Your teeth carry secrets: centuries of history about your ancestors, from where they lived to what they ate and where they traveled. Bioarchaeologist Carolyn Freiwald traces the story of human migration across the Americas — from Mayan royalty and Belizean buccaneers to rural Appalachian farmers — to illustrate what ancient teeth can reveal about you.
Centuries of inequality can’t be solved with access to technology alone — we need to connect people with training and support too, says tech inclusionist ‘Gbenga Sesan. Sharing the work behind the Paradigm Initiative, a social enterprise in Nigeria that’s empowering young people with digital resources and skills, Sesan details a vision for creating life-changing opportunities for generations of people across Africa.
What if tiny microparticles could help us solve the world’s biggest problems in a matter of minutes? That’s the promise — and magic — of quantum computers, says Matt Langione. Speaking next to an actual IBM quantum computer, he explains how these machines solve complex challenges like developing vaccines and calculating financial risk in an entirely new way that’s exponentially faster than the best supercomputers — and shares why industries should prepare now for this new leap in computing.
As the founder of a startup, Tracy Young often worried that employees and investors valued male CEOs more — and that being a woman compromised her position as a leader. In this brave, personal talk, she gives an honest look at the constraints women face when trying to adapt to a male-dominated business culture — and shares how she developed the courage and vulnerability to lead as her complete, raw self. (This talk contains a graphic story. Discretion is advised.)
Democracy needs an update — one that respects and engages citizens by involving them in everyday political decisions, says writer and researcher Max Rashbrooke. He outlines three global success stories that could help move democratic systems forward and protect society against the new challenges this century is already bringing.
Artificial intelligence is all around us … and the future will only bring more of it. How can we ensure the AI systems we build are responsible, safe and sustainable? Ethical AI expert Genevieve Bell shares six framing questions to broaden our understanding of future technology — and create the next generation of critical thinkers and doers.
Mandatory lockdowns, quarantines and shelter-in-place orders meant to contain COVID-19 have created a shadow pandemic of domestic abuse, says physician Kemi DaSilva-Ibru. Sharing alarming statistics on the rise of gender-based violence worldwide, she describes how Nigeria quickly retrained a squadron of basic health care providers to respond to the crisis — and shares lesson other countries can adopt to keep people safe from harm.
Roughly two billion people worldwide don’t have access to banks or financial services like credit, insurance and investment — or even a way to formally prove their identity. How do we bridge this divide? Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga sits down with TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers to discuss how innovative public-private partnerships can help bring everyone into the digital economy — and why COVID-19 recovery hinges on financial inclusion.