For generations, we have believed that man is driven by ruthless self-interest. But over the past decade, this idea has been increasingly challenged. New research from fields as diverse as political science, psychology, sociology and experimental economics is forcing us to rethink human actions and motivation.
For generations, we have believed that man is driven by ruthless self-interest. But over the past decade, this idea has been increasingly challenged. New research from fields as diverse as political science, psychology, sociology and experimental economics is forcing us to rethink human actions and motivation.
For generations, we have believed that man is driven by ruthless self-interest. But over the past decade, this idea has been increasingly challenged. New research from fields as diverse as political science, psychology, sociology and experimental economics is forcing us to rethink human actions and motivation.
For generations, we have believed that man is driven by ruthless self-interest. But over the past decade, this idea has been increasingly challenged. New research from fields as diverse as political science, psychology, sociology and experimental economics is forcing us to rethink human actions and motivation.
In this outstanding investigation, journalist Murad Batal Shishani uncovers the clandestine international network of Russian assassins dispatched by the Kremlin to liquidate Russia's enemies abroad. Turkey has become a haven for Caucasian and Central Asian Islamist fighters fleeing threats at home. The killings highlight the intrusion of criminal elements into Russian security services, as well as how Istanbul is becoming a secret international battleground.
In this outstanding investigation, journalist Murad Batal Shishani uncovers the clandestine international network of Russian assassins dispatched by the Kremlin to liquidate Russia's enemies abroad. Turkey has become a haven for Caucasian and Central Asian Islamist fighters fleeing threats at home. The killings highlight the intrusion of criminal elements into Russian security services, as well as how Istanbul is becoming a secret international battleground.
Pipelines, Power and Democracy is a striking documentary that follows the mobilization of ordinary people to thwart the ambitions of oil companies and halt, even if only temporarily, the advance of pipelines across Quebec. In the process, the film offers a sharp reminder that power can be accessible to all.
Pipelines, Power and Democracy is a striking documentary that follows the mobilization of ordinary people to thwart the ambitions of oil companies and halt, even if only temporarily, the advance of pipelines across Quebec. In the process, the film offers a sharp reminder that power can be accessible to all.
Mobilizing working-class transgender hairdressers and beauty queens, the dynamic leaders of the world's only LGBT political party wage a historic quest to elect a trans woman to the Philippine Congress.
Mobilizing working-class transgender hairdressers and beauty queens, the dynamic leaders of the world's only LGBT political party wage a historic quest to elect a trans woman to the Philippine Congress.
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data: A digital revolution in waiting? Already plays a major role in the developed world; from transport logistics to healthcare and national security. But we're only just scratching the surface. From Ireland's 'smart cities' in Europe's Silicon Valley to China's dystopian Social Credit system, Dataland shows us the breadth of latent potential being unleashed by the world's top data scientists.
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data: A digital revolution in waiting? Already plays a major role in the developed world; from transport logistics to healthcare and national security. But we're only just scratching the surface. From Ireland's 'smart cities' in Europe's Silicon Valley to China's dystopian Social Credit system, Dataland shows us the breadth of latent potential being unleashed by the world's top data scientists.
Everyone ages — but there is a new vanguard in scientific research that is challenging everything that we think we know about this. These researchers are suggesting that it may not be set in stone, but something that can be modified or altered by simple changes in our own lives. In this brand new approach, researchers are tackling the biological process of aging itself and are transforming how we all view longevity, disease and the human lifespan forever.
For anyone who has experienced a debilitating migraine headache, this condition is no mystery. But for the rest of the world, it’s one of the least funded, least understood, and most confounding chronic conditions. The Migraine Solution unravels the mystery and debunks the myths, looking toward a world without migraines.
For anyone who has experienced a debilitating migraine headache, this condition is no mystery. But for the rest of the world, it’s one of the least funded, least understood, and most confounding chronic conditions. The Migraine Solution unravels the mystery and debunks the myths, looking toward a world without migraines.
