Surviving Thanksgiving

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Without a doubt, the most troubling (and usually hilarious) comments I hear about science happen around the Thanksgiving table. Whether it's your crazy uncle from out of state or your neighbor's grandma, Thanksgiving small talk tends to erupt into a storm of nonsense. "Global warming? Yeah right - did you feel how cold it was yesterday?"

"You know, the government actually does have a cure for cancer. They just want to help fuel the pharmaceutical industry"

And so on and so forth. To help you prepare for such encounters, here are a few of my favorite videos/infographics summarizing some key scientific concepts. Happy eating and safe travels!

1: The top 10 things you need to know about Ebola, via the CDC

2. This FANTASTIC video explaining climate change from Veritasium

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWXoRSIxyIU

3. This video explaining the fundamentals of evolution

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOfRN0KihOU

4. Top 10 things to know about stem cell therapies

5. Preparing for landing on Philae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvkPFXdpOQQ

6. And finally, and perhaps most importantly: what happens when you eat too much?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posttv/c/embed/168a5c54-73e6-11e4-95a8-fe0b46e8751a