WatchTrove
US My List

Episode guide

42: The Answer to Almost Everything: Season 1

Poster for 42: The Answer to Almost Everything Season 1

223 episodes · premiered Sep 4, 2021

TMDB has no overview for this season.

42: The Answer to Almost Everything: cast and where to watch

  1. Episode 1: Can we dig our way through the Earth? Sep 4, 2021 · 27m This report explores the challenges and insights gained from deep drilling into the Earth. Researchers from Germany, France, and Italy emphasize the technical complexity and costs of these…
  2. Episode 2: Could We Live on the Moon? Sep 11, 2021 · 24m A new lunar cycle begins with 95 planned missions over the next ten years, including contributions from smaller nations. Scientists want to know how humans can carve out a life on the…
  3. Episode 3: Should we use lotteries instead of elections? Sep 18, 2021 · 26m The ancient Greeks practiced sortition as a cost-effective method to prevent corruption and abuse of power and to establish political equality. Although this idea resurfaced in the 19th…
  4. Episode 4: How Much Does Life Weigh? Sep 25, 2021 · 24m A research team led by Israeli biologist Ron Milo has attempted to calculate the total mass of all living things on Earth by combining data from various fields of research. The challenges…
  5. Episode 5: Will we move onto the water? Sep 29, 2021 · 21m Climate change could cause sea levels to rise by up to 20 millimeters per year by the end of the century, threatening island nations and major cities. Urban planner Heiner Haaß and…
  6. Episode 6: Can Algorithms Make Us Healthy? Sep 30, 2021 · 24m Bodily data, from genes to the microbiome, could indicate diseases early if analyzed precisely. Computers and algorithms are needed to recognize patterns. In the US, skin cancer has been…
  7. Episode 7: What if there were no mucus? Oct 1, 2021 · 22m Mucus, a versatile substance in nature, fulfills various functions: It can glide, stick, select, and even serve as a protective or defensive weapon. The unique state of matter of mucus…
  8. Episode 8: How do we solve the nuclear waste puzzle? Oct 23, 2021 · 30m Long considered clean and inexpensive, nuclear energy raises a major problem: ultimate radioactive waste. This waste must be buried underground for at least a million years—an eternity!…
  9. Episode 9: What if Fear Didn't Exist? Oct 30, 2021 · 25m Life would be fantastic if we were never scared. We could cross deep ravines on tightropes, ski down the steepest mountainsides and feel fine. Unfortunately, fear runs deep inside us.
  10. Episode 10: What if the ice disappeared? Nov 6, 2021 · 25m With global warming, the melting of the ice is accelerating. The Arctic is warming two to three times faster than the rest of the world. Having remained stable until recently, the…
  11. Episode 11: Do We All hear the Same Thing? Nov 14, 2021 · 23m From birth we are surrounded by sounds which, often without our knowledge, influence our view of the world. But are our reactions to these sounds the same?
  12. Episode 12: Are we too pessimistic? Nov 20, 2021 · 25m Although we are mostly optimistic about our own lives, we tend to be rather pessimistic when we consider the future of the world and the future of our society. How can we explain this…
  13. Episode 13: Does the Perfect Song Exist? Nov 27, 2021 · 20m What's the recipe for making a song a global hit? Musicologists, brain scientists and professionals in the music industry are actively researching the 'magic formula' for the mega hit.
  14. Episode 14: Are we alone in space? Dec 5, 2021 · 32m The universe is vast. So vast that it defies the imagination. To the point that we find it strange that we "Earthlings" are the only living beings to inhabit it. What, then, is the…
  15. Episode 15: Why Do We Eat What We Eat? Dec 11, 2021 · 26m Tea of coffee? Fish or meat? Every day human beings make around 200 decisions about what to eat. But what drivess these choices? Why do we eat what we eat?
  16. Episode 16: What is the secret of light? Dec 12, 2021 · 27m Light, as both a wave and a particle, travels at a constant speed. A beam of light originating in the sun's interior reaches Earth after eight minutes and drives the life cycle through…
  17. Episode 17: Can we save the trees? Jan 8, 2022 · 25m Drought and insects threaten forests. What can be done to save them? In northern France, researchers are trying to introduce plants native to the south. Across the Rhine, the Thünen…
  18. Episode 18: What if dust didn't exist? Jan 15, 2022 · 25m Nobody likes dust. Attempts to get rid of it are futile; it always comes back. And that's a good thing! Because without dust and its superpowers, life on Earth would hardly be possible…
  19. Episode 19: Geoengineering: Earth's Last Resort Jan 22, 2022 · 30m To tackle climate change, one option is to artificially cool the Earth or capture CO2. The field of geoengineering is full of seemingly outlandish ways of manipulating the planet's climate.
  20. Episode 20: Could Algae Save the Planet? Jan 29, 2022 · 26m The fact that we have a breathable atmosphere on Earth is largely down to algae. Could these aquatic plants be the secret of solving climate change and saving ourselves and the planet?
  21. Episode 21: Will Messenger RNA Save Us From Cancer? Feb 5, 2022 · 24m The sharpest weapon of the pandemic has given us a vaccination technique that almost no one knew about before the coronavirus—messenger RNA. It has been studied for over 20 years. The…
  22. Episode 22: Will We Stop Flying? Feb 12, 2022 · 25m Giving up flying overnight would cause global logistical problems, as many delivery chains would be interrupted. But planes are climate killers. So what should be done?
  23. Episode 23: Will We Like Robots? Feb 19, 2022 · 25m It is estimated that there are now more than 1.7 million robots with social capabilities in the world. They feed us, educate us, help us, and entertain us. Highly technical sex robots have…
  24. Episode 24: The Purpose of Parasites Feb 26, 2022 · 27m Parasites get a bad rap: they can make us sick or even kill us. For centuries, we have been trying to protect ourselves against them, in particular through hygiene measures. Yet half of…
  25. Episode 25: Could We Sleep Less? Mar 5, 2022 · 26m We spend a third of our lives sleeping. Is it possible for us to sleep less and enjoy extra waking years for leisure and work? Can we optimise our sleep patterns to get more out of life?
