TED2019
Ella Al-Shamahi: The fascinating (and dangerous) places scientists aren't exploring
艾拉·沙马希: 那些科学家们仍未探索的神往之地
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Readability: 4.5
1,911,634 views
我们并没有在世界的大部分地区进行前沿的探索性科学研究——那些政府认为过于敌对或有争议的地方。我们会因为无意探索而错过一些什么呢？在这场无畏、出人意料的有趣谈话中，古人类学家艾拉·沙马希（Ella Al-Shamahi）将带领我们远征也门索科特拉岛——地球上生物多样性最富饶的地方之一——她将说明这个不稳定的地区为何会成为种种重大科学考察成果发源地。
Ella Al-Shamahi - Paleoanthropologist, stand-up comic
Ella Al-Shamahi is a palaeoanthropologist specializing in fossil hunting in caves in unstable, hostile and disputed territories. In her spare time, she's a stand-up comic. Full bio
Ella Al-Shamahi is a palaeoanthropologist specializing in fossil hunting in caves in unstable, hostile and disputed territories. In her spare time, she's a stand-up comic. Full bio
Double-click the English transcript below to play the video.
00:12
So I've got something that I'm
slightly embarrassed to admit to.
slightly embarrassed to admit to.
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我有一些不太想承认的尴尬的事情。
在17岁的时候，
00:17
At the age of 17,
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00:19
as a creationist,
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作为一名发明家，
00:21
I decided to go to university
to study evolution
to study evolution
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我决定去大学学习进化论，
00:24
so that I could destroy it.
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这样我就可以毁灭掉它。
00:26
(Laughter)
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（笑声）
00:28
I failed.
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如你们所见，我失败了。
00:29
I failed so spectacularly
that I'm now an evolutionary biologist.
that I'm now an evolutionary biologist.
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我失败得彻彻底底，
现在更是成为了一名进化生物学家。
现在更是成为了一名进化生物学家。
（掌声）
00:33
(Applause)
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00:36
So I'm a paleoanthropologist,
I'm a National Geographic Explorer
I'm a National Geographic Explorer
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我现在是一名古人类学研究者，
也是一名国家地理探索者，
也是一名国家地理探索者，
00:39
specializing in fossil hunting in caves
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专攻那些掩埋在山洞以及
00:42
in unstable, hostile
and disputed territories.
and disputed territories.
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不稳定、有争议地区里的化石。
00:45
And we all know that
if I was a guy and not a girl,
if I was a guy and not a girl,
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我们都知道，
如果我是一个男性而不是女性的话，
如果我是一个男性而不是女性的话，
以上内容就不是一份职业简述，
而是一种炫耀的谈资。
而是一种炫耀的谈资。
00:49
that wouldn't be a job description,
that would be a pick-up line.
that would be a pick-up line.
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（笑声）
00:52
(Laughter)
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00:54
Now, here's the thing.
I do not have a death wish.
I do not have a death wish.
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有件事我需要澄清一下，
我并没有一颗冒险的热血之心。
我并没有一颗冒险的热血之心。
00:57
I'm not an adrenaline junkie.
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我并不是肾上腺素瘾君子。
00:59
I just looked at a map.
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我只是会查看地图。
01:02
See, frontline exploratory science
does not happen as much
does not happen as much
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开创性的探索科学
并没有那么多，
并没有那么多，
尤其是在一个政局动荡的地区上。
01:06
in politically unstable territories.
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01:09
This is a map of all the places
which the British Foreign Office
which the British Foreign Office
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这是一幅地图，上面有被英国外交部
01:13
have declared contain
red zones, orange zones
red zones, orange zones
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标上了红色、橘色的地方，
以及特意做了警示的地方。
01:16
or have raised some kind
of a threat warning about.
of a threat warning about.
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01:19
Now I'm going to go out on a limb here
and say that it is a tragedy
and say that it is a tragedy
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现在我正在这里一个分支上做着探索，
并且认为如果我们
并且认为如果我们
01:23
if we're not doing frontline exploratory
science in a huge portion of the planet.
science in a huge portion of the planet.
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在如此广袤的星球上没有做任何
前沿科学的探索，这绝对是一种悲剧。
前沿科学的探索，这绝对是一种悲剧。
所以，对于学科的探索而言，
地理因素成了一个问题。
地理因素成了一个问题。
01:28
And so science has a geography problem.
