A perplexing sequence of fossil discoveries – beech trees unearthed in Antarctica, redwoods and hippopotamus-like creatures found in the Arctic – reveals a strange history of the Earth's polar regions. NOVA explores this history, charting a…

For millennia, dogs have stood as steadfast companions to humankind. Yet this close bond is a relatively recent development, and understanding the origins lies in examining their closest living relatives: wolves. Studies of dog domesticatio…

For millennia, cats have captivated humankind, revered as deities and demonized as symbols of darkness, their image woven into countless breeds. Yet, the question lingers: did we truly tame these enigmatic creatures? And what insights does …

From the smallest fruit fly to the largest whale, nearly all animals sleep. But the question remains: why? Why do we dedicate a significant portion of our lives – almost a third – to such a vulnerable state? Scientists are now investigating…

Cut off from international medical supplies by the U.S. trade embargo, Cuban scientists found themselves compelled to innovate. Their efforts have yielded lung cancer vaccines of remarkable promise, prompting some Americans to circumvent th…

The intricate relationship between adipose tissue and hormonal regulation, its influence on appetite, and its significance during gestation.

Within months, the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has irrevocably altered the course of human life. Yet, a remarkable global endeavor has simultaneously emerged—a concerted effort to comprehend and control the virus, and to discover remedies for th…

Eagles command the heavens. Yet what distinguishes these magnificent predators? Scientists focus their attention on a single remarkable bird, and breathtaking close-range footage reveals her extraordinary strength, keen vision, and masterfu…

A remarkable new technology, CRISPR, has given us the ability to alter DNA—even within the human genome. Yet, the question remains: where do we draw the line? Gene editing offers the potential to eradicate debilitating genetic diseases like…

Researchers are exploring the curious "intelligence" of slime molds, organisms that seem to learn and make choices despite lacking a brain. These resourceful, single-celled entities can chart courses through intricate mazes and construct op…

The development of writing has profoundly shaped our world and fueled the expansion of human knowledge, enabling everything from commerce to the recording of myths about goddesses and rulers. Trace the history of this evolving system, from …

The advent of writing irrevocably altered the course of human history, and the subsequent development of paper and printing fundamentally reshaped the dissemination of knowledge. The printing press ignited the Industrial Revolution, propell…

In Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park, the delicate equilibrium of predator and prey was shattered when war decimated the apex predators. The surviving animals did not merely multiply; they altered their behavior, venturing beyond familia…

In October of 2020, a NASA spacecraft, OSIRIS-REx, will attempt to collect a sample from the asteroid Bennu and return it to Earth. The OSIRIS-REx team has only three opportunities to extend the spacecraft’s specialized arm, make contact fo…

With global temperatures steadily climbing, scientists are exploring possibilities beyond emissions reductions. Geoengineering emerges as a potential, though often improbable, avenue. These proposed solutions range from directly removing ca…

In April of 2019, a devastating fire engulfed the roof of Notre Dame Cathedral, prompting a nine-hour battle by firefighters to preserve the historic landmark. Paris stood on the precipice of losing over eight centuries of history. Now, eng…