If the liberated CO2 isn't enough to warm it up to temperatures we can stand, we just add some super greenhouse gases.

If the liberated CO2 is n't enough to warm it up to temperatures we can stand , we just add some super greenhouse gases .


Mars at this point resembles a black marble from all the cooling lava, spotted with growing oceans and red patches where the old surface remains untouched.

Mars at this point resembles a black marble from all the cooling lava , spotted with growing oceans and red patches where the old surface remains untouched .


It's still a wasteland, no better than a desert on Earth.

It 's still a wasteland , no better than a desert on Earth .


We need to fill it with life.


Installing a biosphere on a new planet is very difficult.

Installing a biosphere on a new planet is very difficult .


Unexpected interactions between species or sudden diseases can destabilize it to the point of collapse.

Unexpected interactions between species or sudden diseases can destabilize it to the point of collapse .


We would probably begin by seeding our young oceans with phytoplankton.

We would probably begin by seeding our young oceans with phytoplankton .


Without competition, it would bloom rapidly, filling up the oceans to become the bottom of an aquatic food chain.

Without competition , it would bloom rapidly , filling up the oceans to become the bottom of an aquatic food chain .


They can be followed by tiny zooplankton, then by fish, maybe even sharks and whales.

They can be followed by tiny zooplankton , then by fish , maybe even sharks and whales .


If things go well, life in the oceans will thrive.

If things go well , life in the oceans will thrive .


Life on land is harder.


Plants need nutrient-filled ground to sink their roots into, but most of the surface is the congealed remains of lava and ash.

Plants need nutrient - filled ground to sink their roots into , but most of the surface is the congealed remains of lava and ash .


We could wait for thousands of years for water and wind to grind it down into finer sands, or try to do it manually.

We could wait for thousands of years for water and wind to grind it down into finer sands , or try to do it manually .


But we want to be quick, and we have a big laser.

But we want to be quick , and we have a big laser .


Turning the beam on and off in rapid succession would cause the ground to quickly heat up and contract, which breaks it into smaller and smaller pieces.

Turning the beam on and off in rapid succession would cause the ground to quickly heat up and contract , which breaks it into smaller and smaller pieces .


Add a bit of water, and you get a sort of dark mud.

Add a bit of water , and you get a sort of dark mud .


Into this mud, we can mix fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Into this mud , we can mix fungi and nitrogen - fixing bacteria .


They're able to absorb nitrogen and convert it into nitrate compounds to feed plants.

They 're able to absorb nitrogen and convert it into nitrate compounds to feed plants .


The first plants we want to bring are native to volcanic islands on Earth, since they're perfectly suited to the laser-blasted Martian landscape.

The first plants we want to bring are native to volcanic islands on Earth , since they 're perfectly suited to the laser - blasted Martian landscape .


Eventually, the enriched mud becomes the foundation for grasslands and forests.

Eventually , the enriched mud becomes the foundation for grasslands and forests .


In Mars' lower gravity, trees can become very tall very fast.

In Mars ' lower gravity , trees can become very tall very fast .


Their roots gather the nutrients they need and then dig deeper to turn more rocks into soil, forming a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Their roots gather the nutrients they need and then dig deeper to turn more rocks into soil , forming a self - sustaining ecosystem .


At this point, we can slowly introduce more plant varieties, insects, and animals.

At this point , we can slowly introduce more plant varieties , insects , and animals .


The new biosphere needs to be maintained to prevent it from falling out of balance.

The new biosphere needs to be maintained to prevent it from falling out of balance .


If plants grow too quickly and absorb too much carbon dioxide, the planet cools down too much.

If plants grow too quickly and absorb too much carbon dioxide , the planet cools down too much .


If key species die out, we could see populations collapse faster than they could recover.

If key species die out , we could see populations collapse faster than they could recover .


On Earth, other species would move in to fill the void, but our Martian biosphere is not as flexible.

On Earth , other species would move in to fill the void , but our Martian biosphere is not as flexible .


It takes hundreds, if not thousands, of years before Mars becomes a stable environment.

It takes hundreds , if not thousands , of years before Mars becomes a stable environment .


But eventually, the planet will have the potential to sustain large human colonies.

But eventually , the planet will have the potential to sustain large human colonies .


With air, water, and food available, we can finally call Mars, black, blue, and green, our home.

With air , water , and food available , we can finally call Mars , black , blue , and green , our home .


Will it last, though?


There is a problem we haven't addressed.

There is a problem we have n't addressed .


Mars' core does not produce a magnetic field, so it doesn't have enough protection from solar radiation or cosmic rays.

Mars ' core does not produce a magnetic field , so it does n't have enough protection from solar radiation or cosmic rays .


This becomes dangerous for the long-term health of Martian populations.

This becomes dangerous for the long - term health of Martian populations .


So, as a final step, we need an artificial magnetic field.

So , as a final step , we need an artificial magnetic field .


It doesn't have to be huge like Earth's.

It does n't have to be huge like Earth 's .


It just needs to deflect the solar wind enough so that it doesn't touch Mars.

It just needs to deflect the solar wind enough so that it does n't touch Mars .


The easiest way is to construct a magnetic umbrella far ahead of Mars that splashes the solar wind to the sides.

The easiest way is to construct a magnetic umbrella far ahead of Mars that splashes the solar wind to the sides .


A big superconducting ring powered by nuclear facilities is all it takes.

A big superconducting ring powered by nuclear facilities is all it takes .


It would orbit at the Mars-Sun L1 point, keeping it constantly in between the Sun and Mars and protect the new atmosphere.

It would orbit at the Mars - Sun L1 point , keeping it constantly in between the Sun and Mars and protect the new atmosphere .


And that's it.


Terraforming Mars would take some work, hefty resources, and probably a century or ten,

Terraforming Mars would take some work , hefty resources , and probably a century or ten ,


but it would be the first time we've lived in a home designed and shaped solely by us and for us.

but it would be the first time we 've lived in a home designed and shaped solely by us and for us .


The first step that we can already take down here on Earth is learning more about the physics and biology needed for such a project.

The first step that we can already take down here on Earth is learning more about the physics and biology needed for such a project .


To help you with that, we've created a series of lessons to build your fundamental understanding of these topics.

To help you with that , we 've created a series of lessons to build your fundamental understanding of these topics .


these lessons give you a deeper understanding of the topics from our most popular videos, from supervolcanoes to black holes to climate science.

these lessons give you a deeper understanding of the topics from our most popular videos , from supervolcanoes to black holes to climate science .


Brilliant is an interactive learning tool that makes maths, science, and computer science accessible with a hands-on approach.

Brilliant is an interactive learning tool that makes maths , science , and computer science accessible with a hands - on approach .


Because we know that to really learn something, you've got to do it.

Because we know that to really learn something , you 've got to do it .


Think of each lesson as a one-on-one tutoring version of a Kurzgesagt video.

Think of each lesson as a one - on - one tutoring version of a Kurzgesagt video .


In our latest lesson, you'll learn more about how Mars lost its atmosphere and how we might protect a terraformed Mars from suffering the same fate.

In our latest lesson , you 'll learn more about how Mars lost its atmosphere and how we might protect a terraformed Mars from suffering the same fate .


Brilliant has thousands of lessons to explore, from maths-based topics like algebra and probability to the concepts behind algorithms and machine learning.

Brilliant has thousands of lessons to explore , from maths - based topics like algebra and probability to the concepts behind algorithms and machine learning .


And with new lessons added each month, including ones from Kurzgesagt, you'll always find something fascinating to learn.

And with new lessons added each month , including ones from Kurzgesagt , you 'll always find something fascinating to learn .


To get hands-on with Kurzgesagt lessons and explore everything Brilliant has to offer, go to brilliant.org slash nutshell and sign up for free today.

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There's even an extra perk for Kurzgesagt viewers.

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The first 200 people to use the link get 20% off their annual membership, which unlocks all of Brilliant's courses in maths, science, and computer science.

The first 200 people to use the link get 20 % off their annual membership , which unlocks all of Brilliant 's courses in maths , science , and computer science .


We love seeking new horizons with our research.

We love seeking new horizons with our research .


Brilliant will be the catalyst to expand the limits of your knowledge.

Brilliant will be the catalyst to expand the limits of your knowledge .


Leaving Earth to find new homes in space is an old dream of humanity, and will sooner or later be necessary for our survival.

Leaving Earth to find new homes in space is an old dream of humanity , and will sooner or later be necessary for our survival .


The planet that gets the most attention is Mars, a small, toxic, and energy-poor planet

The planet that gets the most attention is Mars , a small , toxic , and energy - poor planet


that just about seems good enough for a colony of depressed humans huddled in underground cities.

that just about seems good enough for a colony of depressed humans huddled in underground cities .


It might be easier than you think.


Venus is by far the hottest planet in the solar system, with a surface temperature of 460°C, hot enough to melt lead.

Venus is by far the hottest planet in the solar system , with a surface temperature of 460 ° C , hot enough to melt lead .


This heat is due to the most extreme greenhouse effect in the solar system.

This heat is due to the most extreme greenhouse effect in the solar system .


CO2 is great at trapping heat.


Even a rise from 0.03% to 0.04% in Earth's atmosphere is heating up our planet right now.

Even a rise from 0.03 % to 0.04 % in Earth 's atmosphere is heating up our planet right now .


Venus's atmosphere is 97% CO2.


Also, Venus's atmosphere is 93 times denser than Earth's.

Also , Venus 's atmosphere is 93 times denser than Earth 's .


Standing on Venus's surface would feel like taking a dive about 900 meters deep into the ocean.

