For decades, scientists have sought to unlock the secrets of ancient DNA, a fragile genetic blueprint that rarely survives millions of years. Danish biologist Eske Willerslev had a groundbreaking idea: instead of searching for DNA in fossils or ancient tissues, he looked to frozen sediment. Initially dismissed as impossible, his work led to the recovery of genetic traces from over two million years ago, revealing lush ecosystems that existed before the Ice Age. These discoveries offer unprecedented insights into long-extinct species that thrived in warm, verdant Arctic landscapes.
Willerslev’s perseverance revolutionized DNA research, enabling scientists to reconstruct vanished ecosystems and uncover the genetic secrets of ancient worlds. By examining the DNA of past climates, researchers are paving the way to better understand Earth's deep history and adapt to current environmental challenges. This landmark breakthrough demonstrates that ancient DNA acts as a "time machine," allowing humanity to explore its distant past and draw lessons for the future.
A documentary about this 15th-century polymath, exploring one of history's most curious and innovative minds though his paintings, drawings and writing. The first part takes a look at Leonardo's journey to becoming an artist and craftsman, while the bustling streets of Florence provide a rich backdrop. Viewers are also taken to Milan, where Leonardo embarked on a monumental project - painting the iconic fresco of the Last Supper. The second part looks at how Leonardo worked as a military engineer, designed fanciful flying machines, studied light and shadow, investigated gravity and more. Plus, examining the polymath's time in Florence, Milan, Rome and France, as he poured the sum of his scientific and artistic knowledge into a portrait that would become the most famous painting on earth.
The film unlocks the secrets to an innovative concept called circularity, an economic system based on the idea that nothing should go to waste. It's a deceptively simple idea that is at the heart of nature and the natural world, but very few of us actually live this way. And yet, it has the potential to save our planet's resources and save us from the ravages of future climate change. The film tells the story of four visionaries from around the world, whose thinking shapes and informs the concept of circularity: 102-year-old inventor Dr. James Lovelock, biomimicry biologist Janine Benyus, engineer and designer Arthur Huang, and financier John Fullerton. The extraordinary experiences of these very different people changed the way they think about humanity's future. Through the deeply personal transformation of each visionary profiled, the film explores concrete solutions individuals and communities are using to move toward a more circular society, rethinking everything from our food, our cities, our financial system, even our fashion industry.
The documentary delves deep into the mysterious and catastrophic collapse of ancient civilizations during the late Bronze Age, as empires from Greece to ancient Egypt were wiped off the map. It explores the various theories and hypotheses that have emerged to explain their sudden downfall, revealing the tumultuous events that brought an end to a once-thriving era of human history. Through invasions, mega-droughts, natural disasters, and rebellions, we discover the complex web of factors that were involved. With stunning visual imagery, expert interviews and immersive storytelling, this film offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most pivotal and enigmatic periods of human history. And it warns that we could be facing a similar combination of threats today.
Why are ultra-processed foods so irresistible, and how they have come to dominate food culture? Dr Chris van Tulleken features interviews with former food industry insiders who talk openly about the way in which popular foods have been designed to be irresistible. Food companies go to extraordinary lengths to ensure their products connect with consumers - from using brain scans to assess the deliciousness of ice cream to carefully engineering the sound of a crunch. Ultra-processed foods are hyper-delicious and super-convenient, have long shelf lives and are extremely cheap. But a growing body of evidence is linking these products to our declining health.
By cracking the ancient hieroglyphic code, Jean-François Champollion gave words to a thousand-year-old, mysterious civilization - but behind his legendary feat was a mysterious brother who made it all possible. New correspondence discovered between Jean-François Champollion and his brother Jacques-Joseph now allows us to fully understand how a young, self-taught genius was able to make one of the most important discoveries of the 19th century. Without the tireless support and cleverness of his older brother, Jean-François would never have managed to solve this burning, international enigma. Through animated sequences, using their private correspondence, archives and with the help of experts, this film will go back on this one-in-a lifetime scientific, human and intellectual adventure to celebrate the bicentenary of the decoding of hieroglyphs.
Willerslev’s perseverance revolutionized DNA research, enabling scientists to reconstruct vanished ecosystems and uncover the genetic secrets of ancient worlds. By examining the DNA of past climates, researchers are paving the way to better understand Earth's deep history and adapt to current environmental challenges. This landmark breakthrough demonstrates that ancient DNA acts as a "time machine," allowing humanity to explore its distant past and draw lessons for the future.