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19 Episodes 1979 - 1979
Episode 1
Thu, Jan 4, 1979
On the morning of March 16, 1978, the US owned supertanker, the Amoco Cadiz, went aground off the coast of Brittany. A NOVA production team began filming at the scene shortly after the disaster, the biggest oil spill in history.
Episode 2
Thu, Jan 11, 1979
NOVA profiles Dr. Frederick Young, a nuclear physicist working on the laser fusion project at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory in New Mexico.
Episode 3
Thu, Jan 18, 1979
NOVA portrays the life of famous behavioral psychologist B.F. Skinner, now in his 70's and living quietly in Cambridge as Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Harvard University.
Episode 4
Thu, Feb 1, 197960 mins
The bed of the northeast Pacific Ocean is covered with manganese nodules estimated to be worth $10 million. These nodules are rich in the key strategic minerals. NOVA examines the debate about who owns them and can exploit their use.
Episode 5
Thu, Feb 8, 1979
Below the snow-capped peaks of the Peruvian Andes, the Q'eros Indians live a life patterned on that of their ancestors thousands of years ago. NOVA takes a look at the unchanging world of these isolated mountain people.
Episode 6
Thu, Feb 22, 1979
Some day hydrogen may replace the gasoline that we are now using up so rapidly. NOVA looks at the potential of hydrogen as a zero-pollution fuel.
Episode 7
Thu, Mar 1, 1979
Is nuclear fusion the solution to the energy crisis? NOVA examines the promise - and problems - of fusion as a future energy source.
Episode 8
Thu, Mar 8, 1979
NOVA tells the story of one medical school in Israel that is training a new kind of family doctor.
Episode 9
Thu, Mar 15, 1979
One hundred years after his birth, Albert Einstein remains an enigma to most Americans. NOVA presents an insightful portrait of the man and his mind through rarely viewed film footage.
Episode 10
Thu, Mar 29, 1979
NOVA explores some physiological mysteries, such as why acupuncture works, and how placebos can relieve symptoms, and shows how endorphins could revolutionize the treatment of pain, depression, and even schizophrenia.
Episode 11
Tue, Oct 2, 1979
Is the chemical industry a boom to modern civilization, or a major threat to our health and that of future generations? NOVA examines how toxic pesticides, and other chemicals may cause cancer, miscarriages and birth defects in humans.
Episode 12
Tue, Oct 9, 1979
Sinister, sometimes even deadly, spiders have little popular appeal; yet their silken webs are among nature's loveliest creations. NOVA takes a close-look, as spiders reveal a delicate grace and beauty, and an amazing array of lifestyles.
Episode 13
Tue, Oct 16, 1979
NOVA views the history of sugar; from its scientific, religious and political history to its medical controversy.
Episode 14
Tue, Oct 30, 1979
At the 1976 Olympics, East German athletes walked off with 40 of the coveted gold medals. NOVA investigates whether a drug is responsible for their incredible success; or is American athletic training and commitment falling behind?
Episode 15
Tue, Nov 6, 1979
NOVA looks at a new medical specialty - sports medicine - that promises to prevent and cure many sports related problems.
Episode 16
Tue, Nov 20, 1979
Most of India lives by the same rhythm, the same tools, as in centuries past. But there is another India - with thriving commercial centers, spotless research laboratories and large-scale industry. NOVA examines these two extremes.
Episode 17
Tue, Dec 4, 1979
NOVA traces the development of iron-making and its far-reaching effects on society and the world economy.
Episode 18
Tue, Dec 11, 1979
Dr. Philip Morrison, Institute Professor and Professor of Physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, presents this thoughtful and provocative commentary on the nature of civilization.
Episode 19
Tue, Dec 18, 1979
For many people the idea of life without vision is as fearful as death. NOVA looks at five people struggling to save their threatened vision using drugs, surgery, counseling and determination.