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01:32
Also, as a paleoanthropologist,
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并且，作为一名古人类学家，
01:35
guys, this is basically a map
of some of the most important places
of some of the most important places
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这些被标记的地方
也正是进行人类科学探索中
也正是进行人类科学探索中
01:38
in the human journey.
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十分重要的地方。
01:40
There are almost definitely
fascinating fossils to be found here.
fascinating fossils to be found here.
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这些地方大概率埋着珍贵的化石。
01:44
But are we looking for them?
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但是我们是在寻找它们吗？
当我还是本科生的时候，
我就被反复告知
我就被反复告知
01:47
And so as an undergraduate,
I was repeatedly told
I was repeatedly told
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人类、智人甚至是更早的人种，
01:50
that humans, be they ourselves,
homo sapiens, or earlier species,
homo sapiens, or earlier species,
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都是通过埃及
的西奈半岛离开的非洲。
的西奈半岛离开的非洲。
01:55
that we left Africa
via the Sinai of Egypt.
via the Sinai of Egypt.
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02:00
I'm English, as you can
probably tell from my accent,
probably tell from my accent,
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你们也许能从我的口音中
听出我是英国人，
听出我是英国人，
但实际上，我的祖先来自阿拉伯，
02:03
but I am actually of Arab heritage,
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02:05
and I always say that I'm
very, very Arab on the outside.
very, very Arab on the outside.
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我总是不耐其烦地说在外表上
我真的很像阿拉伯人。
我真的很像阿拉伯人。
我可以非常的热情，
02:08
You know, I can really be passionate.
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比如，
“你真棒！我爱死你了！”
“你真棒！我爱死你了！”
02:10
Like, "You're amazing! I love you!"
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02:12
But on the inside, I'm really English,
so everybody irritates me.
so everybody irritates me.
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但是在内里，我又十分像英国人，
所以每个人都在令我烦躁。
所以每个人都在令我烦躁。
（笑声）
02:15
(Laughter)
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02:20
It's true.
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这些都是实话。
02:21
And the thing is,
my family are Arab from Yemen,
my family are Arab from Yemen,
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事实上，我的家人是
从也门到达的阿拉伯。
从也门到达的阿拉伯。
我也知道那一条路，
02:25
and I knew that that channel,
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巴布-埃尔-阿姆德布,
02:28
Bab-el-Mandeb,
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02:30
is not that much of a feat to cross.
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并不是很难跨越的。
我以前也总是在
自问一个很简单的问题：
自问一个很简单的问题：
02:32
And I kept asking myself
this really simple question:
this really simple question:
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如果新大陆猴子的祖先都能够
用某种方法穿越大西洋，
用某种方法穿越大西洋，
02:36
if the ancestors to New World monkeys
could somehow cross the Atlantic Ocean,
could somehow cross the Atlantic Ocean,
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那为什么人类不能越过那一小段水？
02:42
why couldn't humans cross
that tiny stretch of water?
that tiny stretch of water?
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02:46
But the thing is, Yemen,
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但问题是，
相比于欧洲，
02:48
compared to, let's say, Europe,
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我们并没有对也门做过充分的研究，
02:50
was so understudied
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02:52
that it was something akin
to near virgin territory.
to near virgin territory.
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也就相当于这是一次
对于处女地的探索。
对于处女地的探索。
02:56
But that, along with its location,
made the sheer potential for discovery
made the sheer potential for discovery
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但是加上它的地理位置，
这将是一场纯粹的探索之旅，
这将是一场纯粹的探索之旅，
03:03
so exciting,
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太令人激动了，
03:05
and I had so many questions.
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为此我内心充满了许多问题。
03:08
When did we first
start using Bab-el-Mandeb?
start using Bab-el-Mandeb?
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我们是什么时候第一次开始使用
巴布-埃尔-阿姆德布这一条路的？
巴布-埃尔-阿姆德布这一条路的？
03:11
But also, which species of human
besides ourselves made it to Yemen?
besides ourselves made it to Yemen?
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另外，除了我们之外，
还有哪些人种去了也门？
还有哪些人种去了也门？
03:16
Might we find a species
as yet unknown to science?
as yet unknown to science?
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我们会找到还未发现的新人种吗？
并且最后证明了，我并不是
唯一一个注意到也门研究潜力的人。
唯一一个注意到也门研究潜力的人。
03:20
And it turned out, I wasn't the only one
who had noticed Yemen's potential.
who had noticed Yemen's potential.
