NOVA Vodcast | PBS

SLoS | Student of Physics & Rock: Joe DeGeorge

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Meet Joe DeGeorge-a physics student by day and a rock star by night. He is one of the scientists that we are profiling on “The Secret Life of Scientists,” a web-exclusive series from NOVA. Every two weeks, you'll have a chance to meet a new scientist or engineer. Watch their videos. Ask them questions. Find out how their surprising secret lives fuel their science, and vice versa. “The Secret Life of Scientists” is produced for NOVA by Seftel Productions. Visit pbs.org/nova/secretlife. Exclusive funding for “The Secret Life of Scientists” provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

NSN | Hunt for Alien Earths

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Astronomers may be on the brink of finding Earth-like planets beyond our solar system. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

SLoS | Ethnobotanist & Dancer: Ina Vandebroek

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Meet Ina Vandebroek-an ethnobotanist by profession and a salsa dancer on the side. She is one of the scientists that we are profiling on "The Secret Life of Scientists," a web-exclusive series from NOVA. Every two weeks, you'll have a chance to meet a new scientist or engineer. Watch their videos. Ask them questions. Find out how their surprising secret lives fuel their science, and vice versa. "The Secret Life of Scientists" is produced for NOVA by Seftel Productions. Visit pbs.org/nova/secretlife. Exclusive funding for "The Secret Life of Scientists" provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

NSN | Profile: Maydianne Andrade

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0500

By peering into the sex lives of Australian redback spiders, this evolutionary biologist has shown the upside of cannibalism. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

SLoS | Guitar Hero and Clarinetist: Eran Egozy

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Meet Eran Egozy-a developer of Guitar Hero and Rock Band by profession and a clarinetist on the side. He is one of the scientists that we are profiling on "The Secret Life of Scientists," a web-exclusive series from NOVA. Every two weeks, you'll have a chance to meet a new scientist or engineer. Watch their videos. Ask them questions. Find out how their surprising secret lives fuel their science, and vice versa. "The Secret Life of Scientists" is produced for NOVA by Seftel Productions. Visit pbs.org/nova/secretlife. Exclusive funding for "The Secret Life of Scientists" provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

NSN | Autism Genes

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Researchers have begun to zero in on genes that might be responsible for autism. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

SLoS | Engineer and Daredevil: Nate Ball

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Meet Nate Ball-a mechanical engineer by profession and a daredevil on the side. He is one of the scientists that we are profiling on "The Secret Life of Scientists," a web-exclusive series from NOVA. Every two weeks, you'll have a chance to meet a new scientist or engineer. Watch their videos. Ask them questions. Find out how their surprising secret lives fuel their science, and vice versa. "The Secret Life of Scientists" is produced for NOVA by Seftel Productions. Visit pbs.org/nova/secretlife. Exclusive funding for "The Secret Life of Scientists" provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

NSN | Anthrax Investigation

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0500

The new science of microbial forensics reveals the source of the anthrax used in the deadly attacks of 2001. www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

SLoS | Researcher and Runner: Eva Vertes

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Meet Eva Vertes-a cancer researcher by profession and a runner on the side. She is one of the scientists we are profiling on "The Secret Life of Scientists," a web-exclusive series from NOVA. Every two weeks on our website, pbs.org/nova/secretlife, you'll have a chance to meet a new scientist or engineer. Watch their collection of short videos. Ask them questions. Find out how their surprising secret lives fuel their science, and vice versa. Visit pbs.org/nova/secretlife "The Secret Life of Scientists" is produced for NOVA by Seftel Productions. Visit pbs.org/nova/secretlife. Exclusive funding for "The Secret Life of Scientists" provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to enhance pubic understanding of science and technology and to portray the lives of men and women engaged in scientific and technological pursuit.