  26. Episode 26: Are Cryptocurrencies the Future? Mar 12, 2022 · 29m In September 2021, El Salvador became the first country in the world to introduce Bitcoin as legal tender. From now on, all companies accept the cryptocurrency from their customers, as…
  27. Episode 27: Do We Live in a Black Hole? Mar 19, 2022 · 27m Black holes can tell us a lot about the universe. But could they hold the key to understanding our world? Astrophysicist Nikodem Poplawski proposes that our universe may not have been born…
  28. Episode 28: The Power of Dreams Mar 26, 2022 · 26m Humans spend up to six years dreaming over the course of their lifetime. What if dreams were more than unreal visions? Could we take the brilliant ideas that appear in dreams and make them…
  29. Episode 29: Where do people migrate to? Apr 30, 2022 · 27m Researchers are searching for patterns and models to predict migration. Factors such as technological developments, demographic changes, economic crises, and climate change influence…
  30. Episode 30: What Do Animals Talk About? May 7, 2022 · 27m The mystery of animal communication stands in contrast to human language: Elephants use infrasound, cats vocalize, and whales communicate through flipper movements. The question is, what…
  31. Episode 31: Are we getting dumber? May 14, 2022 · 29m The Flynn effect showed an increase in intelligence scores since the 20th century. However, since the turn of the millennium, some IQ scores have been declining, and researchers are…
  32. Episode 32: Do Computers Have Biases? May 21, 2022 · 27m Let's not kid ourselves: everyone has biases. Whether it's filling a position, granting credit, or handing down a prison sentence, how can we be sure we're making rational decisions?…
  33. Episode 33: How can everyone be fed? May 28, 2022 · 28m Modern, highly efficient agriculture feeds many people, but it is reaching its ecological limits with declining soil fertility and biodiversity, as well as increasing environmental…
  34. Episode 34: Are We Doing More Drugs? Jun 4, 2022 · 28m Drugs have a bad press. But scientists have long been convinced that the use of psychedelics can sometimes be beneficial. The use of ecstasy, LSD and other hallucinogens could soon be…
  35. Episode 35: Are We Ready for Mars? Jun 11, 2022 · 28m As soon as weightlessness sets in in Earth orbit, everything floats, including bodily fluids. Most astronauts suffer from space sickness – similar to seasickness. You get sick, your eyes…
  36. Episode 36: Can we glimpse the afterlife? Jun 18, 2022 · 27m Brain researcher Gerhard Roth describes near-death experiences as frequent encounters with bright light and feelings of bliss. Scientists explain this through neurological processes and…
  37. Episode 37: Could we become immortal? Jun 25, 2022 · 30m Humanity has dreamed of a Fountain of Youth since the dawn of time. A dream that may have become reality. Laboratories around the world announce they have rejuvenated animal species as…
  38. Episode 38: Could We Live Without Agriculture? Jul 2, 2022 · 26m Both a blessing and a curse, farming feeds us humans but is also harmful to the environment. Agriculture has radically transformed the land and our ways of life. But could foodstuffs…
  39. Episode 39: How dangerous is space weather? Jul 9, 2022 · 30m We like to talk about the weather because it affects us every day. But have you ever heard of space weather? Not just for astronauts, it also our affects lives on Earth. Scientists are…
  40. Episode 40: Will we travel to Mars? Jul 16, 2022 · 21m According to Elon Musk, we could soon be living on Mars. Yet, this idea seems unrealistic: extreme cold, an atmosphere composed primarily of CO2, and dangerous cosmic rays... So why on…
  41. Episode 41: Can We Create Money from Nothing? Jul 23, 2022 · 30m Imagine a friend wants to borrow your car, you promise to provide one even though you only have a windscreen wiper. Absurd isn’t it? But this is exactly what banks do when they lend you…
  42. Episode 42: How do we end wars? Jul 30, 2022 · 30m With over 13,000 nuclear weapons in the world, there is a risk of massive destruction. The program "42 – The Answer to Almost Everything" examines this topic scientifically.
  43. Episode 43: Is Space Being Stolen From Us? Aug 5, 2022 · 30m Getting into space has never been easier and the resources of our solar system are highly coveted. But with the legal framework of space exploration and the exploitation of its resources…
  44. Episode 44: What Power Do Thoughts Have? Aug 12, 2022 · 27m It has been known since antiquity that thoughts have an influence on health. Research, such as imaging techniques that demonstrate the placebo effect, makes the power of thought visible…
  45. Episode 45: Can We Trust Ourselves? Aug 19, 2022 · 30m We cannot escape our fate and we cannot escape ourselves. But we also have our limits: confused thinking, misleading intuitions, unrealiable memories... What consequences do these…
  46. Episode 46: Are we more intelligent in swarms? Aug 26, 2022 · 25m Swarms are fascinating phenomena without clear leadership. In beehives, anthills, in the sky, or in the sea, they operate successfully and aesthetically. Human crowds, on the other hand…
  47. Episode 47: The Search for a Universal Theory Sep 2, 2022 · 28m Formulating the theory of everything, the one that would describe all the laws of the Universe from a single fundamental law, would be the pinnacle achievement of physics. We could finally…
  48. Episode 48: Can we turn crap into gold? Sep 9, 2022 · 23m Humanity has been hoping for a sensational discovery. Ever since we succeeded in converting wind and sun into energy, we've been waiting for the next big thing. A treasure just waiting to…
  49. Episode 49: Are You Psychopathic? Sep 16, 2022 · 25m Psychopaths like Ted Bundy are not isolated cases; approximately 1-2% of the population are considered psychopathic. Psychologist Abigail Marsh researches why some adolescents with…
  50. Episode 50: How does a wave become rogue? Sep 23, 2022 · 26m Every seven days, a large ship goes missing. This is due, among other things, to monstrous waves that appear out of nowhere. Unlike tsunamis, there is currently no method for warning or…
  51. Episode 51: Do We Need Economic Growth? Oct 30, 2022 · 30m All living beings stop growing at some point. The global economy is different: it just keeps growing. Is a world without economic growth possible and what might that mean for the future?
