Oct
13
YouTube Channels I Enjoy and You Might, Too: Science & Tech
I thought it might be fun to share a few of the YouTube channels that I go to for information in the areas that I typically blog about. In this case, in the “science and technology” arena. (However, I don’t think I’ve ever actually blogged on something I found on one of these channels.)
In the past, I have often referenced the Reasons to Believe (RTB) organization in regards to science/faith issues. But, while they do have a YouTube channel, I very rarely visit it. Just never got in the habit, really. I am much more likely to reference their books and blogposts. That being said, if you are interested in science/faith issues, particularly commentary from an Old Earth Creationist point of view, I do recommend the RTBOfficial channel.
When I am in the mood to explore a science/tech topic online, my favorite place to go these days is “Huge If True” with Cleo Abram. Having formerly worked at Vox and Netflix, Abram branched out on her own (+ her talented BTS team) and now produces/”stars” in “an optimistic show about science and technology…. an antidote to the doom and gloom, helping a wide audience see better futures they can help build. In each episode, Cleo dives deep into one innovation that could shape the future.” Sample topics include quantum computing, fracking for clean energy, Formula 1 “for rookies”, and the Atlas robot from Boston Dynamics. Abram is bright, attractive, and truly loves learning and educating about cool science and technology. (She can talk a bit fast, though.) Episodes are typically 10-25 minutes long but with occasional exceptions. Even when I can’t quite match her optimism on a topic, I find the shows truly enjoyable.
Another channel (but without the “personal” feel) that I occasionally visit is TechZone. TZ produces “videos about technology, inventions, gadgets, transport, production processes and much more.” Each video is typically about 15-20 min. long. Some videos consist of short clips covering about 15-20 different inventions/tech/etc., while others are more focused on a type of tech or activity (e.g., “SKILLFUL EXCAVATOR OPERATORS YOU SHOULD SEE”).
If I’m in the mood to look at military tech, I go to Military World. In videos that average around 10 min. each, they look at jets, drones, ships, tanks, laser weapons, missiles, trucks, helicopters, etc. It’s pretty cool to see some of the new designs, advances, and brand new offensive and defensive technology being used — or at least developed — for the U.S. and other militaries.
I’ve watched a bit of content from “Undecided with Matt Ferrell” regarding things like solar panel recycling and green hydrogen. As per his About page, Ferrell explores “how sustainable and smart technologies impact our lives. And I try to dive deeper into those topics to provide context. Topics like electric vehicles, solar panels, and renewable energy that is meant to transition the world off of fossil fuels. Smart home technology that can make our homes not only more convenient, but safer and more accessible. Wearable technology that can track our health and save lives. Or how technology might be invading and breaking down the walls of our privacy.” Most of his videos are roughly 15 minutes, give or take a couple.
Be aware, however, that there is some controversy around Ferrell. In particular, he seems to have misunderstood/oversold a “massless energy battery breakthrough” back in 2021, which has brought up questions about the extent of his research and understanding of topics. I don’t know the details.
You may be wondering if I watch anything presented by actual scientists (other than those at RTB), and the answer is “Yes”. Specifically, Dr. Sabine Hossenfelder — German theoretical physicist and philosopher of science — has a channel that I watch on occasion. She promotes the content as “Science and technology updates and summaries. No hype, no spin, no tip-toeing around inconvenient truths.” Topics range from climate change to COVID-19 and quantum technology. Her “Q&A” videos are usually about 4-10 minutes apiece, while her longer “Deep Dives” run maybe 15-30 minutes. “Weekly Science News” (members-only) range about 15-45 minutes each. Proceeds from her channel help to fund her research in quantum gravity. (Just FYI, she has a German accent, so if you’re an American like me, you may find her pronunciation of a few English words somewhat humorous. But, she is quite understandable.)
That’s it for the ones I am most familiar with. Here are three more that look/sound good but I have yet to find the time to watch more than a couple minutes of: Dr. Becky (“Your friendly neighbourhood astrophysicist”); “What about it!?” (“Your #1 address for Space News!”); Physics Girl (“adventures into the physical sciences with experiments, demonstrations, and cool new discoveries”).
Feel free to tell me your favorite “science and technology” channels — assuming you have any, of course. In the future, I will give other recommendations on the topics of “politics and culture” and “Bible and religion”.
