La chanson parfaite existe-t-elle ?

Gibt es den perfekten Song?

42 - The Answer to Almost Everything

42: la respuesta a casi todo

42 - Odpowiedź na prawie wszystko

42 - La risposta a (quasi) tutto

What's the recipe for making a song a global hit? Musicologists, brain scientists and professionals in the music industry are actively researching the 'magic formula' for the mega hit.

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42 – The Answer to Almost Everything

Does the Perfect Song Exist?

What's the recipe for making a song a global hit?

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Drugs have a bad press. But scientists have long been convinced that the use of psychedelics can sometimes be beneficial. The use of ecstasy, LSD and other hallucinogens could soon be authorised for therapeutic purposes. Should we change our relationship to certain drugs?

Are We Doing More Drugs?

Scientists have long been convinced that the use of psychedelics can sometimes be beneficial.

42: The Answer to Almost Everything

It seemed that human intelligence could progress indefinitely. The evolution of medicine, science and technology looked to be limitless. Research proved each generation of human was more intelligent than the last. Until suddenly they weren't. Humanity is getting stupider.

Are We Getting Stupider?

For a long time, IQ increased from generation to generation. But recently, progress has stalled. Why?

We are only just beginning to understand the many ways in which animals communicate with each other. Elephants use infrasound, cats use vowel sounds, whales flip their fins. Would we treat animals differently if we could understand what they're saying?

Talking With Animals

Would we treat animals differently if we could understand what they're saying?

For a long time we were nomads. Today very few people leave the country in which they were born, but the number is increasing, and is set to skyrocket as people flee the consequences of climate change.

Is Migration a Problem or a Solution?

The number of global migrants is set to skyrocket as people flee the consequences of climate change

In September 2021, El Salvador became the first country in the world to introduce Bitcoin as legal tender. From now on, all companies accept the cryptocurrency from their customers, as well as the US dollar. "A crazy idea," says former economist Peter Bofinger. The price of bitcoin is far too volatile, and it's a dangerous bet - one that the president thinks he can pull off.

Are Cryptocurrencies the Future?

Bitcoin can be a dangerous bet, especially when it's a nation's finances at stake

Parasites get a bad rap: they can make us sick or even kill us. For centuries, we have been trying to protect ourselves against them, in particular through hygiene measures. Yet half of the living beings on Earth are parasites. If they are really everywhere, maybe they are not fundamentally useless?

The Purpose of Parasites

Parasites get a bad rap: they can make us sick or even kill us.

Our most powerful weapon against the covid-19 pandemic has been the little known messenger RNA technology. But researchers have been developing it for the last 20 years with the initial goal of creating a cancer vaccine.

Can mRNA Vaccines Cure Cancer?

Over the last 20 years, researchers have been developing mRNA technology with the aim of vaccinating against cancer, not coronavirus.

The fact that we have a breathable atmosphere on Earth is largely down to algae. Could these aquatic plants be the secret of solving climate change and saving ourselves and the planet?

Could Algae Save the Planet?

The Answer to Almost Everything

The universe is big. So big, that surely 'Earthlings' can't possibly be the only form of intelligent life. What then is the probability that extraterrestrials exist? What could they look like? Finally, wouldn't their existence force us to rethink our place in the cosmos?

Are We Alone in the Universe?

The universe is big. So big, that surely 'Earthlings' can't possibly be the only form of intelligent life

Long considered clean and inexpensive, nuclear energy raises a major problem: radioactive waste. It must be buried underground for at least a million years, or forever. But our civilisation won't be around forever. How can we warn our distant descendants of the risk of nuclear waste sites? What pictograms could warn them against the toxic gift we leave them?

Nuclear Waste

How can we warn our distant descendants of the risk of nuclear waste sites?

The new space race has begun. Scientists want to know how humans can carve out a life on the moon. Could humans live there permanently? And who does the moon belong to?

Could We Live on the Moon?

From birth we are surrounded by sounds which, often without our knowledge, influence our view of the world. But are our reactions to these sounds the same?

Do We All hear the Same Thing?

Life would be fantastic if we were never scared. We could cross deep ravines on tightropes, ski down the steepest mountainsides and feel fine. Unfortunately, fear runs deep inside us.

What if Fear Didn't Exist?

The big data craze has not yet revolutionised medicine. But many researchers want to integrate algorithmic data processing into health policy. Is it time to rethink our vision of the body, from an individual system of organs, and instead think of ourselves as a set of data points among many?

Doctor Algorithm

The big data craze has not yet revolutionised medicine

Mucus captures pathogens and protects sensitive organs. Some animals wrap themselves in a protective layer of mucus, like snails. Others use it as a weapon to defend themselves against predators.

Why Do We Need Mucus?