  52. Episode 52: Are we gambling away our lives? Nov 6, 2022 · 25m Humans don't just play for fun, but also for evolutionary reasons. Playing helped hunter-gatherers develop important skills and understand their environment. With the rise of advanced…
  53. Episode 53: Why do we have limits? Nov 13, 2022 · 28m Usain Bolt ran 100 meters in 9.58 seconds, Petra Felke threw the javelin 80 meters. These are absolute limits that no one has been able to "break" to this day. Or rather: no human being…
  54. Episode 54: Where to Find Perfect Energy? Nov 20, 2022 · 26m Energy from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas made modern life possible in the first place; however, at the same time, it harms the climate and the environment. Can we find an energy…
  55. Episode 55: What if sharks disappeared? Nov 27, 2022 · 25m As fascinating as they are frightening, sharks are now threatened. Of the 536 species known today, a third are endangered, mainly due to overfishing and environmental destruction. Can we…
  56. Episode 56: Are Animals Self-Aware? Dec 4, 2022 · 29m For a long time, humanity was relatively unanimous: animals are little more than biological machines. This view has gradually changed, particularly with the pioneering work of the…
  57. Episode 57: Why do We Fall in Love? Dec 9, 2022 · 23m When we're really in love, all hell breaks loose. The heart races, palms sweat, the mouth goes dry and the brain switches to "happily insane" mode. Some cultures are convinced that that's…
  58. Episode 58: What if nature had a price? Dec 10, 2022 · 25m "Be careful! It's precious!" – we've probably all heard such warnings as children, for example, when we wanted to examine our father's camera or an old vase. That's how we learned to be…
  59. Episode 59: Can we copy our blood? Dec 23, 2022 · 21m The search for artificial blood that could solve several problems, such as anemia, the risk of disease transmission, and the scarcity of different blood types, began in the 1960s with the…
  60. Episode 60: Why do we hate? Jan 8, 2023 · 21m Dealing deeply with hate is no fun. But as with all unpleasant things, it helps to confront the issue rather than avoid it. In today's society, hate is hard to miss: hate messages against…
  61. Episode 61: Could We Bring Back the Wooly Mammoth? Jan 15, 2023 · 25m Researchers want to use cloning and gene editing to bring back lost species. If humanity played God by killing them off, some say we should also play God and put things right again. US…
  62. Episode 62: Can seals go to court? Jan 29, 2023 · 25m Andreas Weber, biologist and philosopher, argues for granting animals and plants the right to defend themselves in courts, based on their capacity for sentential treatment. Legal scholar…
  63. Episode 63: Do colors manipulate us? Feb 5, 2023 · 30m We already see in everyday life how much colors control us: we're often warmer in a red down jacket than in the same down jacket in blue, reports fashion designer Jean-Gabriel Causse, a…
  64. Episode 64: Will there be a new 'human species'? Feb 13, 2023 · 25m Modern civilization does not mean the end of evolutionary adaptation. Researchers like Frank Rühli observe ongoing changes, such as lactose tolerance. The question of whether a new human…
  65. Episode 65: Is There a Male Fertility Crisis? Feb 19, 2023 · 25m A man has enough sperm. Or so you might think - up to 600 million per ejaculation. And yet there is cause for concern: several studies have shown a significant decline in sperm count…
  66. Episode 66: Can Cities Save the World? Feb 26, 2023 · 29m Yes, urban life can make a crucial contribution to saving the planet, according to sustainability researcher Xuemei Bai. Compared to the suburbs, CO2 emissions are lower in cities and…
  67. Episode 67: When the Heavens Rain Down Mar 19, 2023 · 30m The fear that the sky could one day fall on our heads dates back to the dawn of time. The impact of an asteroid or a comet could dramatically change life on Earth in a fraction of a…
  68. Episode 68: Do Fungi Rule Us? Mar 24, 2023 · 30m What do we know about fungi? They are neither animals nor plants. Some are poisonous, many are delicious. But that was the main point. Fungi have barely been studied. They are among the…
  69. Episode 69: The A***hole Effect Mar 19, 2023 · 24m Pushing to the front of a line, parking a car quickly on a bicycle lane, occupying seats on a train that do not belong to you - almost everyone is confronted with selfish behavior at some…
  70. Episode 70: How It All Ends Mar 26, 2023 The universe could be heading towards different scenarios, including the "Big Freeze" as it expands, cools, and disintegrates. Other possibilities include a collapsing universe (Big…
  71. Episode 71: When Will the World End? Mar 31, 2023 · 27m From Armageddon to Extinction Rebellion, the end-of-the-world narrative is a socio-cultural phenomenon. The apocalypse has been predicted nearly 200 times in the last two millennia…
  72. Episode 72: How to Travel Through Time? Apr 7, 2023 · 30m Is time travel just science fiction? Not quite: scientists from the fields of quantum physics, string theory, and astrophysics clearly demonstrate that time travel is theoretically…
  73. Episode 73: Mind Reading: A Reality? Apr 14, 2023 We can't see inside other people's minds, but we sometimes believe we can read their thoughts. When we talk to someone, our brain is working overtime, gathering countless pieces of…
  74. Episode 74: Surviving Our Polluted Planet May 21, 2023 · 28m Chemistry makes our sweaters softer, our world more colourful and pleasant, and it can even save lives. The flip side: we have released so many toxic chemicals that we have severely…
  75. Episode 75: The Chaos of Chance May 28, 2023 · 28m Chance, destiny, predestination, God. People have come up with many explanations for events that either seem completely unbelievable or highly improbable. Albert Einstein said, God "does…
  76. Episode 76: Who Owns the Sea? Jun 4, 2023 · 28m The vast sea - a symbol of boundlessness. But is it really so? Who does the sea actually belong to? In the past, it was simple: as far as the cannons could shoot, that much sea belonged to…
  77. Episode 77: Do Animals Appreciate Beauty? Jun 5, 2023 · 30m The beauty of the peacock troubled Darwin for a long time. It didn't quite fit into his theory of evolution and the idea of "survival of the fittest." Darwin came to the conviction that…
  78. Episode 78: Will a new wind soon blow? Jun 18, 2023 · 30m Many researchers believe that we won't experience more and more wind in the world, but rather less and less. Indeed, if the ice melts at the poles and they warm up, the temperature…
  79. Episode 79: Are we going to disappear beneath the waves? Jun 25, 2023 · 30m Let's be honest: when we think about rising sea levels, we initially think that the water rises the same way all over the world—like in a bathtub. And if we're talking about an annual rise…
  80. Episode 80: Are We All Bisexual? Jul 2, 2023 · 30m Most people can tell quite early on whether they are attracted to women or men. But what if our desire isn't as determined as we think? Are we all perhaps bisexual?
