Curious Minds

Leading scientists discuss their work and the larger questions of humankind's existence.
The Science of Sleep: Good Sleep Healthy Life
S50 E3

Dr. Michael Smith, director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at John Hopkins University, examines the impact of sleep deprivation on physical and mental health.

The Science of Sleep: Preventing Insomnia
S50 E4

Dr. Michael Smith, director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at John Hopkins University, gives tips for overcoming insomnia and following the body's natural signals for sleep.

The Internet: The Dark Side of the Internet
S49 E12

Vint Cerf, one of the fathers of the Internet, explores its dark side.

Social Networking: Grooming Our Network
S41 E3

Lee Rainie, director of Internet science and technology research at the Pew Research Center, compares the ways chimps and humans build communities to how social networking surpassed traditional media to set the news agenda of the day.

Social Networking: The Internet of Things
S41 E5

Envisioning a future where machine communication influences every aspect of people's lives.

Psychology: The Roots of Friendship
S36 E1

Fathali Moghaddam, professor of psychology at Georgetown University, examines the behaviors that unite and divide friends and couples.

Psychology: When Women Lead
S36 E3

Fathali Moghaddam, professor of psychology at Georgetown University, sees the rise of women leaders as the key to building peaceful societies.

Psychology: Future Dictators
S36 E4

The psychology of people with dictatorial personalities.

Happiness: Can Money Buy Happiness?
S25 E3

Evolutionary psychologist Nancy Etcoff examines whether money can buy happiness.

Happiness: Can Science Make Us Happier?
S25 E4

Evolutionary psychologist Nancy Etcoff explores whether science will be able to make people happier.

David McCullough: Birth of a Storyteller
S14 E1

Pulitzer prize-winning historian David McCullough describes how a love of childhood books, a fascination with the paintings of N.C. Wyeth, and a lively Scots-Irish family inspired his storytelling gifts.

David McCullough: The Men Who Made America
S14 E2

David McCullough points out how there were no guarantees that the American Revolution would succeed.

Creativity: Can Science and Art Be Combined?
S13 E1

Bran Ferren, design and technology innovator, proposes melding science and art as a natural option to lead a wholesome life.

Brain Health: Are Teenagers Better at Multitasking?
S10 E2

Frances Jensen, neurologist and author of "The Teenage Brain," investigates whether adolescents are better at multitasking than adults.

Brain Health: Why Do Teenagers Sleep So Much?
S10 E3

Frances Jensen, neurologist and author of "The Teenage Brain," uncovers the truth about bizarre sleep patterns and fatigue in adolescents.

Brain Health: What Makes the Teenage Brain So Dangerous?
S10 E5

Frances Jensen, neurologist and author of "The Teenage Brain," offers a revolutionary explanation for risky behavior in adolescents.

Brain Health: Can a Blow to the Head Cause Alzheimer's?
S10 E7

Dr. Rudy Tanzi, neurologist and co-discoverer of the Alzheimer's gene, shares how traumatic brain injuries could lead to Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Brain Health: Can Alzheimer's Be Prevented?
S10 E8

Dr. Rudy Tanzi, neurologist and co-discoverer of the Alzheimer's gene, shows how to reduce the risks of contracting Alzheimer's disease.

Brain Health: How Many People in the U.S. Have Alzheimer's?
S10 E13

Dr. Rudy Tanzi, neurologist and co-discoverer of the Alzheimer's gene, relates the extent of the population affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Brain Health: Is Epilepsy More Common Than We Think?
S10 E19

Frances Jensen, neurologist and author of "The Teenage Brain," explains why everyone should be prepared for the possible onset of epilepsy at some point in life.

Astronomy: Robotic or Manned Missions?
S9 E13

Lowell Observatory astronomer Nick Moskovitz expounds on the importance of manned space missions.

Climate Change: Catastrophic Consequences - Katrina and Sandy
S1 E9

Severe weather expert Jeff Halverson reveals the root cause of high death tolls and devastation from hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.