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Back to: NOVA
A to Z: The First Alphabet
September 23, 2020
Writing shaped our world and the rise of human knowledge, from the trading of goods to tales of ancient goddesses and kings. Follow the evolution of the written word, from 4,000-year-old carvings in an Egyptian turquoise mine to modern-day alphabets.
TV Schedule
Full Episodes
Touching the Asteroid
October 21, 2020
Spacecraft OSIRIS-REx attempts to grab a piece of an asteroid to bring it back to Earth.
Nature's Fear Factor
October 14, 2020
Can bringing predatorsand fearback into an ecosystem help restore its natural balance?
A to Z: How Writing Changed the World
September 30, 2020
The creation of printing, the first information technology, drove empires and revolutions....
Secret Mind of Slime
September 16, 2020
Meet slime molds: the brainless blobs that can learn, make decisions, and navigate mazes.
Human Nature
September 9, 2020
We can now edit the human genome with a tool called CRISPR. But how far should we go?
Eagle Power
May 20, 2020
Follow eagles from the nest to the skies to see what makes these predators so remarkable.
Decoding COVID-19
May 13, 2020
Scientists race to understand and defeat the coronavirus behind the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Truth About Fat
April 8, 2020
Could it be that body fat has more to do with biological processes than personal choices?
Cuba's Cancer Hope
April 1, 2020
Can Cuba's innovative lung cancer vaccines give new hope to patients across the world?
Cat Tales
February 19, 2020
Goddess, demon, house pet? What does science say about the human relationship with cats?
Dog Tales
February 12, 2020
Follow the epic journey of dog domestication and see what science says about dogs love.
Polar Extremes
February 5, 2020
Paleontologist Kirk Johnson explores the dynamic historyand futureof ice at the poles.
The Violence Paradox
November 20, 2019
Is violence actually declining? If so, why? And can we build a more peaceful future?
Dead Sea Scroll Detectives
November 6, 2019
New technologies unravel the Dead Sea Scrolls mysteries and uncover million-dollar fakes.
Rise of the Mammals
October 30, 2019
Amazing fossils reveal how mammals took over after an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs.
Look Who's Driving
October 23, 2019
As self-driving cars take to the streets, investigate how they work, and if they are safe....
Why Bridges Collapse
October 16, 2019
Can new engineering techniques help prevent deadly bridge collapses?
The Planets: Ice Worlds
August 14, 2019
Beyond icy worlds of Uranus and Neptune, Pluto dazzles with its mysterious ocean.
Clips and Previews
Can We Cool the Planet? Promo
October 28, 2020
Scientists look to geoengineering and other methods to cool the planet.
Nature's Fear Factor Preview
October 14, 2020
Can bringing predatorsand fearback into an ecosystem help restore its natural balance?
A to Z: How Writing Changed the World Promo
September 30, 2020
The creation of printing, the first information technology, drove empires and revolutions....
A to Z: The First Alphabet Preview
September 23, 2020
The birth of writing and the first alphabet were among the worlds most vital inventions.
Secret Mind of Slime Preview
September 16, 2020
Meet slime molds: the brainless blobs that can learn, make decisions, and navigate mazes.
Touching the Asteroid Promo
September 15, 2020
Spacecraft OSIRIS-REx attempts to grab a piece of an asteroid to bring it back to Earth.
Human Nature Preview
September 9, 2020
We can now edit the human genome with a tool called CRISPR. But how far should we go?
Decoding the Great Pyramid | Preview
August 10, 2020
New archeological evidence sheds light on the stunning engineering of the Great Pyramid of...
Making North America: Human | Preview
July 27, 2020
How has the land shaped our lives, from the arrival of the first Americans up until today?...
Making North America: Life | Preview
July 21, 2020
How did massive volcanic eruptions, inland seas, and land bridges pave the way for life?
Making North America Origins | Preview
July 13, 2020
Experience the colossal geologic forces that shaped our continent over 3 billion years.
Australia's First 4 Billion Years: Awakening | Preview
June 15, 2020
NOVA and host Dr. Richard Smith hurtle down the Road of Time to the very beginning of the Australia....
Eagle Power Preview
May 20, 2020
Follow eagles from the nest to the skies to see what makes these predators so remarkable.
Decoding COVID-19 | Preview
May 20, 2020
Scientists race to understand and defeat the coronavirus behind the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eagle Power | Preview
May 13, 2020
Follow eagles from the nest to the skies to see what makes these predators so remarkable.
The Truth About Fat | Prologue
April 8, 2020
Could it be that body fat has more to do with biological processes than personal choices?
Cuba's Cancer Hope | Preview
April 1, 2020
Can Cuba's innovative lung cancer vaccines give new hope to patients across the world?
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