Did a daring Chinese admiral sailing the world's largest wooden armada reach America 71 years before Columbus? This program examines the mystery surrounding the sailing exploits of the legendary Admiral Zheng He and his 30-year command of a Ming fleet. Part one discusses his known voyages to Asia and Africa; part two discusses the controversial theory that he rounded the Cape of Good Hope, and sailed on to America.

Follows author Bruce Feiler as he journeys by foot, jeep, rowboat, and camel through some of the greatest stories ever told, the five books of Moses. Begins in the holy city of Jerusalem and travels to a possible site of the garden of Eden on the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates in Turkey. Climbs Mt. Ararat in search of Noah's ark and explores the sulfurous land by the Dead Sea, with its salt pillars called "Lot's wife." Visits the ancient ruins...

Profiles soft-spoken Southerner E.O. Wilson, a naturalist renowned for his scientific study of ants that led to his 1975 book Sociobiology : the new synthesis, where he put forth the notion that evolutionary principles could explain social behavior throughout the animal kingdom, including in humans. Shows the evolution of sociobiology from a controversial new discipline to one supported by experimental science that has shown that genes do play a role...

Discusses what is known about the intelligence of our nearest relatives, the great apes, including chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, and gorillas. Looks at historical research that shows they can use simple tools and even be trained to communicate in sign language. Also investigates newer research that looks at planned use of weapons, math ability, creative problem solving, reasoning, cooperation, imitation, social emotions, and other aspects of intelligence....

Beginning in 1987, NOVA followed seven doctors from their first day at Harvard Medical School up until the present day. NOVA's cameras document their classes and clinical training, internships and residencies, and marriages and divorces, as these doctors attempt to balance time at work and at home. In this two-part program viewers receive an update on the people these doctors have become.

New research has shown that crows are among the most intelligent animals in the world, able to use tools as only elephants and chimpanzees do, able to recognize each other's voices and 250 distinct calls. Crow experts from around the world sing their praises, and present us with captivating new footage of crows as we have never seen them before.

Using humor, everyday examples and computer animation for the more abstract concepts, author and physicist Brian Greene explains complex theories of the universe and the focus of his research, string theory.

The moving story of a man who raises and bonds with a group of wild turkey hatchlings in Florida's flatwoods.

Examines where industrial America stands today in the areas of food supply, electricity, transportation, and manufacturing. Incorporates aerial footage of the United States.

Secrets of the Manor House looks beyond the fiction to the truth of how life was in these ancient British houses, and how mounting financial, political and social pressures were about to bring momentous changes to both the wealthy and their servants.