Be Smart

Computers Can Predict When You're Going to Die… Here's How

Predictive analytics uses math and historical data to make predictions about the future. It’s used in commerce, sports, politics, social media and tons of other places. And as it turns out, people have been using math to predict people’s death for centuries. Can it predict mine?

Computers Can Predict When You're Going to Die… Here's How

12m 54s

  • The Real (Weird) Way We See Numbers: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Real (Weird) Way We See Numbers

    S12 E8 - 15m 25s

    Would it surprise you to learn that fish and birds count in pretty much the same way that we do? And that infants can do math? Our animal brains deal with quantities in very specific ways, from quick counts of a few dots to how we perceive larger numbers. This "number sense" impacts our psychology, history, and behavior in the most fascinating ways.

  • The Surprising Power of Sex in Evolution: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Surprising Power of Sex in Evolution

    S12 E7 - 8m 46s

    We all know Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, right? Natural selection? But what about his lesser-know theory of evolution: sexual selection. Let’s talk about how animals like peacocks, whose eye-catching physical traits make them evolutionarily stronger, even though their flashy looks make them more vulnerable to predators. Hint: it’s all about the chemistry.

  • Computers Can Predict When You're Going to Die… Here's How: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Computers Can Predict When You're Going to Die… Here's How

    S12 E6 - 12m 54s

    Predictive analytics uses math and historical data to make predictions about the future. It’s used in commerce, sports, politics, social media and tons of other places. And as it turns out, people have been using math to predict people’s death for centuries. Can it predict mine?

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.