Olivia Affuso.
Thumbnail for "Why is it so hard to cure the common cold? | George Zaidan".
On average, adults catch more than 150 colds throughout their lives. Even with similar symptoms, the cause could be different each time
Thumbnail for "The truth about faking orgasms | Karen Gurney".
Whose pleasure is prioritized during sex, and why?
Thumbnail for "Introducing Good Sport".
This week on TED Health we’re excited to introduce TED’s newest podcast, Good Sport, hosted by veteran sports producer Jody Avirgan. What can sports teach us about life – and each other?
Thumbnail for "An Olympic champion's mindset for overcoming fear | Allyson Felix".
Getting pregnant as a track and field athlete is often called the "kiss of death" -- a sign your athletic career will soon end. Olympic champion, entrepreneur and proud mother Allyson Felix thinks it shouldn't be that way.
Thumbnail for "How does heart transplant surgery work? | Roni Shanoada".
Your heart beats more than 100,000 times a day. In one minute, it pumps over five liters of blood throughout your body. But unlike skin and bones, the heart has a limited ability to repair itself.
Thumbnail for "The bias behind your undiagnosed chronic pain | Sheetal DeCaria".
While doctors take an oath to do no harm, there's a good chance their unconscious biases can seep into how seriously they treat pain.
Thumbnail for "How to squeeze all the juice out of retirement | Riley Moynes".
Despite common belief, retirement takes more than financial planning.
Thumbnail for "Why having fun is the secret to a healthier life | Catherine Price".
Have you had your daily dose of fun? It's not just enjoyable, it's also essential for your health and happiness, says science journalist Catherine Price.
Thumbnail for "What's your happiness score? | Dominic Price".
How do you rediscover a happier, more purpose-driven (and less productivity-obsessed) version of yourself at the start of 2023?
Thumbnail for "The affordable, 3D-printed bionics of the future | Enzo Romero".
Creating functional prosthetics at a fraction of the cost of imported tech, bionic innovator and TED Fellow Enzo Romero shares a groundbreaking model for designing 3D-printed assistive technology sourced from recycled materials -- built in and for his native Peru.
Thumbnail for "A brain implant that turns your thoughts into text | Tom Oxley".
What if you could control digital devices using just the power of thought?
Thumbnail for "Why the price of insulin is a danger to diabetics | Brooke Bennett".
The price of insulin in the US is both outrageous and deadly to those who can't live without it.
Thumbnail for "Is there a link between cancer and heart disease? | Nicholas Leeper".
Does the key to stopping cancer lie in the heart?
Thumbnail for "It's impossible to have healthy people on a sick planet | Shweta Narayan".
This week on TED Health, we are revisiting an episode focused on the Hippocratic Oath.
Thumbnail for "How to have great sex (with Siphumeze Khundayi and Tiffany Mugo) | How To Be A Better Human".
Sex is a normal part of human life, but it can also get complicated–whether you’re having it or not!
Thumbnail for "Surgeon Atul Gawande wants everyone to have a coach | ReThinking w/Adam Grant".
Atul Gawande was advised by a colleague to say yes to every opportunity until he turned 40.
Thumbnail for "Why public health messaging matters | Peter Hotez".
Whether you're aware of it or not, public health messaging shapes many aspects of our lives.
Thumbnail for "Are women more likely to get Alzheimer's? | Maria Shriver".
Does Alzheimer's disease disproportionately affect women?
Thumbnail for "How your body could become its own diagnostic lab | Aaron Morris".
In this episode, we are revisiting a talk about an inside-out approach to how we diagnose disease.
Thumbnail for "How to protect your mental well-being online -- from a Gen-Z | Peachy Liv".
Whether you have one follower or a million, we've all witnessed nastiness and hate speech on social media.
Thumbnail for "Is the pandemic actually over? It’s complicated | Anthony Fauci".
“Be spreaders of facts and truths,” says scientist and immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Thumbnail for "How does alcohol cause hangovers? | Judy Grisel".
The molecule responsible for hangovers is ethanol, which we colloquially refer to as alcohol.
Thumbnail for "Why are eating disorders so hard to treat? | Anees Bahji".
Globally, about 10% of people will experience an eating disorder during their lifetime. And yet, eating disorders are profoundly misunderstood.
