CF

Mind-Blowing Science: Season 2

4h 30s
English
Paid

Mind-Blowing Science is back! Season 2 of our National Capital Emmy® Award-winning series has arrived and it’s chock full of even more mind-blowing moments as a new batch of Scientific American’s most intriguing articles are brought to life.

For those who are not already familiar with the venerable publication Scientific American, it was founded in 1845 and is the oldest continuously published magazine in the United States. Devoted to covering the advances in research and discoveries that are changing our understanding of the world and shaping our lives, Scientific American provides insights and illumination about the most important developments at the intersection of science and society. More than 200 Nobel Prize winners have contributed to this flagship publication, along with thousands of scientific experts across dozens of subjects, including Albert Einstein.

We invite you to join more than a dozen esteemed experts and take a deep dive across a broad assortment of fascinating topics that range from the Antikythera mechanism to the 300 “close calls” the Earth has had with asteroids.

About the Authors

Scientific American

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Scientific American is the oldest continuously-published monthly magazine in the United States, founded in 1845 — one of the most respected popular-science publications globally. The publication has expanded into video and on-demand course content alongside its core magazine and digital publications.

The CourseFlix listing carries Mind-Blowing Science — Season 2 — a video series covering current research across multiple scientific disciplines, drawing on Scientific American's editorial network of working researchers.

Material is paid and aimed at general adult learners interested in current science. The course sits in the broader Non-Tech catalog on CourseFlix as a general-interest reference.

Wondrium (The Great Courses)

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Wondrium (formerly The Great Courses Plus and originally The Great Courses) is a US online education platform that has been publishing university-level video lecture series since 1990. The platform's distinctive contribution is the depth and production quality of its courses — each is taught by a tenured university professor with the production values of a documentary series, not a YouTube tutorial.

The catalog covers academic disciplines rather than technical-skill training: history, philosophy, science, mathematics, literature, music theory, religion, economics. Material is taught by faculty from Stanford, Yale, Princeton, the University of Chicago, MIT, and similar institutions. Wondrium is typically used by intellectually-curious adult learners filling in the liberal-arts side of their education.

The CourseFlix listing under this source carries over 19 Wondrium / Great Courses titles spanning that range — sitting in the broader CourseFlix catalog as general-interest reference rather than as a software-engineering track. Material is paid; Wondrium itself runs on a monthly / annual subscription on the original platform.

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#1: 1. Do we live in a simulation?
All Course Lessons (15)
#Lesson TitleDurationAccess
1
1. Do we live in a simulation? Demo
15:09
2
2. A model octopus
12:17
3
3. How to control your feelings?
20:31
4
4. How birds branched out?
12:49
5
5. Survival of the friendliest
19:09
6
6. A new map of the universe
16:52
7
7. How stress shuts down your brain?
16:16
8
8. Protecting earth from asteroids
19:56
9
9. Extreme birding
25:36
10
10. Lifting the venus curse
15:52
11
11. Top emerging technologies
12:44
12
12. Secrets of Antikythera machine
15:09
13
13. Humans are still evolving
16:03
14
14. Psychedelic treatments for psychiatric desorders
07:18
15
15. Should doctors stop prescribing weight loss?
14:49
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Frequently asked questions

What prior knowledge do I need before enrolling in this course?
This course does not require a specific scientific background, but a general interest in science and its impact on society will enhance your experience. Familiarity with basic scientific concepts might help, as the course delves into complex topics like the Antikythera mechanism and emerging technologies.
What topics are covered in the lessons?
The 15 lessons cover a wide range of intriguing scientific topics such as the possibility of living in a simulation, the evolution of birds, the impact of stress on the brain, and psychedelic treatments for psychiatric disorders. Noteworthy subjects also include protecting Earth from asteroids and the secrets of the Antikythera machine.
Who would benefit most from taking this course?
This course is ideal for individuals with a keen interest in scientific developments and their societal implications. It is also suitable for those who enjoy exploring thought-provoking questions and learning about a variety of scientific fields, from evolutionary biology to cutting-edge technologies.
How does this course compare in scope to other science courses?
Unlike many specialized science courses, this one offers a broad exploration of various subjects, as it is based on Scientific American articles. It covers numerous scientific domains, providing insights into both historical discoveries like the Antikythera machine and modern challenges such as asteroid protection.
Are there specific tools or technologies I will learn about?
Yes, the course explores a range of technologies and scientific tools. For instance, it discusses emerging technologies and the historical significance of the Antikythera mechanism, a complex ancient Greek device. These topics provide a glimpse into both current technological advancements and historical ingenuity.
What scientific fields or topics are not covered in this course?
While the course covers a wide array of topics, it does not focus on highly specialized fields like quantum physics or detailed medical procedures. Instead, it offers a broad overview of topics that have significant societal implications, such as the evolution of humans and environmental challenges.
How long will it take to complete the course?
The course consists of 15 lessons. Although the exact runtime is not specified, given the typical format of similar courses, you might expect several hours of content spread across the lessons. This allows for flexible learning at your own pace, fitting into various schedules.