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The Sand That (almost) Killed Millions

As the Cold War raged in the wake of humanity’s increasing understanding of nuclear science — and history’s very first use of an atomic bomb — both the United States and Russia started the search for a kinder, gentler form of nuclear warfare. It was a combination of traditional, familiar weaponry with emerging scientific capabilities,…

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As the Cold War raged in the wake of humanity’s increasing understanding of nuclear science — and history’s very first use of an atomic bomb — both the United States and Russia started the search for a kinder, gentler form of nuclear warfare. It was a combination of traditional, familiar weaponry with emerging scientific capabilities, and it’s how we got “Death Sand.”

Radiological weaponry came straight from the pages of early 20th century science fiction, with visionaries like HG Wells and Robert Heinlein both being frighteningly accurate about our future. But despite their warnings, the prospect of harnessing less-lethal versions of “The Bomb” tantalized militaries struggling to keep up in the post-World War II global climate.

The strange science of Death Sand is a fascinating chapter in the epic story of our species’ oldest question: How do we deal with violence?

#coldwar #History #Nuclear #radiation

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104 Comments

104 Comments

  1. @user-um9sl1kj6u

    July 13, 2024 at 12:51 pm

    I prefer water and fluid dynamics.

    Don’t be ridiculous stranger:-/

    Sand is useful for concrete, electronics, and glass- but everything is reliant on fluid dynamics.
    – Including the ground you stand on

  2. @jagerdergroe8604

    July 13, 2024 at 12:57 pm

    I don’t like sand. It’s coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere.

    • @innocentbystander3317

      July 13, 2024 at 1:43 pm

      Ahem, there’s _sand_ on my boots!

    • @daveb.3169

      July 13, 2024 at 11:51 pm

      And it’s difficult to fully clean up

    • @forbiddenera

      July 14, 2024 at 2:24 am

      Worst is when it gets in the ……

    • @Chris-yq8fc

      July 14, 2024 at 3:01 am

      But u can make pretty things with it ..until the tide washes it away..like tears in the rain..if u know u know

    • @rj7855

      July 14, 2024 at 5:32 am

      Yes, it complicates sex on the beach significantly

  3. @parkourhovey

    July 13, 2024 at 1:03 pm

    The framing of the video is strange theres like no head room above him. Just too zoomed in

    • @cybergothiche2

      July 13, 2024 at 3:31 pm

      It’s to emphasise the claustrophobic feeling of the looming existential threat of radiological weapons.

  4. @bonbondurjdr6553

    July 13, 2024 at 1:03 pm

    At the same time though they can call it safe nuclear warfare but we would not know the long-term effect on health…

  5. @MBUncle

    July 13, 2024 at 2:17 pm

    Yey! finally Vsauce 4 uploaded a new video!
    How’s Jake by the way? Update us please 🙂

  6. @r.i.c.o9820

    July 13, 2024 at 2:46 pm

    Oh, this sounds scary. Imagine that every country is surrounded by narrow line of radioactive desert

  7. @bennorwood8433

    July 13, 2024 at 3:42 pm

    Can you please do a video about the streamline ship that was featured in 1932 by popular science and was rumored to have been bought by Mussolini actually I think Mussolini refused but still a good story that needs a video

  8. @bennorwood8433

    July 13, 2024 at 3:42 pm

    PS I am also one of your few subscriber

  9. @bennorwood8433

    July 13, 2024 at 3:44 pm

    Can you do a video about the sloth people that was featured and popular science 1931 it was actually Not true but it should make an interesting story to put in a video

  10. @BrickTamlandOfficial

    July 13, 2024 at 6:22 pm

    we spent too much time researching these radiological weapons and not enough time signing peace agreements.

    • @MichaelSmith-jj3pz

      July 16, 2024 at 2:32 am

      And securing boarders

    • @BrickTamlandOfficial

      July 16, 2024 at 4:00 am

      @@MichaelSmith-jj3pz blocked.

