BBC Ideas

Short films for curious minds

New on BBC Ideas

Would you want to be cared for by robots when you're older?

From humanoid companions to silicone medical assistants, intelligent robots of the future could relieve pressure in understaffed care homes. But can they ever replace human carers?

Made with The Open University

Three myths about emergency contraception

How does the morning-after pill work? And the copper coil? We answer some common questions - and misconceptions - about emergency contraception.

Latest videos

What does it take to be a prison officer? Video
Attribution
The Open University
'Hoarding was a way to protect myself from the world' Video, 00:05:28
Attribution
The Open University
How to make meetings less rubbish. Video, 00:04:06
Attribution
The Open University
Deaf behind bars: 'I felt completely isolated' Video, 00:05:34
Attribution
The Open University
Debunking dementia: 'See the person, not the diagnosis' Video
Attribution
The Open University

A (very) short guide to the Universe

Reflecting on the moon

The Moon and its many mysteries

The moon landing, full moon, the dark side of the moon... The Moon has always fascinated us - but why?

Artificial intelligence

How to turbocharge your AI skills

Started using AI chatbots, but not sure you're getting the best out of them? This is the guide for you.

Our latest shorts

Made with the Royal Society

What are 'forever chemicals' and are they bad for us?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) can be found in some of the food and products we use - and even in our bodies. But what exactly are they?

Latest videos

A very short guide to Bayesian reasoning. Video
Attribution
Royal Society
Would you donate your body to science? Video
Attribution
Royal Society
Should we try to communicate with aliens? Video
Attribution
Royal Society
The 'freak accident' that changed our understanding of the human brain. Video
Attribution
Royal Society
What happens if the world runs out of sand? Video
Attribution
Royal Society

Be inspired by science

Made with UK Research and Innovation

What happens when your mum goes to prison? Video
Attribution
UKRI
Can (and should) we cure blindness? Video
Attribution
UKRI
What do ancient mummies smell like? Video
Attribution
UKRI

What's the weather like on other planets?

Health and wellbeing

What's the point of the menopause? Video
Attribution
Milner Centre for Evolution
How to avoid emotional burnout. Video, 00:04:13
Attribution
BBC
Three things that won’t give you cancer. Video, 00:04:07
Attribution
Science Museum
How I overcame self-harm. Video, 00:07:41
Attribution
BBC
Three ways to reduce your risk of cancer. Video, 00:04:38
Attribution
Science Museum

Inside Our Minds

'My thoughts are like fish in a pond'

For Suiki, dyslexia is not just about difficulty reading and spelling, it affects many aspects of her life.

Expand your mind with the University of Oxford

Can visualisation help you achieve a better future? Video, 00:04:32
Whether at work, in sports, or in everyday life, vividly imagining steps towards success can actually help you achieve it. Here's how...
Attribution
University of Oxford
Posted
17 October 2024
How to make sure gaming is good for your mental health. Video, 00:04:40
Attribution
University of Oxford
Posted
29 August 2024
Is it OK to track your kids? Video, 00:05:36
Attribution
University of Oxford
Posted
17 July 2024
The surprising benefits of exercising with friends. Video, 00:04:47
Attribution
University of Oxford
Posted
30 July 2024
Five things you probably didn’t know about periods. Video, 00:04:46
Attribution
University of Oxford
Posted
27 July 2023

Love and relationships

Supporting your wellbeing

Mind management

What is flow and how can it help you achieve more?

How tennis players achieve 'flow' - and a few tips on how it can help you too

Latest videos

Three invaluable tools to boost your resilience. Video, 00:05:10
Attribution
The Open University
Why impostor syndrome can be a strength. Video, 00:04:03
Attribution
BBC
Five ways to distraction-proof your mind. Video, 00:04:16
Attribution
BBC
How I forgave myself for the death of my friend. Video, 00:06:32
Attribution
The Open University
What's the point of humiliation? Video, 00:04:22
Attribution
The Open University

Nature and us

Sustainable thinking

How to talk with children about climate change. Video, 00:03:36
Attribution
The Open University
Posted
13 April 2023
The secrets of the deep ocean. Video, 00:04:26
Attribution
Royal Society
Posted
25 May 2022
Should we put a price on nature? Video, 00:06:22
Attribution
Royal Society
Posted
1 December 2022
Will flying ever be sustainable? Video, 00:06:09
Attribution
Royal Society
Posted
29 March 2023
What if everyone in the world planted a tree? Video, 00:02:48
Attribution
BBC
Posted
26 February 2020

BBC Ideas

Would you want to be cared for by robots when you're older?

Three myths about emergency contraception

Latest videos

A (very) short guide to the Universe

The Moon and its many mysteries

How to turbocharge your AI skills

More on this

Our latest shorts

What are 'forever chemicals' and are they bad for us?

Latest videos

Be inspired by science

Made with UK Research and Innovation

What's the weather like on other planets?

Health and wellbeing

'My thoughts are like fish in a pond'

More on this

Expand your mind with the University of Oxford

Love and relationships

Supporting your wellbeing

What is flow and how can it help you achieve more?

Latest videos

Nature and us

Sustainable thinking

Find out more about our partners