It also includes a constantly updated page on the corona pandemic.

It also includes a constantly updated page on the corona pandemic .


The 12,024 calendar is here.


Get it now before it sells out.


And stay tuned until the end of this video for a sneak peek that's out of this world.

And stay tuned until the end of this video for a sneak peek that 's out of this world .


Life has existed on one planet for about 4 billion years, as far as we know.

Life has existed on one planet for about 4 billion years , as far as we know .


But it might have started right after the Big Bang, when the universe was much stranger and more fantastic than today.

But it might have started right after the Big Bang , when the universe was much stranger and more fantastic than today .


The cosmos might be full of the seeds of life, sleeping in a dead desert, waiting for a few drops of rain to explosively bloom and grow.

The cosmos might be full of the seeds of life , sleeping in a dead desert , waiting for a few drops of rain to explosively bloom and grow .


Tiny and not-so-tiny aliens might be everywhere.

Tiny and not - so - tiny aliens might be everywhere .


In this video, we're going to put together two highly speculative yet scientifically grounded possibilities.

In this video , we 're going to put together two highly speculative yet scientifically grounded possibilities .


Check out the scientific papers in our sources.

Check out the scientific papers in our sources .


To properly explain it, let's first look at the paradox of life on Earth.

To properly explain it , let 's first look at the paradox of life on Earth .


For its first few hundred million years, Earth was a magma hell, constantly bombarded by asteroids.

For its first few hundred million years , Earth was a magma hell , constantly bombarded by asteroids .


But basically, the second things calmed down and the first oceans formed, life just appeared, and zillions of microbes settled every nook and cranny they found.

But basically , the second things calmed down and the first oceans formed , life just appeared , and zillions of microbes settled every nook and cranny they found .


This is kind of strange.


Life on Earth seems to be almost as old as the planet itself, as if it was waiting around for an opportunity.

Life on Earth seems to be almost as old as the planet itself , as if it was waiting around for an opportunity .


But life didn't only appear extremely quickly.

But life did n't only appear extremely quickly .


In that tiny time window, it also crossed a huge gap.

In that tiny time window , it also crossed a huge gap .


To qualify as living things, even microbes need to eat, poop, grow, and multiply.

To qualify as living things , even microbes need to eat , poop , grow , and multiply .


To do that, they need a genome, the biological instruction manual that sets the inner workings of an organism.

To do that , they need a genome , the biological instruction manual that sets the inner workings of an organism .


How dead things with no genome become living things with genomes is one of the biggest riddles of science.

How dead things with no genome become living things with genomes is one of the biggest riddles of science .


Simplifying a lot, the problem is that to have a functioning genome, you need proteins, and to make those proteins, you need a functioning genome.

Simplifying a lot , the problem is that to have a functioning genome , you need proteins , and to make those proteins , you need a functioning genome .


Both proteins and genomes are super long molecules made of pretty complex blocks that are extremely difficult to assemble by chance.

Both proteins and genomes are super long molecules made of pretty complex blocks that are extremely difficult to assemble by chance .


It's a chicken-egg paradox with several chickens and eggs.

It 's a chicken - egg paradox with several chickens and eggs .


Once you have a finished cell, the whole system works efficiently.

Once you have a finished cell , the whole system works efficiently .


So how did the first living things manage to cross that gap in just a few hundred million years?

So how did the first living things manage to cross that gap in just a few hundred million years ?


Most theories about the origin of life try to explain that gap by theorizing how some primitive soup of prebiotic molecules could have efficiently produced the first self-replicating entities.

Most theories about the origin of life try to explain that gap by theorizing how some primitive soup of prebiotic molecules could have efficiently produced the first self - replicating entities .


But we still don't know how exactly this would have worked.

But we still do n't know how exactly this would have worked .


Maybe we need to think backwards.


Think of genomes as a book telling the history of life.

Think of genomes as a book telling the history of life .


As time passed and life evolved, more characters were introduced.

As time passed and life evolved , more characters were introduced .


Over billions of years, the story of life got more and more complex.

Over billions of years , the story of life got more and more complex .


A genome can be viewed as a long string of letters with biological instructions.

A genome can be viewed as a long string of letters with biological instructions .


And from microbes to us today, functional genomes seem to have been increasing in size at a fairly constant rate.

And from microbes to us today , functional genomes seem to have been increasing in size at a fairly constant rate .


The functional genome of fish is more than twice that of worms.

The functional genome of fish is more than twice that of worms .


Our functional genome is about twice bigger than that of fish, and so on.

Our functional genome is about twice bigger than that of fish , and so on .


It is a bit more complicated, but for now, let's run with this.

It is a bit more complicated , but for now , let 's run with this .


When we put all these clues together, it seems that genomes have been doubling in size on average every 350 million years or so.

When we put all these clues together , it seems that genomes have been doubling in size on average every 350 million years or so .


As if evolution had been following an exponential inner clock.

As if evolution had been following an exponential inner clock .


But it gets even stranger.


The very first microbes that emerged on Earth, even if they look simple, already seemed to have had pretty long and complex genomes.

The very first microbes that emerged on Earth , even if they look simple , already seemed to have had pretty long and complex genomes .


But how could life have achieved that level of complexity in such a short time?

But how could life have achieved that level of complexity in such a short time ?


There may be an interesting way to solve this riddle.

There may be an interesting way to solve this riddle .


We just take our exponential clock and extrapolate it back in time to the simplest conceivable life form.

We just take our exponential clock and extrapolate it back in time to the simplest conceivable life form .


But if we do that, we end up 10 billion years in the past.

But if we do that , we end up 10 billion years in the past .


This would explain why life started to thrive so quickly on our young planet.

This would explain why life started to thrive so quickly on our young planet .


If it was already present in space like a seed, it just needed water and warm temperatures to wake up and go on evolving.

If it was already present in space like a seed , it just needed water and warm temperatures to wake up and go on evolving .


And it would also explain the high degree of sophistication of the first life forms on Earth.

And it would also explain the high degree of sophistication of the first life forms on Earth .


They could have been complex already because they might have been evolving for billions of years somewhere else in the universe.

They could have been complex already because they might have been evolving for billions of years somewhere else in the universe .


But could life really be that old?


Actually, life could have started shortly after the universe itself was born.

Actually , life could have started shortly after the universe itself was born .


At its most basic level, life needs two things.

At its most basic level , life needs two things .


The liquid medium needs to stay warm enough to remain, well, liquid.

The liquid medium needs to stay warm enough to remain , well , liquid .


So when we search for life in space, we focus on Earth-like planets at just the right distance from their star, warm enough to sustain liquid water.

So when we search for life in space , we focus on Earth - like planets at just the right distance from their star , warm enough to sustain liquid water .


But there was actually a time when almost all of the universe might have been habitable.

But there was actually a time when almost all of the universe might have been habitable .


Right after the Big Bang, the universe was extremely hot.

Right after the Big Bang , the universe was extremely hot .


But as the cosmos expanded, it cooled.

But as the cosmos expanded , it cooled .


And between about 10 and 17 million years after the Big Bang, when the universe was a thousand times younger than today, it was between 100 degrees Celsius and 0 degrees Celsius, the temperature at which water is liquid.

And between about 10 and 17 million years after the Big Bang , when the universe was a thousand times younger than today , it was between 100 degrees Celsius and 0 degrees Celsius , the temperature at which water is liquid .


So for this window of time, more than 13.7 billion years ago, the whole universe, absolutely every inch of it, had the right temperature to support life.

So for this window of time , more than 13.7 billion years ago , the whole universe , absolutely every inch of it , had the right temperature to support life .


Of course, the right temperature alone is not enough for life.

Of course , the right temperature alone is not enough for life .


We also need chemical elements like carbon and oxygen, which are forged in the cores of stars.

We also need chemical elements like carbon and oxygen , which are forged in the cores of stars .


But were there stars in super early cosmic times?

But were there stars in super early cosmic times ?


Such stars would have been very massive and gone supernova in just 3 million years, seeding the baby universe with the chemical elements needed to form dust, asteroids, planets, and the ingredients of life.

Such stars would have been very massive and gone supernova in just 3 million years , seeding the baby universe with the chemical elements needed to form dust , asteroids , planets , and the ingredients of life .


Maybe the first ancestors of life were more exotic and didn't even need water, but thrived in substances like ammonia or ethane that can stay liquid at temperatures far below 0 degrees Celsius.

Maybe the first ancestors of life were more exotic and did n't even need water , but thrived in substances like ammonia or ethane that can stay liquid at temperatures far below 0 degrees Celsius .


They could have been sustained by the lingering warmth of the Big Bang for tens of millions of years longer, well into a time when we know for sure there were stars and all the chemical elements.

They could have been sustained by the lingering warmth of the Big Bang for tens of millions of years longer , well into a time when we know for sure there were stars and all the chemical elements .


The real magic of this idea is that while the universe today is extremely deadly and hostile, back then, the conditions for life might have been basically everywhere.

The real magic of this idea is that while the universe today is extremely deadly and hostile , back then , the conditions for life might have been basically everywhere .


