Water is a strange molecule. We are so accustomed to water that we rarely think much of it. But water behaves in very unusual ways, which make it uniquely suitable for developing and sustaining life. Science journalist Alok Jha explains why he became fascinated with water. Alok Jha is a journalist and broadcaster. He has worked as science correspondent for both ITV News and the Guardian, covering daily news and current affairs for more than 15 years. He founded and presented the Guardian’s award-winning Science Weekly podcast and has written and presented several TV and radio documentary series for the BBC. He has covered everything from space to particle physics to stem cells in his work, and reported from all over the world, including live from Antarctica. He is also the author of three popular science books, including The Water Book (Headline, 2015). This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx