What is Mind? Is it simply the grey organ nestled inside every human head, or is it something more? This program introduces this problem, providing an historical context that ranges from ancient Greece through Sigmund Freud's first attempts at psychoanalysis. Viewers explores the meaning of the unconscious and conscious mind. At the end of the program, ethologist Jane Goodall offers her theory of how the human mind emerged from the primate brain
Tracing specific brain cells, you'll follow the human brain's development from a single cell to a six-year-old brain.
This episode questions many of the long-held stereotypes about aging. The diseases of aging: stroke, Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease are analyzed with an emphasis on the fact that they are totally distinct from the normal aging process
The brain has natural receptors for certain kinds of chemicals that are activated in addictive behavior. This program reveals the reasons for the pain of withdrawal and shows how an addict's experiences shed light on the nature of the mind
Explores the mind's role in healing the body and controlling pain and reports on scientific research investigating the connection between one's state of mind and the health of one's immune system
Follows the lives of several people who suffer from depression or manic-depressive illness. The very serious risk of suicide in the chronically depressed person is discussed
Investigates unique phenomenon of human speech, explores how biology and environment interact to enable us to communicate. Theories differ on the evolution of language and scientists offer current ideas, including an argument that language is the result of mutation in genes causing leaps in evolution. Viewers witness experiments with infants that reveal an innate drive to communicate. Scientists explain studies showing that linguistic capacity is present even without speech and hearing
Demonstrates unique qualities of human thinking. Examines how scientific research is exploding commonly held myths on the nature of thought and creativity. Most of the program's focus is on the frontal lobe of the brain and the prefrontal cortex. This is an important "staging area" for integration in the brain, the place where memory, emotion and intelligence come together to produce conscious activity. Researchers in this area attempt to pinpoint exactly where thoughts are kept "on-line."
Suggests that changes in anatomy and chemistry of the brain can cause violent behavior. Scientific data raises questions about the punishment of criminals.