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What is an individual? In Siphonophores and Individuality, Dr Casey Dunn of Brown University tackles this question by examining a curious organism: the siphonophore. A colony of cooperating jellyfish which functions as a single animal, the siphonophore is a perplexing and paradoxical creature. By considering the siphonophore’s unusual biological characteristics, this two-minute documentary unites science and philosophy, approaching the concept of individuality from an unexpected – and enlightening – perspective.
Directors: Casey Dunn, Sophia Tintori
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Engineering
A close-up look at electronic paper reveals its exquisite patterns – and limitations
9 minutes
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Work
A Swedish expat in the Philippines wonders: what’s up with people sleeping at work?
14 minutes
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Biography and memoir
The unique life philosophy of Abdi, born in Somalia, living in the Netherlands
29 minutes
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Cognition and intelligence
What’s this buzz about bees having culture? Inside a groundbreaking experiment
8 minutes
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Earth science and climate
The only man permitted in Bhutan’s sacred mountains chronicles humanity’s impact
22 minutes
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Cosmology
The Indian astronomer whose innovative work on black holes was mocked at Cambridge
13 minutes
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The ancient world
An ancient Roman’s hilarious (and perhaps relatable) response to a social snub
2 minutes
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Ethics
For Iris Murdoch, selfishness is a fault that can be solved by reframing the world
6 minutes
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Death
A hunter’s lyrical reflection on the humbling business of being mortal
6 minutes