In 1895, crowds flooded Coney Island to see America's first-ever looping coaster: the Flip Flap Railway. But its thrilling flip caused cases of severe whiplash, neck injury and even ejections. Today, coasters can pull off far more exciting tricks and do it safely. Brian D. Avery investigates what roller coasters are doing to your body and how they've managed to get scarier and safer at the same time. [TED-Ed Animation by Stretch Films Inc].

Brian D. Avery: How rollercoasters affect your body

How rollercoasters affect your body

The Flip Flap Railway's 12 G-force once spelled danger; modern engineering ensures thrills without the spills at 5 Gs max.

Today's roller coasters leverage 3D modeling and precise human limits knowledge, marrying safety with heart-racing excitement.

Engineers master gravity's dance in coasters, crafting rides that push limits while cushioning bodies against nature's pull.