Polymetalic Nodules Are Weird

About this episode

The episode explores the strange world of polymetallic nodules and their implications for deep sea mining and environmental concerns.

What if one of the most valuable objects on Earth has been sitting untouched at the bottom of the ocean for 100 million years? In this Field Notes episode, Professor Hannah Fry brings Michael Stevens (VSauce) a strange metallic rock formed in the deepest parts of the Atlantic over millions of years. What begins with a bizarre Cold War CIA cover story involving Howard Hughes and a sunken Soviet submarine quickly turns into a journey through deep sea geology, natural “electric” rocks, and the environmental dilemma of mining the ocean floor for the rare metals used in electric car batteries. Plus: can you train yourself to become ambidextrous? are giraffes more vulnerable to lightning strikes than other animals? Does damp cold really feel colder than dry cold? And do humans actually sense wetness at all? ------------------- For more information about Cancer Research UK, their research, breakthroughs and how you can support them, visit ⁠⁠https://cancerresearchuk.org/restisscience⁠⁠ Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and…

People in this episode

Host: Professor Hannah Fry

Guest: Michael Stevens

Topics covered

• deep sea geology
• polymetallic nodules
• environmental dilemma
• electric car batteries
• ambidexterity
• lightning strikes
• sensation of wetness

Keywords

• polymetallic nodules
• deep sea
• mining
• electric cars
• geology
• ambidextrous
• lightning
• wetness

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Cancer Research UK, VSauce

Places: Atlantic, England, Wales, Scotland, Isle of Man, Jersey

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