From relativity to quantum theory – our physical world explored through coffee
Coffee might seem like a simple pleasure, but it’s taken centuries of scientific theory and experimentation to begin to understand the physical mysteries contained in a single cup – and scientists are still working out the details. A collaboration between the French filmmaker Charlotte Arene and the University of Paris-Sud’s Laboratory of Solid State Physics, Physics and Caffeine explores how the best models for understanding the physical world – from electromagnetism to special relativity to quantum mechanics – converge in every cup of coffee.
Director: Charlotte Arene
Website: Physics Reimagined
video
Mathematics
After centuries of trying, we’ve yet to arrive at a perfect way to map colour
20 minutes
video
Ethics
What’s an idea worth? How prominent thinkers have understood intellectual property
6 minutes
video
Music
A riveting audiovisual dive into what makes sounds harmonious, or not
28 minutes
video
History of science
How we came to know the size of the Universe – and what mysteries remain
26 minutes
video
Knowledge
Why David Deutsch believes good explanations are the antidote to bad philosophy
10 minutes
video
Oceans and water
A stunning visualisation explores the intricate circulatory system of our oceans
5 minutes
video
History of science
Ideas ‘of pure genius’ – how astronomers have measured the Universe across history
29 minutes
video
Computing and artificial intelligence
A future in which ‘artificial scientists’ make discoveries may not be far away
9 minutes
video
Biology
Butterflies become unrecognisable landscapes when viewed under electron microscopes
4 minutes