  11. @richardcheney6964

    July 13, 2024 at 6:47 pm

    A weapon to surpass Metal Gear

  12. @bronsonmiranda2018

    July 13, 2024 at 6:57 pm

    “Sand is overrated. It’s just tiny little rocks”

    • @IFFB714

      July 16, 2024 at 12:18 pm

      How much do you value windows and mirrors, could you imagine life without Glass? No sand, no glass.

    • @bronsonmiranda2018

      July 16, 2024 at 9:07 pm

      @@IFFB714 heheh, it’s a movie quote. Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind

  13. @thelanavishnuorchestra

    July 13, 2024 at 6:58 pm

    You’re doing good with these. I am a fan.

  14. @BeeCeeJay

    July 13, 2024 at 7:29 pm

    The ending was beautiful. Thank you as always, Kevin.

  15. @RialVestro

    July 13, 2024 at 11:50 pm

    Given the recent episode of Doctor Who literally having death sand as part of the plot, there better be a reference in here some where!

  16. @AdamTrout117

    July 14, 2024 at 1:03 am

    I apologize for any ignorance in this, but is there any relationship between this presentation and something akin to Vsauce?

    • @tannisbhee7444

      July 14, 2024 at 2:52 am

      Not sure if this is the answer to your question, but Michael, Kevin (the presenter) and Jake are/were the Vsauce channels. Michael is Vsauce, Kevin is Vsauce 2, and Jake is Vsauce 3. I don’t think Jake is active any more. Hopefully that helps!

    • @AdamTrout117

      July 14, 2024 at 3:24 am

      @@tannisbhee7444 Absolutely! Thank you. I had the inclination but thought it best to approach softly. Much appreciated!

  17. @forbiddenera

    July 14, 2024 at 2:25 am

    Death Sanding ft. Norman Reedus

  18. @TimChuma

    July 14, 2024 at 4:27 am

    The UK had a radioactive cloud that poisoned a big area in the Emu Field tests in Australia. They “tested” plutonium by melting it with explosives. Left about 20kg worth in the desert.

  19. @shaider1982

    July 14, 2024 at 5:01 am

    Paraphrasing Drachinifiel (Naval history you tuber): we went from bashing or throwing rocks to each other deploying extra hot spicy fine rocks (sand).

    • @finished6267

      July 18, 2024 at 4:28 am

      heck, yeah!

  20. @user-mx9eo5zk8l

    July 14, 2024 at 5:28 am

    Damn anikin knew more than we thought

  21. @danthelatch

    July 14, 2024 at 9:52 am

    Banger!

  22. @TheSillyBiIly123

    July 14, 2024 at 2:00 pm

    I misread millions as minions I’m cooked

  23. @fathertimegaming17

    July 14, 2024 at 7:30 pm

    This video could have been 4 minutes long

    • @-danR

      July 16, 2024 at 11:25 pm

      10 seconds.
      “War nerds figured isotopes could be salted on large areas, denying livability to the enemy.”

  24. @hdoglesby

    July 15, 2024 at 1:38 am

    “…and when there was no meat, we ate fowl and when there was no fowl, we ate crawdad and when there was no crawdad to be found, we ate sand.”

    “You ate what?”

    “We ate sand.”

    “You ate SAND?”

    • @ChaseBlackmoon

      July 15, 2024 at 4:12 pm

      I got that reference, that’s a really funny scene!

  25. @Joeyzoom

    July 15, 2024 at 11:15 am

    “What’s the matter, Kyle? Got sand in your va…” nvm

    • @thybaker-ed9016

      July 21, 2024 at 5:43 pm

      Classic

  26. @mota7506

    July 15, 2024 at 2:22 pm

    Anakin was right. I hate sand now too.

  27. @Peter-Du

    July 16, 2024 at 12:12 am

    Too much drama.

  28. @saratimbre

    July 16, 2024 at 12:20 am

    pocket sand shh shh shh shades ✨️ ✨️

    RIP Rusty Shackleford

  29. @InfiniteWithout

    July 16, 2024 at 5:46 am

    This is genius andit only works if faund or told the other side

  30. @realdoctortenenbaum

    July 16, 2024 at 6:30 am

    I only see Karl Ruprecht Kroenen’s mask modified in a BioShock-esque way.

