Be Smart

You’ve seen the topic of our latest video tens of thousands of times in your life: the famous (infamous) Mercator Map. Though modernly maligned, it’s actually among the most incredible inventions of its time. In fact, it was created with math that shouldn’t have even existed until centuries later! For more on the fascinating tale, check out the video at https://youtu.be/p-9wxYdJing?si=OFGIK...

1 month ago | [YT] | 1,253

Be Smart

Hey Smart People, and Happy Earth Month! PBS is celebrating by releasing a ton of great content about our amazing planet, and I wanted to recommend the latest video from ‪@MainePublic‬: youtube.com/watch?v=VlEYFyNkWas. The episode explores Maine’s “Big Night,” a yearly “citizen science” event where everyday folks stay up all night to track amphibians migrating across the Pine Tree State. Fun fact: It’s the only state-wide amphibian crossing project in the world! Check out the episode — and tell ‘em Joe sent ya!

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1 month ago | [YT] | 532

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Hey Smart people! Guess what! We’ve just been nominated for a Webby! wbby.co/58952N
AND YOU NEED TO GO VOTE FOR US! Our YouTube Shorts are up in the Social & Games - Education & Science category.

1. Sign up to vote
2. Vote for us

It's easy! We know you love learning with us, so now’s your chance to support! Voting closes April 16th. Thanks!

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 930

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Hey smart people! After making my latest video about swarm intelligence I'm wondering if ants might actually be smarter than humans… So I say we prove them wrong by coming together and showing our own collective genius by all clicking this link to watch my new video! ➡️ https://youtu.be/iT2n41ZFDc0

(I promise this post was not typed out by a bunch of ants cooperatively pushing down the keys on my computer while I wasn't looking )

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2 months ago | [YT] | 1,213

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The face you make when you realize everything you thought about flavor was wrong… 😬 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SBXG...

Some fun in the Sovereign Flavors Lab, where Joe had the chance to talk with flavor scientist Lauren Muhlberger! Did you know there are fewer certified flavor experts than there are pilots!? 🤯 On the latest episode, discover what flavor actually is, and learn how our senses combine to create what we know as flavor. What’s a flavor you’re obsessed with right now? Let us know in the comments! 👅

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4 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1,568

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Be Smart fans! Want to help us decide what episodes to bring to the channel? We’re putting the choice in your hands! to.pbs.org/2025SurveyBeSmart Each year, Digital Studios conducts a survey to better understand our viewers. Pick new shows, let us know what you love, what you'd rather watch, and much more. It only takes a few minutes, and yes, we actually do listen! We’re excited to hear from you.

5 months ago | [YT] | 875

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Hey Smart People! 👋 I recently sat down with my buddy Ruff Ruffman over on ⁨‪@GBH‬ to talk about navigating digital skepticism, and how you can find news you can actually trust: youtube.com/watch?v=6Imm-NVtZyY How do you stay smart online? 🤔 Head on over for some tips you can use (and share with friends!)

6 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 628

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What really causes autism? 🤔
There are myths. There are headlines. And then there’s the science. I spent months digging into the research to separate fact from fiction. It's the deepest investigation we've ever done, and the full story is live now! 👉 https://youtu.be/E-yaxqDsfgY

7 months ago | [YT] | 755

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Hey, Smart People! Joe here with a RANDOM fact from our newest video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLeiJ...
One of the most important defenses protecting your bank account, emails, and identity is... a lava lamp. Groovy, right?
We traveled to some fascinating places to explore how true randomness keeps the web safe — and why hackers might freak out over these hypnotic blobs. Watch now to see how science, encryption, and lava lamps team up to protect YOU. Far out.

9 months ago | [YT] | 990

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Hey smart people! Radioactive dinosaur skeletons might sound like the start of sci-fi B-movie, but they’re real! In the 1950s, in the US government’s rush to build nuclear weapons, Utah became the world’s uranium mining capital. But these radioactive deposits led prospectors to something unexpected: ☢️ DINOSAUR REMAINS ☢️
Head over to our friends at BBC Earth Science to find out more (and tell them Joe sent you!)

10 months ago | [YT] | 415