The Strain Of Corn That Rules Them All

From PBS Terra. Corn may be one of the world’s top crops, but its success has made it unexpectedly vulnerable to changes in the market. On a video call, Human Footprint host Shane Campbell-Staton and food historian Abeer Saha dive into corn’s past and its use over time. They reveal how the industrialization of agriculture…

Earth’s History Is Hidden in These Strange Maps

From PBS Terra. The Channeled Scablands of the Pacific Northwest hide an astonishing secret. Evidence of a massive flood that shaped the entire region lies just beneath its landscape. But it can only be seen with cutting edge LIDAR technology. Join Joe as he learns how scientists are using lasers to reveal details that may…

The 6 weirdest colored bodies of water on Earth

From PBS Terra. When seen from space, Earth’s water appears in vibrant shades other than the deep blue that we’re used to. What’s up with that? Hosted by Joe Hanson from Be Smart, Overview uses stunning 4k drone footage to reveal the natural and human made marvels shaping our planet–from a 10,000-foot view–literally. PBS Member…

How Moldy Bread Can Change Your Brain

From PBS Terra. A grisly medieval plague of holy fire. An experiment gone wrong. And…the CIA? All of these unlikely elements weave together in the story of accidental discovery that gave us LSD. Plus, how scientists today are studying how psychedelics could be used to treat mental illnesses like depression, addiction, OCD, and more. *****…

Did Golf Turn Us Into Grass Lovers?

From PBS Terra. In Palm Springs, golf courses are an oasis – but what does it take to keep it alive and flourishing? Straight from a golf cart on the course, Shane Campbell-Staton chats with Jonas Conlan about the resources used for turf grass and some history on golf’s origin.

Finding the *BIGGEST* Reason To Feel Hopeful About Climate Change

From PBS Terra. Join Joe in this exploration of a true titan of modern engineering: the world’s largest crane. With a lifting capacity of 5,000 tons—equivalent to hoisting a SpaceX Starship Heavy—this giant ring crane at Rotterdam’s Mammoet headquarters is a true powerhouse that plays a crucial role in the renewable energy revolution, building massive…

How a Kitchen Mishap Changed Science Forever

From PBS Terra. Whoever said baking is a science definitely knew what they were talking about. In this episode of Fascinating Fails, we explore how a kitchen tip that changed science forever owes its accidental beginnings to ancient cooking traditions. Plus…a trip to a seaweed farm?! ***** PBS Member Stations rely on viewers like you.…

What Are Scientists Learning About Sharks?

From PBS Terra. Happy World Oceans Day! Shark scientists Dr. Lauren Eve Simonitis, A-bel Gong, and Jaida Elcock share some surprising things they’ve learned in their shark research! Catch up on episodes of Sharks Unknown with Jasmin Graham on PBS Terra. This video has been re-uploaded due to a color correction.

How Mantises Became Nature’s Strangest Assassins

From PBS Terra. Mantises may be some of the most out-of-this-world-looking critters on Earth, but they’re uniquely adapted to life on this planet. These incredible hunters have repeatedly evolved into “ecomorphs”—groups that aren’t closely related, but share amazing adaptations to similar habitats. Mantis expert and grad student Lohit Garikipati says this happens so consistently in…

The Genetic Diversity Of Purebred Dogs

From PBS Terra. Did you know that kennel clubs introduced rules that standardized characteristics of different dog breeds? At the Westminster Kennel Club, find out how doggy DNA comes into play with Human Footprint host Shane Campbell-Staton and geneticist Adam Boyko. A single genetic change in the distinctive features of purebred dogs can alter size,…

Is The Cicada Double Emergence Actually A Big Deal?

From PBS Terra. Brood XIX and Brood XIII are making their way to center stage! Join Insectarium host Dr. Jessica L Ware as she debunks some myths you may have heard and explains what these insects are up to during their time above ground. Have you started seeing cicadas in your neighborhood? Let us know…

Truffles Are Hiding a Dirty Little Secret

From PBS Terra. Learn more about Surfshark VPN at: https://surfshark.deals/terra In kitchens around the world, truffles represent culinary excellence and prestige, but in the forest they’re just another flora fighting to exist, using somewhat…unusual methods. In the lush woodland of the Pacific Northwest, these modest mushrooms’ adaptation strategies are promoting not only their own survival,…

Allergies: The Science of Why Your Body Hates You

From PBS Terra. Did you know that one of the biggest discoveries in our understanding of allergies was thanks to a completely failed experiment? From pollen to peanuts, allergies can be the bane of our existence. Hold on tight for this wild ride of an episode that takes us through time. By the end, you’ll…

How Ants Make Our Cities Healthier

From PBS Terra. In pavement cracks, roadside medians, and parking lots, there are incredible miniature civilizations booming within our concrete jungles: ants! We don’t often think of urban areas as having “ecologies” but Amy Savage, Ph.D. studies the amazing diversity of ants making their way in the city. Their combined efforts make our urban landscapes…

Save the Planet? In THIS Economy? Pffft

From PBS Terra. We often hear industry and political leaders talk about how we need to balance the economy with the environment. The thinking goes something like this: environmental destruction is necessary to earn a living and make the things we need. But is this really true? Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant explores how we can approach…