For a period that may have lasted several dozen million years, primordial life might have been able to emerge on any rock,

For a period that may have lasted several dozen million years , primordial life might have been able to emerge on any rock ,


At some point, the universe cooled down below the right temperature for life to thrive, but some of those ancestral life forms may have continued to exist in the internal warmth of the first planets,

At some point , the universe cooled down below the right temperature for life to thrive , but some of those ancestral life forms may have continued to exist in the internal warmth of the first planets ,


If they did, life now might be everywhere in the universe.

If they did , life now might be everywhere in the universe .


Will we ever know?


All this makes for a nice story, and while both the habitability of the baby universe and our exponential clock of life are reasonable ideas, they're still speculative.

All this makes for a nice story , and while both the habitability of the baby universe and our exponential clock of life are reasonable ideas , they 're still speculative .


But if life came to Earth from outer space, then it should have seeded other places in the solar system too.

But if life came to Earth from outer space , then it should have seeded other places in the solar system too .


Maybe there are fossils in dry riverbeds on Mars.

Maybe there are fossils in dry riverbeds on Mars .


Maybe we'll soon find life in the warm underground oceans of Enceladus or Europa.

Maybe we 'll soon find life in the warm underground oceans of Enceladus or Europa .


Titan has seas, rivers, and lakes of ethane and methane as warm as the universe when it was 90 million years old.

Titan has seas , rivers , and lakes of ethane and methane as warm as the universe when it was 90 million years old .


So finding exotic life on Titan would support the idea that life could have originated in the weird baby universe.

So finding exotic life on Titan would support the idea that life could have originated in the weird baby universe .


So far, when we look out into the cosmos, we don't see anyone like us.

So far , when we look out into the cosmos , we do n't see anyone like us .


But maybe that's because life needed 10 billion years or more to reach the level of complexity that allows for a technological species.

But maybe that 's because life needed 10 billion years or more to reach the level of complexity that allows for a technological species .


Maybe there are millions of worlds filled with microbes, oceans full of exotic fish, and continents of bizarre animals.

Maybe there are millions of worlds filled with microbes , oceans full of exotic fish , and continents of bizarre animals .


Life could be flourishing right now in uncountable forms and in all kinds of cosmic environments.

Life could be flourishing right now in uncountable forms and in all kinds of cosmic environments .


And if many of us share a common cosmic origin, we would all be part of a great cosmic family.

And if many of us share a common cosmic origin , we would all be part of a great cosmic family .


The answer may lie in our cosmic backyard.

The answer may lie in our cosmic backyard .


Let's go and find out.


It's time.


Let's reveal the 12,024 human era calendar with a big bang.

Let 's reveal the 12,024 human era calendar with a big bang .


The Kurzgesagt calendar is special because we're adding 10,000 years to include all of humanity, no matter their culture or origin.

The Kurzgesagt calendar is special because we 're adding 10,000 years to include all of humanity , no matter their culture or origin .


12,000 years ago, humans first started working together on a larger scale, laying the foundation for civilization and the future of us all.

12,000 years ago , humans first started working together on a larger scale , laying the foundation for civilization and the future of us all .


This year, we're looking at the cosmos and all the possible life that could be thriving on myriads of worlds, hosting radically different animals and beings from the ones on Earth.

This year , we 're looking at the cosmos and all the possible life that could be thriving on myriads of worlds , hosting radically different animals and beings from the ones on Earth .


Where in the universe might life exist? And how would different cosmic environments affect the basic rules of life?

Where in the universe might life exist ? And how would different cosmic environments affect the basic rules of life ?


Join us in 12,024 and find out.


Explore strange cosmic habitats and extraterrestrial life forms on 12 awe-inspiring pages.

Explore strange cosmic habitats and extraterrestrial life forms on 12 awe - inspiring pages .


There's also lots of room for you to keep track of your life here on Earth.

There 's also lots of room for you to keep track of your life here on Earth .


Add some serious space magnificence to your home, but be careful, the extremely radiant cover may blind you.

Add some serious space magnificence to your home , but be careful , the extremely radiant cover may blind you .


Get the calendar now before it sells out.

Get the calendar now before it sells out .


We also have bundles and special calendar deals with some of your favorite products.

We also have bundles and special calendar deals with some of your favorite products .


Thank you so much to all of the thousands of birbs who get the calendar every year.

Thank you so much to all of the thousands of birbs who get the calendar every year .


With every purchase, you support the Kurzgesagt division of sparking curiosity and inspiring people all around the world.

With every purchase , you support the Kurzgesagt division of sparking curiosity and inspiring people all around the world .


We wish you an epic year 12,024.


One of the greatest illusions in life is continuity.

One of the greatest illusions in life is continuity .


66 million years ago, the continuity of the dinosaurs had been going on for around 165 million years already, and it didn't seem this would change anytime soon.

66 million years ago , the continuity of the dinosaurs had been going on for around 165 million years already , and it did n't seem this would change anytime soon .


The world was warm and pleasant, and most of the land was covered with lush forests and an incredible diversity of trees, flowers, ferns, and trillions of critters.

The world was warm and pleasant , and most of the land was covered with lush forests and an incredible diversity of trees , flowers , ferns , and trillions of critters .


Dinosaurs were ubiquitous and had diversified into hundreds of species of all shapes and sizes.

Dinosaurs were ubiquitous and had diversified into hundreds of species of all shapes and sizes .


Titanotaurs, large gentle giants, shared the world with famous beasts like Tyrannosaurus rex or Edmontosaurus.

Titanotaurs , large gentle giants , shared the world with famous beasts like Tyrannosaurus rex or Edmontosaurus .


Pectinodon hunted in the undergrowth, while Edmontosaurus wandered coastlines and swamps.

Pectinodon hunted in the undergrowth , while Edmontosaurus wandered coastlines and swamps .


66 million years ago, maybe on a Tuesday afternoon, life was the same as it had been the day before, or a thousand years before, or pretty much a million years before.

66 million years ago , maybe on a Tuesday afternoon , life was the same as it had been the day before , or a thousand years before , or pretty much a million years before .


Things were good for our feathered dinosaur buddies, until a tiny, tiny detail in the sky changed.

Things were good for our feathered dinosaur buddies , until a tiny , tiny detail in the sky changed .


If there were dinosaurs watching the stars, one night they may have noticed the appearance of a new star,

If there were dinosaurs watching the stars , one night they may have noticed the appearance of a new star ,


Until one fateful day, it looked like another, small moon in the night sky.

Until one fateful day , it looked like another , small moon in the night sky .


And then it faded from sight as it dipped into Earth's shadow.

And then it faded from sight as it dipped into Earth 's shadow .


For a few more hours, the illusion of continuity was upheld.

For a few more hours , the illusion of continuity was upheld .


In the morning, the object suddenly appears again.

In the morning , the object suddenly appears again .


It takes the asteroid only seconds to pass through the thin layer between space and the ground to make contact.

It takes the asteroid only seconds to pass through the thin layer between space and the ground to make contact .


Let's stop time.


Here, we see the unnamed asteroid about to commit speciocide.

Here , we see the unnamed asteroid about to commit speciocide .


Larger than Mount Everest, it reaches from the ocean high into the atmosphere, higher than passenger planes would fly millions of years later.

Larger than Mount Everest , it reaches from the ocean high into the atmosphere , higher than passenger planes would fly millions of years later .


At this moment, the world was one way.

At this moment , the world was one way .


In a fraction of a second, it would be fundamentally different.

In a fraction of a second , it would be fundamentally different .


Let's make the transition.


As the asteroid hits the shallow ocean and the bedrock below, the energy of billions of nuclear weapons is released all at once as the asteroid vaporizes.

As the asteroid hits the shallow ocean and the bedrock below , the energy of billions of nuclear weapons is released all at once as the asteroid vaporizes .


A flash of light illuminates the sky as an eerie bright white sphere grows over the Gulf of Mexico.

A flash of light illuminates the sky as an eerie bright white sphere grows over the Gulf of Mexico .


Bedrock melts into seething hot plasma at tens of thousands of degrees Celsius.

Bedrock melts into seething hot plasma at tens of thousands of degrees Celsius .


The thermal radiation from the explosion travels at the speed of light and immediately burns everything within a radius of about 1,500 kilometers,

The thermal radiation from the explosion travels at the speed of light and immediately burns everything within a radius of about 1,500 kilometers ,


while the energy from the impact pushes so hard against Earth's crust that it loses all strength and flows away from the impact site like a liquid,

while the energy from the impact pushes so hard against Earth 's crust that it loses all strength and flows away from the impact site like a liquid ,


The ocean is pushed back for hundreds of kilometers like when a kid jumps into a puddle.

The ocean is pushed back for hundreds of kilometers like when a kid jumps into a puddle .


As the crust bounces back, melted and flowing crust forms a temporary mountain stretching 10 kilometers into the sky.

As the crust bounces back , melted and flowing crust forms a temporary mountain stretching 10 kilometers into the sky .


An incredible amount of material is blasted into the higher atmosphere or even out into space as much as 60 times the original mass of the asteroid.

An incredible amount of material is blasted into the higher atmosphere or even out into space as much as 60 times the original mass of the asteroid .


The violence of the strike is felt everywhere on Earth within minutes.

The violence of the strike is felt everywhere on Earth within minutes .


