Nova (2008)
Science documentaries.
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Episode 1 - Building the Great Cathedrals
Release Date: 19 Oct. 2010Carved from a hundred million pounds of stone, soaring effortlessly atop a spiderweb of masonry, Gothic cathedrals are marvels of human achievement and artistry. But how did medieval builders reach such spectacular heights? Consuming the labor of entire towns, sometimes taking a hundred years to build, these architectural marvels were crafted from just hand tools and stone. Many now teeter on the brink of catastrophic collapse. To save them, an international team of engineers, architects, art historians, and computer scientists searches the naves, bays, and ...
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Episode 2 - Emergency Mine Rescue
Release Date: 26 Oct. 2010Add a Plot
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Episode 3 - Trapped in an Elevator
Release Date: 2 Nov. 2010In TRAPPED IN AN ELEVATOR, NOVA reveals the secret life of these ubiquitous machines. Once brawny but simple machines, elevators are getting a brainy makeover.
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Episode 4 - Dogs Decoded
Release Date: 9 Nov. 2010Nova examines the special relationship that exists between human beings and dogs.
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Episode 5 - Secrets of Stonehenge
Release Date: 16 Nov. 2010A look at new attempts by archaeologists to understand Stonehenge by excavating in the area around the site. Included is an explanation of previous excavations at the site as well as how the site compares to other stone and timber circles around the British Isles. Also, experiments are conducted to show how various components may have been brought together.
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Episode 6 - Quest for Solomon's Mines
Release Date: 23 Nov. 2010This documentary, part of the Nova (1974) television series, focuses on two archaeological expeditions that may shed light on the origin and nature of King Solomon's fabled mines. There is little in the historical record and while there are several Biblical references to Solomon's wealth, the mines themselves are never mentioned. In the ancient Kingdom of the Edomites, in what is now Jordan, ancient copper mines and the remnants of massive smelting have been found. Copper was an expensive commodity at the time and was used initially as a metal for ornaments and jewelry. In ...
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Episode 7 - Secrets Beneath the Ice
Release Date: 28 Dec. 2010What happens when the ice melts and the sea levels rise? Scientists study Antarctica in an effort to understand possible climate change through geologists looking at ancient landscapes, paleobotany, drilling, and diving.
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Episode 8 - Deadliest Earthquakes
Release Date: 11 Jan. 2011Add a Plot
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Episode 9 - Making Stuff: Stronger
Release Date: 11 Jan. 2011David Pogue hosts this examination of what makes material strong. He looks at the underlying material science behind steel, Kevlar, glass, chalk, carbon nanotubes, and spiderwebs.
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Episode 10 - Making Stuff: Smaller
Release Date: 19 Jan. 2011David Pogue hosts this examination of miniaturization. He looks at what it takes to make things smaller focusing nanotechnology and micro-robots that one day may be used to save lives.
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Episode 11 - Making Stuff: Cleaner
Release Date: 2 Feb. 2011This program looks at cleaner ways to generate power principally in our cars and electrical power plants. It reviews alternatives for all the steps in the fuel generation, storage and distribution processes with a particular emphasis on how unwanted waste products can play a significant role.
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Episode 12 - Making Stuff: Smarter
Release Date: 12 Feb. 2011Making stuff smarter isn't about artificial intelligence. It's more about engineering materials at the microscopic level to behave in specific ways. Today is it possible to create materials with clever designs or micro structures that permit control of a material's ability to self-heal, stick and release, self-clean, prevent disease, alter their shape and other properties. This program explains where several of these materials came from, how they work and how they are put to practical use.
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Episode 13 - Smartest Machine on Earth
Release Date: 9 Feb. 2011Add a Plot
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Episode 14 - Crash of Flight 447
Release Date: 16 Feb. 2011Forensic investigators reconstruct the final moments of the Air France disaster.
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Episode 15 - Venom: Nature's Killer
Release Date: 23 Feb. 2011Nova and National Geographic follow researchers collecting venom from the world's most dangerous snakes, spiders, lizards and other creatures. The program explains why the researchers do it and what is known about how venom works and why some animals are especially dangerous.
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Episode 16 - Japan's Killer Quake
Release Date: 2011Add a Plot
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Episode 17 - Power Surge
Release Date: 20 Apr. 2011Add a Plot