Standing on Venus 's surface would feel like taking a dive about 900 meters deep into the ocean .


The pressure would kill you instantly.


It's a truly horrible place, so why should we even bother?

It 's a truly horrible place , so why should we even bother ?


First and foremost, Venus is almost as big as Earth and has 90% of its surface gravity.

First and foremost , Venus is almost as big as Earth and has 90 % of its surface gravity .


Surface gravity is a big problem when colonizing the solar system because it's very likely that long stays in low-gravity places will have negative health effects.

Surface gravity is a big problem when colonizing the solar system because it 's very likely that long stays in low - gravity places will have negative health effects .


Venus's size means it could be the second largest habitat in the solar system, a new home for billions of humans and trillions of animals,

Venus 's size means it could be the second largest habitat in the solar system , a new home for billions of humans and trillions of animals ,


A properly terraformed Venus may be the most pleasant place to live outside of Earth.

A properly terraformed Venus may be the most pleasant place to live outside of Earth .


While we can't exactly terraform Venus today, a slightly more ambitious future version of us could take this project on.

While we ca n't exactly terraform Venus today , a slightly more ambitious future version of us could take this project on .


It will take a few generations to complete and be a huge challenge, like building the Great Pyramids was for our ancestors.

It will take a few generations to complete and be a huge challenge , like building the Great Pyramids was for our ancestors .


But then, it's not like humans have never started projects that took more than a lifetime to complete.

But then , it 's not like humans have never started projects that took more than a lifetime to complete .


Okay, let's do it.


Before anything else, we need to cool Venus down and remove the gas that makes up the extremely heavy atmosphere.

Before anything else , we need to cool Venus down and remove the gas that makes up the extremely heavy atmosphere .


As mentioned, there's a lot of it, around 465 million billion tons.

As mentioned , there 's a lot of it , around 465 million billion tons .


How do we do that?


There are a few options.


We could create giant solar collectors, powering a huge array of laser beams that heat up the atmosphere so much that it's blasted into space.

We could create giant solar collectors , powering a huge array of laser beams that heat up the atmosphere so much that it 's blasted into space .


Although we would need thousands of times the entire power-generating capacity of humanity, and it would still take thousands of years to remove the atmosphere.

Although we would need thousands of times the entire power - generating capacity of humanity , and it would still take thousands of years to remove the atmosphere .


Another way is to sequester the atmosphere, binding the CO2 in different compounds through chemical reactions.

Another way is to sequester the atmosphere , binding the CO2 in different compounds through chemical reactions .


We could mine elements like calcium or magnesium on Mercury and shoot them at Venus via mass driver systems.

We could mine elements like calcium or magnesium on Mercury and shoot them at Venus via mass driver systems .


The metals would combine to bind the CO2 into different carbonates, basically forever.

The metals would combine to bind the CO2 into different carbonates , basically forever .


But the scale makes the whole thing impractical.

But the scale makes the whole thing impractical .


We would need several hundred billion tons of material to sequester the CO2 this way.

We would need several hundred billion tons of material to sequester the CO2 this way .


An equally ridiculous idea that could actually work is to put Venus in the shade.

An equally ridiculous idea that could actually work is to put Venus in the shade .


The mirror doesn't need to be complex or massive, just a very thin foil with a little structural support.

The mirror does n't need to be complex or massive , just a very thin foil with a little structural support .


Building such a large flat surface so close to the sun will turn it effectively into a solar sail and push it out of position.

Building such a large flat surface so close to the sun will turn it effectively into a solar sail and push it out of position .


So instead of one giant circular object, our mirror will consist of many different pieces.

So instead of one giant circular object , our mirror will consist of many different pieces .


Annular slats of angled mirrors can reflect sunlight from one set of mirrors to the next.

Annular slats of angled mirrors can reflect sunlight from one set of mirrors to the next .


Mirrors would be angled, reflecting light from one to another until the light is redirected to the back, balancing the force on the front and holding them in position.

Mirrors would be angled , reflecting light from one to another until the light is redirected to the back , balancing the force on the front and holding them in position .


After a few years of getting the infrastructure in place, things start slowly and then escalate.

After a few years of getting the infrastructure in place , things start slowly and then escalate .


For the first few decades, the atmosphere slowly cools down but stays dense and deadly.

For the first few decades , the atmosphere slowly cools down but stays dense and deadly .


Until, after some 60 years, it reaches the critical temperature of 31 degrees Celsius.

Until , after some 60 years , it reaches the critical temperature of 31 degrees Celsius .


Suddenly, the great flood begins on Venus as CO2 turns to liquid at this pressure and begins to rain down.

Suddenly , the great flood begins on Venus as CO2 turns to liquid at this pressure and begins to rain down .


The pressure and temperature suddenly begin to drop in unison.

The pressure and temperature suddenly begin to drop in unison .


For almost a century, puddles turn into lakes and oceans.

For almost a century , puddles turn into lakes and oceans .


The surface temperature is now minus 56 degrees Celsius and the pressure has dropped to only 7 times the pressure on Earth.

The surface temperature is now minus 56 degrees Celsius and the pressure has dropped to only 7 times the pressure on Earth .


Finally, at a really unpleasant minus 81 degrees Celsius, the CO2 oceans begin to freeze and the rain turns into snow.

Finally , at a really unpleasant minus 81 degrees Celsius , the CO2 oceans begin to freeze and the rain turns into snow .


This leaves us with a frozen Venus covered in oceans as hard as rock and gigantic CO2 glaciers.

This leaves us with a frozen Venus covered in oceans as hard as rock and gigantic CO2 glaciers .


What remains of the atmosphere is mostly nitrogen at about 3 times Earth's surface pressure.

What remains of the atmosphere is mostly nitrogen at about 3 times Earth 's surface pressure .


If you don't mind freezing and suffocating, you can now take a stroll over Venus' surface.

If you do n't mind freezing and suffocating , you can now take a stroll over Venus ' surface .


But the frozen CO2 remains a bit of a problem.

But the frozen CO2 remains a bit of a problem .


At some point, we want to warm up the planet, but if we do, the CO2 ice will melt and fill up the atmosphere again.

At some point , we want to warm up the planet , but if we do , the CO2 ice will melt and fill up the atmosphere again .


So we need some way to keep it from doing that.

So we need some way to keep it from doing that .


One is to simply cover it all with cheap plastic insulation and cover it up with ground-up Venus rock or water oceans.

One is to simply cover it all with cheap plastic insulation and cover it up with ground - up Venus rock or water oceans .


Although some planetary scientists will be very stressed out about us building a new planet containing a potential time bomb like that.

Although some planetary scientists will be very stressed out about us building a new planet containing a potential time bomb like that .


A few unfortunately timed volcanoes could melt a lot of CO2 at once and ruin everything.

A few unfortunately timed volcanoes could melt a lot of CO2 at once and ruin everything .


Another obvious solution is to shoot it all out into space and collect it into a small moon for storage and future use.

Another obvious solution is to shoot it all out into space and collect it into a small moon for storage and future use .


We can make this more efficient by using mass drivers instead of rockets, but moving all that mass will still be a pretty intense challenge that will take some time to solve.

We can make this more efficient by using mass drivers instead of rockets , but moving all that mass will still be a pretty intense challenge that will take some time to solve .


Whatever we end up doing with the atmosphere, to move forward we need water, which we could get from ice moons.

Whatever we end up doing with the atmosphere , to move forward we need water , which we could get from ice moons .


Europa, a moon of Jupiter, has twice as much water as Earth's oceans.

Europa , a moon of Jupiter , has twice as much water as Earth 's oceans .


Now, catching a moon and transporting it through the solar system is not exactly easy.

Now , catching a moon and transporting it through the solar system is not exactly easy .


So instead, it might be easier to cut chunks of ice off Europa with an army of construction drones and shoot them at Venus using more of those mass drivers.

So instead , it might be easier to cut chunks of ice off Europa with an army of construction drones and shoot them at Venus using more of those mass drivers .


Space tethers could save us a lot of effort and energy here.

Space tethers could save us a lot of effort and energy here .


We made a whole video explaining how they work, but in a nutshell, they are slings that can take a payload on both ends.

We made a whole video explaining how they work , but in a nutshell , they are slings that can take a payload on both ends .


On Europa, they do most of the work needed to catapult our ice to Venus.

On Europa , they do most of the work needed to catapult our ice to Venus .


The ice hits the Venus tethers, which gently drop it into the atmosphere, where it falls down as snow.

The ice hits the Venus tethers , which gently drop it into the atmosphere , where it falls down as snow .


In exchange, the Venus tethers get to catch CO2 ice shot up from below and accelerate it into orbit.

In exchange , the Venus tethers get to catch CO2 ice shot up from below and accelerate it into orbit .


We can remove excess nitrogen using this same method to further lower our atmospheric pressure.

We can remove excess nitrogen using this same method to further lower our atmospheric pressure .


After a few decades or centuries, Venus would be covered by a nice, shallow, frozen ocean a few hundred meters deep.

After a few decades or centuries , Venus would be covered by a nice , shallow , frozen ocean a few hundred meters deep .


It would look extremely different from today.

It would look extremely different from today .


A few continents and countless islands have formed.

A few continents and countless islands have formed .


This is beginning to look a bit like our planet.

This is beginning to look a bit like our planet .


Now the last and most magnificent phase of terraforming begins, making the atmosphere breathable and adding life.

Now the last and most magnificent phase of terraforming begins , making the atmosphere breathable and adding life .


First, we need light, though, and we need to heat the planet up again.

First , we need light , though , and we need to heat the planet up again .