A magnitude 11 earthquake may be the most powerful quake any living thing has ever witnessed in billions of years.

A magnitude 11 earthquake may be the most powerful quake any living thing has ever witnessed in billions of years .


It is so insanely strong that in India it might have shaken gigantic lava fields


Even on the side of Earth opposite the impact, the ground still moved by several meters.

Even on the side of Earth opposite the impact , the ground still moved by several meters .


Nobody would sleep through this day.


The gigantic explosion crashes against the atmosphere with unprecedented violence


In Middle America, basically any soil, vegetation or animal is just shredded into pieces and catapulted thousands of kilometers away.

In Middle America , basically any soil , vegetation or animal is just shredded into pieces and catapulted thousands of kilometers away .


Now the previously displaced oceans return.

Now the previously displaced oceans return .


As the temporary mountain at the site of impact collapses, a ring of tsunamis as high as 1 kilometer, enough to cover all skyscrapers humans would ever build, heads in all directions.

As the temporary mountain at the site of impact collapses , a ring of tsunamis as high as 1 kilometer , enough to cover all skyscrapers humans would ever build , heads in all directions .


As they crash into the coasts of the continents surrounding the impact, they will drown thousands of kilometers of coastline.

As they crash into the coasts of the continents surrounding the impact , they will drown thousands of kilometers of coastline .


15 hours later, some of the waves that get refracted around South America will still tower as much as 100 meters into the sky.

15 hours later , some of the waves that get refracted around South America will still tower as much as 100 meters into the sky .


But we still haven't talked about the worst thing yet.

But we still have n't talked about the worst thing yet .


A lot of the debris yeeted into space will orbit Earth for thousands of years.

A lot of the debris yeeted into space will orbit Earth for thousands of years .


Some may hit the Moon or even Mars.


But most of it comes right back.


When things fall through the atmosphere at such speeds, they get very hot, as in hundreds of degrees hot.

When things fall through the atmosphere at such speeds , they get very hot , as in hundreds of degrees hot .


And this happens to millions of tons of material everywhere.

And this happens to millions of tons of material everywhere .


This rapidly heats up the atmosphere to insane temperatures.

This rapidly heats up the atmosphere to insane temperatures .


We don't know exactly how hot it got or how long this heat shock lasted, but there are two ideas here.

We do n't know exactly how hot it got or how long this heat shock lasted , but there are two ideas here .


Either the air was heated to hundreds of degrees for a few minutes, or to thousands of degrees for around one minute.

Either the air was heated to hundreds of degrees for a few minutes , or to thousands of degrees for around one minute .


In any case, the air became as hot as the inside of an industrial oven.

In any case , the air became as hot as the inside of an industrial oven .


How bad the global effects of this were is contested,

How bad the global effects of this were is contested ,


but if enough heat reached the surface, a lot of plants and animals would have died very quickly if they couldn't bury themselves or escape into caves.

but if enough heat reached the surface , a lot of plants and animals would have died very quickly if they could n't bury themselves or escape into caves .


The heat, together with the raining debris, also may have ignited material on forest floors and sparked wildfires, as the Earth rotated under the searing hot blue.

The heat , together with the raining debris , also may have ignited material on forest floors and sparked wildfires , as the Earth rotated under the searing hot blue .


In a few hours, massive wildfires were probably burning around the globe.

In a few hours , massive wildfires were probably burning around the globe .


Some of them may have lasted for months and turned Earth into a horrifying, hot, hellish version of itself.

Some of them may have lasted for months and turned Earth into a horrifying , hot , hellish version of itself .


As the day of the impact draws to an end, many of the dinosaurs are already dead, but the worst is still to come.

As the day of the impact draws to an end , many of the dinosaurs are already dead , but the worst is still to come .


The gigantic plume of vaporized material reaches the upper atmosphere and spreads around the whole globe.

The gigantic plume of vaporized material reaches the upper atmosphere and spreads around the whole globe .


Together with the soot from the burning planet and the aerosols generated at impact, the planet sinks into a deep darkness, with only the remaining raging fires illuminating the scenery.

Together with the soot from the burning planet and the aerosols generated at impact , the planet sinks into a deep darkness , with only the remaining raging fires illuminating the scenery .


Whatever plants survive the firestorms will now be starved for sunlight, as global photosynthesis is temporarily shut down.

Whatever plants survive the firestorms will now be starved for sunlight , as global photosynthesis is temporarily shut down .


Within days, temperatures crash as much as 25 degrees Celsius.

Within days , temperatures crash as much as 25 degrees Celsius .


The oceans were especially hard hit.


The lack of sunlight killed over 90% of plankton, which formed the basis of the food web of marine life.

The lack of sunlight killed over 90 % of plankton , which formed the basis of the food web of marine life .


Ultimately, this would kill off the large marine reptiles and ammonites that used to dominate the seas.

Ultimately , this would kill off the large marine reptiles and ammonites that used to dominate the seas .


The biosphere that survivors now find themselves in is like an alien landscape.

The biosphere that survivors now find themselves in is like an alien landscape .


Ash, debris, and the burned remains of the formerly lush and blooming life cover the ground.

Ash , debris , and the burned remains of the formerly lush and blooming life cover the ground .


The sky is dark, and it's cold, and fresh food is scarce, while fungi thrive.

The sky is dark , and it 's cold , and fresh food is scarce , while fungi thrive .


For months and years, the planet will be a hostile and deadly place.

For months and years , the planet will be a hostile and deadly place .


The sudden global winter will last for decades.

The sudden global winter will last for decades .


At least 75% of all species on Earth will just vanish from existence.

At least 75 % of all species on Earth will just vanish from existence .


And so, as the day ends, the world is suddenly different.

And so , as the day ends , the world is suddenly different .


The continuity that went on for millions of years is no more.

The continuity that went on for millions of years is no more .


The era of the dinosaurs is over.


Eventually, from the ashes of the old world, survivors emerged.

Eventually , from the ashes of the old world , survivors emerged .


Without the asteroid, who knows what life on Earth would look like today?

Without the asteroid , who knows what life on Earth would look like today ?


Without the sudden disruption of dinosaur continuity that completely changed the planet and all life on it, we might have never had the opportunity to become what we are today.

Without the sudden disruption of dinosaur continuity that completely changed the planet and all life on it , we might have never had the opportunity to become what we are today .


It's not clear how long the human era will last.

It 's not clear how long the human era will last .


So far, modern humans have been around for 0.1% of the time the dinosaurs were.

So far , modern humans have been around for 0.1 % of the time the dinosaurs were .


And in this short amount of time, we've achieved impressive feats, from making the world our own, to reaching space and splitting the atom.

And in this short amount of time , we 've achieved impressive feats , from making the world our own , to reaching space and splitting the atom .


Yet, our future and our long-term survival are not a given.

Yet , our future and our long - term survival are not a given .


If we're not careful, it could end in an instant, like the age of the dinosaurs ended.

If we 're not careful , it could end in an instant , like the age of the dinosaurs ended .


But in contrast to them, we know that our continuity is fragile, even if it doesn't feel like it.

But in contrast to them , we know that our continuity is fragile , even if it does n't feel like it .


We can be prepared, and be vigilant and hopeful.

We can be prepared , and be vigilant and hopeful .


If we're lucky, our journey will go on for a long, long time.

If we 're lucky , our journey will go on for a long , long time .


Speaking of journeys, we want to address something in the spirit of transparency.

Speaking of journeys , we want to address something in the spirit of transparency .


Kurzgesagt has changed in the last two years.

Kurzgesagt has changed in the last two years .


We've become more than a YouTube channel or animation studio, and now also run a paper shop that sells hundreds of thousands of calendars, posters and notebooks.

We 've become more than a YouTube channel or animation studio , and now also run a paper shop that sells hundreds of thousands of calendars , posters and notebooks .


That's not a happy accident, many of us have a background in graphic design.

That 's not a happy accident , many of us have a background in graphic design .


Paper products are our roots, and we actually started out creating posters, books and print infographics.

Paper products are our roots , and we actually started out creating posters , books and print infographics .


We love that you can touch them, smell them, nerd about small details and printing techniques.

We love that you can touch them , smell them , nerd about small details and printing techniques .


Just like the channel, we started small and without great ambition.

Just like the channel , we started small and without great ambition .


Step by step, we found the right printers and papers, learned about shipping and expanded our shop.

Step by step , we found the right printers and papers , learned about shipping and expanded our shop .


We put a huge amount of research, love and hours into it, because this is the only way we know how to do things.

We put a huge amount of research , love and hours into it , because this is the only way we know how to do things .


We don't just want to make generic merch, we want to make things that fit our mission of making science exciting, and creating beautiful things.

We do n't just want to make generic merch , we want to make things that fit our mission of making science exciting , and creating beautiful things .


Our shop gives us another outlet to do this, and as a nice side effect, has turned into our main source of income for everything we do on this channel,

Our shop gives us another outlet to do this , and as a nice side effect , has turned into our main source of income for everything we do on this channel ,


So, we want to build further on that and create more things that last.

So , we want to build further on that and create more things that last .


We've just started a new notebook line called Pocket Log that we'll expand on in the future.

We 've just started a new notebook line called Pocket Log that we 'll expand on in the future .


