TED Talks Daily

Why does losing weight often feel like an uphill battle? Physician Katherine Saunders unpacks how our bodies are wired to store fat, revealing that obesity isn’t simply a lack of willpower — it’s a complex, chronic disease rooted in evolutionary biology. She shares the science behind the latest breakthroughs in treatment, from lifestyle interventions to powerful new medications.TED Talks Daily is nominated for the Signal Award for Best Conversation Starter Podcast. Vote here!Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyouTEDAI San Francisco: ted.com/ai-sf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Norah Magero, a TED Fellow and renewable energy expert from Kenya, shares her visionary project, VacciBox—a solar-powered refrigeration system designed to keep vaccines cold in off-grid areas. She emphasizes the importance of local manufacturing, showcasing how homegrown technologies can empower communities and transform healthcare. Norah highlights Africa's potential as a global technology innovator, calling for trust in local solutions and increased support for indigenous innovations to reshape the continent's future.

In a captivating discussion, toy historian Chris Byrne dives into how childhood toys, from Barbie to Matchbox cars, shape our identities and reflect cultural values. He shares personal anecdotes, highlighting the intrinsic link between our favorite playthings and our adult careers and morals. Byrne emphasizes the evolution of toys, especially the empowerment narratives of modern Barbie, showcasing how play influences our development and self-understanding. Discover how your cherished toys may reveal deeper truths about who you are!

Explore how to become your own health advocate with practical strategies for navigating doctor visits. Discover personal stories that highlight the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. Learn five essential tips to empower yourself during medical appointments and ensure you receive the care you deserve. From understanding your health needs to effective communication, this engaging discussion will help you take control of your healthcare journey.

Lawrence Bernstein, a communication expert and seasoned speechwriter, shares insights on overcoming public speaking fears. He introduces the "coffee shop test" to help speak with ease and connect authentically. Bernstein emphasizes the importance of storytelling and emotional resonance, using real-life examples to illustrate how relatable narratives can engage audiences better. He also discusses transforming workshop dynamics to foster support and connection among participants, proving that public speaking can be as relaxed as a casual conversation.

Cara Hunter, a politician and victim of a deepfake scam, shares her harrowing experience just weeks before an election. She discusses the emotional toll of facing misinformation in her community and highlights the unique risks deepfakes pose, particularly to women in politics. Hunter advocates for responsible AI development, emphasizing the need for ethical technology to protect democracy and truth. She urges collaboration between society and technology to ensure that advancements serve the greater good, rather than undermine it.

Vidya Ramalingam, a counter-terrorism expert focused on disinformation's impact on violence, discusses the dangerous repercussions of online myths. She highlights how misinformation threatens climate scientists and can lead to real-world violence. Ramalingam introduces 'prebunking', a proactive method to empower people in recognizing and rejecting manipulative messaging before it spreads. She stresses the need for communities to adopt strategies to counteract false narratives, especially during critical events like elections.

Lily Yeh, a barefoot artist renowned for her collaborative public art projects, shares her transformative experiences across the globe. She discusses the profound impact of art on marginalized communities, illuminating her work in North Philadelphia and Rwanda. Yeh emphasizes how creativity can revitalize neglected spaces and foster personal healing among community members. Her inspiring stories reveal how art acts as a powerful catalyst for social change, turning brokenness into beauty and connecting people in the process.

Max Jaderberg is a research scientist at Isomorphic Labs, specializing in AI’s role in scientific breakthroughs. He discusses how AI analogs can dramatically reduce research time, compressing years of study into mere seconds. Jaderberg highlights AlphaFold’s impact on understanding protein folding and drug discovery, particularly in targeting cancer more effectively. He also delves into the broader implications of AI in overcoming challenges in scientific research, empowering scientists to push new frontiers in medicine and beyond.

Delve into the intriguing world of friendships and their complexities. A data scientist chats with an evolutionary psychologist about how many connections we really need. Discover how motherhood impacts social ties and the unique challenges of maintaining friendships during life’s transitions. Explore the fascinating concept of Dunbar's number and its effects on social circles. Personal stories highlight the joy of intergenerational friendships and the emotional work involved in mapping one's own social connections.