Thumbnail for "The tragedy of air pollution -- and an urgent demand for clean air | Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah".
Breathing clean air is every child's human right," says grassroots campaigner Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, while sharing the heartbreaking story of her seven-year-old daughter, Ella Roberta, whose asthma was triggered to a fatal point by air pollution.
Thumbnail for "A flavorful field guide to foraging | Alexis Nikole Nelson".
Whether it's dandelions blooming in your backyard or purslane sprouting from the sidewalk, forager Alexis Nikole Nelson is on a mission to show how freely growing flora could make its way to your plate.
Thumbnail for "Transforming the US social safety net | Amanda Renteria | TED Tech".
Digital public servant Amanda Renteria has seen that the millions of people who rely on government welfare services are often discouraged from seeking them out, frustrated by long lines and unnecessarily complicated processes.
Thumbnail for "What happens to people's donated eggs and sperm after they die? | Ellen Trachman".
Today, there are many ways to conceive a child, thanks to assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and egg-freezing. But the law lags behind these advancements, says attorney Ellen Trachman, troubling parents-to-be with stranger-than-fiction mix-ups and baffling lawsuits.
Thumbnail for "Why ASMR is good for your brain | Craig Richard".
Physiologist Craig Richard explains the soothing brain science of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR).
Thumbnail for "How to find your voice | Greta Morgan".
What would happen if the thing that defined you disappeared overnight?
Thumbnail for "How sugar affects the brain | Nicole Avena".
When you eat something loaded with sugar, your taste buds, your gut and your brain all take notice.
Thumbnail for "Racism has a cost for everyone | Heather McGhee".
Racism makes our economy worse -- and not just in ways that harm people of color, says public policy expert Heather C. McGhee.
Thumbnail for "How technology has changed what it's like to be deaf | Rebecca Knill".
"Complete silence is very addictive," says Rebecca Knill, a writer who has cochlear implants that enable her to hear.
Thumbnail for "The breakthrough science of mRNA medicine | Melissa J. Moore".
The secret behind medicine that uses messenger RNA (or mRNA) is that it "teaches" our bodies how to fight diseases on our own, leading to groundbreaking treatments for COVID-19 and, potentially one day, cancer, the flu and other ailments that have haunted humanity for millennia.
Thumbnail for "From Revisionist History: Way to Go, Ohio".
We’re sharing a bonus episode from our friends at Revisionist History, Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast about things misunderstood and overlooked.
Thumbnail for "Sex education should start with consent | Kaz".
Consent can be a tricky topic to talk about in sex education curriculums, but it doesn't have to be.
Thumbnail for "The inaccurate link between body ideals and health | Nancy N. Chen".
Global obesity rates are on the rise, but body shaming campaigns are doing more harm than good, says medical anthropologist Nancy N. Chen.
Thumbnail for "We can make COVID-19 the last pandemic | Bill Gates".
Building a pandemic-free future won't be easy, but Bill Gates believes that we have the tools and strategies to make it possible -- now we just have to fund them.
Thumbnail for "Inside the bizarre world of internet trolls and propagandists | Andrew Marantz".
Journalist Andrew Marantz spent three years embedded in the world of internet trolls and social media propagandists, seeking out the people who are propelling fringe talking points into the heart of conversation online and trying to understand how they're making their ideas spread.
Thumbnail for "How comic strips create better health care | Sam Hester".
Comics creator Sam Hester is part of a growing movement within health care: graphic medicine. In short, literally drawing attention to a patient's needs and goals with pictures to foster better and more accessible caretaking.
Thumbnail for "Can I speed up my metabolism?".
From metabolism gummies to spicy foods, the Keto diet to intricate exercise routines—it seems there’s always something that is being sold or promoted to speed up your metabolism. But do most of us even know what our metabolism IS? And is there any way to hack it (you know, so we can eat pizza all day and not stress about it)?
Thumbnail for "How we can protect truth in the age of misinformation | Sinan Aral".
Fake news can sway elections, tank economies and sow discord in everyday life. Data scientist Sinan Aral demystifies how and why it spreads so quickly -- citing one of the largest studies on misinformation -- and identifies five strategies to help us unweave the tangled web between true and false.
Thumbnail for "4 kinds of regret -- and what they teach you about yourself | Daniel H. Pink".
