Awesome Science

After explaining the basics of the Fermi Paradox, Kurzgesagt concludes its discussion by expounding on a few possible reasons as to why, assuming they do exist, we haven’t encountered any aliens yet.

YouTuber carsandwater’s red hot nickel ball has demolished pretty much anything that was offered to it. Until now. Its kryptonite? A hockey puck, which is made from a seemingly indestructible disc of vulcanized rubber.

A team of marine scientists funded by the NOAA used a robotic camera off the coast of Puerto Rico to capture incredible footage of just a few of the unusual undersea lifeforms dwelling up to 20,000ft. beneath the surface. More here.

The always informative Minute Earth teamed up with the animators at Kurzgesagt to explain the importance of Earth’s atmosphere, and the problems that greenhouse gases cause for the stability of our oh-so-important solar shield.

This brief, but eye-opening science experiment illustrates the way that even stagnant air creates resistance against objects. It’s incredible how much longer the top spins when the air is removed from its chamber. (Thanks Vers!)

Despite the potential, why is it that we’ve never run into aliens? Is it really possible we’re the only life forms? Kurzgesagt looks at the many reasons why we have yet to find anyone else out there. Basically, it’s just really hard to make life.

TheBackyardScientist poured a bucket of molten aluminum into a watermelon, expecting the fruit to either explode or fail catastrophically. Instead, the hot metal seeped into the melon’s guts and created a fascinating organic sculpture.

To promote the UK’s National STEM Centre, science teacher Alom Shaha shows how to build a device which demonstrates the principles of wave physics using some duct tape, kebab sticks and Jelly Babies. The Doctor would be so proud.

A bicycle with a reverse handlebar made Smarter Every Day wax philosophical. We wonder if someone who doesn’t know how to ride a bike can learn to ride the backwards bike as fast as a normal one.

Engineer Guy Bill Hammack explains the remarkable design elements that went into the ubiquitous aluminum beverage can, as well as the numerous steps each can goes through in a fraction of a second on the factory line.

YouTuber carsandwater is obsessed with placing a red hot nickel ball on top of other objects. The reaction between the searing hot sphere and the sugary jaw breaker is particularly vigorous, as the candy spews its molten sugar like hot lava.

A chemistry teacher demonstrates a really cool property of liquid methane by pouring the rapidly-extinguishing substance onto the floor while afire. We’re not sure how safe this is, but it sure looks cool. Original video here.

Jake from Vsauce3 got together with the Muppets to investigate the physics of X-Men’s Quicksilver, and what would happen if the Mach 10 superhero existed. Basically, you couldn’t see him – and if brushed by you, you’d explode.

Despite the controversy and dangers behind nuclear energy, the science behind it is impressive. Here, Kurzgesagt takes a look at how radioactive elements are harnessed into usable power, and the history of nuclear power.

Mad scientist Grant “The King of Random” Thompson took a cute looking minion toy and transformed it into a deadly and destructive force, thanks to 12,000 volts running through its body. Well, that’s one way to toast marshmallows.

A while back, Joey Shanks shared footage of some magnetic “thinking” putty as it engulfed objects. YouTuber Ian Parks has turned the idea into a bit of an obsession, releasing several videos of the unusual goo engulfing magnetic objects.

We’ve always been fascinated by these color-changing creatures. But did you know they don’t do it to blend in? These lizards just wear their emotions on the outside. Veritasium explores the extraordinary biology behind their strange ability.

After an earlier demonstration using copper wire, magnets and a battery to create a model railroad, YouTuber AmazingScience shows how to not only make a longer track, but to get the train to ride on the outside of the coil.

Kevin and Grant from the Science Channel’s show What Could Possibly Go Wrong harness the power of the sun, using the fresnel lens from an old rear-projection TV to focus a dangerously hot beam that can melt metals.

Mold can be really nasty stuff. It can ruin buildings, foods, and make people deathly ill. But viewed through photographer Nick Lariontsev’s extreme zoom lens, it looks like the landscape of an alien planet. It also makes some tasty cheese.

Jonathan Gordon was taken aback while snorkeling in the caribbean, as he stumbled onto this octopus and its amazing innate abilities to blend into its surroundings. It’s exactly like the plot of Octodad, but not.

Alphonse Swinehart illustrates the sheer enormity of our Solar System by showing in real time how long it takes for light to reach from the Sun to Jupiter, even though it travels at 186,287 miles per second. Aaaaand 43 minutes later…

As much fun as it is to play with these tiny neodymium magnetic spheres, they’ve been taken off shelves because they’re a choking hazard to kids. Here, Will It Blend? host Tom Dickson gets rid of his set in the most spectacular way possible.