A Venus day is 2,802 hours long, more than 116 Earth days.

A Venus day is 2,802 hours long , more than 116 Earth days .


So, if we just remove our giant mirror, we would grill half of our planet.

So , if we just remove our giant mirror , we would grill half of our planet .


Even without the massive atmosphere, temperatures would reach unbearable levels.

Even without the massive atmosphere , temperatures would reach unbearable levels .


The simplest way to create a day-night cycle and let some energy in again is with another set of mirrors to illuminate our continents and melt our water oceans,

The simplest way to create a day - night cycle and let some energy in again is with another set of mirrors to illuminate our continents and melt our water oceans ,


The atmosphere is now mostly made up of nitrogen and basically devoid of oxygen.

The atmosphere is now mostly made up of nitrogen and basically devoid of oxygen .


So the first inhabitants will likely be trillions and trillions of cyanobacteria, which can get photosynthesizing and release oxygen.

So the first inhabitants will likely be trillions and trillions of cyanobacteria , which can get photosynthesizing and release oxygen .


We know that they can quickly turn around the atmosphere of a planet because billions of years ago,

We know that they can quickly turn around the atmosphere of a planet because billions of years ago ,


they were probably responsible for turning the toxic atmosphere of our young Earth into an atmosphere with enough oxygen for more complex animal life.

they were probably responsible for turning the toxic atmosphere of our young Earth into an atmosphere with enough oxygen for more complex animal life .


But not only that, cyanobacteria can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and turn it into nutrients that can be used by living beings.

But not only that , cyanobacteria can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and turn it into nutrients that can be used by living beings .


This way, they will essentially fertilize our dead ocean water and prepare it for more complex organisms.

This way , they will essentially fertilize our dead ocean water and prepare it for more complex organisms .


On land, our colonists need to grind down some of the former Venusian surface to make soil for nitrogen-fixing plants to grow on.

On land , our colonists need to grind down some of the former Venusian surface to make soil for nitrogen - fixing plants to grow on .


Eventually, billions of trees would spread, creating large forests covering massive parts of the continents.

Eventually , billions of trees would spread , creating large forests covering massive parts of the continents .


Venus would turn green.


To speed things up, CO2 would be strategically released to supply the plants and cyanobacteria.

To speed things up , CO2 would be strategically released to supply the plants and cyanobacteria .


Areas already covered with plants could get extra daylight from our orbital mirrors so the plants would be active for most of each day.

Areas already covered with plants could get extra daylight from our orbital mirrors so the plants would be active for most of each day .


Maybe we won't have to do this with the same plants and animals we know today.

Maybe we wo n't have to do this with the same plants and animals we know today .


As genetic engineering matures and our understanding of genetics and the machinery of life expands, we might just engineer life as we need it.

As genetic engineering matures and our understanding of genetics and the machinery of life expands , we might just engineer life as we need it .


All in all, it would take several thousand years to make the atmosphere breathable by humans.

All in all , it would take several thousand years to make the atmosphere breathable by humans .


In the meantime, you could stroll around with nothing more than regular clothes and an oxygen mask.

In the meantime , you could stroll around with nothing more than regular clothes and an oxygen mask .


Settlers would enjoy a vast new planet filled with resources and bathed in sunlight.

Settlers would enjoy a vast new planet filled with resources and bathed in sunlight .


They might think of new ways to use the vast amounts of carbon dioxide ice and nitrogen orbiting in space above.

They might think of new ways to use the vast amounts of carbon dioxide ice and nitrogen orbiting in space above .


Venus is fully terraformed.


Animals roam through vast ecosystems.


Cities are being constructed.


Billions of settlers and their descendants make this world their home.

Billions of settlers and their descendants make this world their home .


They will see images of the past.


How Venus was once the most hostile planet around.

How Venus was once the most hostile planet around .


How it took hundreds of years to freeze hell and to ship in the oceans and another few thousand years to make it possible to breathe freely.

How it took hundreds of years to freeze hell and to ship in the oceans and another few thousand years to make it possible to breathe freely .


They will barely be able to believe it.

They will barely be able to believe it .


Okay, maybe it's not that easy to terraform Venus and a lot of things must go right for this future to become reality.

Okay , maybe it 's not that easy to terraform Venus and a lot of things must go right for this future to become reality .


But it is possible and with technology that is within the reach of a motivated and slightly more advanced humanity that wants to venture into space.

But it is possible and with technology that is within the reach of a motivated and slightly more advanced humanity that wants to venture into space .


The only thing that's stopping it is our imagination.

The only thing that 's stopping it is our imagination .


And that at least is a problem that's easy to overcome.

And that at least is a problem that 's easy to overcome .


If you think about it, your imagination is the only thing stopping you from doing all kinds of things.

If you think about it , your imagination is the only thing stopping you from doing all kinds of things .


All you need is a little nudge and we might just have the right thing to get you started.

All you need is a little nudge and we might just have the right thing to get you started .


We are big fans of Skillshare, an online learning community that offers thousands of classes for all skill levels in tons of creative disciplines like illustration, animation, or film and video.

We are big fans of Skillshare , an online learning community that offers thousands of classes for all skill levels in tons of creative disciplines like illustration , animation , or film and video .


Or you could try a class on home decoration, growing houseplants, or playing the guitar.

Or you could try a class on home decoration , growing houseplants , or playing the guitar .


There's something for everyone really.

There 's something for everyone really .


The first 1000 Kurzgesagt viewers to click the link in the description will get a one month free trial of Skillshare.

The first 1000 Kurzgesagt viewers to click the link in the description will get a one month free trial of Skillshare .


Since we started working with Skillshare, you, our viewers, have taken over 100,000 hours of classes, including our own three Skillshare classes on how we make our animations.

Since we started working with Skillshare , you , our viewers , have taken over 100,000 hours of classes , including our own three Skillshare classes on how we make our animations .


If you want to learn more about motion graphics, give them a try.

If you want to learn more about motion graphics , give them a try .


We liked the scientific method for artists, find inspiration, get motivated, and grow your creative skills by Kendall Hillegas.

We liked the scientific method for artists , find inspiration , get motivated , and grow your creative skills by Kendall Hillegas .


In this class, Kendall explains her four phase process for exploring and figuring out your direction as an artist.

In this class , Kendall explains her four phase process for exploring and figuring out your direction as an artist .


For us, it was a great way to get into the flow of creating something.

For us , it was a great way to get into the flow of creating something .


But anything that makes you feel excited and sparks new ideas is a great first step.

But anything that makes you feel excited and sparks new ideas is a great first step .


If you want to get creative with new skills and support Kurzgesagt, give it a go.

If you want to get creative with new skills and support Kurzgesagt , give it a go .


Humans dream about leaving Earth and traveling through the galaxy.

Humans dream about leaving Earth and traveling through the galaxy .


But we were born too early to be part of it.

But we were born too early to be part of it .


The reality is, we could begin our dream by building a moon base today.

The reality is , we could begin our dream by building a moon base today .


We actually do have the technology, and current estimates from NASA and the private sector say it could be done for 20 to 40 billion dollars spread out over about a decade.

We actually do have the technology , and current estimates from NASA and the private sector say it could be done for 20 to 40 billion dollars spread out over about a decade .


The price is comparable to the International Space Station or the budget surplus of Germany in 2017.

The price is comparable to the International Space Station or the budget surplus of Germany in 2017 .


The payoff would be immeasurable.


The moon is a sandbox to develop new technologies and exploit unlimited resources.

The moon is a sandbox to develop new technologies and exploit unlimited resources .


It would start a new space race and lay the foundation for us to spread out into the solar system and beyond.

It would start a new space race and lay the foundation for us to spread out into the solar system and beyond .


It would create a vast array of new technologies to benefit us on Earth.

It would create a vast array of new technologies to benefit us on Earth .


And we would all be part of it.


So why aren't we doing it?


Well, sadly, it's hard to get governments interested in long-term investments in the future of humanity.

Well , sadly , it 's hard to get governments interested in long - term investments in the future of humanity .


Let's imagine just doing it.


If we start today, how would we build a moon base?

If we start today , how would we build a moon base ?


Throughout history, colonization happened in phases.

Throughout history , colonization happened in phases .


In the first phase of the Age of Exploration of the New World, for example, European monarchs funded expeditions to chart and discover and to stake their claims.

In the first phase of the Age of Exploration of the New World , for example , European monarchs funded expeditions to chart and discover and to stake their claims .


They planted a flag and set up a camp, but they didn't stay.

They planted a flag and set up a camp , but they did n't stay .


In the second phase, small missions set up outposts and settlements were founded, which were still very dependent on their home countries for supplies.

In the second phase , small missions set up outposts and settlements were founded , which were still very dependent on their home countries for supplies .


Some failed, but others survived and established a permanent presence.

Some failed , but others survived and established a permanent presence .


When we colonize the moon, we'll go through the same three phases.

When we colonize the moon , we 'll go through the same three phases .


The moon is not a welcoming place for living things.

The moon is not a welcoming place for living things .


A moon day lasts 29 Earth days, with a difference of nearly 300 degrees Celsius between sunlight and shade.

A moon day lasts 29 Earth days , with a difference of nearly 300 degrees Celsius between sunlight and shade .


There's no atmosphere to shield us from meteorites big and small or cosmic radiation.

There 's no atmosphere to shield us from meteorites big and small or cosmic radiation .


Worse still, the lunar surface is covered in a layer of nasty, jagged dust.

Worse still , the lunar surface is covered in a layer of nasty , jagged dust .


The moon is hard, but we're good at doing hard things.

The moon is hard , but we 're good at doing hard things .