Regret is one of our most powerful emotions -- and also one of the most misunderstood. Over the past two years, author Daniel H. Pink has collected a trove of more than 16,000 regrets from people in 105 countries in an effort to better understand this mysterious emotion.
Thumbnail for "Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter".
Can you REALLY boost your metabolism? Is blue light actually ruining your sleep? How much vaginal yeast is healthy and when is it … too much? Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter is BACK for a second season to bust the lies you’re told—and sold—about your personal health.
Thumbnail for "You shouldn't have to choose between filling your prescriptions and paying bills | Kiah Williams".
As prescription drug costs skyrocket in the US, thousands of people are forced to forgo lifesaving medications -- all while manufacturers and health care facilities systematically destroy perfectly good, surplus pills.
Thumbnail for "The cure for burnout (hint: it isn't self-care) | Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski".
You may be experiencing burnout and not even know it, say authors (and sisters) Emily and Amelia Nagoski.
Thumbnail for "What's your happiness score? | Dominic Price".
How do you rediscover a happier, more purpose-driven (and less productivity-obsessed) self in the wake of the pandemic?
Thumbnail for "We don't "move on" from grief. We move forward with it | Nora McInerny".
In a talk that's by turns heartbreaking and hilarious, writer and podcaster Nora McInerny shares her hard-earned wisdom about life and death.
Thumbnail for "How to manage your stress like an ER doctor | Darria Long".
How do doctors in the emergency room stay calm and focused amidst the chaos?
Thumbnail for "Listen now: WorkLife season 5".
WorkLife with Adam Grant is back for a fifth season!
Thumbnail for "My mother's final wish — and the right to die with dignity | Elaine Fong".
After a terminal cancer diagnosis upended 12 years of remission, all Elaine Fong's mother wanted was a peaceful end of life.
Thumbnail for "The power of venom -- and how it could one day save your life | Mandë Holford".
Venom can kill ... or it can cure.
Thumbnail for "A smart bra for better heart health | Alicia Chong Rodriguez".
Could an everyday clothing item help protect your health?
Thumbnail for "3 ways to prepare society for the next pandemic | Jennifer B. Nuzzo".
What if we treated the risk of pandemics the same way we treat the risk of fires?
Thumbnail for "Will humans one day hibernate? | TED Radio Hour".
Bears and squirrels hibernate to survive harsh conditions; why not humans?
Thumbnail for "A new way to help young people with their mental health | Tom Osborn".
TED Fellow Tom Osborn wants more young people to have access to the mental health support they need.
Thumbnail for "It's impossible to have healthy people on a sick planet | Shweta Narayan".
The doctrine of "first, do no harm" is the basis of the Hippocratic Oath, one of the world's oldest codes of ethics.
Thumbnail for "The mood-boosting power of crying | Kathy Mendias".
Here's a talk about tears -- and why crying isn't something to be afraid or ashamed of.
Thumbnail for "The life-changing power of assistive technologies | Jane Velkovski".
"This chair is my legs -- this chair is my life," says accessibility champion Jane Velkovski, who uses a wheelchair after being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Thumbnail for "The anxiety that comes from being treated like an outsider | Valerie Purdie-Greenaway".
The stress you may feel being otherized or stereotyped can take a significant toll on your health and well-being.
Thumbnail for "How we could eat real meat without harming animals | Isha Datar".
What if you could eat chicken nuggets without harming a chicken?
Thumbnail for "3 ways community creates a healthy life | Olivia Affuso".
Maintaining a healthy weight takes more than diet and exercise, says physical activity epidemiologist Olivia Affuso.
Thumbnail for "A simple solution to maintaining life-saving vaccines | Nithya Ramanathan".
Refrigerators do much more than store your groceries -- they're also vital to preserving and distributing vaccines.
Thumbnail for "The brain science of obesity | Mads Tang-Christensen".
Your belly and your brain speak to each other, says obesity researcher Mads Tang-Christensen.
Thumbnail for "The cure for burnout (hint: it isn't self-care) | Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski".
With the end of the year fast approaching, you may be experiencing burnout and not even know it.
Thumbnail for "Maternal and child health is a human right | Aparna Hedge".
Overcrowded clinics, extensive wait times and overworked doctors are taking a devastating toll on mothers and children in India.
Thumbnail for "An NFL quarterback on overcoming setbacks and self-doubt | Alex Smith".