NSN | Profile: Luis von Ahn

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0500

A computer scientist finds novel ways to stop spammers and harness the brainpower of millions of people. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. pbs.org/nova/sciencenow This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NSN | Auto-tune

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Can't carry a tune? Andy Hildebrand's pitch-correction software can help you sing like a star. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. pbs.org/nova/sciencenow This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

SLoS | Nanoscientist and Photographer: Rich Robinson

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:00:00 -0500

Meet Rich Robinson-a nanoscientist by profession and a photographer on the side. He is one of the scientists we are profiling on "The Secret Life of Scientists," a web-exclusive series from NOVA. Every two weeks on our website, pbs.org/nova/secretlife, you'll have a chance to meet a new scientist or engineer. Watch their collection of short videos. Ask them questions. Find out how their surprising secret lives fuel their science, and vice versa. Visit pbs.org/nova/secretlife "The Secret Life of Scientists" is produced for NOVA by Seftel Productions. Visit pbs.org/nova/secretlife. Exclusive funding for "The Secret Life of Scientists" provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to enhance pubic understanding of science and technology and to portray the lives of men and women engaged in scientific and technological pursuit.

SLoS | "Leech Man" Mark Siddall

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Meet Mark Siddall-a leech expert by profession and a culinary adventurer on the side. He is one of the scientists that we are profiling on "The Secret Life of Scientists," a web-exclusive series from NOVA. Every two weeks on our website, pbs.org/nova/secretlife, you'll have a chance to meet a new scientist or engineer. Watch their collection of short videos. Ask them questions. Find out how their surprising secret lives fuel their science, and vice versa. Visit pbs.org/nova/secretlife "The Secret Life of Scientists" is produced for NOVA by Seftel Productions. Visit pbs.org/nova/secretlife. Exclusive funding for "The Secret Life of Scientists" provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to enhance pubic understanding of science and technology and to portray the lives of men and women engaged in scientific and technological pursuit.

NSN Short | What if? Falling into a Black Hole

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Neil deGrasse Tyson falls into a black hole. Ever wonder "What if? Send us your outlandish scenarios and other ideas. Go to pbs.org/sciencenow/cosmic and search for "What if?" NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Video produced and edited by Vincent Liota. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NSN Short | A Memorable Snail

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0500

In this short video, UCLA's David Glanzman shows what a spineless sea snail can teach us about our brains. Go to pbs.org/sciencenow for more science stories. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Video podcast produced and edited by Melissa Salpietra; Original footage produced for NOVA by Sarah Holt. Image and Stock Footage Credits: (brain outline) © istockphoto.com/Julie Felton; (head and gears) © istockphoto.com/John Woodcock; (velvet rope) © istockphoto.com/Atomic Cupcake; (Aplysia) © Timothy Kang, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; (David Glanzman) © UCLA Newsroom; (Aplysia neurons) © Eric Kandel, Columbia University; (neuron video) © istockphoto.com/WaterFly; (human brain) © istockphoto.com/Max Delson. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NSN Short | What if? The World Without Us

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Author Alan Weisman ponders the world without humans. Ever wonder "What if? Send us your outlandish scenarios and other ideas. Go to pbs.org/sciencenow/cosmic and search for "What if?" NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Video podcast produced and edited by Vincent Liota. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NSN Short | Ask the Astrophysicist: Meteors

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Neil deGrasse Tyson holds office hours in central park. Send us your science questions. Go to pbs.org/sciencenow/cosmic NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NSN Short | Ask the Astrophysicist: See the Beginning of Time

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0500

NSN Short | Ask the Astrophysicist: Antimatter Engines

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0500

NSN Short | Martian Salt

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0500

If cellulose survived 250 million years on Earth, could it survive in salt deposits on Mars? NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NSN Short | Blocking Bitter Taste

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0500

In this video, Neil deGrasse Tyson meets a genetically modified mouse that can't sense bitter. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NSN Short | Going Lunar for Less

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0500

See how a mission to search for water on the moon is exploring a big question on a small budget. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NSN Short | Aiding Aging Muscles

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0500

See how "exercise in a pill" could one day help the elderly and the bedridden. For more visit pbs.org/sciencenow NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NSN | Diamond Factory

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Visit a laboratory where entrepreneurs are growing perfectly pure diamonds. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NOVA Short | Inside Oliver Sacks's Brain

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0500

See an expanded version of the film's sequence on Oliver Sacks's brain as it reacts to different pieces of music. For more watch NOVA's Music Minds airing June 30 on PBS. www.pbs.org/nova/musicminds "Musical Minds" produced for NOVA by Ryan Murdock. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers.