The quest for safe refuge led them across borders and oceans. They lost everything! - Everything but their intellect, their ideas and their desire to dismantle totalitarianism in Europe.
The quest for safe refuge led them across borders and oceans. They lost everything! - Everything but their intellect, their ideas and their desire to dismantle totalitarianism in Europe.
First developed in the 1950s by NASA for space exploration, solar energy was never really considered as a reliable source of energy for widespread use because of its high cost and limited output. But today, thanks to major cost reductions, advance in technology, and rise in oil prices, solar power has become a serious energy option for the future. But how can we apply it to our modern world in the most sensible way?
First developed in the 1950s by NASA for space exploration, solar energy was never really considered as a reliable source of energy for widespread use because of its high cost and limited output. But today, thanks to major cost reductions, advance in technology, and rise in oil prices, solar power has become a serious energy option for the future. But how can we apply it to our modern world in the most sensible way?
Body Language Decoded features interviews with some of the world's leading experts in human communication. From San Francisco, Dr. David Matsumoto explains the hard-wired interconnectedness between our thoughts and emotions, our nervous systems, and our bodies.
An immersion in the world of unresolved secrets, the world of mysterious phenomena and circumstances with countless attempts to remove the veil of mystery. People without Identities, Mysterious Works of Art, Nature’s Magic, unsolved disappearances, medical mysteries – these subjects and more are uncovered in this great countdown series.
There is a revolution underway in neuroscience – and it’s centered around the incredible concept of brain plasticity, or the ability for the brain to change itself. The latest secret of the brain is that you can direct that change to improve your life. Dr. Michael Merzenich, renowned researcher and grandfather of neuroplasticity, expands on how the brain works, how it can change throughout your life and how you can use this information to target and improve your focus.
There is a revolution underway in neuroscience – and it’s centered around the incredible concept of brain plasticity, or the ability for the brain to change itself. The latest secret of the brain is that you can direct that change to improve your life. Dr. Michael Merzenich, renowned researcher and grandfather of neuroplasticity, expands on how the brain works, how it can change throughout your life and how you can use this information to target and improve your focus.
An Invisible Threat looks at the relationship between microwave technology and health, investigating the conflicts of interest among industry representatives, politicians, scientists and consumers that leave us unprotected to the effects of radiation.
A new documentary exploring Fetal Stem Cell injections for a variety of neurological and immunological ailments.
A new documentary exploring Fetal Stem Cell injections for a variety of neurological and immunological ailments.
A new documentary exploring Fetal Stem Cell injections for a variety of neurological and immunological ailments.
An immersion in the world of unresolved secrets, the world of mysterious phenomena and circumstances with countless attempts to remove the veil of mystery. People without Identities, Mysterious Works of Art, Nature’s Magic, unsolved disappearances, medical mysteries – these subjects and more are uncovered in this great countdown series.
Ibrahim succeeds in assassinating the prime minister who cooperates with colonialism, he escapes after being arrested and takes refuge in the house of his university colleague, Mohi, who has no political activity, and the family reluctantly accepts having him.
The extreme right has won the European elections in France, Italy and Belgium and has gained about a quarter of MEPs in the new parliament. The xenophobia, patriarchy or authoritarianism that they preach are also present in the programs of parties that are not even considered ultra-right. Issues that were thought to be overcome, such as gender violence, the use of firearms or the death penalty, are being reintroduced into the debate.
The extreme right has won the European elections in France, Italy and Belgium and has gained about a quarter of MEPs in the new parliament. The xenophobia, patriarchy or authoritarianism that they preach are also present in the programs of parties that are not even considered ultra-right. Issues that were thought to be overcome, such as gender violence, the use of firearms or the death penalty, are being reintroduced into the debate.