The first edition is a dinosaur themed collection that will hopefully serve a future paleontologist well.

The first edition is a dinosaur themed collection that will hopefully serve a future paleontologist well .


There are loads of plans for sciencey stuff, more journals and calendars and infographics.

There are loads of plans for sciencey stuff , more journals and calendars and infographics .


Let us know what you would like us to make for your room, kids, classrooms and yourself.

Let us know what you would like us to make for your room , kids , classrooms and yourself .


In the end, the things we do work because you like them, and because you enable us to put thousands of hours into videos, and hundreds of hours into posters and journals.

In the end , the things we do work because you like them , and because you enable us to put thousands of hours into videos , and hundreds of hours into posters and journals .


Thank you so much for that.


We're looking forward to making fun, sciencey stuff for you, no matter if it's a video, a poster or something else entirely.

We 're looking forward to making fun , sciencey stuff for you , no matter if it 's a video , a poster or something else entirely .


Thank you for watching.


A war has been raging for billions of years, killing trillions every single day, while we don't even notice.

A war has been raging for billions of years , killing trillions every single day , while we do n't even notice .


The war is fought by the single deadliest entity on our planet, the bacteriophage, or phage for short.

The war is fought by the single deadliest entity on our planet , the bacteriophage , or phage for short .


A phage is a virus, not quite alive, not quite dead.

A phage is a virus , not quite alive , not quite dead .


Also, they look as if someone made them up.

Also , they look as if someone made them up .


Their head is an icosahedron, a sort of dice with 20 faces and 30 edges.

Their head is an icosahedron , a sort of dice with 20 faces and 30 edges .


It contains the genetic material of the virus and often sits on a long tail that has leg-like fibers.

It contains the genetic material of the virus and often sits on a long tail that has leg - like fibers .


There are more phages on Earth than every other organism combined, including bacteria.

There are more phages on Earth than every other organism combined , including bacteria .


And they are probably everywhere living things exist.

And they are probably everywhere living things exist .


Billions are on your hands, in your intestines, and your eyelids right now.

Billions are on your hands , in your intestines , and your eyelids right now .


But you're lucky.


While they do commit genocide for breakfast, they only kill bacteria.

While they do commit genocide for breakfast , they only kill bacteria .


Up to 40% of all bacteria in the oceans are killed by them every single day.

Up to 40 % of all bacteria in the oceans are killed by them every single day .


The phages also have major flaws.


Like any other virus, phages need a host to survive and reproduce.

Like any other virus , phages need a host to survive and reproduce .


They're not much more than genetic material in a hull, and they specialize.

They 're not much more than genetic material in a hull , and they specialize .


Usually, a phage has chosen one specific bacteria and maybe some of its very close relatives.

Usually , a phage has chosen one specific bacteria and maybe some of its very close relatives .


These are its prey.


Imagine a phage as like a cruise missile that only hunts and kills members of one very unlucky family.

Imagine a phage as like a cruise missile that only hunts and kills members of one very unlucky family .


When a phage finds its victim, it connects its tail fibers with receptors and uses a sort of syringe to puncture the surface.

When a phage finds its victim , it connects its tail fibers with receptors and uses a sort of syringe to puncture the surface .


In a weird motion, the phage squeezes its tail and injects its genetic information.

In a weird motion , the phage squeezes its tail and injects its genetic information .


Within minutes, the bacteria is taken over.

Within minutes , the bacteria is taken over .


It's now forced to manufacture all the parts of new phages.

It 's now forced to manufacture all the parts of new phages .


They only stop when the bacteria is filled up with brand new phages.

They only stop when the bacteria is filled up with brand new phages .


In the final step, they produce andolysin, a powerful enzyme that punches a hole in the bacteria.

In the final step , they produce andolysin , a powerful enzyme that punches a hole in the bacteria .


The pressure is so high that the bacteria sort of vomits out all of its insides and dies.

The pressure is so high that the bacteria sort of vomits out all of its insides and dies .


New phages are released and begin the cycle anew.

New phages are released and begin the cycle anew .


In the last few years, bacteriophages have enjoyed the attention of the second deadliest beings on Earth, humans.

In the last few years , bacteriophages have enjoyed the attention of the second deadliest beings on Earth , humans .


Recently, we've started looking into injecting millions of them into our bodies.

Recently , we 've started looking into injecting millions of them into our bodies .


Because we're sort of getting desperate, we screwed up.

Because we 're sort of getting desperate , we screwed up .


In the past, a single cut or a sip from the wrong puddle could kill you.

In the past , a single cut or a sip from the wrong puddle could kill you .


Bacteria were our phages, tiny monsters that hunted us mercilessly.

Bacteria were our phages , tiny monsters that hunted us mercilessly .


But then, about 100 years ago, we found a solution in nature.

But then , about 100 years ago , we found a solution in nature .


By accident, we found fungi that produced a compound that killed bacteria, antibiotics.

By accident , we found fungi that produced a compound that killed bacteria , antibiotics .


Suddenly, we had a powerful superweapon.

Suddenly , we had a powerful superweapon .


Antibiotics were so effective that we stopped thinking of bacteria as monsters.

Antibiotics were so effective that we stopped thinking of bacteria as monsters .


Only the old and weakest among us were killed by them.

Only the old and weakest among us were killed by them .


We used antibiotics more and more for less and less serious causes.

We used antibiotics more and more for less and less serious causes .


We lost respect for the monsters and the weapon.

We lost respect for the monsters and the weapon .


But bacteria are living things that evolve, and one by one, they started to become immune against our weapons.

But bacteria are living things that evolve , and one by one , they started to become immune against our weapons .


This continued until we had created what are called superbugs, bacteria immune to almost everything we have.

This continued until we had created what are called superbugs , bacteria immune to almost everything we have .


This immunity is spreading across the world as we speak.

This immunity is spreading across the world as we speak .


By 2050, superbugs could kill more humans a year than cancer.

By 2050 , superbugs could kill more humans a year than cancer .


The days when a cut or bladder infection or a cough could kill you or your loved ones are coming back.

The days when a cut or bladder infection or a cough could kill you or your loved ones are coming back .


In the US alone, more than 23,000 people die from resistant bacteria each year.

In the US alone , more than 23,000 people die from resistant bacteria each year .


But it turns out that phages, our tiny killer virus robots, could save us.

But it turns out that phages , our tiny killer virus robots , could save us .


We can inject them into our bodies to help cure infections.

We can inject them into our bodies to help cure infections .


Hold on, how can injecting millions of viruses into an infection be a good idea?

Hold on , how can injecting millions of viruses into an infection be a good idea ?


Phages are very, very specialized killers of bacteria.

Phages are very , very specialized killers of bacteria .


We are too different.


We encounter billions of phages every day and we just politely ignore each other.

We encounter billions of phages every day and we just politely ignore each other .


Antibiotic are like carpet bombing, killing everything, even the good bacteria in our intestines that we don't want to harm.

Antibiotic are like carpet bombing , killing everything , even the good bacteria in our intestines that we do n't want to harm .


Phages are like guided missiles that only attack what they're supposed to.

Phages are like guided missiles that only attack what they 're supposed to .


Wait a minute, if we use phages to kill bacteria, won't bacteria develop ways of defending themselves?

Wait a minute , if we use phages to kill bacteria , wo n't bacteria develop ways of defending themselves ?


Well, it's more complex than that.


Phages evolve too.


There has been an arms race between them and bacteria for billions of years and so far they're doing great.

There has been an arms race between them and bacteria for billions of years and so far they 're doing great .


This makes phages smart weapons that are constantly getting better at killing.

This makes phages smart weapons that are constantly getting better at killing .


But even if bacteria were to become immune against our phage, we still might be able to win.

But even if bacteria were to become immune against our phage , we still might be able to win .


It turns out that in order to become resistant to even just a few species of phages, bacteria have to give up their resistance to antibiotics.

It turns out that in order to become resistant to even just a few species of phages , bacteria have to give up their resistance to antibiotics .


We might be able to trap them in a catch-22.

We might be able to trap them in a catch-22 .


This has already been successfully tested with a patient who had no other hope left.

This has already been successfully tested with a patient who had no other hope left .


The bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one of the most feared bacteria, infected the man's chest cavity.

The bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa , one of the most feared bacteria , infected the man 's chest cavity .


They are naturally resistant to most antibiotics and can even survive in alcoholic hand gel.

They are naturally resistant to most antibiotics and can even survive in alcoholic hand gel .


After years of suffering, a few thousand phages were directly inserted into his chest cavity together with antibiotics the bacteria were immune to.

After years of suffering , a few thousand phages were directly inserted into his chest cavity together with antibiotics the bacteria were immune to .


After a few weeks, the infections had completely disappeared.

After a few weeks , the infections had completely disappeared .


Unfortunately, this treatment is still experimental and pharma companies are still reluctant to invest the necessary billions in a treatment that has no official approval yet.

Unfortunately , this treatment is still experimental and pharma companies are still reluctant to invest the necessary billions in a treatment that has no official approval yet .


But things are finally changing.


In 2016, the largest phage clinical trial to date began and phages are getting more and more attention.

In 2016 , the largest phage clinical trial to date began and phages are getting more and more attention .