NSN Short | Detecting Life

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Once we find a planet that has Earth-like potential, how can we tell if there is life on it? Harvard astrophysicist Lisa Kaltenegger explains how scientists might sniff out life by looking at the planet's atmosphere. Learn more at pbs.org/nova/sciencenow Video podcast produced and edited by Melissa Salpietra. Original footage produced by Julia Cort. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NSN | Profile: Arlie Petters

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0500

A boy from a rural village in Belize grows up to become a world-class mathematician and cosmologist. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NSN | Epigenetics

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Our lifestyles and environment can change the way our genes are expressed, leading even identical twins to become distinct as they age. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NSN | Profile: Julie Schablitsky

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Meet an archeologist who is helping to rewrite the history of the Old West. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NSN | Emergence

Fri, 22 May 2009 12:00:00 -0500

How does the "intelligence" of an ant colony or the stock market arise out of the simple actions of its members? NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NSN | T. Rex Blood?

Fri, 15 May 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Preserved soft tissue, including possible blood vessels and red blood cells, are turning up in dinosaur fossils. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NSN | Profile: Bonnie Bassler

Fri, 8 May 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Her insight into how bacteria "talk" has launched a revolution in biological and medical research. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

NSN | Island of Stability

Fri, 1 May 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Follow the decades-long quest to create the elusive element 114. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Doctors' Lives: Jane

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Do you have what it takes to be a doctor? Follow Jane Liebschutz's journey from medical student in 1987 to her life in 2008 as an M.D. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, Pacific Life, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/doctors

Comet Airburst Destruction

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0500

In this video clip, see why an explosion three miles above Earth would act like a white-hot tornado on the surface. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, Pacific Life, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/clovis

On Thin Ice in the Bering Sea: Part 4

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0500

In this series of video stories, "On Thin Ice in the Bering Sea," explore the past and future of the fast-changing Bering Sea region, its culture and people, and the new polar science that is emerging from an expedition on board the Coast Guard cutter Healy. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, Pacific Life, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. "On Thin Ice in the Bering Sea" is a production of Florentine Films/Hott Productions, Inc. in association with the Clark Science Center at Smith College. Produced by Lawrence R. Hott and Tom Litwin. For full credits, go to pbs.org/nova/extremeice/credits.html Copyright 2009 Florentine Films/Hott Productions, Inc. www.florentinefilms.org To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/extremeice

On Thin Ice in the Bering Sea: Part 3

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0500

On Thin Ice in the Bering Sea: Part 2

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:00:00 -0500

On Thin Ice in the Bering Sea: Part 1

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0500

Papyrus

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Scraps of writings from a garbage dump in ancient Egypt reveal what life was like 2,000 years ago. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

A Plague of Rats

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0500

In this excerpt from NOVA's "Rat Attack," see how an infestation of rats, triggered by flowering bamboo, threatens the Indian state of Mizoram. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/rats

Profile: Karl Iagnemma

Fri, 6 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0500

An innovative MIT roboticist is also an acclaimed fiction writer. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Secret Surveillance

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:00:00 -0500

In this excerpt from NOVA's "The Spy Factory," see how electronic information flows from Asia to the United States and how the National Security Agency is tapping into communications collected both from abroad and from within the U.S. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/spyfactory

Obesity

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:00:00 -0500

Examine the biology behind the compulsion to eat. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

A Magical Migration

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:00:00 -0500

In this excerpt from NOVA's "The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies," see just how astounding the monarch butterfly's sense of navigation is, and learn how monarchs are tracked across North America. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/butterflies