  31. @IFFB714

    July 16, 2024 at 12:17 pm

    How much do you value windows and mirrors, could you imagine life without Glass ladies? No sand, no glass.

  32. @jimbeckert7946

    July 16, 2024 at 2:32 pm

    Materials with shorter half lives are more radioactive. Nobody ever actually salted the earth in ancient times. Salt was as valuable as gold in the ancient world.

    • @andyf4292

      July 18, 2024 at 8:23 am

      not if you are near a body of salt water

  33. @piemonster11

    July 17, 2024 at 7:56 am

    this guys voice cracks way too much, cant even finish the video. L

  34. @PaulShell-of9sn

    July 17, 2024 at 12:04 pm

    HIER KOMMT DER SANDMANN = D

  35. @herzogsbuick

    July 17, 2024 at 5:11 pm

    Glork stangled Clonk. anyway who maintains otherwise is a Russian shill.

  36. @borntoclimb7116

    July 18, 2024 at 3:34 am

    Very interesting, never hear about this method, im only hear about the neutron bomb.

  37. @andyf4292

    July 18, 2024 at 8:30 am

    beta decay wouldn’t get through the hull of a tank.

  38. @jogizy

    July 19, 2024 at 2:24 am

    Science science science science science science science science science science science science science science science science science science science

    • @jogizy

      July 19, 2024 at 2:25 am

      FACT. hUMaN. Fact. Science. Heyyu !science fact truth truth truth SCi3nce!

  39. @rileyfaelan

    July 19, 2024 at 10:46 am

    (1:00) That’s not how the Russians spell ‘bomba’.

  40. @estradamurcielgo175

    July 20, 2024 at 10:20 am

    This video is much longer than it had to be

    • @me3333

      July 20, 2024 at 8:13 pm

      Watch it in 2x speed or click on another video. Problem solved

  41. @davidripley2916

    July 21, 2024 at 4:00 am

    John Wayne died of cancer after working on a sound stage. A few hundred tons of red sand from Nevada was used.

  42. @fritzmusic

    July 25, 2024 at 7:09 pm

    Grown-up Morty from Rick and Morty vibes brought to real life here. You got something special here whether you’re the host or watching.

  43. @bretwebber7484

    July 27, 2024 at 12:19 am

    Wtfomgnotlol 😮

  44. @fartyperson

    July 27, 2024 at 8:12 pm

    soy

  45. @agw5425

    July 29, 2024 at 3:11 pm

    That poem at the end also features frequently in Stephen Kings “The dark tower” book series. It makes more sense to me now that I seen/herd this video.

  46. @tw8464

    July 30, 2024 at 11:20 pm

    This channel is Popular Science just reading old random issues and finding terrifying nuclear weapons on the front page. The insane terrifying weapons available in 1945. Imagine what exists now

  47. @GeigerCheck

    July 31, 2024 at 6:06 pm

    A dampened handkerchief. Lol

  48. @PatrickBaptist

    August 1, 2024 at 2:01 am

    @4:27 The Bible does not say the Cain killed Able with a rock, that’s a jewish fable.

  49. @CynthiaMcG

    August 2, 2024 at 9:41 pm

    Heinlein was in the military and was exceedingly pro-military. If he had lived to have seen his novel Stormship Troopers turned into a movie, he would have fought like hell to have revoked the film rights.

  50. @mrsrhardy

    August 4, 2024 at 1:39 am

    Your channel should be more popular than it is, must be the mechanic not the YT machine at fault possibly? Naaaaa, your channel rocks so shared it far and wide

  51. @nathanwoodruff9422

    August 4, 2024 at 12:11 pm

    Which is why Nuclear Fusion devices will never ever be developed, even though they are said to be 30 years away… That is said to get more grant money. The reason why Nuclear Fusion devices will never be developed is because once made, it becomes all too easy to prevent the extraction of the waste product(Helium) and dump in about 1lb of liquid hydrogen and make a boom that would twice level any city on the planet.