The extreme right has won the European elections in France, Italy and Belgium and has gained about a quarter of MEPs in the new parliament. The xenophobia, patriarchy or authoritarianism that they preach are also present in the programs of parties that are not even considered ultra-right. Issues that were thought to be overcome, such as gender violence, the use of firearms or the death penalty, are being reintroduced into the debate.
For humans, sustainability is the potential for long-term maintenance of wellbeing, which has environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Sustainability economics involves ecological economics where social, cultural, and financial aspects are integrated. In this episode we look at how business and industry are tackling the problem to lower carbon, the increasing value of bio-fuels, innovative methods and practices in India and Chile and the role solar energy is playing in China.
For humans, sustainability is the potential for long-term maintenance of wellbeing, which has environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Sustainability economics involves ecological economics where social, cultural, and financial aspects are integrated. In this episode we look at how business and industry are tackling the problem to lower carbon, the increasing value of bio-fuels, innovative methods and practices in India and Chile and the role solar energy is playing in China.
Its origin shrouded in mystery, operating according to its own laws, described with the precision of mathematics, there is nothing as impressive as the cosmos. Life on earth is supported by forces finely tuned to an astonishing degree. So is it all luck? Or does the evidence suggest something more behind our ordered universe? In this episode atheism and theism are on a collision course. Where does the truth lie?
The scientific community is convinced that within the next decades, we will finally unveil one of the greatest mysteries of the universe, and find life beyond Earth. We can’t know yet if the discovery of life will happen in our solar system or in another remote place in the universe, but it’s clear that the next generation will witness a finding that could challenge our whole understanding of the universe. These two documentaries form a stunning mini-series, or operate as stand alone programmes.
Over the course of years, we follow the dramatic life of Gober, the orang-utan mother. This is a scarcely believable but true story from Sumatra, the large Indonesian island. Gober is first noticed by conservationists when she struggles to meet her daily nutritional needs. It soon becomes clear that she is suffering from creeping sight loss, and her daughter will still be dependent on her for years to come.
Love can change our lives - in the truest sense of the word. Recent scientific studies prove that love is more than just an emotion. It is a drive that transforms our brain and our body profoundly. This film shows the fascinating science behind what love is, what it does to us - and whether it is good for us at all.
Love can change our lives - in the truest sense of the word. Recent scientific studies prove that love is more than just an emotion. It is a drive that transforms our brain and our body profoundly. This film shows the fascinating science behind what love is, what it does to us - and whether it is good for us at all.
Love can change our lives - in the truest sense of the word. Recent scientific studies prove that love is more than just an emotion. It is a drive that transforms our brain and our body profoundly. This film shows the fascinating science behind what love is, what it does to us - and whether it is good for us at all.
The modern biographical story of Stanislaw Burzynski, MD, PhD who discovered an innovative patent-protected cancer therapy currently enrolled in FDA clinical trials. This story sheds light on the current regulatory and industry roadblocks preventing these life-saving medications from reaching the market as of 2016.
The modern biographical story of Stanislaw Burzynski, MD, PhD who discovered an innovative patent-protected cancer therapy currently enrolled in FDA clinical trials. This story sheds light on the current regulatory and industry roadblocks preventing these life-saving medications from reaching the market as of 2016.
More than half of North Americans are fascinated by genealogy. Some gain a sense of identity by uncovering their ancestors, their culture, and their country of origin. Others find it disorienting when they discover that their history differs from what they have always believed. But there is another side to the rise in genealogy that goes beyond human interest. It is arguably the largest historical enterprise in the world, driven by big religion, big business and big technology.
The Secret Life of Materials takes us on a journey to meet the pioneers of material science and reveal their extraordinary discoveries that are transforming the world around us.
Its origin shrouded in mystery, operating according to its own laws, described with the precision of mathematics, there is nothing as impressive as the cosmos. Life on earth is supported by forces finely tuned to an astonishing degree. So is it all luck? Or does the evidence suggest something more behind our ordered universe? In this episode atheism and theism are on a collision course. Where does the truth lie?