Former NFL quarterback Alex Smith almost died after a particularly rough tackle snapped his leg in 2018 -- yet he was back on the field just two years later.
Thumbnail for "How humanity doubled life expectancy in a century | Steven Johnson".
Doubling human life expectancy in a century is our greatest achievement, says author Steven Johnson. How did we make it happen -- and can we keep it going?
Thumbnail for "Could you recover from illness ... using your own stem cells? | Nabiha Saklayen".
What if diseases could be treated with a patient's own cells, precisely and on demand?
Thumbnail for "Is drinking milk essential for building strong bones? | Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter".
Got milk? When it comes to building strong bones, you shouldn’t just stick to the dairy aisle—but many people are starting to skip it all together, with a demonic narrative evolving around milk in recent years. So which should we believe?
Thumbnail for "The Spermageddon is coming | Am I Normal?".
"You should start thinking about kids at your age! Your biological clock is ticking!” When we talk about fertility, there's one section of the population that's consistently subjected to fear mongering: the people with the ovaries.
Thumbnail for "The future of psychedelic medicines and healthcare | Shoshana Clubhouse Conversation".
We’re in the midst of a psychedelic renaissance, where this once demonized class of drugs is now front and center receiving attention among entrepreneurs, investors, clinical trials and even patients.
Thumbnail for "The inaccurate link between body ideals and health | Nancy N. Chen".
Global obesity rates are on the rise, but body shaming campaigns are doing more harm than good, says medical anthropologist Nancy N. Chen.
Thumbnail for "The power of venom -- and how it could one day save your life | Mandë Holford".
Venom can kill ... or it can cure. From killer sea snails to platypuses and slow lorises, marine chemical biologist Mandë Holford shares her research into animal venom and explores its potential to one day treat human diseases like cancer.
Thumbnail for "Am I Normal? with Mona Chalabi".
Today, a trailer from Am I Normal? with Mona Chalabi, a new TED Original podcast.
Thumbnail for "What if mental health workers responded to emergency calls? | Leslie Herod".
When you report an emergency in the US, police, firefighters or paramedics answer the call. What if mental health professionals responded, too?
Thumbnail for "A smart bra for better heart health | Alicia Chong Rodriguez".
Could an everyday clothing item help protect your health?
Thumbnail for "The tiny balls of fat that could revolutionize medicine | Kathryn A. Whitehead".
What if you were holding life-saving medicine ... but had no way to administer it?
Thumbnail for "The anxiety that comes from being treated like an outsider | Valerie Purdie-Greenaway".
The stress you may feel being otherized or stereotyped can take a significant toll on your health and well-being.
Thumbnail for "Meet the scientist couple driving an mRNA vaccine revolution | Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci".
As COVID-19 spread, BioNTech cofounders Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci had one goal: to make a safe, effective vaccine faster than ever before.
Thumbnail for "3 ways to create a menopause-friendly work culture | Andrea Berchowitz".
Hot flashes, joint pain, anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping -- these unforgiving menopause symptoms directly impact work but often go overlooked and under-discussed as a taboo topic, says entrepreneur Andrea Berchowitz.
Thumbnail for "How to find meaning after loss | David Kessler".
You may be familiar with the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. After decades of research and his own experience with tragic loss, grief expert David Kessler ventured beyond that classic framework and sought a sixth, crucial stage: meaning.
Thumbnail for "Could we treat spinal cord injuries with asparagus? | Andrew Pelling".
Take a mind-blowing trip to the lab as TED Senior Fellow Andrew Pelling shares his research on how we could use fruits, vegetables and plants to regenerate damaged human tissues.
Thumbnail for "An innovative way to support children with special needs | Billy Samuel Mwape".
After his son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Billy Samuel Mwape realized that his project management skills might be put to use to support his child's special needs.
Thumbnail for "How your body could become its own diagnostic lab | Aaron Morris".
We need an inside-out approach to how we diagnose disease, says immuno-engineer and TED Fellow Aaron Morris.
Thumbnail for "The science behind how parents affect child development | Yuko Munakata".
Parents, take a deep breath: how your kids turn out isn't fully on you.
Thumbnail for "How COVID-19 transformed the future of medicine | Daniel Kraft".
The pandemic forced the world to work together like never before and, with unprecedented speed, bore a new age of health and medical innovation.