  81. Episode 81: The Advent of Turbo-Evolution Jul 9, 2023 · 25m The dominance of our species has consequences: we have created conditions that fuel rapid evolution. Global warming, climate change, hunting, habitat destruction, resource exploitation…
  82. Episode 82: Why do we lose our memory? Jul 16, 2023 · 30m We've all experienced it: a name that slips our mind or a new password. Forgetting is annoying and sometimes embarrassing. But how does the brain decide what we forget? There's a kind of…
  83. Episode 83: Humanity's True Nature Jul 23, 2023 · 24m Humans lie, deceive, and wage merciless wars. Sometimes it seems as if evil is typically human. On the other hand, humans can also be good, love, and even make peace with enemies. Which…
  84. Episode 84: Can We Live Without Electricity? Jul 30, 2023 · 26m Humanity is dependent on electricity. Power outages have been rare for us so far, but our electricity system is being transformed: renewable energies are intended to replace the fossil…
  85. Episode 85: What Happens When the Glaciers Disappear? Sep 3, 2023 · 24m Glaciers are wonders of nature and tourist attractions, and they are also the largest reservoirs of drinking water on the planet. In fact, 70% of the world's freshwater resources are…
  86. Episode 86: Could We Reach the Stars? Sep 10, 2023 · 28m Since the dawn of time, mankind has aspired to one thing only: to go further and further beyond the limits of what he knows. But how far is it possible to travel in space? Could we reach…
  87. Episode 87: Is Lying Good For Us? Sep 17, 2023 · 27m From a very early age, we are instilled with the idea that lying is wrong. Yet learning to lie is a normal and necessary stage in our psychological development. What if lying made the…
  88. Episode 88: Will we one day be cryogenically frozen? Sep 24, 2023 · 29m Some people dream of being cryogenically frozen. It's a way to defy death, to come back when things are better, or simply to know what the Earth will look like in a hundred years. But…
  89. Episode 89: Will we run out of sand? Oct 1, 2023 · 30m Whether in mobile phones, glass or even in our underwear, sand is everywhere in our lives. Without it, there would be no houses and no roads. According to the UN Environment Programme…
  90. Episode 90: What's So Funny? Oct 8, 2023 · 26m Adults laugh 20 times a day, children up to 500 times. But where does humour begin and end? And why does someone find something funny that makes no one else laugh? Humour is eminently…
  91. Episode 91: The Origin of Life Oct 15, 2023 · 30m While scientists agree on the date (4 billion years ago), their opinions diverge on the place and conditions that saw the birth of life on our planet. Did the first cells emerge from a…
  92. Episode 92: Does Punishment Work? Oct 22, 2023 · 26m When we harm someone, we may be punished, the point of which is to be made aware of the harm we have done to others. So goes the theory. But researchers warn against the harmful effect of…
  93. Episode 93: What Are Our Imaginations For? Oct 29, 2023 · 26m We spend large stretches of our waking hours imagining things or just daydreaming. Why are we so often away in the clouds? What are our imaginations for?
  94. Episode 94: Can We Trick Our Genes? Nov 5, 2023 · 26m Our genes determine many of our characteristics: our build, our height, the colour of our eyes or even our predisposition to music. Could it be possible to control the mechanisms that…
  95. Episode 95: Amasia: The Supercontinent of the Future Nov 12, 2023 · 28m The biggest movement in our lives is one that we don't even notice: The continents of the earth are on the move, albeit in slow motion. For several decades now, humans have been developing…
  96. Episode 96: Do Dogs Really Love Us? Nov 19, 2023 · 27m Every dog ​​owner knows this well: the relationship between humans and dogs is unique. A powerful and unbreakable bond, perhaps even love. No other animal is as close to its owner or…
  97. Episode 97: Do We Need Corruption? Nov 26, 2023 · 25m Corruption has been part of society since the dawn of time, swallowing up colossal sums of money which could be spent on improving everyone’s lives. Is it possible to get rid of it once…
  98. Episode 98: Are Animals Cleverer than Us? Dec 3, 2023 · 25m Vultures can spot a dead antelope from five kilometres away, while seals can dive into deep water, even under the ice. It is also said that many animals have a mysterious sixth sense: they…
  99. Episode 99: Are Billionaires a Problem? Dec 10, 2023 · 27m The richest man in the world - Frenchman Bernard Arnault - is worth more than 200 billion euros. Around the world, the super rich are getting ever richer. Since money can buy power and…
  100. Episode 100: How strongly does our mother tongue shape us? Dec 17, 2023 · 27m Words shape our thoughts. And it is most often in our mother tongue that we reflect, that we find the words to understand the world. How does our language of socialization change our…
  101. Episode 101: Do We Live in a Multiverse? Jan 7, 2024 · 29m The idea that our universe isn't as unique as we think is not only captivating the imaginations of authors and filmmakers, but is also increasingly engaging researchers. The theories we…
  102. Episode 102: Does History Repeat Itself? Jan 14, 2024 · 29m Wars, pandemics, economic crises...: so many episodes during which we look back and wonder if history isn't repeating itself. But what is the reality? Indeed, certain geographical or…
  103. Episode 103: Are there too many of us on Earth? Jan 21, 2024 · 26m In a century, the number of humans on Earth has more than quadrupled, rising from nearly 2 billion to over 8 billion. Some believe this is far too many and that we are heading for…
  104. Episode 104: Is stress good for us? Jan 28, 2024 · 30m The relationship between stress and humans is anything but a love affair. According to the WHO, 85% of us would prefer to do without this "disease of the 21st century." However, research…
  105. Episode 105: Do Disasters Make Us Better? Feb 4, 2024 · 26m Humanity survived the last Ice Age as well as the plague that decimated half of Europe in the 1300s. But do disasters only bring death and suffering, or can they also have positive effects…
  106. Episode 106: Is the Metaverse Real? Feb 11, 2024 · 29m We still work in office buildings, buy our groceries at the supermarket and visit museums in the flesh. But soon, these activities could all shift to the metaverse – a virtual space…
  107. Episode 107: Do We All Have a Doppelganger? Feb 18, 2024 · 28m Stories of unrelated people who look exactly alike are common. While having a doppelganger could pose risks like identity theft, it can also be thrilling. Some people would love to meet…
  108. Episode 108: Could We Programme Evoluton? Feb 25, 2024 · 30m Although our planet has already overcome numerous crises, Homo Sapiens have disrupted the natural world nature so much that scientists are now talking about a collapse in biodiversity…
