On the morning of March 16, 1978, the Amoco Cadiz, a supertanker owned by the United States and registered in Liberia, ran aground off the coast of Brittany. Over the ensuing days and weeks, the vessel discharged its entire cargo of 68 mill…

In his youth, Fred Young stalked birds and game with rudimentary tools, conversing only in the Ute and Navajo tongues, seeking healing from a medicine man when ill, and sleeping beneath the open sky. Now, NOVA presents Dr. Frederick Young, …

In 1945, B.F. Skinner caused a stir by placing his thirteen-month-old daughter, Deborah, in what was essentially a comfortable, climate-controlled crib – a device he used to explore his theory that environment shapes behavior. Now in his se…

The abyssal plains of the northeast Pacific conceal a "carpet" of manganese nodules, valued at an estimated ten million dollars. This bumpy terrain is a rich source not only of manganese, but also of vital strategic minerals: copper, nickel…

Nestled beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Peruvian Andes, the Q'eros Indians maintain a way of life rooted in traditions stretching back millennia. NOVA journeys to this remote mountain region to explore the timeless existence of these …

Perhaps one day hydrogen will supplant the gasoline we consume with such swiftness. In its latest exploration, NOVA examines the promise of hydrogen as a fuel source producing no pollution.

Does nuclear fusion hold the key to resolving our energy crisis? In its latest exploration, NOVA investigates the potential—and the considerable challenges—of harnessing fusion as a power source for the future.

Healthcare represents the third largest sector of the American economy. The substantial investment in medical education during the 1960s has led to an overabundance of specialists and a scarcity of primary care physicians, particularly in c…

A century after his birth, Albert Einstein continues to fascinate and puzzle many Americans. NOVA offers a revealing glimpse into the life and thought of this extraordinary figure, drawing on previously unseen film footage.

Newly discovered substances with potent pain-relieving properties have emerged from an unexpected source. Endorphins and their constituent enkephalins, naturally produced in the brain, function as analgesics, mirroring the effects of drugs …

Does the chemical industry represent progress for modern society, or a significant danger to human health and the well-being of those who follow? In this program, NOVA investigates the potential link between toxic herbicides, pesticides, an…

Despite their unsettling reputation – often associated with danger – spiders possess a captivating artistry. Their intricate webs are among the most beautiful structures in the natural world. In this exploration, NOVA examines these creatur…

NOVA explores the multifaceted story of sugar, tracing its evolution from scientific discovery to its profound impact on religion and politics, and examining the ongoing debate surrounding its health implications.

The 1976 Olympic Games saw East German athletes claim 40 gold medals, a remarkable feat considering their nation’s diminutive size – barely larger than New Jersey. NOVA explores the possibility that a performance-enhancing drug fueled this …

Each year, countless amateur athletes sustain injuries, and a significant number of professionals face setbacks that could prematurely terminate their careers. NOVA examines a burgeoning field of medicine—sports medicine—which offers the po…

For the majority of India, life continues to pulse with the rhythms and employs the tools of centuries past. Yet another India exists—one of bustling commercial hubs, pristine research facilities, and expansive industry. NOVA examines how t…

This year marks the bicentenary of the Iron Bridge, a landmark spanning the River Severn in Telford, England. A testament to the Shropshire ironmasters who conceived it, the bridge embodies the spirit of the Industrial Revolution, which too…

Dr. Philip Morrison, Institute Professor and a professor of Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, offers in this piece a thoughtful and provocative exploration of the character of civilization.

The prospect of a life devoid of sight often inspires a fear comparable to that of mortality itself. *NOVA* explores the journeys of five individuals fiercely battling to preserve their failing vision, employing a combination of medication,…