NOVA

Science and Nature Series / 24 Seasons

NOVA brings you stories from the frontlines of science and engineering, answering the big questions of today and tomorrow, from how our ancestors lived, to whether parallel universes exist, to how technology will transform our lives. Visit the official website to watch full-length documentaries, or explore our world through short-form video, on our digital publication NOVA Next.

Watch Latest: S52 E5

53m 40s

Ship That Changed the World Preview

29s

The Age of Exploration and Europe’s imperial colonization of far-off lands was launched by a revolution in ship design that made long-distance voyages practical. A newly discovered 500-year-old wreck offers vital clues to this momentous innovation.

Sciencing Out: How Trust in Medicine and Science is Built

14m 11s

In the second episode of Sciencing Out, host Reyhaneh Maktoufi introduces us to two women: 18th-century Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and modern-day wildlife conservationist Paula Kahumbu. By dedicating time to build public trust, both Lady Mary and Paula made major positive changes in their communities.

You Could Take a Flying Car to Work Someday

5m 23s

As electric vehicle technology takes off—literally—how will the logistics of air traffic work? Watch how NASA researchers are writing the rules that will make air travel via electric vehicles safe.

Great Electric Airplane Race Preview

29s

Can new emission-free electric planes replace our polluting airliners and revolutionize personal transportation in our cities? NOVA takes a ride in some quiet, energy-efficient, prototypes that are vying for success as electric flight takes off.

Sciencing Out: Making Science Accessible and Engaging

9m 25s

In the premiere episode of “Sciencing Out,” host Reyhaneh Maktoufi introduces you to Hypatia of Alexandria, a mathematician from 1,650 years ago, and modern-day ecologist Dr. Nalini Nadkarni.

Newly Analyzed Footage Helps Solve Hindenburg Mystery

6m 45s

Newly analyzed amateur footage of the crash shows the airship’s final seconds from a fresh angle—allowing historians for the first time to see the airship from nose to tail just after the fire breaks out.

To Start a Family, This Woman Turned to Egg Freezing

7m 34s

At 39, Brigitte Adams became an early adopter of egg vitrification, a technology that can dramatically improve the preservation of a woman's eggs and, potentially, her future fertility. Here’s her story.

Fighting for Fertility Preview

28s

What causes infertility, and how can assisted reproductive technologies help? Follow the journeys of people navigating fertility challenges from structural inequalities and racism to falling sperm counts, egg freezing, and IVF.

The Coronavirus Pandemic's Toll on Mental Health

6m 6s

The precautions we’ve taken to quell the coronavirus pandemic—sheltering in place, social distancing, not spending much time with people outside our own households—have exacerbated America’s mental health crisis.

Are You Feeding a Powerful Facial Recognition Algorithm?

6m 55s

Facial recognition technology has great potential to help law enforcement identify suspects. But collecting and storing data from online photos has raised concern among critics.

GameStop, Reddit, and the Rise of Risky Trades

8m 35s

As many as one in four Americans have invested in speculative "meme" stocks in 2021, many using new mobile apps like Robinhood. How risky is it for small investors entering a volatile market?

Scientists Breed a New Generation of "Super Corals"

4m 45s

Some corals, called "super corals," are more resistant to temperature changes and bleaching. Discover how scientist Ruth Gates began a "super coral" breeding program to create more resilient reefs.

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