  109. Episode 109: Is There an Upside to Climate Change? Mar 3, 2024 · 27m Periods of climate change in the past have caused mass extinctions. But they have also led to the emergence of new complex life forms. Understanding these historic shifts in our Earth’s…
  110. Episode 110: Do We Need More Utopias? Mar 10, 2024 · 26m Depictions of the future in popular science fiction novels or films are often bleak, while positive utopias and tales of a new golden age are beginning to fade. Why is this shift taking…
  111. Episode 111: Can we control clouds? Mar 17, 2024 · 28m Clouds carry water particles, which they release onto Earth as rain. However, the way they distribute water across the planet unfortunately leaves much to be desired: it often rains in…
  112. Episode 112: Does Sugar Make Us Stupid? Mar 24, 2024 · 28m Our view of sugar has changed drastically. Once seen as a healthy appetite suppressant in the 1960s, it's now linked to serious illnesses like obesity and diabetes. What is even more…
  113. Episode 113: What if the poles reversed again? Apr 28, 2024 · 29m In theory, it's simple: the North Pole is in the north, and the South Pole is in the south. And a compass needle always points north—or, more precisely, toward the magnetic North Pole, a…
  114. Episode 114: What power do smells have? May 5, 2024 · 29m Many people don't consider their sense of smell particularly important. However, if we had to give up one of our senses, surveys show that the majority choose their sense of smell…
  115. Episode 115: Can We Shrink the Economy? May 12, 2024 · 25m It seems that economic growth is a prerequisite for collective prosperity. But what if this is just a myth or a dangerous illusion? In this episode of 42 we consider economic sobriety or…
  116. Episode 116: How Do Plants Live? May 19, 2024 · 28m Do houseplants grow faster when we talk to them? Does a cactus get bored in a pot? Do plants have human senses that are comparable to ours and those of animals? For most plant researchers…
  117. Episode 117: How to Become Popular May 26, 2024 · 25m Like food, drink or sex, feeling valued is one of our most basic needs: we aspire to be loved, sometimes even adored. But why is that, and why doesn't it happen to everyone? Is it really a…
  118. Episode 118: Do We Need to Have Power? Jun 2, 2024 · 30m From the sandbox to the office, power dynamics shape our lives. Power can change our personalities and make us take reckless risks, give in to impulses and even erode our empathy – a…
  119. Episode 119: Should Humans Be Smaller? Jun 9, 2024 · 26m Is being big and strong necessarily the key to success? Not really: it's the small creatures that seem to have more advantages. The most dangerous animal in the world is none other than…
  120. Episode 120: Is AI Out of Control? Jun 16, 2024 · 30m The fantasy of artificial intelligence developing a life of its own and unleashing an army of robots on humanity has dominated pop culture for decades. Could it soon become reality? Could…
  121. Episode 121: Are Invasive Species Always a Problem? Jun 23, 2024 · 25m Raccoons, tiger mosquitoes, grey squirrels... these invasive species can destroy crops, transmit fatal diseases and cause environmental damage. And the problems are growing. But could some…
  122. Episode 122: Would We Be Happier Without Happiness? Jun 30, 2024 · 27m Happiness increases our satisfaction, our cognitive capacity and our motivation, but being happy is not so simple. And even if we work hard to make ourselves happy, there's no guarantee…
  123. Episode 123: Why Do We Cry? Jul 7, 2024 · 29m All terrestrial species are capable of crying, but human beings are unique in being the only species to cry from joy, sadness or anger. The Bible considers tears to be a gift from heaven…
  124. Episode 124: Could Sea Currents Change? Jul 14, 2024 · 27m The sharp decline in ocean circulation since the 1950s is probably related to human activity. Its complete cessation could trigger a new ice age within a few decades. 42 asks the question…
  125. Episode 125: Could Matriarchy Be the Solution? Jul 21, 2024 · 28m Imagine a world where men were at home with the children, while women were heads of state and company directors, earning more than their male counterparts and running the show. Would…
  126. Episode 126: Are Aliens Like Us? Jul 28, 2024 · 30m For many scientists, the emergence of living organisms elsewhere in the universe is only a matter of time. But most envisage it in a unicellular form, like bacteria. Would our planet be an…
  127. Episode 127: Is Pain Necessary? Sep 1, 2024 · 27m Pain has a bad reputation, and we go to great lengths to avoid it: from painkillers to general self-care. It has even been said that our society rejects not only physical pain, but social…
  128. Episode 128: Do Animals Have Better Societies? Sep 8, 2024 · 28m Societies built by humans, rarely seem to stand the test of time, whereas ants have been living in colonies since the dawn of time. Do animals build better societies? And should we draw…
  129. Episode 129: How Powerful are Maps? Sep 15, 2024 · 30m Why do so many world maps place Europe at the centre? Why not Australia? And why is the north always at the top? 42 explores how maps may not be as neutral as you might think.
  130. Episode 130: Does Quantum Physics Change Our Reality? Sep 22, 2024 · 30m Our universe is made up of two worlds: the one we can see, and the microscopic world of quanta made up of the very smallest particles. In this world particles can be in two places at once…
  131. Episode 131: Why Do We Have Less Sex? Sep 29, 2024 · 29m There have never been more opportunities to meet new sexual partners in our liberated world of dating apps, sex parties and queer liberation. But how come we are having less sex today than…
  132. Episode 132: Has Slavery Made Us Racist? Oct 12, 2024 · 28m What is the link between racism and slavery? How do racist theories to justify the transatlantic slave trade still linger in today’s world?
  133. Episode 133: Why Is Housing So Expensive? Oct 13, 2024 · 30m Everywhere is Europe, it seems, housing is becoming more expensive and more of a burden on households. Why is this? And what solutions are there?
  134. Episode 134: Can We Make Friends with Our Enemies? Oct 20, 2024 · 29m Long-running conflicts and wars in our world feed into the pessimistic idea that reconciliation is impossible. But can we make friends with our enemies and build lasting peace?
  135. Episode 135: Can We Replace Pollination? Oct 26, 2024 · 30m For millions of years, there has been an intimate pact between plants and their pollinators: with relationships so cleverly adapted that it almost seems like love. But with pollinating…
  136. Episode 136: Are We Taking Enough Risks? Nov 3, 2024 · 28m If we wanted to completely avoid risk, we would not be able to leave the house in the morning, and even then, we would still be at risk. There is hardly any part of life in which we are…
  137. Episode 137: Who Really Were Our Ancestors? Nov 10, 2024 · 29m Nations invent stories about their glorious pasts and links to ancient peoples on the land. But who really were our ancestors? And what can our DNA tell us about them and us?
