Fathom is a visual and aural wonder of a documentary that follows researchers working to finally decode the communication of humpback whales. Dr. Ellen Garland and Dr. Michelle Fournet embark on parallel journeys on opposite sides of the world, as they seek to better understand whale culture and communication. The film uniquely reveals a deep commitment and reverence to the scientific process and the universal human need to seek answers about the world around us. From hypothesis to groundbreaking experiences in the field, 'Fathom' showcases the passion, curiosity, collaboration, perseverance and work it takes for leading scientists to make scientific discoveries.
Scientific advancements are challenging the concept of what it means to be human. Technology embedded in our bodies is fairly common: artificial limbs, pacemakers. But new research is taking us beyond replacement parts and into a new realm that is changing the nature of the human body and the human mind. Will the fusion of biology and technology change how we think, how we feel, how we experience the world?
Long ago, two species of human beings coexisted on Earth until competition drove one of them to extinction. This program, set in the southwest of France 35,000 years ago, reconstructs the life in the Neanderthal world at the time Cro-Magnons first entered the scene. All aspects of Neanderthal clan life are examined, including tool- and weapon-making, hunting and gathering, health and healing, childbirth, rituals, and making fire. Footage of skeletal remains and the scholarly research of eminent paleontologist Chris Stringer and Oxford University's Paul Pettitt support the documentary.
When a mysterious cigar-shaped object is spotted tumbling through our solar system, experts race to uncover it's true nature. The object, nicknamed Oumuamua, meaning 'a messenger that reaches out from the distant past' in Hawaiian, was discovered by the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope in Hawaii. Since its discovery, scientists have been at odds to explain its unusual features and precise origins, with researchers first calling it a comet and then an asteroid before finally deeming it the first of its kind: a new class of 'interstellar objects.' A recent paper by researchers at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics raises the possibility that the elongated dark-red object, which is 10 times as long as it is wide and travelling at speeds of 196,000 mph, might have an 'artificial origin.' The theory is based on the object's 'excess acceleration,' or its unexpected boost in speed as it travelled through and ultimately out of our solar system.
The film unveils the profound impact of our gut on overall health, an area often overlooked despite its significance. Delving into the complexities of the gut microbiome, this documentary reveals how this ‘second brain’ influences everything from weight management and disease prevention to mental health. By exploring personal stories and scientific research, the film illustrates the dynamic relationship between what we eat and how we feel, urging viewers to reconsider their diets and understand the powerful connection between gut health and wellness. As the documentary progresses, viewers are introduced to cutting-edge research and therapies that are reshaping our understanding of health. Through expert interviews and captivating case studies, ‘Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut’ not only informs but also inspires a reevaluation of lifestyle choices. This eye-opening journey through the intricate world of gut health highlights the potential for radical improvements in public health, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the latest advancements in science and wellness.
Having explained the science behind global warming, and addressed the arguments of the climate change sceptics earlier in the series, Dr Iain Stewart concludes the series by looking at the biggest challenge now facing climate scientists - Just how can they predict exactly what changes global warming will bring? It's a journey that takes him from early attempts to model the climate system with dishpans, to supercomputers, and to the frontline of climate research today: Greenland. Most worryingly he discovers that scientists are becoming increasingly concerned that their models are actually underestimating the speed of changes already underway.
From hypothesis to groundbreaking experiences in the field, 'Fathom' showcases the passion, curiosity, collaboration, perseverance and work it takes for leading scientists to make scientific discoveries.