Revolutionary Gel Stops Bleeding Immediately

In this fascinating TED Talk, medical inventor and a fellow of TED Joe Landolina, explains his amazing innovation, which is a gel that can instantly stop bleeding. And we’re not talking about knee grazes and cat scratches. We’re talking about life-threatening arterial wounds that could cause certain death unless stopped within minutes. Blood pumping out of an open wound at TWICE the normal arterial pressure can be instantly staunched with the application of this gel, which is surely an incredible breakthrough in modern medical science. What this means, particularly for soldiers in battle, is a much better chance of survival for the otherwise mortally wounded. And also, no stitches!

By the way, the bleeding wound in question was merely a sliced side of pork with a tube feeding blood into it, so don’t worry about being disturbed by any imagery.

Video Source: TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) at YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-5wqwp64MM

Bioluminescence: Because Shining Out Your Butt Is Cool

I was going to write a blog post about bioluminescence – the ability of certain critters to create their own light – and then I came across this brilliant video by (who else?) the people behind TED Talks! If you are yet to spend the time you should be working skipping through the fathomless coffers of YouTube TED Talks, you haven’t lived, man. Check it out – you’ll find a handsome suite of live science and technology presentations given by people who, for scientists, actually have a personality and a sense of humour!

In this particular animated video, you’ll come to learn what bioluminescence is, why it’s a useful personality trait to have and how this special adaptation benefits the creature in question.

The brilliance of bioluminescence – Leslie Kenna

Video Source: Ted-Ed on YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKjFVBVGad0. Lesson by Leslie Kenna, narrated by Michelle Snow, animation by Cinematic Sweden

TED Talks with Mythbusters' Adam Savage

Adam Savage is one half of the insane genius behind the hit TV show Mythbusters and in this illuminating short TED Talk, he explains to us how some of history’s most profound discoveries have come from really simple, yet insightful methods: Eratosthenes’ calculation of the Earth’s circumference (200 BC) and Fizeau’s measurement of the speed of light (1849).

It’s a lesson in how you don’t have to have a PHD behind your name to conceive mighty concepts.

Amazing Science Video Source: “How simple ideas lead to scientific discoveries” – TED Talks. Uploaded by TED-Ed on YouTube channel https://youtu.be/F8UFGu2M2gM

View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-simple-…