Human Spark
Brain Matters (3 of 3) (#103)
Highly detailed brain scans and high-tech EEGs offer insight into language centers in the brain. [56 minutes]
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The Human Spark | Brain Matters | PBS (#103)
Full Program: Peer into Alan Alda's head as we uncover where our most human abilities reside. 54:12
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The Human Spark | Brain Matters | Kermit Loves... (#103)
Alan Alda meets Harvard University cognitive psychologist Elizabeth Spelke, who is testing the representational... 03:08
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The Human Spark | Brain Matters | Social... (#103)
At Oxford University, Alan Alda finds out from Robin Dunbar how human social networks compare to those of chimps,... 02:47
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The Human Spark | Human Language | PBS
A look at the difference between human language and others. 01:35
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The Human Spark | Cooperation | PBS
A brief look at the cooperative and social nature of humans. 00:19
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Series Description: THE HUMAN SPARK explores one central question: what makes humans unique? Three and a half billion years of evolution have produced uncountable billions of living species. But only one -- humans -- can think in symbols; recombine those symbols into infinite meanings; invent a technology to disseminate the message; worry how others might react to it; ponder the past; speculate about the future; and imagine the unknown. This three-part series is hosted by actor, author and science buff Alan Alda. He travels the world and speaks to a wide variety of experts who share their original thoughts about our most human characteristics. Along the way, Alda forms his own intriguing personal view of what our spark is and where it lies.
All Episodes
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Becoming Us (1 of 3) (#101)
Alan Alda visits sites where Neanderthals once lived, exploring bones and ancient cave paintings. [56 minutes]
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So Human, So Chimp (2 of 3) (#102)
Alan Alda explores the similarities and differences between humans and chimps, our primate cousins. [56 minutes]
Watch Video From This Episode Online
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Brain Matters (3 of 3) (#103)
Highly detailed brain scans and high-tech EEGs offer insight into language centers in the brain. [56 minutes]
Watch Video From This Episode Online