Leading scientists discuss their work and the larger questions of humankind's existence.
The Science of Sleep: Sleepless Society
S50 E1
Dr. Michael Smith, director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at John Hopkins University, explores the causes of sleep problems in today's hectic society.
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: Can the Internet Limit Decision Making
S49 E3
Nuala O'Connor, Internet and technology expert, warns of the impact targeted digital advertising can have on people's decisions.
Social Networking The Rise & Fall of the Web
S41 E4
Lee Rainie traces the origins of social media and how it is changing people's lives.
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 Anxious People Be Happy?
S25 E2
Evolutionary psychologist Nancy Etcoff explores the impact anxiety can have on 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: The Men Who Made America
S14 E2
David McCullough points out how there were no guarantees that the American Revolution would succeed.
David McCullough: The Writer's Life
S14 E4
David McCullough details how he loves the detective hunt of uncovering people from the past and how there is no better way to get to know someone than to read their mail.
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: Can We Really Cure Depression?
S10 E9
Evolutionary psychologist Nancy Etcoff explores whether there will ever be a true "cure" for depression.
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: Why Do So Many Tornadoes Strike the U.S.?
S1 E4
Severe weather expert Jeff Halverson explores why the USA is such a hotbed for tornadoes.