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还有其他的学者也在关注这个地区。
03:24
There was actually
a few other academics out there.
a few other academics out there.
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但不幸的是，由于政局动荡，
他们退出了研究，于是我进去了。
他们退出了研究，于是我进去了。
03:27
But sadly, due to political instability,
they moved out, and so I moved in.
they moved out, and so I moved in.
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我在寻找洞穴，
03:32
And I was looking for caves:
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03:35
caves because caves
are the original prime real estate.
are the original prime real estate.
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因为洞穴是最原始的居住地。
而且如果当你在如此炎热
的天气下去寻找化石，
的天气下去寻找化石，
03:40
But also because if you're looking
for fossils in that kind of heat,
for fossils in that kind of heat,
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洞穴是化石出现概率最高的地方。
03:44
your best bet for fossil preservation
is always going to be caves.
is always going to be caves.
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但接着，就在我计划
飞去也门的前几天，
飞去也门的前几天，
03:48
But then, Yemen took
a really sad turn for the worse,
a really sad turn for the worse,
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也门局势急剧变糟，
03:53
and just a few days
before I was due to fly out to Yemen,
before I was due to fly out to Yemen,
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内战升级为地区冲突，
03:57
the civil war escalated
into a regional conflict,
into a regional conflict,
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首都机场被炸，
04:01
the capital's airport was bombed
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04:03
and Yemen became a no-fly zone.
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因此也门成了禁飞区。
04:08
Now, my parents made this decision
before I was born:
before I was born:
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我的父母在我未出生前
便做出了一个决定：
便做出了一个决定：
我必须在英国出生，
成为一名英国人。
成为一名英国人。
04:12
that I would be born British.
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04:16
I had nothing to do
with the best decision of my life.
with the best decision of my life.
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这一个我一生中最好的决定，
其实和我没有太大关系。
其实和我没有太大关系。
04:21
And now ...
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但是现在……
04:23
Now the lucky ones
in my family have escaped,
in my family have escaped,
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我的家族中有幸存者逃了出来，
而其他人就处在被随时炸死的危境下，
04:28
and the others, the others
are being been bombed
are being been bombed
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04:31
and send you WhatsApp messages
that make you detest your very existence.
that make you detest your very existence.
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给你发来一条让你对自己的
存在感到厌恶的消息。
存在感到厌恶的消息。
04:39
This war's been going on for four years.
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这场战争持续了4年，
04:42
It's been going on for over four years,
and it has led to a humanitarian crisis.
and it has led to a humanitarian crisis.
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并将再持续四年，
而且引出了人道主义危机。
而且引出了人道主义危机。
04:48
There is a famine there,
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也门出现了饥荒，
一场人为制造的饥荒。
04:50
a man-made famine.
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04:52
That's a man-made famine,
so not a natural famine,
so not a natural famine,
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这是一场人为制造而非自然的饥荒，
04:55
an entirely man-made famine
that the UN has warned
that the UN has warned
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是一场完全由人类制造的灾难，
04:59
could be the worst famine
the world has seen in a hundred years.
the world has seen in a hundred years.
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联合国已经发出警告，这场饥荒
将可能成为近百年来最恶劣的一次。
将可能成为近百年来最恶劣的一次。
05:04
This war has made it
clear to me more than ever
clear to me more than ever
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而这场战争让我
前所未有的看得清清楚楚，
前所未有的看得清清楚楚，
没有任何一个地区、
任何一个人应该被遗忘。
任何一个人应该被遗忘。
05:07
that no place, no people
deserve to get left behind.
deserve to get left behind.
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05:13
And so I was joining these other teams,
and I was forming new collaborations
and I was forming new collaborations
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于是我加入了一些团队，
并在一些不稳定的地区
并在一些不稳定的地区
组建了新的合作。
05:16
in other unstable places.
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05:18
But I was desperate
to get back into Yemen,
to get back into Yemen,
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但是我仍渴望回到也门，
05:22
because for me, Yemen's really personal.
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我对于也门有着非常强烈的个人情感。
05:27
And so I kept trying to think
of a project I could do in Yemen
of a project I could do in Yemen
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我一直在思考着能在也门做些什么，
在思考一个能够让公众知道
也门的现状的项目。
也门的现状的项目。
05:32
that would help highlight
what was going on there.
what was going on there.