Some animals wrap themselves in a protective layer of mucus, like snails. Others use it as a weapon

If climate change continues unchecked, the seas will rise by up to 20 millimeters per year by the end of the century, threatening the very existence of Fiji, Vanuatu, and Bangladesh, along with major cities such as New York and Shanghai. One solution: if you can't fight the waves, join the waves. Architects have already started working on the world's first floating city.

Could We Live on Water?

If you can't fight the waves, join the waves

The deeper you get into the bowels of the earth, the less scientists know about what's there. How far can you dig? And what are the depths hiding? This new documentary series plunges into the heart of the world's mysteries.

The Hidden World Beneath Our Feet

The deeper you get into the bowels of the earth, the less scientists know about what's there

A rhino weighs three tons, a fly weighs five milligrams, and an adult male weighs around 80 kg. But what is the total weight of all living things on Earth?

How Much Does Life Weigh?

What is the total weight of all living things on Earth?

Corruption, abuse of power, arrogance: are our politicians really able to make decisions for the common good? And is voting for what we want any better than relying on pure dumb luck?

Should We Replace Voting with a Lottery?

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At the first hint of sadness, out comes the pints of icecream and the sad power ballads. But why is listening to sad music our idea of a good time? Does sad music make us happy?

Why Do We Love Sad Music?

Why is listening to sad music our idea of a good time?

Gymnastics

The blob has no brain and yet it is capable of solving complex problems and possesses remarkable capacities for leaning and communication. Xenius investigates why this sticky superorganism found in woodland fascinates science.

The Blob: A Superorganism without a Brain

Xenius investigates why a sticky superorganism found in woodland fascinates science.

Xenius

Nanostructure researcher Serge Berthier has been working on solar energy for years. But he also likes catching butterflies... And he has managed to link his two passions. But what do solar panels have to do with lepidopterans?

Reconnection

Butterflies and Solar Panels: What's the Connection?

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The Maginot Line is a giant: Thousands of underground bunkers and concrete defences lining the French border, from Belgium to the Mediterranean. In its time it was celebrated as a technical masterpiece and thought to be impregnable, today it also stands for the trauma of the French defeat in 1940. The documentary looks at a military construction that is as fascinating as it is controversial.

France's Defensive Barrier

Thought to be impregnable, the French defensive barrier did not halt the German invasion in 1940.

The Maginot Line

Behind his polite exterior lies a formidable leader with a ruthless character, ready to do anything to make China the world's leading power by the People’s Republic’s centenary in 2049. This well-documented portrait of the Chinese president gives an unprecedented insight into his politics and shows how Xi Jinping's personal journey has shaped his choices as he steers China towards world domination.

A portrait of the Chinese president giving an unprecedented insight into his politics and showing how Xi Jinping's personal journey has shaped his choices as he steers China towards world domination.

The New World of Xi Jinping

Far away from the South Korean capital of Seoul is the Buddhist Gameunsa Temple. Three nuns live, pray and cook together here as they preserve the knowledge of centuries-old temple cuisine. The abbess of this small monastery is the charismatic Wookwan Sunim, revered in Asia as one of the best cooks in the world.

South Korea: Magic Temple Food

Far away from the South Korean metropolis of Seoul is the Buddhist Gameunsa Temple where three nuns live, pray and cook together 

Geo Reportage

After two months of fighting, the Russian troops had their advance towards the West blocked by fierce Ukrainian resistance. Forced to leave the suburbs of Kyiv, the occupying army left behind mass graves and horrific accounts of rape and abuse in their wake. Russia is now turning its efforts to the Dobas and the coastline along the Sea of ​​Azov. In Kyiv, the return of spring is also the return of many residents who had fled.

 In Kyiv, the return of spring is also the return of many residents who had fled

Ukraine: Kyiv in Spring

The literary source for Richard Strauss’s opera immortalizing the degeneracy of Herodes Antipas, King of Judea, and his step-daughter Salome, was supplied by Oscar Wilde. It tells of Herodes, who is keeping the prophet Jochanaan captive inside a cistern. Salome tries to seduce him and on being rebuffed, forces her stepfather to serve her the prophet’s head on a silver platter.

Directed by Christof Loy in Helsinki

Rejected by the prophet Jochanaan, Salome forces her abusive stepfather to exact revenge.

Richard Strauss: Salome

Three Japanese men have fallen under the charms of high school student Rinko, a character from the video game Love Plus. The game finally leads them to the seaside resort of Atami, where the virtual world and real life collides.

Three Japanese men have fallen under the charms of high school student Rinko, a character from the video game Love Plus

Petit ami parfait

The Supreme Court is now made of a majority of ultra-conservative judges since President Trump's term in office. The court now looks set to overturn the Roe v Wade case which gave women the constitutional right to have an abortion if they so wish or need. This worrying step backwards for women's rights doesn't mean women won't have abortions. It means they'll die trying.