And we better get used to it because the era in which antibiotics have been our super weapon is drawing to a close.

And we better get used to it because the era in which antibiotics have been our super weapon is drawing to a close .


It might be a weird concept, but injecting the deadliest being on planet Earth directly into our bodies could save millions of lives.

It might be a weird concept , but injecting the deadliest being on planet Earth directly into our bodies could save millions of lives .


This video was made possible by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

This video was made possible by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation .


If you'd like to support Kurzgesagt, you can do so on patreon.com/kurzgesagt and get fancy things in return.

If you 'd like to support Kurzgesagt , you can do so on patreon.com/kurzgesagt and get fancy things in return .


Human society is extremely complex and fragile, built upon various pillars.

Human society is extremely complex and fragile , built upon various pillars .


One of them is the honeybee.


One out of three meals eaten by humans is made possible by honeybees.

One out of three meals eaten by humans is made possible by honeybees .


They are so important that if all the honeybees were to die out, thousands of plants would follow, which could lead to millions of people starving in the following years.

They are so important that if all the honeybees were to die out , thousands of plants would follow , which could lead to millions of people starving in the following years .


On top of that, honeybees have a huge economic impact.

On top of that , honeybees have a huge economic impact .


The dollar value of plants pollinated by them each year is around 265 billion.

The dollar value of plants pollinated by them each year is around 265 billion .


Food we take for granted would just stop existing without them, or there would be a massive decrease in productivity.

Food we take for granted would just stop existing without them , or there would be a massive decrease in productivity .


Einstein is often quoted as having said, if honeybees die out, humans will follow a few years later.

Einstein is often quoted as having said , if honeybees die out , humans will follow a few years later .


Actually, he probably didn't say that, but there might be some truth in the statement.

Actually , he probably did n't say that , but there might be some truth in the statement .


It's unsettling, but honeybees have started to disappear.

It 's unsettling , but honeybees have started to disappear .


Millions of hives have died in the last few years.

Millions of hives have died in the last few years .


Beekeepers all over the world have seen an annual loss of 30 to 90% of their colonists.

Beekeepers all over the world have seen an annual loss of 30 to 90 % of their colonists .


In the US alone, bees are steadily declining, from 5 million hives in 1988 to 2.5 million today.

In the US alone , bees are steadily declining , from 5 million hives in 1988 to 2.5 million today .


Since 2006, a phenomenon called colony collapse disorder has affected honeybees in many countries, and we're not entirely sure what's causing it.

Since 2006 , a phenomenon called colony collapse disorder has affected honeybees in many countries , and we 're not entirely sure what 's causing it .


All we know is that it's pretty serious.

All we know is that it 's pretty serious .


Over the last few decades, bees have seen an invasion of very dangerous foes.

Over the last few decades , bees have seen an invasion of very dangerous foes .


Here, they lay their eggs and feed from the fluids of their victims, weakening them considerably and spending their whole life inside the bees.

Here , they lay their eggs and feed from the fluids of their victims , weakening them considerably and spending their whole life inside the bees .


The female mite enters a honeybee brood cell, and lays eggs on the bee larvae before it's about to pupate, and before the hive bees cover the cell with a wax capping.

The female mite enters a honeybee brood cell , and lays eggs on the bee larvae before it 's about to pupate , and before the hive bees cover the cell with a wax capping .


The eggs hatch, and the young mites and their mother feed on the developing bee in the safety of the capped cell.

The eggs hatch , and the young mites and their mother feed on the developing bee in the safety of the capped cell .


The bee is not normally killed at this stage, just weakened, so it still has enough strength to chew its way through the wax capping and release itself from the cell.

The bee is not normally killed at this stage , just weakened , so it still has enough strength to chew its way through the wax capping and release itself from the cell .


As it does, it releases the mother mite and her new offspring from the cell, and these are free to spread across the hive, starting the process over again in a cycle of about 10 days.

As it does , it releases the mother mite and her new offspring from the cell , and these are free to spread across the hive , starting the process over again in a cycle of about 10 days .


Their numbers grow exponentially, and after a few months, this can lead to the collapse of the entire beehive.

Their numbers grow exponentially , and after a few months , this can lead to the collapse of the entire beehive .


Once outside of the cell, adult mites also suck the bodily fluids of bees and weaken them considerably.

Once outside of the cell , adult mites also suck the bodily fluids of bees and weaken them considerably .


To make things worse, they also transmit viruses that harm the bees even more, and can lead to birth defects like useless wings.

To make things worse , they also transmit viruses that harm the bees even more , and can lead to birth defects like useless wings .


But there are other threats too, such as viruses and fungi.

But there are other threats too , such as viruses and fungi .


Under normal circumstances, these phenomena should be manageable, and are not enough to explain the horrendous amount of dying going on in bees.

Under normal circumstances , these phenomena should be manageable , and are not enough to explain the horrendous amount of dying going on in bees .


Over recent years, new insecticides have been introduced that are deadly to bees.

Over recent years , new insecticides have been introduced that are deadly to bees .


Neonicotinoids, a chemical family similar to nicotine, was approved in the early 1990s as an alternative to chemicals like DDT.

Neonicotinoids , a chemical family similar to nicotine , was approved in the early 1990s as an alternative to chemicals like DDT .


They attack insects by harming their nervous systems.

They attack insects by harming their nervous systems .


Today, they are the most widely used insecticides in the world.

Today , they are the most widely used insecticides in the world .


Globally, they saw sales of 1.5 billion euros in 2008, representing 24% of the global market for insecticides.

Globally , they saw sales of 1.5 billion euros in 2008 , representing 24 % of the global market for insecticides .


In 2013, neonicotinoids were used in the US on about 95% of corn and canola crops, and also on the vast majority of fruit and vegetables,

In 2013 , neonicotinoids were used in the US on about 95 % of corn and canola crops , and also on the vast majority of fruit and vegetables ,


Bees come into contact with the toxin while collecting pollen or via contaminated water, often bringing material into the hive where it can accumulate and slowly kill the whole colony.

Bees come into contact with the toxin while collecting pollen or via contaminated water , often bringing material into the hive where it can accumulate and slowly kill the whole colony .


The toxins harm bees in a variety of horrible ways.

The toxins harm bees in a variety of horrible ways .


In high enough doses, it quickly leads to convulsions, paralysis, and death.

In high enough doses , it quickly leads to convulsions , paralysis , and death .


But even in small doses, it can be fatal.

But even in small doses , it can be fatal .


It may lead to bees forgetting how to navigate the world.

It may lead to bees forgetting how to navigate the world .


So, bees fly into the wild, get lost, and die alone, separated from their hives.

So , bees fly into the wild , get lost , and die alone , separated from their hives .


If this happens often enough, a hive can lose its ability to sustain itself.

If this happens often enough , a hive can lose its ability to sustain itself .


We know that neonicotinoids are harmful to bees and that we urgently need an alternative to it.

We know that neonicotinoids are harmful to bees and that we urgently need an alternative to it .


But there are billions of dollars to be made in delaying this.

But there are billions of dollars to be made in delaying this .


Studies sponsored by the chemical industry magically appear to prove a much lower toxicity to bees compared to those produced by independent scientists.

Studies sponsored by the chemical industry magically appear to prove a much lower toxicity to bees compared to those produced by independent scientists .


There are even more factors contributing to the demise of bees,

There are even more factors contributing to the demise of bees ,


Each of those factors on its own is a major problem for bees, but together, they probably account for colony collapse disorder.

Each of those factors on its own is a major problem for bees , but together , they probably account for colony collapse disorder .


With parasites upping their game in recent decades, the honeybees are now fighting for survival.

With parasites upping their game in recent decades , the honeybees are now fighting for survival .


It would be a catastrophe if they lost this fight.

It would be a catastrophe if they lost this fight .


This is a conundrum we have to solve if we want to continue living with a relative abundance and diversity of food.

This is a conundrum we have to solve if we want to continue living with a relative abundance and diversity of food .


Humanity is deeply interconnected with Earth and the other life forms on it.

Humanity is deeply interconnected with Earth and the other life forms on it .


Even if we pretend that we're not, we have to take better care of our surroundings, if not to preserve the beauty of nature, then at least to ensure our own survival.

Even if we pretend that we 're not , we have to take better care of our surroundings , if not to preserve the beauty of nature , then at least to ensure our own survival .


This video is supported by the Australian Academy of Science, which promotes and supports excellence in science.

This video is supported by the Australian Academy of Science , which promotes and supports excellence in science .


See more at nova.org.au.


It was a blast to work with them, so go check out their site.

It was a blast to work with them , so go check out their site .


Our videos are also made possible by your support on patreon.com.

Our videos are also made possible by your support on patreon.com .


Recently, we passed an important milestone, which is why there will be an additional video in July.

Recently , we passed an important milestone , which is why there will be an additional video in July .


If you want to support us and become part of the Kurzgesagt Bird Army, check out our Patreon page.

If you want to support us and become part of the Kurzgesagt Bird Army , check out our Patreon page .


What makes Ebola so dangerous?


How can a virus overwhelm the very complex defense system of the body so quickly and so effectively?

How can a virus overwhelm the very complex defense system of the body so quickly and so effectively ?