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05:35
And every idea I had just kept failing,
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我计划了很多，
但是总在失败，
但是总在失败，
有的是因为太过于危险。
因为诚实地说，
因为诚实地说，
05:39
or it was just too high-risk,
because let's be honest,
because let's be honest,
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对于一支西方的研究团队而言，
也门基本上没有一个安全的地方。
也门基本上没有一个安全的地方。
05:42
most of Yemen is just too dangerous
for a Western team.
for a Western team.
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05:47
But then I was told that Socotra,
a Yemeni island,
a Yemeni island,
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但是突然， 我被告知
一个也门的岛屿，索科特拉岛，
一个也门的岛屿，索科特拉岛，
只要你去了，就会发现那里是安全的。
05:53
was safe once you got there.
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后来我发现，在这座岛上，
有一些当地以及国际的
有一些当地以及国际的
05:56
In fact, it turned out there was a few
local and international academics
local and international academics
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研究机构仍在工作。
06:01
that were still working there.
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06:03
And that got me really excited,
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这让我感到非常激动，
06:06
because look at Socotra's
proximity to Africa.
proximity to Africa.
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因为请看一下，索科特拉岛
与非洲的距离有多近！
与非洲的距离有多近！
06:12
And yet we have no idea
when humans arrived on that island.
when humans arrived on that island.
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那时我们对于人类登陆
那座岛屿的时间毫无头绪。
那座岛屿的时间毫无头绪。
06:18
But Socotra, for those of you who know it,
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但是索科特拉岛，
你们中的一部分也许知道，
你们中的一部分也许知道，
但是是出于完全不同的原因。
06:21
well, let's just say you probably know it
for a completely different reason.
for a completely different reason.
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你们也许是通过印度洋
加拉帕戈斯而知道的，
加拉帕戈斯而知道的，
06:25
You probably know it
as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean,
as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean,
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也许是因为作为地球上生物多样性
最复杂的地区之一而知道的它。
最复杂的地区之一而知道的它。
06:28
because it is one of the most
biodiverse places on this earth.
biodiverse places on this earth.
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06:33
But we were also getting information
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但我们在越来越多的信息中发现，
这个地区以及生活在其中的人们
06:35
that this incredibly delicate
environment and its people
environment and its people
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实际上处于中东政局，
06:39
were under threat
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06:40
because they were at the frontline
of both Middle Eastern politics
of both Middle Eastern politics
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以及气候变化的
危险前线。
06:44
and climate change.
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这些认知让索科特拉岛
成为了我也门项目的研究重点。
成为了我也门项目的研究重点。
06:46
And it slowly dawned on me
that Socotra was my Yemen project.
that Socotra was my Yemen project.
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因此，我想组建起一支
庞大的多学科协作的团队。
庞大的多学科协作的团队。
06:52
And so I wanted to put together
a huge multidisciplinary team.
a huge multidisciplinary team.
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我们想通过步行、骆驼和独桅帆船
等方式穿越这些群岛，
等方式穿越这些群岛，
06:57
We wanted to cross the archipelago
on foot, camel and dhow boat
on foot, camel and dhow boat
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对这个地方进行完整的检查。
07:01
to conduct a health check of this place.
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07:04
This has only been attempted
once before, and it was in 1999.
once before, and it was in 1999.
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而这项举措仅仅
在1999年实行过一次。
在1999年实行过一次。
这并不是一件容易完成的事情。
07:07
But the thing is, that is not
an easy thing to pull off.
an easy thing to pull off.
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我们非常需要一个勘察报告，
07:12
And so we desperately needed a recce,
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让我先来为并不熟悉英式英语的
观众们解释一下，
观众们解释一下，
07:14
and for those of you who aren't
familiar with British English,
familiar with British English,
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recce就像是探险考察，
07:17
a recce is like a scouting expedition.
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或者说是侦察。
07:19
It's like a reconnaissance.
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07:20
And I often say that a really big
expedition without a recce
expedition without a recce
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我认为一个没有侦察人员的大型考察
跟第一次约会前没有
悄悄看过对方脸书一样。
悄悄看过对方脸书一样。
07:27
is a bit like a first date
without a Facebook stalk.
without a Facebook stalk.
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（笑声）
07:31
(Laughter)
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07:32
Like, it's doable, but is it wise?
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也就是说，这样虽然是可以的，
但是这是明智的吗？
但是这是明智的吗？
（笑声）
07:35
(Laughter)
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这些笑声里夹杂着一些
已然明了的声音。
已然明了的声音。
07:39
There's a few too many
knowing laughs in this room.
knowing laughs in this room.