  52. @caerusdharken57

    August 5, 2024 at 2:37 pm

    Kinda reminds me of the music video from metallicas “All Nightmare long”

  53. @erintyres3609

    August 5, 2024 at 3:29 pm

    11:13 A lethal dose of radiation is not 2000 Roentgens. More like 200.

  54. @therealgaragegirls

    August 5, 2024 at 8:35 pm

    Whoever handles the casting for Popular Science hit a home run with Kevin! PLEASE continue to feature him! He is soooooooo incredibly entertaining. 💜💜

  55. @therealgaragegirls

    August 5, 2024 at 8:53 pm

    The ending of this episode, quoting Eliot, gave me chills.

  56. @rickiefuwanfui145

    August 6, 2024 at 11:41 am

    It’s just around St. George, Utah.

  57. @Squshieheals

    August 6, 2024 at 3:58 pm

    Nuclear weapons are never going away, and honestly i hope the US and her allies never step them down. We can give them up but the technology is in the wild already. I’d rather have them, and not need them, then need them, and not have them.

  58. @surferdude4487

    August 6, 2024 at 4:28 pm

    I clicked on this video because I thought he was going to talk about the lightning sand in the fire swamp. Oh well.

  59. @user-nu8in3ey8c

    August 7, 2024 at 5:37 am

    Don’t forget about Silent Dust, a fictional dust that destroys soil permanently killing all vegetation for years and years and years, and it kills the rest of the food chain. There has been work on long term defoliation chemicals as well.

  60. @TheCaptainLulz

    August 7, 2024 at 12:09 pm

    11:58 – So many people laugh at duck and cover, but dont understand why it exists and why its a good strategy. If the bomb goes off on top of you, nothing will save you. If it went off 10 miles from where you where, however, the biggest danger would be your building collapsing on top of you, in which case, a desk is better protection than none at all. It was never about the bomb its self, but more about blast damage mitigation.

  61. @solanaceae2069

    August 15, 2024 at 10:36 pm

    Ghouls

  62. @stefanschleps8758

    August 16, 2024 at 1:45 pm

    So, the guy that surreptiously injected people with plutonium himself dies from radiation caused blood cancer at 40?!
    Ironic or not that is justice.
    Tsk tsk.

  63. @alexanderevanska4274

    August 21, 2024 at 7:48 pm

    What happened to the neutron bomb?

  64. @diGritz1

    August 22, 2024 at 2:53 pm

    13:57 That image of Stalin looks like he’s looking towards the guy next to him thinking, “Dis guy is next on my list for a teekit to Siberia”

  65. @user-hb1yo5ep9y

    August 23, 2024 at 2:31 pm

    Theres nowhere that a HUMAN cant reach,….
    No Place is safe from the ignorant

  66. @tonybates9107

    August 24, 2024 at 11:59 am

    The bravery of being out of range

  67. @emitindustries8304

    August 24, 2024 at 5:32 pm

    I’ve got that issue. From when they had articles on how to build an atom bomb shelter in your basement, or “You Can Survive A Nuclear Blast”, and flying rocket packs for soldiers, with bazookas for shooting at jet fighters. Don’t forget nuclear powered cars and airliners.
    Lots of ads, in the early 50s, for Geiger counters, so you can prospect for freekn’ uranium.
    “Your flying car awaits!”
    Now, that’s real.

  68. @user-to7sp1oq2w

    August 24, 2024 at 10:40 pm

    “A capitolist American nazi” in that movie about America, Russia? ( And, you were so close, too). No, it’s the Republican Party, thats who the capitolist, American, nazis are in real life. Get it straight! Otherwise, to the Ukraine, the Republican Party are the ones to constantly deny you aid because they want Putin to win due to how Trump licks his Jackboots and sucks……you get the idea. And, to the rest of the world, rest assured, you’ll probably end up soon launching nuclear missiles at America because of how the Republican Party are determined to destroy us by it by fucking with you to make that happen. Have a nice day.