Let's take a look at what Ebola does.


Ebola is a virus.


A virus is a very small thing.


It has no ability to do anything by itself whatsoever and can only survive and proliferate by infecting cells.

It has no ability to do anything by itself whatsoever and can only survive and proliferate by infecting cells .


To avoid this, we have the immune system.

To avoid this , we have the immune system .


The immune system is super complex, so we developed a visual system that makes it easy to understand.

The immune system is super complex , so we developed a visual system that makes it easy to understand .


So it looks like this.


Let's concentrate on the part that's critical to understanding Ebola and ignore the rest.

Let 's concentrate on the part that 's critical to understanding Ebola and ignore the rest .


So, usually, dendritic cells would activate an army of antivirus cells, support cells and antibody factories,

So , usually , dendritic cells would activate an army of antivirus cells , support cells and antibody factories ,


that would, together with the guard cells, wipe out the infection in a matter of days.

that would , together with the guard cells , wipe out the infection in a matter of days .


But when Ebola strikes, it directly attacks the immune system.

But when Ebola strikes , it directly attacks the immune system .


Some of the first cells it takes over are the dendritic cells, the brains of the immune system.

Some of the first cells it takes over are the dendritic cells , the brains of the immune system .


The Ebola virus enters a dendritic cell by binding onto receptors for cell transport.

The Ebola virus enters a dendritic cell by binding onto receptors for cell transport .


Once it's in sight, it dissolves its outer hull and releases its genetic material, nuclear proteins and enzymes.

Once it 's in sight , it dissolves its outer hull and releases its genetic material , nuclear proteins and enzymes .


In a nutshell, it takes over the cell, disables the cell's protective mechanisms and reprograms it.

In a nutshell , it takes over the cell , disables the cell 's protective mechanisms and reprograms it .


The cell now becomes a virus production machine and uses its resources to build Ebola viruses.

The cell now becomes a virus production machine and uses its resources to build Ebola viruses .


Once the cell is saturated, it dissolves the cell membrane and millions of viruses are released into the tissue.

Once the cell is saturated , it dissolves the cell membrane and millions of viruses are released into the tissue .


The virus not only prevents the dendritic cell from activating the specialized antivirus forces,

The virus not only prevents the dendritic cell from activating the specialized antivirus forces ,


it manipulates it into sending signal proteins that trick the specialized cells into ending their own lives prematurely.

it manipulates it into sending signal proteins that trick the specialized cells into ending their own lives prematurely .


So the immune system is seriously disrupted and unable to react, while the virus rapidly multiplies.

So the immune system is seriously disrupted and unable to react , while the virus rapidly multiplies .


We're talking billions.


There are cells that should deal with infected cells, the natural killer cells.

There are cells that should deal with infected cells , the natural killer cells .


But they also get infected and just die before they can prevent the disease from spreading.

But they also get infected and just die before they can prevent the disease from spreading .


At the same time, Ebola infects the guard cells of the body, macrophages and monocytes.

At the same time , Ebola infects the guard cells of the body , macrophages and monocytes .


Not only managing to circumvent their defenses, it also manipulates them to signal to the cells that make up the blood vessels, telling them to release fluids into the body.

Not only managing to circumvent their defenses , it also manipulates them to signal to the cells that make up the blood vessels , telling them to release fluids into the body .


Usually this makes sense, but in this case it just causes mayhem.

Usually this makes sense , but in this case it just causes mayhem .


All over the body, neutrophils are activated, awoken by the virus and the macrophages signals.

All over the body , neutrophils are activated , awoken by the virus and the macrophages signals .


They're not very effective against viruses and should not be involved in this fight and begin to do lots of stuff they shouldn't do.

They 're not very effective against viruses and should not be involved in this fight and begin to do lots of stuff they should n't do .


The neutrophils signal the blood vessels to release more fluid, causing internal bleeding.

The neutrophils signal the blood vessels to release more fluid , causing internal bleeding .


Another area of the body Ebola attacks is the liver.

Another area of the body Ebola attacks is the liver .


The virus finds it very easy to enter the liver and it quickly starts killing loads of liver cells and causing organ failure and more internal bleeding.

The virus finds it very easy to enter the liver and it quickly starts killing loads of liver cells and causing organ failure and more internal bleeding .


And all of those things are going on at the same time.

And all of those things are going on at the same time .


As the virus spreads, it's like nukes exploding everywhere.

As the virus spreads , it 's like nukes exploding everywhere .


One incident of this in one region would be problem enough, but now it's starting to happen everywhere at once.

One incident of this in one region would be problem enough , but now it 's starting to happen everywhere at once .


All the mechanisms the immune system has evolved to handle infections work against you


and the virus continues to spread and spread and finally begins to infect more and more body cells while the body desperately struggles to stay alive.

and the virus continues to spread and spread and finally begins to infect more and more body cells while the body desperately struggles to stay alive .


In a desperate last effort to turn the tide, the immune system launches a cytokine storm.

In a desperate last effort to turn the tide , the immune system launches a cytokine storm .


A cytokine storm is an SOS signal that causes the immune system to launch all of its weapons all at once in a desperate kamikaze attack.

A cytokine storm is an SOS signal that causes the immune system to launch all of its weapons all at once in a desperate kamikaze attack .


This hurts the virus but leaves behind tons of collateral damage, especially in the blood vessels.

This hurts the virus but leaves behind tons of collateral damage , especially in the blood vessels .


Paradoxically, the healthier the immune system, the more damage it can do to itself.

Paradoxically , the healthier the immune system , the more damage it can do to itself .


More and more fluid leaves the bloodstream.

More and more fluid leaves the bloodstream .


Blood pours out of every opening of the body.

Blood pours out of every opening of the body .


You become seriously dehydrated.


There's just not enough blood left to supply the organs with oxygen and cells begin to die.

There 's just not enough blood left to supply the organs with oxygen and cells begin to die .


If you reach this point, the chance of you dying is very high.

If you reach this point , the chance of you dying is very high .


Currently, six out of ten infected die from Ebola.

Currently , six out of ten infected die from Ebola .


Ebola is nasty.


The severity of Ebola gets papers sold and YouTube videos shared, so everybody is talking about Ebola.

The severity of Ebola gets papers sold and YouTube videos shared , so everybody is talking about Ebola .


But currently, the only way to get infected by Ebola is to come into contact with the bodily fluids of a person who shows symptoms or from an infected bat.

But currently , the only way to get infected by Ebola is to come into contact with the bodily fluids of a person who shows symptoms or from an infected bat .


So, just don't do that.


Ebola has killed 5,000 people since June 2014.

Ebola has killed 5,000 people since June 2014 .


The common flu kills up to 500,000 people each year.

The common flu kills up to 500,000 people each year .


Malaria kills up to 1 million each year.

Malaria kills up to 1 million each year .


So, even if Ebola is terrible and scary, don't let yourself be scared.

So , even if Ebola is terrible and scary , do n't let yourself be scared .


The most infectious thing about Ebola is the media hype around it.

The most infectious thing about Ebola is the media hype around it .


You could learn a bit more about the immune system, though.

You could learn a bit more about the immune system , though .


You were on your way home when you died.

You were on your way home when you died .


It was a car accident.


It was a painless death.


The medics tried their best to save you, but to no avail.

The medics tried their best to save you , but to no avail .


Your body was so utterly shattered, you were better off, trust me.

Your body was so utterly shattered , you were better off , trust me .


And that's when you met me.


What happened?


Where am I?


You died, I said, matter-of-factly.

You died , I said , matter - of - factly .


There was… there was a truck.


And it was skidding.


I… I died.


But don't feel bad about it.


Everyone dies.


You looked around.


There was nothingness.


What is this place?


Is this the afterlife?


Are you God?


I'm God.


Will they be alright?


That's what I like to see, I said.


You just died and your main concern is for your family.

You just died and your main concern is for your family .


That's good stuff right there.


You looked at me with fascination.


To you, I didn't look like God.


I just looked like some man or possibly a woman.

I just looked like some man or possibly a woman .


They'll be fine.


Your kids will remember you as perfect in every way.

Your kids will remember you as perfect in every way .


They didn't have time to grow contemptuous of you.

They did n't have time to grow contemptuous of you .


Your wife will cry on the outside but will be secretly relieved.

Your wife will cry on the outside but will be secretly relieved .


To be fair, your marriage was falling apart.

To be fair , your marriage was falling apart .


If it's any consolation, she'll feel very guilty for feeling relieved.

If it 's any consolation , she 'll feel very guilty for feeling relieved .


So what happens now?


Do I go to heaven or hell or something?

Do I go to heaven or hell or something ?


You'll be reincarnated.


So the Hindus were right.


All religions are right in their own way.

All religions are right in their own way .


Walk with me.


You followed along as we strode through the void.

You followed along as we strode through the void .


Where are we going?


It's just nice to walk while we talk.


So what's the point then?


When I get reborn, I'll just be a blank slate, right?

When I get reborn , I 'll just be a blank slate , right ?


So all my experiences and everything, everything I did in this life, won't matter.

So all my experiences and everything , everything I did in this life , wo n't matter .


You have within you all the knowledge and experiences of all your past lives.

You have within you all the knowledge and experiences of all your past lives .