In the first phase of lunar colonization, our explorers proved it can be done, that a new world can be reached.

In the first phase of lunar colonization , our explorers proved it can be done , that a new world can be reached .


This phase started 60 years ago with the Apollo missions.

This phase started 60 years ago with the Apollo missions .


Since then, satellites like the American Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter have mapped the moon,

Since then , satellites like the American Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter have mapped the moon ,


while rovers like the Chinese Yutu have studied the composition of the lunar surface, looking for water ice and metals.

while rovers like the Chinese Yutu have studied the composition of the lunar surface , looking for water ice and metals .


Phase one is more or less complete.


We know what we need to know to enter phase two.

We know what we need to know to enter phase two .


In the second phase, astronauts will build the first moon base, and this could begin today.

In the second phase , astronauts will build the first moon base , and this could begin today .


The first small moon base could be completed in a decade.

The first small moon base could be completed in a decade .


The first nation that establishes this base will be akin to the first nations building outposts in the new world 500 years ago.

The first nation that establishes this base will be akin to the first nations building outposts in the new world 500 years ago .


It's expensive to send rockets to the moon, so we will send as little as possible.

It 's expensive to send rockets to the moon , so we will send as little as possible .


The base will be light, little more than inflatable habitats for crews of no more than 12, and will be deployed somewhere with natural shelter.

The base will be light , little more than inflatable habitats for crews of no more than 12 , and will be deployed somewhere with natural shelter .


Options include caves, like underground lava tube tunnels, or craters near the poles, where the days are six months long.

Options include caves , like underground lava tube tunnels , or craters near the poles , where the days are six months long .


These astronauts will not stay long.


The habitat is likely to be abandoned between missions, as solar panels cannot generate electricity during the lunar night.

The habitat is likely to be abandoned between missions , as solar panels can not generate electricity during the lunar night .


But they'll do the groundwork to enable humans to stay permanently.

But they 'll do the groundwork to enable humans to stay permanently .


Our first crew will consist of scientists and engineers who will study the composition of the moon and whose experiments will explore ways of using the available lunar material,

Our first crew will consist of scientists and engineers who will study the composition of the moon and whose experiments will explore ways of using the available lunar material ,


And water is important for far more than drinking.

And water is important for far more than drinking .


They can use it to experiment with growing plants for food.

They can use it to experiment with growing plants for food .


Hydrogen fuel cells will store power through the long night, extending astronauts' stays.

Hydrogen fuel cells will store power through the long night , extending astronauts ' stays .


And most importantly, it can be split into hydrogen and oxygen, rocket fuel.

And most importantly , it can be split into hydrogen and oxygen , rocket fuel .


By harvesting water from the moon and putting it into orbit, the moon base will supply an orbital depot where scientific missions to Mars and the outer solar system can refuel.

By harvesting water from the moon and putting it into orbit , the moon base will supply an orbital depot where scientific missions to Mars and the outer solar system can refuel .


Compared to the Earth, it's much easier and cheaper to get things off the moon into orbit.

Compared to the Earth , it 's much easier and cheaper to get things off the moon into orbit .


Colonizing Mars may mean starting from the moon.

Colonizing Mars may mean starting from the moon .


But this isn't a true colony.


The base will be abandoned if funding stops.

The base will be abandoned if funding stops .


If we want our base to grow into the third phase, into a true colony, it must become self-sufficient, supporting itself via exports to Earth.

If we want our base to grow into the third phase , into a true colony , it must become self - sufficient , supporting itself via exports to Earth .


Now, private contractors arrive, looking to get rich off lunar resources and support services.

Now , private contractors arrive , looking to get rich off lunar resources and support services .


If it's cheaper to produce rocket fuel in space, what else can they get rich on?

If it 's cheaper to produce rocket fuel in space , what else can they get rich on ?


They could extract precious metals, abundant in impact craters and other raw materials from the lunar regolith.

They could extract precious metals , abundant in impact craters and other raw materials from the lunar regolith .


One promising possibility is the mining of Helium-3, an isotope that could one day be used in nuclear fusion reactors,

One promising possibility is the mining of Helium-3 , an isotope that could one day be used in nuclear fusion reactors ,


Future colonists may export Helium-3 back to Earth, providing us with cheap and clean fusion energy.

Future colonists may export Helium-3 back to Earth , providing us with cheap and clean fusion energy .


Asteroids could be pulled into the moon's orbit and mined.

Asteroids could be pulled into the moon 's orbit and mined .


With commercial exports to Earth, the colony is fully in its third phase, self-sufficient and economically productive.

With commercial exports to Earth , the colony is fully in its third phase , self - sufficient and economically productive .


Our base will begin using lunar material in its construction projects if it's to continue growing.

Our base will begin using lunar material in its construction projects if it 's to continue growing .


Fortunately, lunar soil has all the necessary ingredients to make concrete.

Fortunately , lunar soil has all the necessary ingredients to make concrete .


Robotic mining rigs can sift the lunar dust for organic molecules and could be used to build huge structures way too massive to be brought from Earth,

Robotic mining rigs can sift the lunar dust for organic molecules and could be used to build huge structures way too massive to be brought from Earth ,


while advances in 3D printing will make it possible to produce almost everything else the crews need.

while advances in 3D printing will make it possible to produce almost everything else the crews need .


It's hard to say when exactly the colony becomes self-sustaining.

It 's hard to say when exactly the colony becomes self - sustaining .


Growth is gradual, experiments are replaced by industry, and the population steadily reaches the hundreds, encompassing more than just scientists.

Growth is gradual , experiments are replaced by industry , and the population steadily reaches the hundreds , encompassing more than just scientists .


Engineers, pilots, and contractors representing countries and corporations will be present.

Engineers , pilots , and contractors representing countries and corporations will be present .


Two of these people will make a breakthrough.

Two of these people will make a breakthrough .


They will have the first extraterrestrial child.

They will have the first extraterrestrial child .


Throughout history, the birth of the first child was celebrated as a moment where the seed of a colony finally and irreversibly took root.

Throughout history , the birth of the first child was celebrated as a moment where the seed of a colony finally and irreversibly took root .


Here, it means that the moon is not just a place for scientists and engineers to work, it's a place for people to live, to raise a family.

Here , it means that the moon is not just a place for scientists and engineers to work , it 's a place for people to live , to raise a family .


Once this transition happens, the colony grows rapidly, building more habitats and schools and farms and all the things needed to support the growing population.

Once this transition happens , the colony grows rapidly , building more habitats and schools and farms and all the things needed to support the growing population .


As our colony grows, all kinds of new technologies will be invented to sustain it.

As our colony grows , all kinds of new technologies will be invented to sustain it .


They might develop crops that efficiently recycle carbon dioxide or that grow with very little water.

They might develop crops that efficiently recycle carbon dioxide or that grow with very little water .


They might find ways to recycle and reuse 100% of their waste, technologies that are extremely valuable for Earth.

They might find ways to recycle and reuse 100 % of their waste , technologies that are extremely valuable for Earth .


They could even build the first space elevator in the solar system.

They could even build the first space elevator in the solar system .


With a space elevator, spacecraft, astronauts, and raw materials could be brought back and forth from lunar orbit without needing to use rockets at all.

With a space elevator , spacecraft , astronauts , and raw materials could be brought back and forth from lunar orbit without needing to use rockets at all .


The moon may become a hub for economic activity on a scale that's hard to imagine right now.

The moon may become a hub for economic activity on a scale that 's hard to imagine right now .


It's hard to say who will own the colony at this point.

It 's hard to say who will own the colony at this point .


Will the first person born on the moon take the national identity of their parents, or will a new generation melt together into a new lunar society?

Will the first person born on the moon take the national identity of their parents , or will a new generation melt together into a new lunar society ?


And when existing treaties that bar any nation from owning the moon are inevitably rewritten, will the colonists be given a say?

And when existing treaties that bar any nation from owning the moon are inevitably rewritten , will the colonists be given a say ?


Will they declare independence from the Earth?

Will they declare independence from the Earth ?


However it happens, the moon is a perfect sandbox to learn how to colonize the solar system, the perfect project to unify nations,

However it happens , the moon is a perfect sandbox to learn how to colonize the solar system , the perfect project to unify nations ,


If we ever want to colonize the Milky Way, we'll have to start somewhere.

If we ever want to colonize the Milky Way , we 'll have to start somewhere .


While unfortunately you can't jump on a spacecraft and go to the moon right now, you can learn more interesting things about space and our universe.

While unfortunately you ca n't jump on a spacecraft and go to the moon right now , you can learn more interesting things about space and our universe .


And we can even help you with that.


Kurzgesagt and Brilliant are collaborating on a six-part video series about our favorite science and space topics.

Kurzgesagt and Brilliant are collaborating on a six - part video series about our favorite science and space topics .


Kurzgesagt has worked with Brilliant for a while now, and we love what they're doing.

Kurzgesagt has worked with Brilliant for a while now , and we love what they 're doing .


In a nutshell, Brilliant teaches you science and maths with a hands-on approach.

In a nutshell , Brilliant teaches you science and maths with a hands - on approach .


By solving puzzles yourself, you learn to understand concepts instead of just memorizing facts.

By solving puzzles yourself , you learn to understand concepts instead of just memorizing facts .


If you'd like to think more like a scientist, go to brilliant.org/nutshell and sign up for free.

If you 'd like to think more like a scientist , go to brilliant.org/nutshell and sign up for free .


The first 688 people to use the link get their annual premium membership at a 20% discount and also support our collaboration with Brilliant.