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庆幸的是，我们的勘察部队
对于不安定的地区非常熟悉，
对于不安定的地区非常熟悉，
07:42
Anyway, so then our recce team thankfully
were no strangers to unstable places,
were no strangers to unstable places,
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老实说，因为我们要抵达也门
07:48
which, let's be honest,
is kind of important
is kind of important
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与索马里亚中间的地区，
这一点就凸现得尤为重要。
这一点就凸现得尤为重要。
07:50
because we were trying to get
to a place between Yemen and Somalia,
to a place between Yemen and Somalia,
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在募集了包括副省长在内的
07:54
And after calling in
what felt like a million favors,
what felt like a million favors,
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07:58
including to the deputy governor,
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一百万次援助后，
我们终于踏上了探索之路，
08:01
we finally found ourselves on the move,
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08:05
albeit on a wooden cement cargo ship
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尽管用的是一艘穿行在
印度洋海盗水域的，
印度洋海盗水域的，
拿这个当作厕所的
08:08
sailing through pirate waters
in the Indian Ocean
in the Indian Ocean
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用木头巩固过的货船。
08:12
with this as a toilet.
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（笑声）
08:14
(Laughter)
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你们能看得到么？
08:15
Can you guys see this?
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08:19
You know how everybody has
their worst toilet story?
their worst toilet story?
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这成为了成员最糟糕的如厕经历。
08:23
Well, I've never swam
with dolphins before.
with dolphins before.
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我从来没有和海豚一起游过泳，
08:28
I just went straight to pooping on them.
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当时却直接在它们身上大便。
08:30
(Laughter)
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（笑声）
08:35
And also, I genuinely discovered
that I am genuinely less stressed
that I am genuinely less stressed
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并且，我发现在海盗水域中
相比于我身处
相比于我身处
的蟑螂成灾时候的，
08:42
by pirate waters
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08:43
than I am with a cockroach infestation
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那种强烈的刺激，
那种当我在甲板下，
08:47
that was so intense
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08:49
that at one point I went belowdeck,
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地板又黑并且还在移动的情况下，
08:51
and the floor was black and it was moving.
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更加放松。
08:54
(Audience moans)
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（观众惊讶惋惜的声音）
08:55
Yeah, and at night there was
three raised platforms to sleep on,
three raised platforms to sleep on,
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是的，船上有三个升起的
供睡觉的平台，
供睡觉的平台，
但是我们有四个成员，
09:00
but there was only --
let's say there was four team members,
let's say there was four team members,
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如果你得到了一个睡觉的台子，
09:03
and the thing is, if you got
a raised platform to sleep on,
a raised platform to sleep on,
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你就只需要忍受几只蟑螂，
09:06
you only had to contend
with a few cockroaches during the night,
with a few cockroaches during the night,
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但如果你只能睡在地板上，
那就祝你好运了。
那就祝你好运了。
09:09
whereas if you got the floor,
good luck to you.
good luck to you.
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09:12
And so I was the only girl in the team
and the whole ship,
and the whole ship,
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那个时候我是整个团队
以及船上唯一的女性，
以及船上唯一的女性，
所以我不用睡在地上。
09:16
so I got away without
sleeping on the floor.
sleeping on the floor.
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但是，在第四或第五个的晚上，
09:19
And then, on, like,
the fourth or fifth night,
the fourth or fifth night,
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09:22
Martin Edström looks at me and goes,
"Ella, Ella I really believe in equality."
"Ella, Ella I really believe in equality."
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马丁·埃德斯特罗姆看着我说：
”艾拉，艾拉，我认为应该公平一点。”
”艾拉，艾拉，我认为应该公平一点。”
09:27
(Laughter)
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（笑声）
09:31
So we were sailing on that
cement cargo ship for three days,
cement cargo ship for three days,
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我们在船上又航行了三天，
才慢慢地看到了陆地。
09:36
and then we slowly started seeing land.
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09:41
And after three years of failing,
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在经历了三年的失败，
我终于真实地看到了也门。
09:44
I was finally seeing Yemen.
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09:46
And there is no feeling on earth
like that start of an expedition.
like that start of an expedition.
