10% Happier with Dan Harris From the TED Radio Hour | Body Electric
Oct 6, 2023
Manoush Zomorodi, tech journalist and host of TED Radio Hour, dives into her innovative series, Body Electric. She discusses how our tech habits—like endless screen time—affect our physical and mental health. Zomorodi traces the historical ties between electricity and human biology, explores the health consequences of sedentary lifestyles, and emphasizes the importance of movement to combat these issues. Listeners can even join an interactive study aimed at fostering a more active lifestyle. Get ready to rethink your relationship with technology!
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The Frog's Spark
- Luigi Galvani observed a dead frog's legs twitching when touched with a scalpel.
- He believed it was "animal electricity," but Alessandro Volta later proved it was a reaction between metals.
Battery's Origin
- Volta's experiment with the frog led to the invention of the battery, proving electricity could be generated without animals.
- Though incorrect, Galvani's "animal electricity" concept contributed to our understanding of bioelectricity.
Paleolithic vs. Agricultural Body
- Paleolithic humans were tall and lean due to constant movement from foraging and hunting.
- The agricultural revolution brought efficiency but reduced physical activity, altering human bodies.