Thumbnail for "How motivation can fix public systems | Abhishek Gopalka".
How do you fix broken public systems?
Thumbnail for "The cure for burnout (hint: it isn't self-care) | Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski".
You may be experiencing burnout and not even know it, say authors (and sisters) Emily and Amelia Nagoski.
Thumbnail for "What causes opioid addiction, and why is it so tough to combat? | Mike Davis".
In the 1980s and 90s, pharmaceutical companies began to market opioid painkillers aggressively, while actively downplaying their addictive potential. The number of prescriptions skyrocketed, and so did cases of addiction, beginning a crisis that continues today.
Thumbnail for "Maternal and child health is a human right | Aparna Hedge".
Overcrowded clinics, extensive wait times and overworked doctors are taking a devastating toll on mothers and children in India.
Thumbnail for "The mood-boosting power of crying | Kathy Mendias".
Here's a talk about tears -- and why crying isn't something to be afraid or ashamed of.
Thumbnail for "How to manage your stress like an ER doctor | Darria Long".
How do doctors in the emergency room stay calm and focused amidst the chaos?
Thumbnail for "How your memory works -- and why forgetting is totally OK | Lisa Genova".
Have you ever misplaced something you were just holding? Completely blanked on a famous actor's name? Walked into a room and immediately forgot why?
Thumbnail for "What is pneumonia and why is it so dangerous? | Eve Gaus and Vanessa Ruiz".
Every time you breathe, air travels down the trachea through a series of channels, and then reaches little clusters of air sacs in the lungs. These tiny sacs facilitate a crucial exchange: allowing oxygen from the air we breathe into the bloodstream and clearing out carbon dioxide. Pneumonia wreaks havoc on this exchange system.
Thumbnail for "How to deal with stress from COVID-19 and manage your well-being | Esther Perel".
How do you effectively regulate stress?
Thumbnail for "The past, present and future of nicotine addiction | Mitch Zeller".
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, killing more people each year than alcohol, AIDS, car accidents, illegal drugs, murder and suicide combined.
Thumbnail for "The next software revolution: programming biological cells | Sara-Jane Dunn".
The cells in your body are like computer software: they're "programmed" to carry out specific functions at specific times. If we can better understand this process, we could unlock the ability to reprogram cells ourselves.
Thumbnail for "What it means to be intersex | Susannah Temko".
For intersex people -- those born with sex characteristics outside the traditional definitions of female and male -- the stakes to appear "normal" are high.
Thumbnail for "My mother's final wish — and the right to die with dignity | Elaine Fong".
After a terminal cancer diagnosis upended 12 years of remission, all Elaine Fong's mother wanted was a peaceful end of life. What she received instead became a fight for the right to decide when.
Thumbnail for "Why are drug prices so high? Investigating the outdated US patent system | Priti Krishtel".
Between 2006 and 2016, the number of drug patents granted in the United States doubled -- but not because there was an explosion in invention or innovation.
Thumbnail for "How menopause affects the brain | Lisa Mosconi".
Many of the symptoms of menopause -- hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, memory lapses, depression and anxiety -- start in the brain. How exactly does menopause impact cognitive health?
Thumbnail for "The Biology of Sex | TED Radio Hour".
Over a century ago, one part of our DNA got labelled the "sex chromosomes." Science journalist and Radiolab producer Molly Webster explains the consequences of that oversimplification.
Thumbnail for "What causes panic attacks and how you can prevent them | Cindy J. Aaronson".
What exactly is a panic attack, and can we prevent them?
Thumbnail for "How synthetic biology can improve our health, food and materials | Emily Leproust".
What if we could use biology to restore our balance with nature without giving up modern creature comforts?
Thumbnail for "How to avoid catching prickly emotions from other people | Jessica Woods".
Difficult emotions can get under your skin if you're not careful. Sport and performance consultant Jessica Woods calls this the "jumping cholla effect," inspired by a sneaky kind of cactus that detaches and burrows its spines into unsuspecting passersby.
Thumbnail for "What causes headaches? | Dan Kwartler".
In ancient Greece, the best-known remedy for a long-standing headache was to drill a small hole in the skull to drain supposedly infected blood. Fortunately, doctors today don't resort to power tools to cure headaches, but we still have a lot to learn about this ancient ailment.