The first 688 people to use the link get their annual premium membership at a 20 % discount and also support our collaboration with Brilliant .


Humans have existed for millions of years as part of nature.

Humans have existed for millions of years as part of nature .


But then, something changed, and in an incredibly short amount of time,

But then , something changed , and in an incredibly short amount of time ,


we terraformed this planet and designed it to fit our needs.

we terraformed this planet and designed it to fit our needs .


As far as we know, we're the first beings to awaken and completely take over a planet.

As far as we know , we 're the first beings to awaken and completely take over a planet .


The transition from hunting and gathering to farming and building was so breathtakingly fast


that many of our ways of thinking about the world are no longer useful.

that many of our ways of thinking about the world are no longer useful .


One of our most outdated ideas is that the most commonly used calendar in the world


This distorts our view of our own history and makes it harder to understand who we are as a species,

This distorts our view of our own history and makes it harder to understand who we are as a species ,


and just how far we've come in an incredibly short amount of time.

and just how far we 've come in an incredibly short amount of time .


So, maybe it's time to choose a year zero for humanity.

So , maybe it 's time to choose a year zero for humanity .


12,000 years ago, hundreds of humans came together in the hills of southern Anatolia.

12,000 years ago , hundreds of humans came together in the hills of southern Anatolia .


They were hunters and gatherers without knowledge of agriculture or metalworking.

They were hunters and gatherers without knowledge of agriculture or metalworking .


All they had were tools made of stone and wood.

All they had were tools made of stone and wood .


But they built humanity's first big construction project,

But they built humanity 's first big construction project ,


7,000 years before the pyramids were built in Egypt.

7,000 years before the pyramids were built in Egypt .


Spread over 300 meters, our ancestors erected circles of massive stone pillars,

Spread over 300 meters , our ancestors erected circles of massive stone pillars ,


We have no idea how they were able to do this.

We have no idea how they were able to do this .


It was probably a project of epic scale for the Stone Age,

It was probably a project of epic scale for the Stone Age ,


So, why did they build it?


The most popular theory is that this was the first temple of humanity,

The most popular theory is that this was the first temple of humanity ,


We only know that this construction project, the first of its kind, marks the beginning of a new era.

We only know that this construction project , the first of its kind , marks the beginning of a new era .


It's in this area, around that time, that humans truly began to build their own world,

It 's in this area , around that time , that humans truly began to build their own world ,


This moment in time is so distinct that scientist Cesare Emiliani


We don't need to change our well-established days and months,

We do n't need to change our well - established days and months ,


and religious calendars could stay the same as well.

and religious calendars could stay the same as well .


But for all official purposes, our current year would be the year 12,016 of the Human Era.

But for all official purposes , our current year would be the year 12,016 of the Human Era .


This would drastically alter how we think about history and how it feels.

This would drastically alter how we think about history and how it feels .


Let's take a very brief look and move through our new history from our new year zero.

Let 's take a very brief look and move through our new history from our new year zero .


It would be in use for about 2,000 years.

It would be in use for about 2,000 years .


It took nearly a millennium until Jericho, probably the first city on Earth,

It took nearly a millennium until Jericho , probably the first city on Earth ,


Progress was still very, very slow at this point.

Progress was still very , very slow at this point .


Over the next thousand years, more and more permanent settlements appeared around the world,

Over the next thousand years , more and more permanent settlements appeared around the world ,


And more and more plants and animals were domesticated as agriculture spread.

And more and more plants and animals were domesticated as agriculture spread .


Evidence for trade over thousands of kilometers has been found from this period.

Evidence for trade over thousands of kilometers has been found from this period .


Around 5 million humans were alive at this point in history, fewer than live in London today.

Around 5 million humans were alive at this point in history , fewer than live in London today .


Technology advanced constantly at a slow pace.

Technology advanced constantly at a slow pace .


Pottery became widespread.


The first cultural communities appeared in China, India, and the Fertile Crescent.

The first cultural communities appeared in China , India , and the Fertile Crescent .


Around the year 4,000, 8,000 years ago from today, humans started to use metal for the first time,

Around the year 4,000 , 8,000 years ago from today , humans started to use metal for the first time ,


The first proto-writing emerged, and the wheel was invented.

The first proto - writing emerged , and the wheel was invented .


In South America, the Chinchorro culture started to artificially mummify humans 2,000 years earlier than in ancient Egypt.

In South America , the Chinchorro culture started to artificially mummify humans 2,000 years earlier than in ancient Egypt .


The first high cultures began emerging around the year 7,000.

The first high cultures began emerging around the year 7,000 .


Stonehenge was built in Britain, and the First Dynasty in China began.

Stonehenge was built in Britain , and the First Dynasty in China began .


Ötzi the Iceman lived around this time.

Ötzi the Iceman lived around this time .


What we consider history now started, and things began picking up pace as the world population rose to over 30 million.

What we consider history now started , and things began picking up pace as the world population rose to over 30 million .


A number of new high cultures appeared around the world, many writing down their legends.

A number of new high cultures appeared around the world , many writing down their legends .


More and more cities were founded.


In South America, the Olmec culture emerged.

In South America , the Olmec culture emerged .


Around this time, the legendary Siege of Troy is supposed to have happened.

Around this time , the legendary Siege of Troy is supposed to have happened .


Soon after, in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Fertile Crescent, the Bronze Age ended in violence.

Soon after , in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Fertile Crescent , the Bronze Age ended in violence .


Every Bronze Age culture, except Egypt, was destroyed by mysterious invaders,

Every Bronze Age culture , except Egypt , was destroyed by mysterious invaders ,


Around the year 9,500, what we consider Western culture began.

Around the year 9,500 , what we consider Western culture began .


The Greek city-states beat off the Persian invasion and triggered their Golden Era,

The Greek city - states beat off the Persian invasion and triggered their Golden Era ,


100 years later, Rome destroyed Carthage and became a dominant force in the world.

100 years later , Rome destroyed Carthage and became a dominant force in the world .


Caesar was murdered in the year 9,956, while the world population had risen to about 300 million people.

Caesar was murdered in the year 9,956 , while the world population had risen to about 300 million people .


And it's only now, around the year 10,000, that we've reached the point where the Gregorian calendar

And it 's only now , around the year 10,000 , that we 've reached the point where the Gregorian calendar


and our current method of marking human history begins.

and our current method of marking human history begins .


A mere 2,000 years from now, humans will walk on the moon.

A mere 2,000 years from now , humans will walk on the moon .


If we think about history as we do now, we are underplaying 10,000 years of human progress and development.

If we think about history as we do now , we are underplaying 10,000 years of human progress and development .


Including all of it in our calendar makes our past more impressive.

Including all of it in our calendar makes our past more impressive .


It shows how progress became exponential with time, and it incorporates all humans from all cultures into our calendar.

It shows how progress became exponential with time , and it incorporates all humans from all cultures into our calendar .


A new year zero for our history could reframe how we think of ourselves.

A new year zero for our history could reframe how we think of ourselves .


our ancestors came together to carve a temple out of bedrock with tools made of stone.

our ancestors came together to carve a temple out of bedrock with tools made of stone .


We've made a kurzgesagt version of the human era calendar that you can buy here if you want.

We 've made a kurzgesagt version of the human era calendar that you can buy here if you want .


It's a calendar for 2017, but with one important difference.

It 's a calendar for 2017 , but with one important difference .


It's for the year 12,017. The year we think we should be in right now.

It 's for the year 12,017 . The year we think we should be in right now .


There are only a very limited amount available, but if we sell enough of them,

There are only a very limited amount available , but if we sell enough of them ,


we'll make this a regular thing and maybe produce more print products in the future.

we 'll make this a regular thing and maybe produce more print products in the future .


The calendar is illustrated and we put in a few fun facts.

The calendar is illustrated and we put in a few fun facts .


Also, as always, if you like what we do, please consider supporting us on Patreon or buying things we made.

Also , as always , if you like what we do , please consider supporting us on Patreon or buying things we made .


It really helps.


In 2023, Kurzgesagt has existed for 10 years.

In 2023 , Kurzgesagt has existed for 10 years .


We're among the largest science-y channels on YouTube, and still a bit of a black box to people.

We 're among the largest science - y channels on YouTube , and still a bit of a black box to people .


So let's talk about ourselves a bit in three parts.

So let 's talk about ourselves a bit in three parts .


Let's jump back to a more innocent time.

Let 's jump back to a more innocent time .


Kurzgesagt's foundation was laid when Philipp, our founder, dropped out of high school as a teenager.

Kurzgesagt 's foundation was laid when Philipp , our founder , dropped out of high school as a teenager .


Learning seemed daft and useless, and he wasn't interested in anything.

Learning seemed daft and useless , and he was n't interested in anything .


Until a very special teacher at a school for dropouts grabbed him by the neck.

Until a very special teacher at a school for dropouts grabbed him by the neck .


The way she taught was different.


She talked about connections and the big picture.

She talked about connections and the big picture .


She told a story.


For the first time ever, Philipp wanted to learn more without being forced.

For the first time ever , Philipp wanted to learn more without being forced .


It was a key life experience.


Kurzgesagt tries to recreate this experience for you.

Kurzgesagt tries to recreate this experience for you .


Nothing is boring if you tell a good story, and we try to tell these stories to spark excitement and make you want to go on and learn more.

Nothing is boring if you tell a good story , and we try to tell these stories to spark excitement and make you want to go on and learn more .


Because of the one teacher that could do this, Philipp got a high school degree, studied history and design,

Because of the one teacher that could do this , Philipp got a high school degree , studied history and design ,


In 2012, YouTube was less commercial and more idealistic.