  69. @donscheid97

    August 26, 2024 at 4:09 am

    How could the “death sand” project be under way when they didn’t even know about the radiation hazard until Hiroshima in 1945?

    • @Greg-yu4ij

      August 27, 2024 at 12:41 pm

      They knew about the effects of radiation long before they split the atom or built the bomb

    • @Cooe.

      August 30, 2024 at 4:05 am

      🤦 Google Marie Curie and get educated.

  70. @jarikinnunen1718

    August 26, 2024 at 7:51 am

    In the cold war spy game soviets used radioactive dust for catch an spies.

  71. @richnorris1061

    August 27, 2024 at 11:34 am

    Is this sand the same as we find on our cars sometimes ? 🤔

  72. @richnorris1061

    August 27, 2024 at 11:40 am

    Geo engineering anyone ?

  73. @420uesr

    August 28, 2024 at 9:03 pm

    there is a fourth element that wasn’t mentioned initially,
    and that is the morbid fascination aspect of watching someone else die,
    to determine if, in fact, it was indeed a more effective way to end someone’s life,
    and whether or not the chosen method was either humane or not.

    and at the same time, it also forces us to face our own mortality,
    of which we all have a primal curiosity when asking those
    profoundly reflective questions that dwell just beyond our own limited understanding,

    because let’s face it,
    war and death amongst ourselves is inevitable,
    it is profitable.. very, Very profitable..
    and we really, really enjoy killing each other.

    just my two cents, but I think that this aspect, for the most part, is largely overlooked.

  74. @Pbav8tor

    August 29, 2024 at 2:07 am

    This was an era of epic accidents driven by arrogance and complacency. This was e same period we started poisoning the planet with DDT to get rid of bedbugs.

  75. @Pbav8tor

    August 29, 2024 at 2:10 am

    Once aagan, like with AI, just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should.

  76. @vladimirmihnev9702

    August 29, 2024 at 5:08 pm

    Tantelum is in the platinum group, I don’t know how much it cost but Gold is the cheapest and most abundant in that group. So that doesn’t sound like something that could be mass produced.

  77. @vladimirmihnev9702

    August 29, 2024 at 5:13 pm

    Well to be honest its just the USA that uses Uranium shells. And tries to gaslite people that its not a war crime. Its absolutely is!

  78. @TheEudaemonicPlague

    August 31, 2024 at 3:28 am

    You shouldn’t make uneducated assumptions like that. Those who make the effort, can accurately hit a target at a good distance, and let me tell you–sling stones have the same sort of effect as a large caliber rifle bullet. What you don’t know, is that “To operate the weapon, the slinger would place the missile snugly in the straps, hold both cords ends using the same hand, then whirl the sling rapidly above the head while letting one cord lose at the right time. This would enable the missile to fly at a very high speed, causing severe injury or death to the targeted person.” Not only is it similar to a deer slug in a shotgun, it was an accurate weapon, limited only by the slinger’s skill. They killed at hundreds of yards, too.

  79. @tfinnegans_wake6182

    September 1, 2024 at 9:34 am

    Operation LAC dispersed microscopic particles in poor areas of StLouis via blowers on rooftops, schools, and from the backs of stationwagons.

  80. @ronmorrell9809

    September 1, 2024 at 11:03 am

    This has scary possibilities for use by retreating forces planting booby traps in abandoned fortifications or asymmetric forces using a drone against a small island used solely by military forces of a larger aggressor.

  81. @sbcinema

    September 2, 2024 at 9:21 pm

    that sounds like something israel would do, not lol

  82. @abandoninwy1

    September 3, 2024 at 11:23 pm

    the only evolution i can see from this is his stupidity

  83. @As3th8r

    September 5, 2024 at 7:35 pm

    I was just reminded of the book The Physicists by Dürrenmatt. We had to read in school.

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