Thumbnail for "TEDxSHORTS: Tal Zak".
Today we're sharing another podcast from TED: TEDx SHORTS. Chief Medical Officer of Moderna Tal Zaks offers a look into the future of personalized medicine and how tailored vaccines might someday be used in the fight against cancer.
Thumbnail for "How theater weathers wars, outlasts empires and survives pandemics | Cara Greene Epstein".
When catastrophe strikes, art prevails—and has done so for centuries.
Thumbnail for "How to Be a Better Human: The emotional support you need right now | Guy Winch‪".
Have you been feeling isolated or emotionally vulnerable lately? Loneliness is universal and while we can experience it at any point in our lives, we may be feeling it now more than ever.
Thumbnail for "What you can do to prevent Alzheimer's | Lisa Genova".
Alzheimer's doesn't have to be your brain's destiny, says neuroscientist and author of "Still Alice," Lisa Genova.
Thumbnail for "How couples can sustain a strong sexual connection for a lifetime | Emily Nagoski".
As a sex educator, Emily Nagoski is often asked: How do couples sustain a strong sexual connection over the long term?
Thumbnail for "Is marijuana bad for your brain? | Anees Bahji".
Today, marijuana's therapeutic benefits are widely acknowledged, but a growing recognition for its medical value doesn't answer the question: is recreational marijuana use bad for your brain?
Thumbnail for "Can we edit memories? | Amy Milton".
Trauma and PTSD rewire your brain -- especially your memory -- and can unearth destructive emotional responses when stirred. Could we eliminate these triggers without erasing the memories themselves?
Thumbnail for "The case for student mental health days | Hailey Hardcastle".
School can be rife with stress, anxiety, panic attacks and even burnout — but there's often no formal policy for students who need to prioritize their well-being.
Thumbnail for "How your brain's executive function works -- and how to improve it | Sabine Doebel".
You use your brain's executive function every day -- it's how you do things like pay attention, plan ahead and control impulses. Can you improve it to change for the better?
Thumbnail for "How changing your story can change your life | Lori Gottlieb".
Stories help you make sense of your life -- but when these narratives are incomplete or misleading, they can keep you stuck instead of providing clarity.
Thumbnail for "What happens when biology becomes technology? | Christina Agapakis".
"We've been promised a future of chrome -- but what if the future is fleshy?" asks biological designer Christina Agapakis
Thumbnail for "The mental health benefits of storytelling for health care workers | Laurel Braitman".
Health care workers are under more stress than ever before. How can they protect their mental health while handling new and complex pressures?
Thumbnail for "What yoga does to your body and brain | Krishna Sudhir".
Is yoga actually beneficial to your health?
Thumbnail for "The way we think about biological sex is wrong | Emily Quinn".
Did you know that almost 150 million people worldwide are born intersex -- with biology that doesn't fit the standard definition of male or female?
Thumbnail for "You shouldn't have to choose between filling your prescriptions and paying bills | Kiah Williams".
As prescription drug costs skyrocket in the US, thousands of people are forced to forgo lifesaving medications -- all while manufacturers and health care facilities systematically destroy perfectly good, surplus pills.
Thumbnail for "The brain-changing benefits of exercise | Wendy Suzuki".
What's the most transformative thing that you can do for your brain today? Exercise! says neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki
Thumbnail for "The future of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy | Rick Doblin".
Could psychedelics help us heal from trauma and mental illnesses? Researcher Rick Doblin has spent the past three decades investigating this question, and the results are promising.
Thumbnail for "What foods did your ancestors love? | Aparna Pallavi".
Around the world, Indigenous food cultures vanish because of industrialized agriculture and a shifting, Western-influenced concept of the ideal diet.
Thumbnail for "A comprehensive, neighborhood-based response to COVID-19 | Kwame Owusu-Kesse".
Crisis interventions often focus on a single aspect of a big, complicated problem, failing to address the broader social and economic context.
Thumbnail for "How to manage your stress like an ER doctor | Darria Long".
How do doctors in the emergency room stay calm and focused amidst the chaos?
Thumbnail for "Sleep is your superpower | Matt Walker".
Sleep is your life-support system and Mother Nature's best effort yet at immortality, says sleep scientist Matt Walker.
Thumbnail for "Introducing TED Health".
Introducing TED Health
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