In 2012 , YouTube was less commercial and more idealistic .


You couldn't make a living with videos as involved as ours, and that was fine.

You could n't make a living with videos as involved as ours , and that was fine .


The goal was creative freedom, and so for the first few years, it actually cost money to make Kurzgesagt.

The goal was creative freedom , and so for the first few years , it actually cost money to make Kurzgesagt .


We had no outside funding, just intrinsic motivation and a few friends from university.

We had no outside funding , just intrinsic motivation and a few friends from university .


We worked for clients during the day and on Kurzgesagt at night, 80 to 100 hours a week.

We worked for clients during the day and on Kurzgesagt at night , 80 to 100 hours a week .


It was a real struggle, but also very rewarding.

It was a real struggle , but also very rewarding .


But then Patreon launched, sponsorships started, our views increased, YouTube changed.

But then Patreon launched , sponsorships started , our views increased , YouTube changed .


In 2015, the channel began to break even and then to earn a profit.

In 2015 , the channel began to break even and then to earn a profit .


But we were pretty burned out at this point, so we decided to bring in more friends and hire the first team members full-time, creating a legal entity.

But we were pretty burned out at this point , so we decided to bring in more friends and hire the first team members full - time , creating a legal entity .


More people meant that we could stop overworking, do more and improve.

More people meant that we could stop overworking , do more and improve .


But we also needed to earn more.


The livelihood of real humans depended upon it.

The livelihood of real humans depended upon it .


None of us had any experience in running a company.

None of us had any experience in running a company .


We didn't plan to become big or to grow, it sort of just happened.

We did n't plan to become big or to grow , it sort of just happened .


A decade later, Kurzgesagt is not a small project anymore.

A decade later , Kurzgesagt is not a small project anymore .


We are an animation studio with offices in Munich and Berlin.

We are an animation studio with offices in Munich and Berlin .


We need computers, monitors, tablets, desks, coffee, contracts, pay licenses, taxes, rent and insurance.

We need computers , monitors , tablets , desks , coffee , contracts , pay licenses , taxes , rent and insurance .


In 2023, our team consists of over 60 employees and a lot of freelancers around the world.

In 2023 , our team consists of over 60 employees and a lot of freelancers around the world .


Salaries alone cost millions of dollars a year just to stay around.

Salaries alone cost millions of dollars a year just to stay around .


This creates an interesting problem.


With such high production costs, how can we publish our work for free?

With such high production costs , how can we publish our work for free ?


How we finance Kurzgesagt?


We've added up our earnings from 2015 through 2022.

We 've added up our earnings from 2015 through 2022 .


Our sources of funding change depending on opportunities and the state of the world.

Our sources of funding change depending on opportunities and the state of the world .


Early on, agency work was our main source of income.

Early on , agency work was our main source of income .


Ad revenue varies.


In some years, we got more sponsorships than in others.

In some years , we got more sponsorships than in others .


The shop didn't exist for a long time, then it became pretty big after we launched our calendar.

The shop did n't exist for a long time , then it became pretty big after we launched our calendar .


62% of our revenue comes indirectly or directly from you.

62 % of our revenue comes indirectly or directly from you .


You watch our videos with ads, support us on Patreon or buy from our shop.

You watch our videos with ads , support us on Patreon or buy from our shop .


The single biggest source of income by far is our shop, that alone accounted for 40% over the last 8 years.

The single biggest source of income by far is our shop , that alone accounted for 40 % over the last 8 years .


The shop started small, but once we published our calendar for the first time in 2016,

The shop started small , but once we published our calendar for the first time in 2016 ,


we realized it could really help us do more things and we started producing more and more science products from our posters to our gratitude journal or universe-scented candles.

we realized it could really help us do more things and we started producing more and more science products from our posters to our gratitude journal or universe - scented candles .


YouTube ads accounted for 13% and Patreon 9%.

YouTube ads accounted for 13 % and Patreon 9 % .


So, without your support, we would cease to exist.

So , without your support , we would cease to exist .


Our shop and Patreon are our most important sources of revenue and because we see ourselves as science communicators, we don't just do merch,

Our shop and Patreon are our most important sources of revenue and because we see ourselves as science communicators , we do n't just do merch ,


They are part of the science story we try to tell.

They are part of the science story we try to tell .


It also just feels good to get directly funded by you guys and give you something back for it on top of our videos.

It also just feels good to get directly funded by you guys and give you something back for it on top of our videos .


YouTube ads are a crucial part of our funding as well, but they are not within our control.

YouTube ads are a crucial part of our funding as well , but they are not within our control .


Then there's paid agency work, which we stopped doing in 2022.

Then there 's paid agency work , which we stopped doing in 2022 .


It accounted for 9% of our revenue over the last 8 years.

It accounted for 9 % of our revenue over the last 8 years .


Then there are commercial sponsors advertising products.

Then there are commercial sponsors advertising products .


They accounted for 12% of our revenue.

They accounted for 12 % of our revenue .


We also got about 7% from German public broadcasting for the German channel, but ended this partnership in 2022.

We also got about 7 % from German public broadcasting for the German channel , but ended this partnership in 2022 .


Finally, there are institutional sponsors representing about 10%.

Finally , there are institutional sponsors representing about 10 % .


Some people take issue with this, especially Bill Gates has come under public scrutiny and we've been criticized for even working with organizations funded by him.

Some people take issue with this , especially Bill Gates has come under public scrutiny and we 've been criticized for even working with organizations funded by him .


So let's look at this 10% in more detail.

So let 's look at this 10 % in more detail .


About 3% of our revenue over the last 8 years came from the Gates organizations for a wide variety of topics, often suggested by us.

About 3 % of our revenue over the last 8 years came from the Gates organizations for a wide variety of topics , often suggested by us .


5% comes from open philanthropy and is only used for specific projects.

5 % comes from open philanthropy and is only used for specific projects .


With these funds, we've started Arabic, Hindi, Korean, Japanese, Portuguese and French channels, bringing more free science content to more people.

With these funds , we 've started Arabic , Hindi , Korean , Japanese , Portuguese and French channels , bringing more free science content to more people .


Then there's a 2-year funding for original TikTok content, which gives us freedom to explore and learn how to do short-form science communication.

Then there 's a 2 - year funding for original TikTok content , which gives us freedom to explore and learn how to do short - form science communication .


The final 2% came from other organizations like the Red Cross or the UN, for example.

The final 2 % came from other organizations like the Red Cross or the UN , for example .


We choose institutional sponsors carefully, but if organizations want to fund videos that help us spread quality information about relevant topics,

We choose institutional sponsors carefully , but if organizations want to fund videos that help us spread quality information about relevant topics ,


this is an easy yes for us, if we have the capacity for it.

this is an easy yes for us , if we have the capacity for it .


On top of that, the institutional sponsors we're working with align with our values.

On top of that , the institutional sponsors we 're working with align with our values .


We have contracts with every grant giver or sponsor that bars them from editorial influence, other than suggesting topic areas like global health or climate change.

We have contracts with every grant giver or sponsor that bars them from editorial influence , other than suggesting topic areas like global health or climate change .


We agree on video topics together, but sponsors can neither influence details nor our conclusions.

We agree on video topics together , but sponsors can neither influence details nor our conclusions .


The final decision always remains with us.

The final decision always remains with us .


And usually we develop the topics of the videos autonomously and tell the sponsor what we're doing afterwards.

And usually we develop the topics of the videos autonomously and tell the sponsor what we 're doing afterwards .


If you're interested in how we research our videos in detail, our head of research wrote an article about it.

If you 're interested in how we research our videos in detail , our head of research wrote an article about it .


Running an educational YouTube channel is a balancing act that we take very seriously.

Running an educational YouTube channel is a balancing act that we take very seriously .


We're doing our best to maintain this balance, adjusting whenever necessary.

We 're doing our best to maintain this balance , adjusting whenever necessary .


As a team and a company, we want to grow to give more people access to a science-based outlook on the world.

As a team and a company , we want to grow to give more people access to a science - based outlook on the world .


This brings us to our final topic.


Why are we doing Kurzgesagt?


Our core mission is to spark curiosity.

Our core mission is to spark curiosity .


We want to make science and humanism accessible for as many people as possible.

We want to make science and humanism accessible for as many people as possible .


The effort we put into creating our videos is a way of achieving that.

The effort we put into creating our videos is a way of achieving that .


Our videos are beautiful because that helps to spark curiosity, to understand complex topics, and because it just feels good to create and watch.

Our videos are beautiful because that helps to spark curiosity , to understand complex topics , and because it just feels good to create and watch .


Our research is as intensive as it is, so our videos are a good simplification of very complicated topics.

Our research is as intensive as it is , so our videos are a good simplification of very complicated topics .


We want to make people excited about science, so they rediscover subjects they hated in school and see how amazing they are.

We want to make people excited about science , so they rediscover subjects they hated in school and see how amazing they are .


On top of curiosity, we want to inspire long-term thinking and a positive, constructive outlook.

On top of curiosity , we want to inspire long - term thinking and a positive , constructive outlook .


Being optimistic about the future of humanity is not mainstream, and we think this is horrible.

Being optimistic about the future of humanity is not mainstream , and we think this is horrible .


Pessimism often sounds smart and gets more views, while optimism can sound naive.

Pessimism often sounds smart and gets more views , while optimism can sound naive .


But this is a bias that's not helpful for us as a species.

But this is a bias that 's not helpful for us as a species .


So, despite the gloominess of many topics, we want to approach them with informed and well-researched optimism.

So , despite the gloominess of many topics , we want to approach them with informed and well - researched optimism .


