Bacteria,
Archaebacteria, and the Prokaryotic Domains
“Establishes the importance of
bacteria by giving examples of their symbiotic relationships with both plants
and animals. This program then looks in detail at both bacteria and
archaebacteria and some of the unique habitats in which they live. The program
concludes by examining some bacteria that act as human pathogens and others
that are beneficial to humans.” –Container.
Deadliest Tornadoes
Looks
at the scientists striving to understand the forces at work behind last year's
tornado outbreak. Could their work improve tornado prediction in the future?
Nova also talks to people whose lives have been upended by these extreme
weather events in an effort to learn how we all can protect ourselves and our
communities for the future. –Summary.
The Endocrine System:
Molecular Messengers, Chemical Control
"First
looks at the chemical structure of various hormones, the hormone receptors
found on target cells, and the feedback mechanisms that regulate hormone
levels. After explaining the difference between exocrine and endocrine glands
the program then looks at the various endocrine glands and organs including:
the hypothalamus; the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands; the
pancreas, testes and ovaries; and organs such as the thymus, kidneys, stomach,
small intestine and heart that produce hormones". –Container.
Force of Nature
“David Suzuki, iconic Canadian
scientist, educator, broadcaster, and activist, delivers a lecture on the eve
of his 75th birthday, which he describes as a distillation of his life and
thoughts, his legacy, what he wants to say before he dies. Filmed before a live
audience, in front of a memory box of moving, distilled images, he articulates
a core, urgent message: the limits of the biosphere have been exhausted and it
is imperative that humans rethink their relationship with the natural world.”
–Producer.
Global Warming:
What’s Up With The Weather?
This DVD examines the science and
politics of global warming and actions that may prevent a catastrophe.
–Summary.
Megastorm Aftermath:
Investigating Hurricane Sandy
Superstorm Sandy cut a path of
devastation across the Caribbean and the east coast of the United States,
killing hundreds and causing tens of billions of dollars in damage. One year
after Sandy's deadly strike, NOVA investigates the critical question raised by
this historic storm. –Summary.
The Nervous System:
Neurons, Networks, and the Human Brain
"The nervous system: neurons,
networks, and the human brain begins by examining the structure and function of
neurons; resting, action and post-synaptic potentials; and reflexes and neural
networks. The peripheral, somatic, autonomic, sympathetic and parasympathetic
nervous systems are introduced before looking at the central nervous system.
After describing spinal cord structure and function the program then examines
the human brain including the medulla, pons, and cerebellum of the hindbrain;
the reticular formation of the midbrain; and the thalamus, limbic system and cerebral
cortex of the forebrain." –Container.
Thirteen Days
The
film is set during the two-week Cuban missile crisis in October of 1962, and it
centers on how President John F. Kennedy, Attorney General Robert Kennedy, and
others handled the explosive situation. –Summary.
We Were Children
"As young children, Lyna and Glen
were taken from their homes and placed in church-run boarding schools. The
trauma of this experience was made worse by years of untold physical, sexual
and emotional abuse, the effects of which persist in their adult lives. In this
emotional film, the profound impact of the Canadian government's residential
school system is conveyed unflinchingly through the eyes of two children who
were forced to face hardships beyond their years." –Producer.