You just don't remember them right now.

You just do n't remember them right now .


I stopped walking and took you by the shoulders.

I stopped walking and took you by the shoulders .


Your soul is more magnificent, beautiful and gigantic than you can possibly imagine.

Your soul is more magnificent , beautiful and gigantic than you can possibly imagine .


A human mind can only contain a tiny fraction of what you are.

A human mind can only contain a tiny fraction of what you are .


It's like sticking your finger in a glass of water to see if it's hot or cold.

It 's like sticking your finger in a glass of water to see if it 's hot or cold .


You put a tiny part of yourself into the vessel, and when you bring it back out, you've gained all the experiences it had.

You put a tiny part of yourself into the vessel , and when you bring it back out , you 've gained all the experiences it had .


You've been in a human for the last 48 years, so you haven't stretched out yet and felt the rest of your immense consciousness.

You 've been in a human for the last 48 years , so you have n't stretched out yet and felt the rest of your immense consciousness .


If we hung out here for long enough, you'd start remembering everything.

If we hung out here for long enough , you 'd start remembering everything .


But there's no point to doing that between each life.

But there 's no point to doing that between each life .


How many times have I been reincarnated then?

How many times have I been reincarnated then ?


This time around, you'll be a Chinese peasant girl in 540 AD.

This time around , you 'll be a Chinese peasant girl in 540 AD .


You're sending me back in time?


Well I guess technically.


Time as you know it only exists in your universe.

Time as you know it only exists in your universe .


Things are different where I come from.

Things are different where I come from .


I come from somewhere, somewhere else.

I come from somewhere , somewhere else .


And there are others like me.


I know you'll want to know what it's like there, but honestly, you wouldn't understand.

I know you 'll want to know what it 's like there , but honestly , you would n't understand .


But wait, if I get reincarnated to other places in time, I could have interacted with myself at some point.

But wait , if I get reincarnated to other places in time , I could have interacted with myself at some point .


And with both lives only aware of their own lifespan, you don't even know it's happening.

And with both lives only aware of their own lifespan , you do n't even know it 's happening .


So, what's the point of it all?


I looked you in the eye.


The meaning of life, the reason I made this whole universe, is for you to mature.

The meaning of life , the reason I made this whole universe , is for you to mature .


You mean, mankind, you want us to mature?

You mean , mankind , you want us to mature ?


I made this whole universe for you.


With each new life, you grow and mature and become a larger and greater intellect.

With each new life , you grow and mature and become a larger and greater intellect .


There is no one else.


In this universe, there's just you and me.

In this universe , there 's just you and me .


You stared blankly at me.


Wait, I'm everyone?


Now you're getting it.


I'm every human being who ever lived.


Or who will ever live, yes.


I'm Abraham Lincoln.


And you're John Wilkes Booth too.


I'm Hitler, you said, appalled.


And you're the millions he killed.


I'm Jesus.


And you're everyone who followed him.


You fell silent.


Every time you victimized someone, you were victimizing yourself.

Every time you victimized someone , you were victimizing yourself .


Every act of kindness you've done, you've done to yourself.

Every act of kindness you 've done , you 've done to yourself .


You thought for a long time.


Because someday you will become like me.

Because someday you will become like me .


Because that's what you are.


You're one of my kind.


You're my child.


Wow, you said incredulous.


You mean, I'm a god?


You're a fetus.


You're still growing.


Once you've lived every human life throughout all time, you will have grown enough to be born.

Once you 've lived every human life throughout all time , you will have grown enough to be born .


an egg, I answered.


Now it's time for you to move on to your next life.

Now it 's time for you to move on to your next life .


And I sent you on your way.


There are probably 10,000 stars for every grain of sand on Earth in the observable universe.

There are probably 10,000 stars for every grain of sand on Earth in the observable universe .


We know that there might be trillions of planets, so where are all the aliens?

We know that there might be trillions of planets , so where are all the aliens ?


This is the Fermi Paradox.


If you want to know more about it, watch part 1.

If you want to know more about it , watch part 1 .


Here, we look at possible solutions to the Fermi Paradox.

Here , we look at possible solutions to the Fermi Paradox .


So, will we be destroyed or does a glorious future await us?

So , will we be destroyed or does a glorious future await us ?


Space travel is hard.


Although possible, it's an enormous challenge to travel to other stars.

Although possible , it 's an enormous challenge to travel to other stars .


Massive amounts of material have to be put into orbit and assembled.

Massive amounts of material have to be put into orbit and assembled .


A journey of maybe thousands of years needs to be survived by a population big enough to start from scratch.

A journey of maybe thousands of years needs to be survived by a population big enough to start from scratch .


And the planet might not be as hospitable as it seemed from afar.

And the planet might not be as hospitable as it seemed from afar .


It was already extremely hard to set up a spaceship that could survive the trip.

It was already extremely hard to set up a spaceship that could survive the trip .


An interstellar invasion might be impossible to pull off.

An interstellar invasion might be impossible to pull off .


Also, consider time.


The universe is very old.


On Earth, there's been life for at least 3.6 billion years.

On Earth , there 's been life for at least 3.6 billion years .


But only for about a century have we had the technology to communicate over great distances.

But only for about a century have we had the technology to communicate over great distances .


There might have been grand alien empires that stretched across thousands of systems and existed for millions of years, and we might just have missed them.

There might have been grand alien empires that stretched across thousands of systems and existed for millions of years , and we might just have missed them .


There might be grandiose ruins rotting away on distant worlds.

There might be grandiose ruins rotting away on distant worlds .


99% of all species on Earth have died out.

99 % of all species on Earth have died out .


It's easy to argue that this will be our fate sooner or later.

It 's easy to argue that this will be our fate sooner or later .


Intelligent life may develop, spread over a few systems, and die off over and over again.

Intelligent life may develop , spread over a few systems , and die off over and over again .


But galactic civilizations might never meet.

But galactic civilizations might never meet .


So, maybe it's a unifying experience for life in the universe to look at the stars and wonder, where is everyone?

So , maybe it 's a unifying experience for life in the universe to look at the stars and wonder , where is everyone ?


But there is no reason to assume aliens are like us or that our logic applies to them.

But there is no reason to assume aliens are like us or that our logic applies to them .


It might just be that our means of communication are extremely primitive and outdated.

It might just be that our means of communication are extremely primitive and outdated .


Imagine sitting in a house with a Morse code transmitter.

Imagine sitting in a house with a Morse code transmitter .


You'd keep sending messages, but nobody would answer, and you'd feel pretty lonely.

You 'd keep sending messages , but nobody would answer , and you 'd feel pretty lonely .


Maybe we're still undetectable for intelligent species, and will remain so until we learn to communicate properly.

Maybe we 're still undetectable for intelligent species , and will remain so until we learn to communicate properly .


And even if we met aliens, we might be too different to be able to communicate with them in a meaningful way.

And even if we met aliens , we might be too different to be able to communicate with them in a meaningful way .


Imagine the smartest squirrel you can.


No matter how hard you try, you won't be able to explain our society to it.

No matter how hard you try , you wo n't be able to explain our society to it .


After all, from the squirrel's perspective, a tree is all that a sophisticated intelligence like itself needs to survive.

After all , from the squirrel 's perspective , a tree is all that a sophisticated intelligence like itself needs to survive .


So, humans cutting down whole forests is madness.

So , humans cutting down whole forests is madness .


But we don't destroy forests because we hate squirrels.

But we do n't destroy forests because we hate squirrels .


We just want the resources.


The squirrel's wishes and the squirrel's survival are of no concern to us.

The squirrel 's wishes and the squirrel 's survival are of no concern to us .


A type 3 civilization in need of resources may treat us in a similar way.

A type 3 civilization in need of resources may treat us in a similar way .


They might just evaporate our oceans to make collecting whatever they need easier.

They might just evaporate our oceans to make collecting whatever they need easier .


One of the aliens might think for a second, Oh, tiny little apes.

One of the aliens might think for a second , Oh , tiny little apes .


They build really cute concrete structures.

They build really cute concrete structures .


Oh well, now they're dead, before activating warp speed.

Oh well , now they 're dead , before activating warp speed .


But if there is a civilization out there that wants to eliminate other species, it's far more likely that it will be motivated by culture rather than by economics.

But if there is a civilization out there that wants to eliminate other species , it 's far more likely that it will be motivated by culture rather than by economics .


And anyway, it would be more effective to automate the process by constructing the perfect weapon.

And anyway , it would be more effective to automate the process by constructing the perfect weapon .


They operate on a molecular level, incredibly fast and deadly, with the power to attack and dismantle anything in an instant.

They operate on a molecular level , incredibly fast and deadly , with the power to attack and dismantle anything in an instant .


You only need to give them four instructions.

You only need to give them four instructions .


One, find a planet with life.


Two, disassemble everything on this planet into its component parts.

Two , disassemble everything on this planet into its component parts .


Three, use the resources to build new space probes.

Three , use the resources to build new space probes .


A doomsday machine like this could render a galaxy sterile in a few million years.

A doomsday machine like this could render a galaxy sterile in a few million years .


But why would you fly light years to gather resources or commit genocide?

But why would you fly light years to gather resources or commit genocide ?