We want to inspire you to dream a little about the glorious future that we could actually build, but only if we believe it's possible.

We want to inspire you to dream a little about the glorious future that we could actually build , but only if we believe it 's possible .


In the long run, we don't only want to do this on YouTube.

In the long run , we do n't only want to do this on YouTube .


The idea is for Kurzgesagt to be a positive influence across more media.

The idea is for Kurzgesagt to be a positive influence across more media .


Our shop is a central part of this vision.

Our shop is a central part of this vision .


We start our stories with a video and end them with a poster.

We start our stories with a video and end them with a poster .


There are so many things we want to do, and thanks to you watching this right now, we have the freedom to work to the best of our knowledge and ability.

There are so many things we want to do , and thanks to you watching this right now , we have the freedom to work to the best of our knowledge and ability .


In the end, we hope you like what we offer, and that we'll be doing something worthwhile for as long as we exist.

In the end , we hope you like what we offer , and that we 'll be doing something worthwhile for as long as we exist .


And hopefully, we'll have a lasting impact by making science and learning more fun for as many people as possible.

And hopefully , we 'll have a lasting impact by making science and learning more fun for as many people as possible .


If you personally want to help us do this, you can watch and share our videos, check out our shop, become a Patreon, or give us an Adblocker exception.

If you personally want to help us do this , you can watch and share our videos , check out our shop , become a Patreon , or give us an Adblocker exception .


We exist because of you, and you have no idea how much we appreciate that you're here.

We exist because of you , and you have no idea how much we appreciate that you 're here .


And hopefully, we're less of a black box now.

And hopefully , we 're less of a black box now .


In any case, doing Kotzgesamt for a decade has been a pretty crazy ride.

In any case , doing Kotzgesamt for a decade has been a pretty crazy ride .


And so, from the whole team, thank you so much for being with us all these years.

And so , from the whole team , thank you so much for being with us all these years .


Human history is told by the energy we use.

Human history is told by the energy we use .


At first we had to use our muscles, then we learned to control fire.

At first we had to use our muscles , then we learned to control fire .


We industrialized the world using coal and oil, and entered the atomic age when we learned how to split a nucleus.

We industrialized the world using coal and oil , and entered the atomic age when we learned how to split a nucleus .


At each step we increased our energy harvest to a scale never seen before, and advanced as a species.

At each step we increased our energy harvest to a scale never seen before , and advanced as a species .


Currently, we're slowly transitioning to renewables, and if we're lucky, fusion energy will become viable in the future.

Currently , we 're slowly transitioning to renewables , and if we 're lucky , fusion energy will become viable in the future .


As humanity progresses further, if we don't destroy ourselves or our habitat, we will likely gain complete control of our planet's resources.

As humanity progresses further , if we do n't destroy ourselves or our habitat , we will likely gain complete control of our planet 's resources .


At that stage, we'll probably begin to look outwards for new places to expand into.

At that stage , we 'll probably begin to look outwards for new places to expand into .


But space is hard, and establishing a serious human presence in the solar system will require ungodly amounts of energy.

But space is hard , and establishing a serious human presence in the solar system will require ungodly amounts of energy .


Luckily, we know where to find it.


It shines with the energy of a trillion nuclear bombs per second.

It shines with the energy of a trillion nuclear bombs per second .


So how do we get this energy?


If we want to collect the most energy physically possible, we'll have to build the largest, most ambitious structure in the universe.

If we want to collect the most energy physically possible , we 'll have to build the largest , most ambitious structure in the universe .


For an intelligent species, building a Dyson Sphere is a technological leap on a par with the discovery of fire for our ancestors.

For an intelligent species , building a Dyson Sphere is a technological leap on a par with the discovery of fire for our ancestors .


It would usher in an age of exploration and expansion on a scale we can barely imagine.

It would usher in an age of exploration and expansion on a scale we can barely imagine .


So, what would it look like?


A solid shell enveloping the sun is probably not the way to go.

A solid shell enveloping the sun is probably not the way to go .


A large, rigid body like that would be vulnerable to impacts, possibly shattering.

A large , rigid body like that would be vulnerable to impacts , possibly shattering .


It would be liable to drift and could crash straight into the sun.

It would be liable to drift and could crash straight into the sun .


A more viable design for a Dyson Sphere might be a Dyson Swarm.

A more viable design for a Dyson Sphere might be a Dyson Swarm .


Such a swarm would give humanity basically unlimited energy.

Such a swarm would give humanity basically unlimited energy .


But building it won't be easy.


The sun is very big, so we need a lot of satellites.

The sun is very big , so we need a lot of satellites .


If each satellite is a square kilometre, we'd need around 30 quadrillion to surround the sun.

If each satellite is a square kilometre , we 'd need around 30 quadrillion to surround the sun .


Even if they're built as lightly as possible, we need about 100 quintillion tonnes of material.

Even if they 're built as lightly as possible , we need about 100 quintillion tonnes of material .


And then we need the energy to actually put the parts together and deliver them to their positions around the sun.

And then we need the energy to actually put the parts together and deliver them to their positions around the sun .


On top of all that, we need to have a permanent infrastructure set up in space to start building.

On top of all that , we need to have a permanent infrastructure set up in space to start building .


Let's assume for the purposes of this video that our descendants will take care of that and want to create the megastructure.

Let 's assume for the purposes of this video that our descendants will take care of that and want to create the megastructure .


We can sort the challenges into three main categories.

We can sort the challenges into three main categories .


To get the vast amounts of raw materials required for our Dyson Swarm, we'll have to largely disassemble a whole planet.

To get the vast amounts of raw materials required for our Dyson Swarm , we 'll have to largely disassemble a whole planet .


Of the planets available, Mercury is the best candidate.

Of the planets available , Mercury is the best candidate .


It's the closest to the sun and very metal-rich.

It 's the closest to the sun and very metal - rich .


Close to the sun also means less moving stuff around.

Close to the sun also means less moving stuff around .


And Mercury has no atmosphere and only about a third of the surface gravity of Earth, making it comparatively easy to launch material into space.

And Mercury has no atmosphere and only about a third of the surface gravity of Earth , making it comparatively easy to launch material into space .


Next, we should consider the design of our swarm.

Next , we should consider the design of our swarm .


Simpler is better.


Conventional solar panels are far too intricate and short-lived.

Conventional solar panels are far too intricate and short - lived .


Our satellites need to operate without repairs or intervention for astronomically long times, and they need to be cheap to produce.

Our satellites need to operate without repairs or intervention for astronomically long times , and they need to be cheap to produce .


They're most likely going to be enormous mirrors, which refocus sunlight to central collecting stations like in concentrated solar power on Earth.

They 're most likely going to be enormous mirrors , which refocus sunlight to central collecting stations like in concentrated solar power on Earth .


To build and launch them efficiently, they must be incredibly light, made of little more than polished metal foil bound to some supports.

To build and launch them efficiently , they must be incredibly light , made of little more than polished metal foil bound to some supports .


And last, we need the energy to build and launch the swarm itself.

And last , we need the energy to build and launch the swarm itself .


Taking apart a planet and launching things into space requires an enormous amount of energy.

Taking apart a planet and launching things into space requires an enormous amount of energy .


we could only launch as much mass as Mount Everest into space.

we could only launch as much mass as Mount Everest into space .


To get the energy needed to build a Dyson sphere, it's almost as if you're going to need the power output of a Dyson sphere.

To get the energy needed to build a Dyson sphere , it 's almost as if you 're going to need the power output of a Dyson sphere .


But that's okay.


There's plenty of sunlight to be had on Mercury, so let's get to work.

There 's plenty of sunlight to be had on Mercury , so let 's get to work .


Humans are expensive to keep alive and are very sensitive to the environment, so we'd want to automate as much as possible.

Humans are expensive to keep alive and are very sensitive to the environment , so we 'd want to automate as much as possible .


Ideally, we'd have a small crew of controllers who oversee an army of autonomous machines doing the actual work.

Ideally , we 'd have a small crew of controllers who oversee an army of autonomous machines doing the actual work .


There are four major pieces of technology required.

There are four major pieces of technology required .


The solar collectors are going to give us the energy we need to disassemble the planet.

The solar collectors are going to give us the energy we need to disassemble the planet .


To start, maybe we deploy something like one square kilometer of them, either as mirrors or as traditional solar panels.

To start , maybe we deploy something like one square kilometer of them , either as mirrors or as traditional solar panels .


They'll provide the energy to run our miners, which strip mine the surface of the planet,

They 'll provide the energy to run our miners , which strip mine the surface of the planet ,


To get them into space, we need a creative and efficient solution.

To get them into space , we need a creative and efficient solution .


Rockets are too expensive and difficult to deorbit and reuse.

Rockets are too expensive and difficult to deorbit and reuse .


Instead, we'll want to use a sort of railgun.

Instead , we 'll want to use a sort of railgun .


Our swarm satellites will be packed tight for launch, unfurling like an enormous origami once in orbit.

Our swarm satellites will be packed tight for launch , unfurling like an enormous origami once in orbit .


From this point, we can take advantage of exponential growth,

From this point , we can take advantage of exponential growth ,


Each panel provides the energy to build another.

Each panel provides the energy to build another .


Those two work together to build the next two.

Those two work together to build the next two .


Four become eight, eight become sixteen, and so on.

Four become eight , eight become sixteen , and so on .


Within just about 60 doubling times, the Sun would be completely surrounded by solar panels.

Within just about 60 doubling times , the Sun would be completely surrounded by solar panels .


And this can happen quickly.