Abortion: A Threatened Right

This worrying step backwards doesn't mean women won't have abortions. It means they'll die trying

Mapping the World

Lockdowns, crop failures due to climate change and the war in Ukraine are all to blame for soaring prices around the world.

Geopolitics of Inflation

Mapping the World Essentials

ARTE Concert Festival welcomes a legend, Damon Albarn. He performs his new album live: The Nearer the Fountain, More Pure the Stream Flows.

ARTE Concert Festival 2021

ARTE Concert Festival welcomes a legend, Damon Albarn

Damon Albarn

In 2020, for the 250th anniversary of Beethoven's birth, Philippe Jordan and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra recreated the mythical evening of December 22 1808, when  the composer presented his Sixth Symphony, also known as his Pastoral.

Philippe Jordan recreates the evening of December 22, 1808, when Beethoven presented his Pastoral symphony

Philippe Jordan Conducts Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony

On May 9, Russia celebrated its victory day without a victory in Ukraine. Instead, President Putin further pushed the narrative of Russian victimhood, despite the fact that Moscow, not Kyiv, is the agressor. As the battle continues to rage, we take a look at Ukraine before and after the conflict.

Ukraine, Before and After the War

As the battle continues to rage, we take a look at Ukraine before and after the conflict

Live from the Teatro Real in Madrid, an adaptation of Prokofiev’s flamboyant masterpiece by the ever-radical Calixto Bieito.

An adaptation of Sergei Prokofiev’s flamboyant masterpiece by radical director Calixto Bieito.

Prokofiev’s "The Fiery Angel" at the Teatro Real in Madrid

A breakaway region of Moldova that is not recognised internationally, Transnistria is largely pro-Russian. The war in Ukraine has awakened fears that Russia will try to annex the region.

Moldova: Transnistria and Russia

ARTE Reportage

Since its invention in the 19th century, the bicycle has allowed Western women to move around independently. Today, it is the turn of women in Arab countries to discover its power. Though at first glance innocuous and common, the bicycle is unexpectedly feminist.

The Freedom to Cycle

Though at first glance innocuous and common, the bicycle is unexpectedly feminist

Thirty years after the end of apartheid, South Africa has still not overcome its many problems: Endemic violence, economic and racial inequalities, state corruption. However, the rainbow nation has a lot to offer: tourism, natural resources and a leadership role on the African continent.

South Africa and its Demons

The paintings of Vincent Van Gogh are losing their colours. The paints he used were vibrant, but cheap, and degraded within months of painting. It's now impossible to appreciate the true beauty of his works, as his flamboyant flare for colours has slowly turned drab. If nothing is done, the Sunflowers which are still a beautiful gold today could well turn brown. Should we just accept they can't be saved?

Van Gogh's Disappearing Colours

The paintings of Vincent Van Gogh are losing their colours because the pigments used were vibrant but cheap

Ordinary Ukrainian citizens are preparing to resist the Russian invader by joining the army and helping the resistance in any way they can.

Ukraine: Resisting the Agressor

It is impossible for them to stay in Russia. For these Russian citizens opposed to the Kremlin, the outbreak of war in Ukraine and the new laws restricting freedom of expression have forced them to leave everything behind. Their destination: Istanbul, as Turkey did not require a visa. It is a difficult exile with a host country that does not consider them as refugees and a homeland that views them as pariahs.

Russians Seek Refuge in Turkey

Russian Journalists Report

Why do the works of the Italian painter Caravaggio exude such violence? The answer is to be found in the eventful life of the artist, who just couldn't stay out of trouble and met a sticky end.

Caravaggio, Genius - and Killer?

Caravaggio just couldn't stay out of trouble and met a sticky end

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought the people of Kyiv together like nothing else. Calling on the spirit of the Maidan Revolution of 2014, they are ready to resist.

Does the Perfect Song Exist?

42 – The Answer to Almost Everything

42: The Answer to Almost Everything

42: The Answer to Almost Everything

Are We Doing More Drugs?

42: The Answer to Almost Everything

Are We Getting Stupider?

42: The Answer to Almost Everything

Talking With Animals

42: The Answer to Almost Everything

Is Migration a Problem or a Solution?

42: The Answer to Almost Everything

Are Cryptocurrencies the Future?

42: The Answer to Almost Everything

42: The Answer to Almost Everything

The Purpose of Parasites

42: The Answer to Almost Everything

42: The Answer to Almost Everything

Can mRNA Vaccines Cure Cancer?

The Answer to Almost Everything

The Answer to Almost Everything

Could Algae Save the Planet?

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