The speed of light is actually not very fast.

The speed of light is actually not very fast .


If someone could travel at the speed of light, it would still take 100,000 years to cross the Milky Way once, and you'll probably travel way slower.

If someone could travel at the speed of light , it would still take 100,000 years to cross the Milky Way once , and you 'll probably travel way slower .


There might be way more enjoyable things than destroying civilizations and building empires.

There might be way more enjoyable things than destroying civilizations and building empires .


An interesting concept is the Matryoshka brain, a megastructure surrounding a star.

An interesting concept is the Matryoshka brain , a megastructure surrounding a star .


Potentially, one could experience an eternity of pure ecstasy without ever being bored or sad.

Potentially , one could experience an eternity of pure ecstasy without ever being bored or sad .


If built around a red dwarf, this computer could be powered for up to 10 trillion years.

If built around a red dwarf , this computer could be powered for up to 10 trillion years .


Who would want to conquer the galaxy or make contact with other life forms if this were an option?

Who would want to conquer the galaxy or make contact with other life forms if this were an option ?


All these solutions to the Fermi paradox have one problem.

All these solutions to the Fermi paradox have one problem .


We don't know where the borders of technology are.

We do n't know where the borders of technology are .


We could be close to the limit or nowhere near it.

We could be close to the limit or nowhere near it .


And super technology awaits us, granting us immortality, transporting us to other galaxies, elevating us to the level of gods.

And super technology awaits us , granting us immortality , transporting us to other galaxies , elevating us to the level of gods .


One thing we do have to acknowledge is that we really don't know anything.

One thing we do have to acknowledge is that we really do n't know anything .


Humans have spent more than 90% of their existence as hunter-gatherers.

Humans have spent more than 90 % of their existence as hunter - gatherers .


500 years ago, we thought we were the center of the universe.

500 years ago , we thought we were the center of the universe .


200 years ago, we stopped using human labor as the main source of energy.

200 years ago , we stopped using human labor as the main source of energy .


30 years ago, we had apocalyptic weapons pointed at each other because of political disagreements.

30 years ago , we had apocalyptic weapons pointed at each other because of political disagreements .


In the galactic timescale, we are embryos.

In the galactic timescale , we are embryos .


We've come far, but still have a long way to go.

We 've come far , but still have a long way to go .


The mindset that we really are the center of the universe is still strong in humans, so it's easy to make arrogant assumptions about life in the universe.

The mindset that we really are the center of the universe is still strong in humans , so it 's easy to make arrogant assumptions about life in the universe .


Hey everybody, we finally have our own subreddit.

Hey everybody , we finally have our own subreddit .


This video was made possible by your support on Patreon.

This video was made possible by your support on Patreon .


If you want us to make more videos, and maybe get your own bird avatar in return, check it out.

If you want us to make more videos , and maybe get your own bird avatar in return , check it out .


Are we the only living things in the entire universe?

Are we the only living things in the entire universe ?


The observable universe is about 90 billion light years in diameter.

The observable universe is about 90 billion light years in diameter .


There are at least 100 billion galaxies, each with 100 to 1000 billion stars.

There are at least 100 billion galaxies , each with 100 to 1000 billion stars .


Recently, we've learned that planets are very common too.

Recently , we 've learned that planets are very common too .


And there are probably trillions and trillions of habitable planets in the universe.

And there are probably trillions and trillions of habitable planets in the universe .


But where is it?


Shouldn't the universe be teeming with spaceships?

Should n't the universe be teeming with spaceships ?


Let's take a step back.


Even if there are alien civilizations in other galaxies, there's no way we'll ever know about them.

Even if there are alien civilizations in other galaxies , there 's no way we 'll ever know about them .


Basically, everything outside of our direct galactic neighborhood, the so-called local group, is pretty much out of our reach forever, because of the expansion of the universe.

Basically , everything outside of our direct galactic neighborhood , the so - called local group , is pretty much out of our reach forever , because of the expansion of the universe .


Even if we had really fast spaceships, it would literally take billions of years to reach these places, traveling through the emptiest areas in the universe.

Even if we had really fast spaceships , it would literally take billions of years to reach these places , traveling through the emptiest areas in the universe .


So, let's focus on the Milky Way.


The Milky Way is our home galaxy.


It consists of up to 400 billion stars.

It consists of up to 400 billion stars .


That's a lot of stars.


Counting one per second, it would take you a hundred lifetimes to count them all.

Counting one per second , it would take you a hundred lifetimes to count them all .


There are about 20 billion sun-like stars in the Milky Way, and estimates suggest that a fifth of them have an Earth-sized planet in its habitable zone,

There are about 20 billion sun - like stars in the Milky Way , and estimates suggest that a fifth of them have an Earth - sized planet in its habitable zone ,


If only 0.1% of those planets harbored life, there would be one million planets with life in the Milky Way.

If only 0.1 % of those planets harbored life , there would be one million planets with life in the Milky Way .


But wait, there's more.


The Milky Way is about 13 billion years old.

The Milky Way is about 13 billion years old .


In the beginning, it would not have been a good place for life, because things exploded a lot.

In the beginning , it would not have been a good place for life , because things exploded a lot .


But after 1 to 2 billion years, the first habitable planets were born.

But after 1 to 2 billion years , the first habitable planets were born .


Earth is only 4 billion years old, so there have probably been trillions of chances for life to develop on other planets in the past.

Earth is only 4 billion years old , so there have probably been trillions of chances for life to develop on other planets in the past .


If only a single one of them had developed into a space-traveling super-civilization, we would have noticed by now.

If only a single one of them had developed into a space - traveling super - civilization , we would have noticed by now .


What would such a civilization look like?

What would such a civilization look like ?


There are three categories.


A Type I civilization would be able to access the whole energy available on its planet.

A Type I civilization would be able to access the whole energy available on its planet .


In case you're wondering, we're currently around 0.73 on the scale, and we should reach Type I sometime in the next couple of hundred years.

In case you 're wondering , we 're currently around 0.73 on the scale , and we should reach Type I sometime in the next couple of hundred years .


Type II would be a civilization capable of harnessing all of the energy of its home star.

Type II would be a civilization capable of harnessing all of the energy of its home star .


This would require some serious science fiction, but it is doable in principle.

This would require some serious science fiction , but it is doable in principle .


Concepts like the Dyson Sphere, a giant complex surrounding the Sun, would be conceivable.

Concepts like the Dyson Sphere , a giant complex surrounding the Sun , would be conceivable .


Type III is a civilization that basically controls its whole galaxy and its energy.

Type III is a civilization that basically controls its whole galaxy and its energy .


An alien race this advanced would probably be godlike to us.

An alien race this advanced would probably be godlike to us .


But why should we be able to see such an alien civilization in the first place?

But why should we be able to see such an alien civilization in the first place ?


If we were to build generation spaceships that could sustain a population for around 1,000 years, we could colonize the whole galaxy in 2 million years.

If we were to build generation spaceships that could sustain a population for around 1,000 years , we could colonize the whole galaxy in 2 million years .


where are all the aliens?


This is the Fermi Paradox, and nobody has an answer to it.

This is the Fermi Paradox , and nobody has an answer to it .


But we do have some ideas.


Let's talk about filters.


A filter in this context represents a barrier that is really hard for life to overcome.

A filter in this context represents a barrier that is really hard for life to overcome .


They come in various degrees of scary.


One, there are great filters, and we have passed them.

One , there are great filters , and we have passed them .


Maybe it is way harder for complex life to develop than we think.

Maybe it is way harder for complex life to develop than we think .


The process allowing life to begin hasn't yet been completely figured out, and the conditions required may be really complicated.

The process allowing life to begin has n't yet been completely figured out , and the conditions required may be really complicated .


Maybe in the past, the universe was way more hostile, and only recently have things cooled down to make complex life possible.

Maybe in the past , the universe was way more hostile , and only recently have things cooled down to make complex life possible .


This would also mean that we may be unique, or at least one of the first, if not the first, civilization in the entire universe.

This would also mean that we may be unique , or at least one of the first , if not the first , civilization in the entire universe .


Two, there are great filters, and they are ahead of us.

Two , there are great filters , and they are ahead of us .


This one would be really, really bad.


Maybe life on our level exists everywhere in the universe, but it gets destroyed when it reaches a certain point, a point that lies ahead of us.

Maybe life on our level exists everywhere in the universe , but it gets destroyed when it reaches a certain point , a point that lies ahead of us .


For example, awesome future technology exists, but when activated, it destroys the planet.

For example , awesome future technology exists , but when activated , it destroys the planet .


The last words of every advanced civilization would be, this new device will solve all of our problems once I push this button.

The last words of every advanced civilization would be , this new device will solve all of our problems once I push this button .


If this is true, then we are closer to the end than the beginning of human existence.

If this is true , then we are closer to the end than the beginning of human existence .


Or, maybe there is an ancient type 3 civilization that monitors the universe, and once a civilization is advanced enough, it gets eliminated in an instant.

Or , maybe there is an ancient type 3 civilization that monitors the universe , and once a civilization is advanced enough , it gets eliminated in an instant .


Maybe there is something out there that it would be better not to discover.

Maybe there is something out there that it would be better not to discover .


There is no way for us to know.