If a square kilometer of solar collectors takes a month to build, we could be done in a decade,

If a square kilometer of solar collectors takes a month to build , we could be done in a decade ,


Even collecting 1% of the Sun's energy is an unbelievable change in our species' energy budget.

Even collecting 1 % of the Sun 's energy is an unbelievable change in our species ' energy budget .


We could create the infrastructure to beam basically unlimited amounts of energy around the solar system for all sorts of projects.

We could create the infrastructure to beam basically unlimited amounts of energy around the solar system for all sorts of projects .


It could be the start of an interstellar civilization.

It could be the start of an interstellar civilization .


Based on physics alone, this is not just possible, but easy.

Based on physics alone , this is not just possible , but easy .


It's such a simple process and such a necessary step for any species to expand beyond their home planet

It 's such a simple process and such a necessary step for any species to expand beyond their home planet


that many astronomers think there are probably Dyson spheres already out there in the Milky Way.

that many astronomers think there are probably Dyson spheres already out there in the Milky Way .


We haven't spotted any yet, but they could be there.

We have n't spotted any yet , but they could be there .


It's far from certain that humanity will ever get to this point.

It 's far from certain that humanity will ever get to this point .


Our attention is too often focused on short-term political gains and conflicts that will not matter in the long run.

Our attention is too often focused on short - term political gains and conflicts that will not matter in the long run .


But if we survive the challenges we've set ourselves, we could potentially become the first species in the universe to create a structure with the scope of a star.

But if we survive the challenges we 've set ourselves , we could potentially become the first species in the universe to create a structure with the scope of a star .


If we do it, the only limitation left will be our own imagination.

If we do it , the only limitation left will be our own imagination .


We've just hit you with a lot of pretty wild claims and crazy concepts.

We 've just hit you with a lot of pretty wild claims and crazy concepts .


you might want to hear how you can come up with something like that yourself.

you might want to hear how you can come up with something like that yourself .


Brilliant is a problem-solving website that helps you learn stuff through fun puzzles that split up a complex problem into bite-sized chunks and build up to an interesting conclusion.

Brilliant is a problem - solving website that helps you learn stuff through fun puzzles that split up a complex problem into bite - sized chunks and build up to an interesting conclusion .


It helps you understand how science works by actually using it instead of just memorizing a bunch of stuff.

It helps you understand how science works by actually using it instead of just memorizing a bunch of stuff .


Brilliant has tons of interesting courses and puzzles on things like quantum computing, astronomy and logic, and even Dyson spheres.

Brilliant has tons of interesting courses and puzzles on things like quantum computing , astronomy and logic , and even Dyson spheres .


If you visit brilliant.org/nutshell or click the link in the description, you can sign up for free and learn all kinds of things.

If you visit brilliant.org/nutshell or click the link in the description , you can sign up for free and learn all kinds of things .


As a bonus for Kurzgesagt viewers, the first 688 people will also get 20% off their annual membership.

As a bonus for Kurzgesagt viewers , the first 688 people will also get 20 % off their annual membership .


With Brilliant, you can finish each day a little bit smarter and just maybe you can help to expand the human species into the universe one day.

With Brilliant , you can finish each day a little bit smarter and just maybe you can help to expand the human species into the universe one day .


We love Dyson spheres so much that we've also made a poster about them.

We love Dyson spheres so much that we 've also made a poster about them .


It will look pretty on your wall, but also has some information about the concept of a Dyson sphere.

It will look pretty on your wall , but also has some information about the concept of a Dyson sphere .


Health is the most valuable thing we have in life, but we tend to forget that until we lose it.

Health is the most valuable thing we have in life , but we tend to forget that until we lose it .


We're living longer than ever before, which is great, but an unforeseen consequence of this is that we also spend a larger and larger portion of our lives being sick.

We 're living longer than ever before , which is great , but an unforeseen consequence of this is that we also spend a larger and larger portion of our lives being sick .


Getting old currently means spending more time in pain.

Getting old currently means spending more time in pain .


So scientists are trying to shift the attention of the medical community from optimizing life spans to optimizing health spans,

So scientists are trying to shift the attention of the medical community from optimizing life spans to optimizing health spans ,


To do this, we need to attack the root cause of almost all bodily defects, aging itself.

To do this , we need to attack the root cause of almost all bodily defects , aging itself .


Unbeknownst to most people, the science of aging has made enormous progress in the last few years, with human trials about to begin in the near future.

Unbeknownst to most people , the science of aging has made enormous progress in the last few years , with human trials about to begin in the near future .


Let's look at three examples of discoveries that might benefit people who are alive right now.

Let 's look at three examples of discoveries that might benefit people who are alive right now .


Your cells have an expiration date.


Each time one of your cells divides, it copies its chromosomes.

Each time one of your cells divides , it copies its chromosomes .


Because of the way this works, they lose a tiny bit of DNA at the ends.

Because of the way this works , they lose a tiny bit of DNA at the ends .


This could be catastrophic, so to protect themselves, we have long segments of DNA called telomeres that sort of act like the stiff bits at the end of shoelaces.

This could be catastrophic , so to protect themselves , we have long segments of DNA called telomeres that sort of act like the stiff bits at the end of shoelaces .


But they shrink with every cell division.

But they shrink with every cell division .


In some cells, after a number of divisions, the telomeres are gone and the cell becomes a zombie, a senescent cell.

In some cells , after a number of divisions , the telomeres are gone and the cell becomes a zombie , a senescent cell .


Senescent cells stay around and don't die.

Senescent cells stay around and do n't die .


The older you get, the more of them there are inside you.

The older you get , the more of them there are inside you .


They harm tissue around them and are linked to many diseases that accompany old age, like diabetes and kidney failure.

They harm tissue around them and are linked to many diseases that accompany old age , like diabetes and kidney failure .


Scientists genetically engineered mice so that they could destroy their senescent cells as they pleased.

Scientists genetically engineered mice so that they could destroy their senescent cells as they pleased .


Older mice without senescent cells were more active, their hearts and kidneys worked better, and they were less prone to cancer.

Older mice without senescent cells were more active , their hearts and kidneys worked better , and they were less prone to cancer .


Overall, they lived up to 30% longer and in better health than average mice.

Overall , they lived up to 30 % longer and in better health than average mice .


Since we can't genetically engineer all of the cells in the human body, we need to find another way to get rid of our senescent cells.

Since we ca n't genetically engineer all of the cells in the human body , we need to find another way to get rid of our senescent cells .


But how do we kill them without harming healthy cells?

But how do we kill them without harming healthy cells ?


Most cells in the body commit a programmed cell suicide when they're damaged.

Most cells in the body commit a programmed cell suicide when they 're damaged .


It turns out that they underproduce a protein that tells them when it's time to die.

It turns out that they underproduce a protein that tells them when it 's time to die .


So, in a late 2016 study, mice were given an injection of this protein.

So , in a late 2016 study , mice were given an injection of this protein .


It killed 80% of all their senescent cells while causing almost no harm to healthy cells.

It killed 80 % of all their senescent cells while causing almost no harm to healthy cells .


The treated mice became generally healthier and even re-grew lost hair.

The treated mice became generally healthier and even re - grew lost hair .


As a result, there are a number of new companies looking at treatments involving senescent cells, and the first human trials will start soon.

As a result , there are a number of new companies looking at treatments involving senescent cells , and the first human trials will start soon .


Cells are made from hundreds of millions of parts.

Cells are made from hundreds of millions of parts .


They're the structures, machines, messages, and the catalysts that make reactions happen.

They 're the structures , machines , messages , and the catalysts that make reactions happen .


All these parts constantly need to be destroyed, cleaned up, and rebuilt.

All these parts constantly need to be destroyed , cleaned up , and rebuilt .


As we age, this process becomes less effective, and so parts become crumpled, bunched up, or are removed slower.

As we age , this process becomes less effective , and so parts become crumpled , bunched up , or are removed slower .


Or they are no longer produced in the quantities we need.

Or they are no longer produced in the quantities we need .


One of these parts is NAD+, a coenzyme that tells our cells to look after themselves.

One of these parts is NAD+ , a coenzyme that tells our cells to look after themselves .


At age 50, we only have about half as much in our bodies as we do at age 20.

At age 50 , we only have about half as much in our bodies as we do at age 20 .


Low amounts of it are linked to a whole bunch of diseases, from skin cancer to Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Low amounts of it are linked to a whole bunch of diseases , from skin cancer to Alzheimer 's , cardiovascular disease , and multiple sclerosis .


But NAD++ can't enter cells, so we can't get it as a pill.

But NAD++ ca n't enter cells , so we ca n't get it as a pill .


But scientists noticed that other, more flexible substances could enter cells, and would then turn into NAD++ in sight.

But scientists noticed that other , more flexible substances could enter cells , and would then turn into NAD++ in sight .


In 2016, multiple trials on mice showed that they boosted the multiplication of skin, brain, and muscle stem cells.

In 2016 , multiple trials on mice showed that they boosted the multiplication of skin , brain , and muscle stem cells .


They were rejuvenated, had a higher ability to repair their DNA, and had a slightly increased lifespan.

They were rejuvenated , had a higher ability to repair their DNA , and had a slightly increased lifespan .


This even got NASA interested, which is looking for a way to minimize the DNA damage astronauts would be exposed to from cosmic radiation on Mars missions.

This even got NASA interested , which is looking for a way to minimize the DNA damage astronauts would be exposed to from cosmic radiation on Mars missions .


There are human trials being planned right now, but it's too soon to say if this will boost our healthspan or even lifespan.

There are human trials being planned right now , but it 's too soon to say if this will boost our healthspan or even lifespan .