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开始探索的心情是无法形容的。
就像是你从吉普车上跳下来
09:51
It's this moment where
you jump out of a jeep
you jump out of a jeep
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或者说你从船上往上看的时候
09:54
or you look up from a boat
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内心中相信着有那么一种可能性，
09:57
and you know that
there's this possibility,
there's this possibility,
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尽管渺小但是存在，
09:59
it's small but it's still there,
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你就要找到
10:02
that you're about to find something
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10:04
that could add to or change our knowledge
of who we are and where we come from.
of who we are and where we come from.
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能够增加甚至改变人们对于自我
以及祖先的认识的一些东西。
以及祖先的认识的一些东西。
这种心情无法比拟。
10:09
There is no feeling like it on earth,
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很多科学家都有这样的体验，
10:12
and it's a feeling
that so many scientists have
that so many scientists have
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但在政局动荡的地区中几乎没有。
10:16
but rarely in politically unstable places.
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因为西方科学家不被鼓励，甚至被禁止
10:20
Because Western scientists
are discouraged or all-out barred
are discouraged or all-out barred
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在不稳定的地区进行工作。
10:25
from working in unstable places.
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10:28
But here's the thing:
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但是，有一点需要注意的是：
10:30
scientists specialize in the jungle.
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研究丛林的科学家，
10:33
Scientists work in deep cave systems.
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研究深洞穴的科学家，
献身于火箭以及载人火箭
的科学家怎么办呢？
的科学家怎么办呢？
10:37
Scientists attach themselves to rockets
and blow themselves into outer space.
and blow themselves into outer space.
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但显然，在不稳定的地区工作
10:42
But apparently,
working in an unstable place
working in an unstable place
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被认为是高度危险的。
10:44
is deemed too high-risk.
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这是一种武断的想法。
10:47
It is completely arbitrary.
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在座的各位有谁没在
各式各样的冒险故事中成长的吗？
各式各样的冒险故事中成长的吗？
10:49
Who here in this room
wasn't brought up on adventure stories?
wasn't brought up on adventure stories?
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10:55
And most of our heroes
were actually scientists and academics.
were actually scientists and academics.
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绝大多数的英雄其实都是
科学家和学者。
科学家和学者。
11:00
Science was about going out
into the unknown.
into the unknown.
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科学在于探索未知，
在于全球性的探索，
尽管危机重重。
尽管危机重重。
11:03
It was about truly global exploration,
even if there were risks.
even if there were risks.
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那从何时起这种科学不能
在不稳定地区开展的观念
在不稳定地区开展的观念
11:09
And so when did it become acceptable
to make it difficult for science to happen
to make it difficult for science to happen
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深入人心的呢？
11:14
in unstable places?
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11:17
And look, I'm not saying
that all scientists should go off
that all scientists should go off
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我并不是说所有的科学家都应该
外出到危险的地方进行探索研究。
11:20
and start working in unstable places.
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这并不是什么狂热的的号召。
11:22
This isn't some gung-ho call.
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11:24
But here's the thing:
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但事情是这样：
11:27
for those who have done the research,
understand security protocol
understand security protocol
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对于那些完成了自己的研究，
并清楚安全规定，
并清楚安全规定，
11:32
and are trained,
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接受了专业训练的研究者，
11:34
stop stopping those who want to.
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要让他们停止去阻止
想要参与研究的人。
想要参与研究的人。
11:37
Plus,
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加上，
11:39
just because one part of a country
is an active war zone
is an active war zone
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一个国家的某些地区
正处于战时状态，
正处于战时状态，
并不能代表整个国家的形势。
11:43
doesn't mean the whole country is.
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11:45
I'm not saying we should go
into active war zones.
into active war zones.
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我并不是在提倡
我们应该进入那些战区。
我们应该进入那些战区。
11:48
But Iraqi Kurdistan looks
very different from Fallujah.
very different from Fallujah.
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但是伊拉克库迪斯坦的情况
与费卢杰的情况完全不同。
与费卢杰的情况完全不同。
11:52
And actually, a few months
after I couldn't get into Yemen,
after I couldn't get into Yemen,
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实际上，经历了好几个月，
我仍没有进入也门，
我仍没有进入也门，
而是另外一个团队接纳了我。
11:56
another team adopted me.
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11:58
So Professor Graeme Barker's team
were actually working in Iraqi Kurdistan,
were actually working in Iraqi Kurdistan,
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格雷姆·巴克教授的团队其实研究
的是伊拉克库迪斯坦地区，
的是伊拉克库迪斯坦地区，
12:04
and they were digging up Shanidar Cave.
