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How do germs spread (and why do they make us sick)? - Yannay Khaikin and Nicole Mideo

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Germs are found on almost every surface we come in contact with, which makes it incredibly common for our bodies to be exposed to them. But why are some of these germs relatively harmless, while others can be fatal? Yannay Khaikan and Nicole Mideo explore this question by examining germs’ varying modes of transmission.

You have been exposed to a virus that benefits from a mobile host. Make a chart describing in detail the effects of having too much, too little and just the right amount of this virus in your body. Include the amount of replication, symptoms of each type, and chance of transmission.

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Yannay Khaikin, Nicole Mideo
  • Director Richard O'Connor
  • Artist Liesje Kraai
  • Animator Taisiya Zaretskaya
  • Narrator Pen-Pen Chen

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