California's Energy Bet

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:00:00 -0500

In this excerpt from NOVA's "The Big Energy Gamble," California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a.k.a. "The Governator," touts the possibilities for a green-technology revolution. Also, see how a company called Nanosolar is printing out state-of-the-art solar panels and what's powering Google. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/energy

Aging

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:00:00 -0500

Will research into "longevity genes" help us live longer and healthier lives? NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Put a Lid on It

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:00:00 -0500

Bill Nye, TV's "Science Guy," conducts a pasta-making experiment that can save you money. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. Video podcast produced and edited by Melissa Salpietra. Original footage produced for NOVA by Larry Klein. Stock footage copyright istockphoto.com. Detailed credits available at pbs.org/nova/energy/credits.html. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/energy

Profile: Judah Folkman

Fri, 9 Jan 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Once scorned for his ideas about how cancer grows, the late Judah Folkman is now hailed as a visionary. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Mammoth Mystery

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:00:00 -0500

A pair of mammoth skeletons is found locked together by their tusks. What happened? NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Phoenix Mars Lander

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:00:00 -0500

NASA's latest robot has already found frozen water and is looking for more signs that the Red Planet could support life. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

The Weather on Mars

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0500

Is the weather on Mars anything like the weather on Earth? NOVA asked Vicky Hipkin from the Canadian Space Agency, who was part of the recent Phoenix Mission to explore conditions on the Red Planet. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. Video podcast produced and edited by Melissa Salpietra. Still images and footage courtesy NASA, JPL, Caltech, University of Arizona, Texas A and M University, Cornell University and istockphoto.com. Detailed credits available at pbs.org/nova/mars/credits.html. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/mars

The Strangest Form of Matter

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:00:00 -0500

MIT physicist Daniel Kleppner explains how matter changes as it is reduced in temperature and nears -273 degrees F, or Absolute Zero. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. "Absolute Zero" is a production of Windfall Films Ltd. and Meridian Productions for TPT/Twin Cities Public Television and WGBH/NOVA in association with the BBC. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/zero

Brain Trauma

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:00:00 -0500

Even so-called "mild" head injuries turn out to be anything but. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

War and Peace in Jamestown

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0500

At the present-day excavation site at Jamestown, archeologists are uncovering evidence of intriguing, harmonious relationships between the native Powhatan people and the English colonists. Other evidence, hidden in tree rings, hints at why hostilities between the two cultures mounted. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. Original footage produced by Lone Wolf Documentary Group. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/pocahontas

Stem Cells Breakthrough

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0500

Three separate teams overcome a biomedical hurdle-creating stem cells without the use of human embryos. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

The Search for ET

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0500

Astronomers have their radio telescopes tuned to receive signals from alien worlds. But is anybody out there? NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Leeches

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0500

A century after falling out of favor among doctors, medicinal leeches are back in hospitals, sucking away on patients' wounds. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Studying Elephant Seals

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:00:00 -0500

In this excerpt from NOVA's "Ocean Animal Rescue," join biologist Daniel Costa and his team in the field as they study the surprising behavior of northern elephant seals. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. "Ocean Animal Rescue" is a NOVA Production produced by Hamilton Land & Cattle, Inc. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/ocean911

Smart Bridges

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:00:00 -0500

Can we engineer bridges that tell us what's wrong with them before it's too late? NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Bird Brains

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0500

Clues to the origins of human language are turning up in the brains of birds. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Animating the Bible

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0500

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how filmmakers and visual-effects artists created a 3-D animation of the Hebrew Bible for NOVA's two-hour special, "The Bible's Buried Secrets." Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. Original footage produced for NOVA by Gary Glassman; video podcast produced by Melissa Salpietra and Susan K. Lewis and edited by Melissa Salpietra. "The Bible's Buried Secrets" is a Providence Pictures Production for NOVA in association with National Geographic Channel. Materials provided by Handcranked Productions (www.handcrankedproductions.com). Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for "The Bible's Buried Secrets" is provided by The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, and the Righteous Persons Foundation. Additional funding for this program is provided by the Skirball Foundation and by The Solow Art and Architecture Foundation. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/bible