Over the course of years, we follow the dramatic life of Gober, the orang-utan mother. This is a scarcely believable but true story from Sumatra, the large Indonesian island. Gober is first noticed by conservationists when she struggles to meet her daily nutritional needs. It soon becomes clear that she is suffering from creeping sight loss, and her daughter will still be dependent on her for years to come.
Hunting for Hedonia explores how the burgeoning technology of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) will impact human identity and our sense of self. DBS is a revolutionary tool in neuroscience and as a treatment it is crossing over from movement control in Parkinson's to alleviating mental illness.
Hunting for Hedonia explores how the burgeoning technology of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) will impact human identity and our sense of self. DBS is a revolutionary tool in neuroscience and as a treatment it is crossing over from movement control in Parkinson's to alleviating mental illness.
Mankind has been searching for the elixir of life for centuries. This goal seems closer now than ever before, with the average age having more than doubled over the last hundred years. While developments in medicine are allowing us to live longer, scientific advances are revealing the mechanisms behind ageing.
Europe in crisis. A moment of glory for Europe’s social democracy parties? On the contrary: Social democrats suffer catastrophic election results and poll ratings. In a political road movie we follow six social democratic politicians in six countries in search for answers: Germany, France, Great Britain, Sweden, Italy and Slovakia. Despite all national differences, they all face questions of greater importance than national issues – questions important for the future of social democracy itself.
Nature’s Keepers features stunning high definition shots of 40+ distinct environments – coral reefs, tropical forests, marshlands, savannah, mangroves and more. Exploring our planet’s greatest natural treasures, it clearly demonstrates the very real threats to precious places and endangered. Encouragingly it also outlines amazingly high tech preservation schemes and profiles the passionate ‘guardians’ committed to preserving them.
National space agencies, scientists and private businesses are competing to find pioneering ways to be part of the adventure to Mars, and are investing colossal sums of money to achieve their goal. Competition is fierce and sometimes cut-throat. They all have their sights set on finding the solutions to the problems raised by what is billed as the greatest expedition of all time. This documentary film presents the most influential scientists, engineers and adventurers in space exploration today.
Underwater on the Reef. We follow researchers as they study coral growth on the reef and follow the release of turtle hatchlings.
Think insects are a pest? Think again. This visually stunning science documentary shows how these tiny geniuses can help us solve some of science’s biggest problems – from producing biofuel to killing drug-resistant bacteria and curing cancer. Insects are the most diverse group of animals on the planet, making up more than 90% of the animals on Earth. They can be found on all continents, in all climates. Nature has equipped them with an amazing range of tricks.
Think insects are a pest? Think again. This visually stunning science documentary shows how these tiny geniuses can help us solve some of science’s biggest problems – from producing biofuel to killing drug-resistant bacteria and curing cancer. Insects are the most diverse group of animals on the planet, making up more than 90% of the animals on Earth. They can be found on all continents, in all climates. Nature has equipped them with an amazing range of tricks.
Oxycontin. Codeine. Fentanyl. All prescription drugs to which countless patients have become addicted. As America battles an opioid crisis that sees 170 citizens die everyday, lawyers and prosecutors are trying to bring an end to Big Pharma’s impunity. How did it happen? Midwest City, Oklahoma. Family doctor, Regan Nichols, is on trial charged with five murders for over-prescribing opioids.
Oxycontin. Codeine. Fentanyl. All prescription drugs to which countless patients have become addicted. As America battles an opioid crisis that sees 170 citizens die everyday, lawyers and prosecutors are trying to bring an end to Big Pharma’s impunity. How did it happen? Midwest City, Oklahoma. Family doctor, Regan Nichols, is on trial charged with five murders for over-prescribing opioids.
Underwater on the Reef. We follow researchers as they study coral growth on the reef and follow the release of turtle hatchlings.