  138. Episode 138: Is a World Without Violence Possible? Nov 16, 2024 · 29m Why is violence still so prevalent in our society, when the state is supposed to ensure everyone's safety? Is violence simply part of our nature? Or is it possible to live without violence?
  139. Episode 139: Can We Remember Precisely? Nov 24, 2024 · 29m Memory is our identity: our representation of the world, ourselves and others is based on what we remember. But is it possible to retain memories without distorting them? Because memory…
  140. Episode 140: What Holds the Universe Together? Dec 1, 2024 · 30m Beyond what human beings can see, exists something that makes up 80% of the universe. Scientists are convinced that dark matter assures the cohesion of our world. But how can you find a…
  141. Episode 141: Do We Need God? Dec 8, 2024 · 26m Religious faith is in decline in Europe, and yet 70% of human beings in the world believe in the existence of one or many deities. Do human beings need God? Are we homo religious rather…
  142. Episode 142: What Protests Work? Jan 5, 2025 · 31m All over the world, people are taking to the streets about injustice, freedom, and calling for more rights. But in this age of demonstrations, which protests work? And why?
  143. Episode 143: How do Children Function? Jan 12, 2025 · 27m You might think that children are small, unfinished people who don't yet understand the world. Perhaps this is where the potential for conflict between children and adults comes from. But…
  144. Episode 144: Will We Grieve Differently in Future? Jan 19, 2025 · 30m With the increase in the world population in recent decades, there have never been as many people living, but also dying, as today: Around 160,000 people pass away every day. These high…
  145. Episode 145: Do We Need Weapons for Peace? Jan 26, 2025 · 30m Every year, astronomical sums of money are spent worldwide on arms, when it would be a thousand times better to invest in eradicating hunger and poverty or funding the fight against…
  146. Episode 146: What Should We Actually Eat? Jan 27, 2025 · 25m Are eggs good for us? Are eggs bad for us? Official health advice sometimes to contradict itself. What food we consume is important for our health, so what should we actually eat?
  147. Episode 147: Are We Ready for Aliens? Feb 2, 2025 · 28m Although no proof of the existence of extraterrestrial life has yet been found, the discovery of habitable planets in the universe makes it increasingly likely. But if aliens do exist, how…
  148. Episode 148: How Important is Our Microbiome? Feb 16, 2025 · 26m The human body is home to some 30 billion microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae). The composition of this microbiome has a direct impact on us: the more diverse it is, the better…
  149. Episode 149: Why Is Wealth So Unfairly Distributed? Feb 23, 2025 · 28m While some people spend millions on holidays in space or splash out on extravagant weddings, others live in shanty towns and earn just a few dollars a day. Why do such inequalities exist…
  150. Episode 150: What Makes Us Depressed? Mar 2, 2025 · 26m 20% of people will experience depression at some point in their lives. But what do we really know about this condition? Why do so many people get depressed?
  151. Episode 151: Does the Perfect Code Exist? Mar 9, 2025 · 29m People have always tried to find the perfect code to protect secrets. But even the very best codes only keep our information safe until they are decoded. Does the perfect code exist? Or…
  152. Episode 152: Are We Ready for World Government? Mar 16, 2025 · 29m Climate disasters, global inequalities, the threat of a third world war... Wouldn't it be reassuring if an international government set about solving all these problems? The United Nations…
  153. Episode 153: Are We Wasting Period Blood? Mar 23, 2025 · 29m Every month around 100 million litres of menstrual blood is thrown away or flushed down the toilet. But what if this very particular type of blood could be used for good?
  154. Episode 154: Can We Feel Time? Mar 30, 2025 · 26m Time is one of the great mysteries of our lives. It passes the same way for everyone and yet everyone experiences it differently. Sometimes the days fly by, at other moments, time seems to…
  155. Episode 155: How Does Water Create Life? May 4, 2025 · 28m Without water there would be no life on Earth. But what is so special about it? Research has shown water is much more than the tasteless liquid we drink almost without thinking, but rather…
  156. Episode 156: Are Cyborgs the Future? May 11, 2025 · 30m We humans think that we are the best creation on this earth. But with sickness, aging, brittle bones and weak muscles… are we actually badly designed? Would we benefit from bodily and…
  157. Episode 157: Can We Save Truth? May 18, 2025 · 30m It may seem that the idea of Truth is under siege. Donald Trump, for example, was elected despite countless false statements and lies and conspiracy theories are widely believed without…
  158. Episode 158: Can We Cure Addictions? May 25, 2025 · 28m Once you become addicted to a substance you can live a life of abstinence, but you are never considered cured. Will this remain the case in the future, or can we use modern medicine to…
  159. Episode 159: Are We Too Curious? Jun 1, 2025 · 28m Curiosity is at the very root of humanity's development, but it is often vilified and mistrusted. Is curiosity a good thing? Or are we humans too curious for our own good?