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他们那时正在挖掘沙尼达尔的洞穴。
在距今几十年前，
研究人员从沙尼达尔洞穴中
研究人员从沙尼达尔洞穴中
12:07
Now, Shanidar Cave a few decades earlier
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12:10
had unveiled a Neanderthal
known as Shanidar 1.
known as Shanidar 1.
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发现了尼安德特人种，
命名为沙尼达尔一号（Shanidar 1）。
命名为沙尼达尔一号（Shanidar 1）。
12:16
Now, for a BBC/PBS TV series
we actually brought Shanidar 1 to life,
we actually brought Shanidar 1 to life,
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通过BBC/PBS的电视系列节目，
我们才将沙尼达尔一号公布于众
我们才将沙尼达尔一号公布于众
在这里我想将这位尼安德特人，
即内德（Ned）介绍给你们。
即内德（Ned）介绍给你们。
12:20
and I want you guys to meet Ned,
Ned the Neanderthal.
Ned the Neanderthal.
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12:25
Now here's the coolest thing about Ned.
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接下来是关于内德最酷的一点。
这个被命名为内德的家伙，
12:28
Ned, this guy,
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12:30
you're meeting him before his injuries.
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你们看到的是他受伤前的样子。
研究发现内德其实受了重伤。
12:33
See, it turned out
that Ned was severely disabled.
that Ned was severely disabled.
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如果没有其他尼安德特人的帮助，
12:38
He was in fact so disabled that
there is no way he could have survived
there is no way he could have survived
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他所受的伤则是致命的。
12:42
without the help of other Neanderthals.
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而这一发现也就证明了，
12:45
And so this was proof that,
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12:47
at least for this population
of Neanderthals at this time,
of Neanderthals at this time,
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至少对于那个时期的尼安德特人，
他们与现在的我们很像，
12:51
Neanderthals were like us,
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他们会帮助那些没有自理能力的同类。
12:52
and they sometimes looked after
those who couldn't look after themselves.
those who couldn't look after themselves.
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12:58
Ned's an Iraqi Neanderthal.
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内德是一名来自伊拉克的尼安德特人。
那我们还漏了什么信息呢？
13:01
So what else are we missing?
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13:03
What incredible scientific discoveries
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有什么重要的科学发现
因为我们无意寻找而错过呢？
13:05
are we not making
because we're not looking?
because we're not looking?
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13:10
And by the way, these places,
they deserve narratives of hope,
they deserve narratives of hope,
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顺便一提，这些地方
是值得被赋予希望的，
是值得被赋予希望的，
是值得被探索与研究的。
13:13
and science and exploration
can be a part of that.
can be a part of that.
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其实我认为对于这些地方的
考查研究有助于当地的发展，
考查研究有助于当地的发展，
13:17
In fact, I would argue
that it can tangibly aid development,
that it can tangibly aid development,
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这些发现能够成为
当地自豪感的源泉。
当地自豪感的源泉。
13:20
and these discoveries
become a huge source of local pride.
become a huge source of local pride.
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同时这一发现将我引向了第二个问题：
为什么科学具有地域性的问题。
为什么科学具有地域性的问题。
13:25
And that brings me to the second reason
why science has a geography problem.
why science has a geography problem.
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13:31
See, we don't empower
local academics, do we?
local academics, do we?
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实际上，我们并没有
参与当地的研究。
参与当地的研究。
13:35
Like, it's not lost on me
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我并没有忘记，
在古人类研究领域，
13:37
that in my particular field
of paleoanthropology
of paleoanthropology
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13:42
we study human origins,
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我们研究人类的起源，
13:43
but we have so few diverse scientists.
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但是我们的科学家背景太单一。
13:48
And the thing is, these places
are full of students and academics
are full of students and academics
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而这些地方充斥着大量的想要合作
13:52
who are desperate to collaborate,
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的学生和学者。
13:54
and the truth is
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并且事实是，
13:56
that for them,
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对于他们来说，
13:57
they have fewer security issues than us.
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他们会更少的考虑安全问题。
14:02
I think we constantly forget that for them
it's not a hostile environment;
it's not a hostile environment;
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我们经常忘记，对他们来说，
这不是一个充满危险的环境，
这不是一个充满危险的环境，
对他们来说，这里是家园。
14:06
for them it's home.