Nature’s Keepers features stunning high definition shots of 40+ distinct environments – coral reefs, tropical forests, marshlands, savannah, mangroves and more. Exploring our planet’s greatest natural treasures, it clearly demonstrates the very real threats to precious places and endangered. Encouragingly it also outlines amazingly high tech preservation schemes and profiles the passionate ‘guardians’ committed to preserving them.
National space agencies, scientists and private businesses are competing to find pioneering ways to be part of the adventure to Mars, and are investing colossal sums of money to achieve their goal. Competition is fierce and sometimes cut-throat. They all have their sights set on finding the solutions to the problems raised by what is billed as the greatest expedition of all time. This documentary film presents the most influential scientists, engineers and adventurers in space exploration today.
Human civilizations throughout history have always lived in fear and admiration of the wild bear. Now, scientists are on the verge of discovering the biological and physiological secrets of these elusive creatures to help solve human health problems associated with kidneys, neurological disorders, osteoporosis and obesity. We will meet scientists, visit laboratories and go out into the field to study these animals’ behavior, to discover how one day the bear might revolutionize our lives!
National space agencies, scientists and private businesses are competing to find pioneering ways to be part of the adventure to Mars, and are investing colossal sums of money to achieve their goal. Competition is fierce and sometimes cut-throat. They all have their sights set on finding the solutions to the problems raised by what is billed as the greatest expedition of all time. This documentary film presents the most influential scientists, engineers and adventurers in space exploration today.
The Dunedin Study has identified a fundamental developmental mechanism that completely rewrites the nature versus nurture argument. It is a genetic switch which is thrown by life events – nature loads the gun but nurture pulls the trigger. This episode tracks the hunt for the mechanism using three specific examples - violence in men, depression, & cannabis induced schizophrenia.
These child prodigies of the animal kingdom have feathers and beaks – and very special skills! The Keas of New Zealand like testing their brains and challenging tourists: they unscrew bottle-tops and tear open rucksacks. In New Caledonia crows are able to produce a whole set of tools, each designed for a particular purpose – the most intricate tool culture in the animal kingdom! These high flyers compete against each other: Keas vs Crows - the ultimate avian I.Q. test, with surprising results.
It could have been a bloodbath of historic proportions. But instead, one man made the end of apartheid possible. In February 1990, President F.W. de Klerk lifted the ban on the African National Congress and ordered the release of Nelson Mandela. As the world celebrated, Mandela would go on to become South Africa’s first democratically elected president - with de Klerk as his Vice President. But de Klerk’s history is complicated.
After the Revolution in 1949, legislation regarding equality was passed, a huge step forward for China at the time. The economic reforms of recent decades have also improved women's lives. Yet China is still the only country in the world where more women than men commit suicide (WHO).
After the Revolution in 1949, legislation regarding equality was passed, a huge step forward for China at the time. The economic reforms of recent decades have also improved women's lives. Yet China is still the only country in the world where more women than men commit suicide (WHO).
A murder story, a love story and a thriller. In May 2009, Rodrigo Rosenberg, a wealthy, charismatic lawyer went cycling near his home in Guatemala City and was murdered. Nothing unusual there: Guatemala has a murder rate four times higher than Mexico's, worse in fact than Iraq's for civilians during the war. What was extraordinary is that Rosenberg knew, for certain, he was about to be killed.
This film explores the remarkable life and legacy of the late feminist author Ursula K. Le Guin. Best known for groundbreaking science fiction and fantasy works such as ’A Wizard of Earthsea’, ’The Left Hand of Darkness’, and ’The Dispossessed’, Le Guin defiantly held her ground on the margin of "respectable" literature until the sheer excellence of her work, at long last, forced the mainstream to embrace fantastic literature. Her fascinating story has never before been captured on film.
Everything that develops and changes in nature is folded: mountains, blossoms, the brain...Life is an unending series of folding and unfolding. Researchers in robotics, medicine, nanotechnologies, are embracing this "origami philosophy", trying to understand and duplicate nature's folding principles.