  160. Episode 160: What Did Dinosaurs Really Look Like? Jun 8, 2025 · 28m No film has influenced our perception of dinosaurs more than Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. But more than three decades have passed since the classic film was released and…
  161. Episode 161: Can We Outwit Viruses? Jun 15, 2025 · 29m Viruses are geniuses of evolution. They can constantly mutate, penetrate cells, mingle with our genome an, worst of all, make us ill. But can we outwit viruses and stop them from messing…
  162. Episode 162: Where Does Madness Begin? Jun 22, 2025 · 28m How can we define what is normal and what is mad? Although every human being functions differently, madness is associated with behaviour that deviates from the norm. But where exactly does…
  163. Episode 163: Should We Be Bored More Often? Jun 29, 2025 · 30m Boredom has a bad reputation. All the more so as ennui is often accompanied by a feeling of emptiness and frustration. Ready to do anything to escape it, some seek an outlet in alcohol…
  164. Episode 164: How Powerful is Disinformation? Jul 6, 2025 · 30m In the AI era, highly convincing fake videos and pictures can be produced that can easily deceive. What impact does targeted disinformation have on society and democracy? And how can we…
  165. Episode 165: Why Do Civilisations Fall? Jul 13, 2025 · 30m Was the fall of the Roman Empire due to its decadent morals? Did the people of Easter Island exhaust its natural resources? And is it possible to identify patterns in the collapse of…
  166. Episode 166: Should We Argue More? Jul 20, 2025 · 28m Fiery debates online, explosions of anger on the streets, tense conversations with our loved-ones: Arguing can be exhausting and deeply unpleasant, and it seems like we are always at…
  167. Episode 167: How Mathematic is the Universe? Jul 27, 2025 · 30m Plant growth is determined by the golden ratio symbolised by the Greek letter Phi, pine cones grow in a logarithmic spiral and flower petals are often arranged in the Fibonacci sequence…
  168. Episode 168: Is The World Better Than We Think? Aug 31, 2025 · 30m News and social media can often give us the idea that the world is a terrible place and its only getting worse. But what if, behind the headlines and the shrill discourse on social media…
  169. Episode 169: How Smart Are the Animals We Eat Sep 7, 2025 · 28m Animals raised for human consumption such as chickens, pigs, goats or cows, are rarely acknowledged as being intelligent beings. But if they are as intelligent as chimpanzees or ravens…
  170. Episode 170: Does Failure Help Us Succeed? Sep 14, 2025 · 27m Setbacks and bad decision often leave a bitter taste in the mouth, but they can help you bounce back. Research shows that scientific and technical advances are often the result of trial…
  171. Episode 171: Was Stone-Age Man Dumber Than Us? Sep 21, 2025 · 29m We sometimes think of our ancestors in the stone age as primitive beings, unable to cope with complex tasks or the demands of our highly complex modern society. But were our ancestors from…
  172. Episode 172: The Age of Fire Sep 28, 2025 · 29m Humans are the only species that can produce fire. For a long time, we lived intimately with fire, which helped our development. But today fire seems like a destroyer, with ever more…
  173. Episode 173: Why Does Music Move Us? Oct 5, 2025 · 30m Music has immense power: it can lift or lower our mood and make us forget the world. But why is music so important to human beings? And how does it move us so profoundly?
  174. Episode 174: Optimisation: Is It Making Us Mad? Oct 12, 2025 · 28m On social media everyone seems to be optimising themselves into healthy, perfect humans. But is our search for perfection making us crazy? And is our obsession with personal development…
  175. Episode 175: Is a Superbug Pandemic Coming? Oct 19, 2025 · 26m Our use and overuse of antibiotics means that bacteria – those little masters of evolution – are becoming increasingly capable of defending themselves against them. Superbugs, which are…
  176. Episode 176: Can Humans Hibernate? Oct 26, 2025 · 25m Hibernation in humans – so far, it's pure science fiction. However, some researchers suspect that humans might possess the genetic predisposition for hibernation. An artificially induced…
  177. Episode 177: Does Society Need Alcohol? Nov 2, 2025 · 30m Success, failure, birthdays, funerals… any occasion can be an excuse to drink. However, the line between pleasure and addiction is very thin. Alcohol is one of the most toxic substances…
  178. Episode 178: ...We Make Free Decisions? Nov 9, 2025 · 28m In a democratic society, decisions are taken on the basis of free will. But is this really always the case? Since we know that the brain sometimes goes into 'autopilot' mode, freedom of…
  179. Episode 179: What was there before the Big Bang? Nov 16, 2025 · 27m The planets, the galaxies, the universe: Has it always been there – or was there a beginning? The Big Bang, from which all the wonderful phenomena we can observe and study today…
  180. Episode 180: How Powerful Are Images? Nov 23, 2025 · 30m Would Donald Trump have won the US election if not for the now-iconic photo of him with a bloody ear? Would the US have invaded Iraq if not for the fake photos of Colin Powell? Or would…
  181. Episode 181: How Does the Female Orgasm Work? Nov 30, 2025 · 30m For centuries, female sexuality was neglected and considered uninteresting by men. The apogee came in the 19th century, when doctors and pioneering psychiatrists concocted the wildest…
  182. Episode 182: Is Space Debris Dangerous for Earth? Dec 7, 2025 · 30m Everything that goes up must come down. But what about space debris? Will rockets and unused satellites eventually come crashing down to Earth? And is this a danger to humans and other…
  183. Episode 183: Can Our Brains Still Concentrate? Dec 14, 2025 · 30m In a world full of push notifications, quickfire TikTok videos and constant distraction, deep concentration seems to be lost. But how bad is the situation really? Are our concentration…
  184. Episode 184: Why Do We Love Horror? Jan 5, 2026 · 30m Why do we like to be terrified by scary movies? When watching horror, people experience an intense rollercoaster of emotions and initial studies suggest that viewing horror film can…
  185. Episode 185: Does Planet Nine Really Exist? Jan 11, 2026 · 30m In 2006, the International Astronomical Union voted to demote Pluto to a "dwarf planet," reducing the official number of planets in the solar system to eight. According to Mike Brown, the…
  186. Episode 186: Are We An Evolutionary Superspecies? Jan 18, 2026 · 29m From the deserts of Australia to the steppes of Siberia, no other mammal has colonised more habitats than humans. More than eight billion people affect all life on earth to such an extent…
  187. Episode 187: Are Wasps Game Changers of Evolution? Jan 25, 2026 · 29m Wasps are much more than just an inconvenience for al fresco diners. As one of the very first social species on our planet, they could help solve an evolutionary puzzle: Does altruism…
  188. Episode 188: Why do we sing? Feb 1, 2026 · 29m Songs are considered part of humanity's cultural heritage, and all over the world, their social functions are similar: to celebrate, to mourn a loved one, or to express love. But why use…
  189. Episode 189: How monogamous are humans? Feb 8, 2026 · 29m Monogamy – a lifelong promise of love or an outdated ideal? Despite high divorce rates and the increasing acceptance of alternative relationship models, monogamy remains an emotional…
  190. Episode 190: Why Do We Love Gold? Feb 15, 2026 · 30m The term "gold rush" speaks volumes about our special relationship with the shiny precious metal. For thousands of years, gold has influenced people’s lives and the history of the world…
  191. Episode 191: Do Emotions Control the Markets? Feb 22, 2026 · 30m The stock market is the temple of rationality, figures, data and models. But what happens when emotions drive prices? When panic takes over from analysis and heady euphoria pushes share…
  192. Episode 192: What if life were mirrored? Mar 1, 2026 · 30m Imagine for a moment that everything was reversed. It may sound mind-boggling, but it is not entirely absurd. Many of the molecules that make up life on Earth have a symmetrical…
  193. Episode 193: Do we need the alpha male? Mar 8, 2026 · 30m Dominant, strong, a “real man.” Women want him, men want to be like him. This is the image of the “alpha male” portrayed by many masculinity influencers—some of them with millions of…
  194. Episode 194: Black Holes: A Future Energy Source? Mar 15, 2026 · 29m We know black holes as destroyers: they tear apart stars, devour light and bend space-time. At the same time, they are among the largest sources of energy in the universe and could easily…
  195. Episode 195: Is Brain Washing Possible? Apr 19, 2026 · 24m Is it possible to ‘reboot’ a human brain like we can for a computer? A dream for some and a nightmare for most people, this episode of 42 looks at the science on the subject. AndiIf we can…
  196. Episode 196: Why Are We So Competitive? Apr 26, 2026 · 27m From childhood onwards, we compare ourselves to others and try to be better than our neighbour. But where does this competitive streak come from? And when is it a good thing to be…
  197. Episode 197: Do We Need Siblings? May 3, 2026 · 27m Why do some brothers and sisters become rivals while others become lifelong allies? How does birth order - being the oldest, youngest, or somewhere in between - shape our personality and…
  198. Episode 198: Has Globalisation Failed? May 10, 2026 · 28m With wars, financial crises, and energy crises, global trade seems to be suffering. But is globalisation on the way out? Or can it reinvent itself?