Portraying the Writers

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0500

Find out how scenes for NOVA's upcoming two-hour special, "The Bible's Buried Secrets," were filmed. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. Original footage produced for NOVA by Gary Glassman; video podcast produced by Melissa Salpietra and Susan K. Lewis and edited by Melissa Salpietra. "The Bible's Buried Secrets" is a Providence Pictures Production for NOVA in association with the National Geographic Channel. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for "The Bible's Buried Secrets" is provided by The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, and the Righteous Persons Foundation. Additional funding for this program is provided by the Skirball Foundation and by The Solow Art and Architecture Foundation. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/bible

Did God Have a Wife?

Fri, 7 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0500

In this excerpt from NOVA's two-hour special, "The Bible's Buried Secrets," archeologist William Dever describes evidence that the ancient Israelite God, YHWH, had a female counterpart. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. "The Bible's Buried Secrets" is a Providence Pictures Production for NOVA in association with National Geographic Channel. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for "The Bible's Buried Secrets" is provided by The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, and the Righteous Persons Foundation. Additional funding for this program is provided by the Skirball Foundation and by The Solow Art and Architecture Foundation. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/bible

Recreating the Temple

Fri, 7 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0500

Gary Glassman, producer and director of NOVA's two-hour special, "The Bible's Buried Secrets," and associate producer Tristan Barako take you behind the scenes on a tour of Solomon's Temple. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. Original footage produced for NOVA by Gary Glassman; video podcast produced by Melissa Salpietra and Susan K. Lewis and edited by Melissa Salpietra. "The Bible's Buried Secrets" is a Providence Pictures Production for NOVA in association with National Geographic Channel. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Major funding for "The Bible's Buried Secrets" is provided by The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, and the Righteous Persons Foundation. Additional funding for this program is provided by the Skirball Foundation and by The Solow Art and Architecture Foundation. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/bible

Killer Microbe

Fri, 7 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0500

A relatively benign bug becomes a highly lethal pathogen, known to U.S. soldiers as Iraqibacter. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Profile: Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0500

He jumped the fence from Mexico to work as a farmhand and ended up a leading brain surgeon. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Nature's Hidden Geometry

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0500

In this excerpt from NOVA's "Hunting the Hidden Dimension," get a glimpse of the birth of a new branch of mathematics that explains geometric patterns found throughout nature. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/fractals

First Primates

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0500

Our most distant primate ancestors, which took the stage shortly after the dinosaurs left it, were tree-dwellers the size of mice. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Saving Hubble

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0500

Two teams of spacewalkers take on the risky mission of reviving the ailing Space Telescope. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

No Simple Mission

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0500

In this excerpt from NOVA's "Space Shuttle Disaster," get a glimpse of the factors that led to one of the worst accidents in the history of America's space program. Watch NOVA every Tuesday night on PBS. Or join us online at pbs.org/nova. Funding for NOVA is provided by ExxonMobil, David H. Koch, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. To learn more, visit http://www.pbs.org/nova/columbia

Capturing Carbon

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0500

An eighth-grader's science fair project prompts her scientist father to develop a new way to pull excess carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Space Storms

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0500

Behind the dazzling display of the aurora borealis are space storms that could turn the lights off here on Earth. NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Profile: Pardis Sabeti

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0500

By night she's a rocker. By day, she's a Harvard geneticist tracking the evolution of the human genome. Watch past episodes of the program, try out interactives, and more on our Web site: www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Dark Matter

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:00:00 -0500

Learn more about dark matter, and how science is searching for it. Watch past episodes of the program, try out interactives, and more on our Web site: www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Personal DNA Testing

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:00:00 -0500

Genetic testing to assess risk factors for a handful of serious illnesses is now commercially available. But is it a good idea? Watch past episodes of the program, try out interactives, and more on our Web site: www.pbs.org/nova/sciencenow NOVA is produced by WGBH in Boston. Funding for NOVA scienceNOW is provided by Pfizer, the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0407101. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.