Oceans are rapidly becoming the world’s rubbish dump. Every km of ocean now contains an average of 74,000 pieces of plastic. A ‘plastic soup’ of waste, killing hundreds of thousands of animals every year and leaching chemicals slowly up the food chain. In Holland, scientists researching the decline of the fulmar bird found plastic in the stomachs of 95% of all samples; In Germany, chemicals leached from plastic have been found to affect the reproductive systems of animals...
This film explores the remarkable life and legacy of the late feminist author Ursula K. Le Guin. Best known for groundbreaking science fiction and fantasy works such as ’A Wizard of Earthsea’, ’The Left Hand of Darkness’, and ’The Dispossessed’, Le Guin defiantly held her ground on the margin of "respectable" literature until the sheer excellence of her work, at long last, forced the mainstream to embrace fantastic literature. Her fascinating story has never before been captured on film.
This film explores the remarkable life and legacy of the late feminist author Ursula K. Le Guin. Best known for groundbreaking science fiction and fantasy works such as ’A Wizard of Earthsea’, ’The Left Hand of Darkness’, and ’The Dispossessed’, Le Guin defiantly held her ground on the margin of "respectable" literature until the sheer excellence of her work, at long last, forced the mainstream to embrace fantastic literature. Her fascinating story has never before been captured on film.
Robotics is everywhere, and humans have already been working closely with robots, if not replaced by them. But today, robots are clearly key actors in the future conquest of the space. While some androids have already been sent into space, other finer prototypes will soon join or replace them.
Robotics is everywhere, and humans have already been working closely with robots, if not replaced by them. But today, robots are clearly key actors in the future conquest of the space. While some androids have already been sent into space, other finer prototypes will soon join or replace them.
Everything that develops and changes in nature is folded: mountains, blossoms, the brain...Life is an unending series of folding and unfolding. Researchers in robotics, medicine, nanotechnologies, are embracing this "origami philosophy", trying to understand and duplicate nature's folding principles.
Economic reforms have led to a divided China, which threatens not only individual survival, but even economic growth and the entire Chinese society. In this episode, we hear stories and interviews about the middle class, about poverty in rural areas and about the precarious existence of hundreds of millions of migrant workers on the fringes of the cities.
Economic reforms have led to a divided China, which threatens not only individual survival, but even economic growth and the entire Chinese society. In this episode, we hear stories and interviews about the middle class, about poverty in rural areas and about the precarious existence of hundreds of millions of migrant workers on the fringes of the cities.
How is China run, and how do the people get their say? Stories and interviews about China's ruling Communist Party, about being a representative of the people, about the potential political power of blogs, and about grassroots protests and mass incidents, which are only increasing in number.
How is China run, and how do the people get their say? Stories and interviews about China's ruling Communist Party, about being a representative of the people, about the potential political power of blogs, and about grassroots protests and mass incidents, which are only increasing in number.
In this episode, we look at literature and film in the cultural nation of China. Stories and interviews with authors who struggle with censorship and self-censorship, and about the thriving film industry, which seeks to top Hollywood.
In this episode, we look at literature and film in the cultural nation of China. Stories and interviews with authors who struggle with censorship and self-censorship, and about the thriving film industry, which seeks to top Hollywood.
Thanks to major achievements in science some aspects of procreation, which were considered as science fiction in the past, are now a possibility. A baby with 3 biological parents, In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer, genetic engineering, choice of the genre or the eyes colors... our dream baby is becoming a reality.
Thanks to major achievements in science some aspects of procreation, which were considered as science fiction in the past, are now a possibility. A baby with 3 biological parents, In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer, genetic engineering, choice of the genre or the eyes colors... our dream baby is becoming a reality.
7000 years ago, the men who populated the shores of the Atlantic erected thousands of stones on which they engraved signs, long remained mysterious. An international team of researchers led by the anthropologist and archaeologist Serge Cassen (CNRS) managed to decipher this original symbolic language.