  199. Episode 199: How does trash change the world? May 17, 2026 · 29m To be remembered, to leave a legacy – that's what everyone wants. But what if, in 100,000 years, aliens visit the extinct Earth? What legacy would they find? Probably our trash. From the…
  200. Episode 200: Is vacation really relaxing? May 24, 2026 · 28m Need a vacation? It's a sign that it's time to rest and relax. Yet, scientists can't explain what happens when we get away from it all, nor why and how vacations make us feel good. Given…
  201. Episode 201: Can we change? May 31, 2026 · 24m Is our personality fixed from birth – or can we consciously change it? Can composure be learned, conscientiousness trained, and sociability increased? "Personality is not set in stone,"…
  202. Episode 202: Is there another Earth in the universe? Jun 7, 2026 · 26m "There is no Planet B!" This slogan is a constant at all pro-climate demonstrations. But what would become of humanity if, one day, Earth became uninhabitable? Could another celestial body…
  203. Episode 203: Can AI Feel Us? Jun 14, 2026 · 26m Our feelings are something very intimate, something that belongs only to us—or at least we wish it did. But now, artificial intelligence (AI) can read our emotions and adapt to them. And…
  204. Episode 204: Does a Trauma Lie Dormant in Everyone? Jun 21, 2026 · 28m When the subject of trauma arises, most people immediately think of extreme events: war, violence, severe accidents, or natural disasters. And indeed, such experiences can leave deep…
  205. Episode 205: What Lies Behind UFOs? Jun 28, 2026 · 28m Are UFOs being unfairly dismissed? For a long time, mysterious flying objects were associated mainly with science fiction and speculation. But scientists are now taking these phenomena…
  206. Episode 206: Can states go into debt indefinitely? Jul 5, 2026 · 27m In reality, no state ever repays its debts. And yet, insolvency doesn't necessarily lead to bankruptcy. Public debt isn't just numbers; it also depends on growth, interest rates, policy…
  207. Episode 207: Does scrolling make teens stupid? Jul 12, 2026 · 29m A hotly debated topic: the impact of social media on young people. While Australia has already banned its use for those under 16, it's clear that likes, comments, and endless feeds bring…
  208. Episode 208: Can We Live Without Work? Jul 19, 2026 · 28m We spend more than seven years of our lives working — a significant portion of our time on Earth. But as artificial intelligence increasingly takes over tasks once performed by humans, the…
  209. Episode 209: Is there a female fertility crisis? Jul 26, 2026 · 25m More and more women struggle to conceive or cannot have children at all, while birth rates decline and fertility clinics are booming. Are conditions like endometriosis and PCOS…
  210. Episode 210: Is Loneliness Contagious? Aug 29, 2026 · 22m There are eight billion people in our world and yet many feel lonely. Some talk of a loneliness epidemic. But can we really describe loneliness as a disease? And could this deeply human…
  211. Episode 211: How Do You Become a Genius? Sep 5, 2026 · 30m Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Isaac Newton, Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci: these visionaries have, each in their own way, transformed our understanding of the world. How did these…
  212. Episode 212: Can We Stop Mass Extinction? Sep 12, 2026 · 26m We are facing the worst mass extinction event on Earth since the time of the dinosaurs and this time the fault lies plainly with human beings. Can we avoid the catastrophe and save the…
  213. Episode 213: Can We Control Our Hormones? Sep 19, 2026 · 27m Stress levels, sleep, sexuality: Hormones in our bodies wield enormous power over us. Can we better understand and regulate our bodies in order to take control of our hormones?
  214. Episode 214: Where Did the Antimatter Go? Sep 26, 2026 · 29m Where did the antimatter go? According to our best theories, the Big Bang should have produced equal amounts of matter and antimatter, which would have annihilated each other. Yet matter…
  215. Episode 215: Are Political Parties to Blame for Everything? Oct 3, 2026 · 25m Are political parties to blame for everything? Trust in political parties is declining, and voters are increasingly looking elsewhere. This crisis is more than a political quarrel: it can…
  216. Episode 216: Do Ready Meals Make Us Ill? Oct 10, 2026 · 29m Quick, convenient, and widely available, ready-made foods seem perfectly suited to modern life. As more people live in cities, they may become an even bigger part of our diets. Yet studies…
  217. Episode 217: Who killed Venus? Oct 17, 2026 · 29m Venus is remarkably similar to Earth, yet it is the hottest planet in our Solar System. How did it become such an inferno? Clues suggest that Venus may once have had oceans, clouds, and…
  218. Episode 218: Episode 218 Oct 24, 2026 · 23m
  219. Episode 219: Episode 219 Oct 24, 2026 · 27m
  220. Episode 220: Episode 220 Oct 25, 2026 · 30m
  221. Episode 221: Episode 221 Oct 31, 2026 · 30m
  222. Episode 222: Episode 222 Nov 1, 2026
  223. Episode 223: Episode 223 Nov 7, 2026 · 30m