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20 Episodes 1976 - 1976
Episode 1
Sun, Jan 4, 1976 60 mins
How accurately earthquakes can be forecast. This report, first aired in 1976, centers on a California survey team that is seen constructing a series of seismic stations equipped with instruments to measure tremors. Also: geologists discuss the causes of earthquakes.
Episode 2
Sun, Jan 11, 1976 60 mins
This program dramatizes the life of Joseph Deacon, a brain-damaged Englishman who has spent most of his life in institutions. The drama describes through vignettes his painful childhood; his lifelong confinement to a wheelchair; and his fateful meeting with Ernie Roberts (also mentally handicapped), who alone is able to understand Joey.
Episode 3
Sun, Jan 18, 1976 60 mins
A clinical examination of Transcendental Meditation. This documentary, first aired in 1976, focuses mainly on scientific research being conducted to determine whether certain results of TM, such as relaxation of the mind, can be produced less expensively by other means. Also: how Maharishi Mahesh Yogi began the movement in the mid-'50s.
Episode 4
Sun, Jan 25, 1976 60 mins
Space probes to planets in the solar system are surveyed in this report. First telecast in 1976, the film looks at missions by the U.S. and the USSR to Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter and the moon; and examines the information gathered from these ventures.
Episode 5
Sun, Feb 1, 1976 60 mins
The desert of southern Arizona is the setting for a look at how various plants and animals endure its harsh environment. Among the plants examined are the saguaro cactus, which grows as tall as 60 feet and can store enough water for two years. Animals seen include lizards that feed on each other.
Episode 6
Sun, Feb 8, 1976 60 mins
A 1975 British report on spina bifida, a congenital abnormality of the lower spine that impairs the central nervous system. Included are interviews with spina bifida victims.
Episode 7
Sun, Feb 15, 1976 60 mins
Scientific research being conducted in Antarctica. This 1976 report shows scientists gathering data from rocks that have undergone little erosion; examining layers of ice for clues to the earth's atmosphere at different historical stages; and studying animals that have adapted to the environment.
Episode 8
Sun, Mar 7, 1976 60 mins
Scientists James Watson and Francis Crick recall their discovery of the structure of DNA, the so-called "building blocks of life." DNA consists of an interwoven double spiral that provides the genetic information governing cell development. Also interviewed is Maurice Wilkins, upon whose work Watson and Crick partly based their studies.
Episode 9
Sun, Mar 7, 1976 60 mins
This 1976 report examines a growing demand for wood. In the Southeast, for example, forests are planted on land once used for crops, and drought-resistant trees are being bred. This report also looks at the debate over clear-cutting, the practice of leveling large areas of timberland.
Episode 10
Sun, Mar 14, 1976 60 mins
How 18th-century buildings in Colonial Williamsburg, Va., are reconstructed on their original foundations. Also: how Colonial artifacts like ceramics are reproduced. Host: Ivor Noel Hume.
Episode 11
Sun, Mar 21, 1976 60 mins
The decreasing effectiveness of antibiotics as disease-fighters. Scientists interviewed say an overrealiance on antibiotics has led presently controlled germs to develop drug-resistant strains. Included: footage of a 1972 typhoid epidemic in Mexico, where a common antibiotic proved ineffective and some 14,000 lives were lost.
Episode 12
Sun, Apr 11, 1976 60 mins
Heart-transplant procedures---from the selection of a donor to postoperative care. Transplant recipients talk about their cases and there is graphic footage of surgery.
Episode 13
Sun, Apr 18, 1976 60 mins
A report on life underground includes a look at moles, which dig complex networks of tunnels; earthworms, which contribute to vegetation by loosening and fertilizing the soil; weasels, which mate underground; and miniscule animals such as springtails, named for their leaping abilities.
Episode 14
Sun, May 2, 1976 60 mins
A profile of Canada's Nestilik Eskimos shows how civilization has altered their life style. They are seen in prefabricated houses instead of igloos, and shopping in a cooperative store rather than hunting seals for food and fuel.
Episode 15
Sun, May 23, 1976 60 mins
Early-childhood development is examined by following a baby's progress from birth to 6 months. Also: how infants learn to grasp objects.
Episode 16
Sun, May 23, 1976 60 mins
The life of Margaret Sanger (1883-l966), who pioneered the birth-control movement in the U.S., is dramatized. Sanger (portrayed by Piper Laurie) is depicted during a 1955 interview as she recalls how she opened America's first birth-control clinic in 1916; her work as an obstetric nurse; and her role in developing an oral contraceptive.
Episode 17
Sun, Jun 6, 1976 60 mins
How smallpox has been virtually wiped out by a vaccination drive coordinated by the World Health Organization. Included is footage of smallpox victims.
Episode 18
Sun, Jun 13, 1976 60 mins
Following marine biologists as they study the traits that make sharks such effective predators. Among their findings: supersensitive hearing that enables the fish to detect their prey up to one mile away; and razor-sharp teeth that are constantly being replaced. Also: a look at the Navy's research into shark repellants.
Episode 19
Sun, Jun 20, 1976 60 mins
"The Genetic Chance" focuses on hemophilia, a hereditary blood disease that is transmitted through female chromosomes but only affects males.
Episode 20
Sun, Jun 27, 1976 60 mins
Studying the Bermuda Triangle off the Florida coast, where numerous ships and aircraft have vanished. Authors on the subject are interviewed.