Some of the most entertaining, informative and mind-blowing science videos on the web come from TED – the Technology, Entertainment, Design conference. Challenged to give the “talk of their lives,” the world’s top scientists and science communicators have been dazzling audiences – many of whom are thought leaders, trend-setters and entertainers – for years now. Most of the best talks are now freely available on the internet, but sifting through hundreds of video clips to find the real gems can be hard going.

To make things easier, here are five of my favorite TED Talks on science. The selection rules were simple:

- Was I engaged within the first few seconds?
- Was I entertained, inspired and challenged?
- Would my kids understand the talk? and
- Together, do they tell a story?

1. Crochet coral and complex math

What on earth do coral, complex mathematics and the craft of crochet have in common? Plenty, according to science writer Margaret Wertheim, who shows how crocheting a “coral reef” can help make sense of some really tricky math, while drawing attention to distressed coral reefs around the world. Stunningly inventive.

2. Beyond Evolution – Engineering Biology

Four billion years of evolution have led to organisms that can reproduce, survive the harshest environments, and convert simple chemicals into complex ones. Tapping into this “natural technology” is an engineer’s dream – but is it possible? Genomics pioneer and science maverick Craig Venter says it is. Venter envisions a future where we program biology the way we program computers now.

3. Life On Mars?

Is there life on other planets? If there is, how would we find it? Controversial, eloquent, thoroughly engaging, Penelope Boston talks about the possibility of finding life on Mars and elsewhere in the Solar System.

4. Recreating the Universe’s Beginnings

Why are scientists so excited about smashing subatomic particles together at near-light velocities? Physicist and ex rock-star Brian Cox explains why the Large Hadron Collider in Europe – part of the largest physics experiment in history – is far more than an extra in Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons. Okay so I’m a fellow physicist, but I still found Brian’s talk stunning.

5. Is this our last century?

Finally, the big picture. Sir Martin Reese – Astronomer Royal, President of the Royal Society and author of the book Our Final Hour – presents an expansive perspective on humanity’s place in the universe, and asks what our future might hold.

These five TED talks on science tell a story about the complexity of the universe and our place in it. And they do it with panache – no boring science lectures here! What’s more, there’s plenty more where they came from. If you have other favorite TED science talks, please feel free to share them in the comments.

Dr. Brady Hurst
True Health: Functional Medicine + Chiropractic.
www.TrueHealthDC.com

Dr. Brady Hurst
True Health: Functional Medicine + Chiropractic.
www.TrueHealthDC.com

After much pressure from patients and lecture attendees I am excited to announce that I will be spilling my brain out into this blog. The information here will restore hope for those who have lost it to a chronic health condition. This information will make some mad because they will learn information that could have helped them long ago. This information will make many extremely happy because they will leave here armed with the knowledge to take control of their own health whether it’s a chronic condition or preventing sickness. Post will show how Functional Medicine applies in specific conditions, updates in new health info, and of course we will have some fun answering some weird health questions like, “Why can’t you open you eyes during a sneeze” or “What causes someone to sleep walk?” Please shoot over any and all questions you have. This is an interactive blog so get involved!

A very quick background about myself so we can get started…

My family and I moved to Asheville North Carolina from New Roads Louisiana back in the early 90’s. Because I was able to “duel enroll” in college classes during high school, I was able to attend a local college after the regular school day. By the time I graduated high school I was almost a junior in college. I studied Neuropsychology at UNCG and was blessed to be apart of a research team that did some groundbreaking work in the area of schizophrenia. After undergraduate college, I attended Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas Texas. I moved to Atlanta Georgia after finishing my residency education in Clinical Neurology. Since I have published many articles in regional publications and have drawn large crowds to my community lectures.

Enough on me, let’s get to you! My first blog is answering that question, “What is Functional Medicine and is it really the future of healthcare?” Here we go!

Brady Hurst DC, CCCN
www.TrueHealthDC.com