Joe Hanson  is a biologist with a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology. He is the creator and host of the YouTube channel Be Smart, part of PBS Digital Studios,launched in tge year 2013. Hanson created the channel to bridge the gap between scientific concepts and general public understanding. The channel focuses on answering big questions in science with storytelling and humor, aiming to make learning an engaging experience for audiences worldwide.

The channel has over 53 lakhs subscribers and has accumulated  671826965 views across approximately 465 videos. On average, it garners around 10 lakhs views on average , depending on the topic. Its most popular video, “why is blue so rare in nature”, has amassed crores of views, reflecting widespread interest in fun and accessible science content monetizes the channel through ad revenue, sponsorships, and his partnership with PBS, which provides additional support for producing high-quality educational content. This collaboration ensures the videos are freely accessible while maintaining production excellence. "Be Smart" lies in its ability to demystify complex scientific phenomena, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. The channel's storytelling approach resonates with educators and viewers, making it a popular resource for informal science education.

The video "Why Is Blue So Rare in Nature?" from the YouTube channel Be Smart explores the science behind the rarity of blue in the natural world. It explains that most living organisms do not produce blue pigments. Instead, blue colors typically arise from structural coloration—physical structures that manipulate light to reflect blue wavelengths.

Key Insights:

1. Structural Coloration: Blue colors in animals like butterflies, birds, and fish result from microstructures that scatter light. For example, the intricate nanostructures on the scales of the Morpho butterfly create its vivid blue hue.

2. Chemical Rarity: Producing blue pigments is complex and energy-intensive. Even in plants, fewer than 10% of species produce blue flowers because of the chemical challenges involved.

3. Cultural Significance: Historically, blue has been associated with high status and value due to its scarcity. For instance, ultramarine pigment made from lapis lazuli was as expensive as gold in medieval Europe.

4. Evolutionary Adaptation: Blue coloration can serve various purposes, such as attracting mates or communicating within species. However, its evolution is limited due to its production challenges.

The video ties science with visual storytelling, making complex topics accessible and engaging. It emphasizes the intersection of physics, biology, and evolution to explain a color's rarity and significance in nature. 

Another popular video "How an Igloo Keeps You Warm" by Be Smart explores the science behind how igloos, made of snow, can maintain a warm internal environment despite being surrounded by freezing temperatures.

Key Points:

1. Insulation Properties of Snow:

Snow is a great insulator because it contains many tiny air pockets. These air pockets reduce heat transfer, keeping the inside of the igloo warm relative to the outside.

2. Body Heat Contribution:

The body heat of the occupants plays a crucial role in warming the igloo. The small, enclosed space traps this heat, raising the temperature inside significantly.

3. Temperature Regulation:

While the outside may be as cold as -40°C, the inside of an igloo can maintain a temperature of 0–16°C, depending on the number of occupants. This warmth is sufficient to survive harsh Arctic conditions.

4. Design Efficiency:

The dome shape of an igloo helps distribute weight evenly and minimizes surface area, reducing heat loss. The entrance tunnel traps cold air at the base, preventing it from circulating inside.

5. Cultural Significance:

The Inuit people, who developed this shelter, have adapted this technique over centuries, showcasing human ingenuity in surviving extreme climates.

This video is an engaging way to understand thermodynamics and how natural

The Be Smart channel benefits by creating informative, engaging content that simplifies complex scientific concepts for a broad audience. By offering visually appealing and easily digestible explanations, the channel attracts viewers interested in science, which helps build a loyal subscriber base. This not only increases viewership and ad revenue but also positions the channel as a trusted educational platform. Its collaborations with PBS and strategic use of storytelling further expand its reach, promoting both educational value and entertainment, making science accessible to people of all ages. This boosts its recognition and provides opportunities for brand partnerships and sponsorships.