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14:09
I'm telling you,
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以我的经验来说，
在不稳定的地区里，
当地协作者的参与
当地协作者的参与
14:11
research done in unstable places
with local collaborators
with local collaborators
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往往会带来更加重要的发现，
14:15
can lead to incredible discoveries,
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而这正是我们希望
在索科特拉岛所做的事情。
在索科特拉岛所做的事情。
14:18
and that is what we are
hoping upon hope to do in Socotra.
hoping upon hope to do in Socotra.
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14:24
They call Socotra
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他们将索科特拉岛称为
14:27
the most alien-looking place on earth,
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地球上最像外星球的地方，
而我自己、利昂·麦卡伦、马丁·埃德斯特罗姆
以及里斯·斯威茨-琼斯知道其中缘由。
以及里斯·斯威茨-琼斯知道其中缘由。
14:30
and myself, Leon McCarron, Martin Edström
and Rhys Thwaites-Jones could see why.
and Rhys Thwaites-Jones could see why.
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大家看看这个地方。
14:36
I mean, look at this place.
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这些地方并不是荒蛮之地、
也不是没有价值的地方，
也不是没有价值的地方，
14:37
These places, they're not hellholes,
they're not write-offs,
they're not write-offs,
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它们是未来科学探索的前沿阵地。
14:41
they're the future frontline
of science and exploration.
of science and exploration.
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14:46
90 percent of the reptiles on this island,
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在这座岛上90%的爬行动物，
14:49
37 percent of the plant species
exist here and nowhere else on earth,
exist here and nowhere else on earth,
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以及37%的植物品种
是地球上独一无二的，
是地球上独一无二的，
其中还包括龙血树，
14:55
and that includes this species
of dragon's blood tree,
of dragon's blood tree,
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一种能够分泌红色树脂的物种。
14:57
which actually bleeds this red resin.
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15:01
And there's something else.
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这里还有其他的东西。
在索科特拉岛居住的人们
有一部分仍居住在洞穴，
有一部分仍居住在洞穴，
15:02
People on Socotra,
some of them still live in caves,
some of them still live in caves,
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这一发现真的令人热血澎湃，
15:07
and that is really exciting,
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因为这些发现意味着，
如果洞穴是这个世纪主要的居住地点，
如果洞穴是这个世纪主要的居住地点，
15:09
because it means if a cave
is prime real estate this century,
is prime real estate this century,
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15:12
maybe it was a few thousand years ago.
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也许它早在几千年前就是了。
但是我们需要例如化石、石器等的
数据去证明这一点，
数据去证明这一点，
15:14
But we need the data to prove it,
the fossils, the stone tools,
the fossils, the stone tools,
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于是我们的侦察团队
就像艾哈迈德·阿拉克比一样，
就像艾哈迈德·阿拉克比一样，
15:18
and so our scouting team
have teamed up with other scientists,
have teamed up with other scientists,
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与其他来自国际和当地的
科学家、人类学家、说书人
科学家、人类学家、说书人
15:22
anthropologists and storytellers,
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15:24
international as well as local,
like Ahmed Alarqbi,
like Ahmed Alarqbi,
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结成了一个团队，
我们急切地想要在还没有太迟之前
15:27
and we are desperate
to shed a light on this place
to shed a light on this place
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为这个地方寻求一个突破口。
15:30
before it's too late.
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15:34
And now, now we just somehow
need to get back
need to get back
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而现在，我们需要做的是
重新进入这个大型的探索中。
15:38
for that really big expedition,
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15:40
because science,
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因为科学，
15:42
science has a geography problem.
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具有地域性的问题。
15:45
You guys have been
a really lovely audience.
a really lovely audience.
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你们真是一群可爱的观众。
谢谢聆听。
15:47
Thank you.
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（鼓掌）
15:49
(Applause)
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Ella Al-Shamahi - Paleoanthropologist, stand-up comicElla Al-Shamahi is a palaeoanthropologist specializing in fossil hunting in caves in unstable, hostile and disputed territories. In her spare time, she's a stand-up comic.
Why you should listen
Ella Al-Shamahi sometimes calls herself an "adventure-scientist" -- but to her, it's less about the adventure of working in places like Yemen, Iraq, the Nagorno-Karabakh and northern Cyprus. She believes in using expeditions to shed light on some of the most misunderstood and disadvantaged people and places on earth.
Al-Shamahi is a TV presenter and stand-up comic, partly because she realized that it was an incredible way to communicate science. She performs stand-up and nerdy-science stand-up in the UK and internationally. She was named a 2015 National Geographic Emerging Explorer.
Ella Al-Shamahi | Speaker | TED.com