Synopsis
Infographics and archival footage deliver bite-size history lessons on scientific breakthroughs, social movements and world-changing discoveries.
Episodes
1
Fast FoodCheap, quick and tasty, fast food became a culinary craze in the 1950s. But has our quest for convenience created an irreversible health crisis?22m2
The Space RaceFifteen international agencies spend $62 billion every year on space travel. What's fueling our costly — and dangerous — drive to explore the universe?23m3
The Rise of ChinaIn the 21st century, China has become a global economic powerhouse. Why was the rest of the world so slow to notice its rise to the top?23m4
PlasticsPlastics have transformed how we live, but progress comes at a high price: 7.8 billion tons of waste. Are plastics a miracle or a catastrophe?21m5
Oil and the Middle EastOil has brought great wealth to the Middle East and ignited major wars. Is it a blessing or a curse for the region, as well as the rest of the world?22m6
RobotsWe share the planet with an estimated 9 million robots, from self-driving cars to surgical arms. Could they one day completely replace humans?22m7
FeminismFeminism has ushered in sweeping changes to society, securing rights for women around the world. How much further do we have to go?24m8
Nuclear PowerOver 10% of the world's electricity comes from nuclear power. But with radioactive waste and the threat of nuclear meltdown, are we playing with fire?22m9
AIDSNearly 40 million people are living with HIV. After decades of research and activism, how far have we come in finding a cure and battling the stigma?22m10
GeneticsDNA analysis has given us the tools to map disease, solve crimes and more. But in our rush to decode DNA, are we leaping before we look?21m
Fast FoodCheap, quick and tasty, fast food became a culinary craze in the 1950s. But has our quest for convenience created an irreversible health crisis?22m2The Space RaceFifteen international agencies spend $62 billion every year on space travel. What's fueling our costly — and dangerous — drive to explore the universe?23m3The Rise of ChinaIn the 21st century, China has become a global economic powerhouse. Why was the rest of the world so slow to notice its rise to the top?23m4PlasticsPlastics have transformed how we live, but progress comes at a high price: 7.8 billion tons of waste. Are plastics a miracle or a catastrophe?21m5Oil and the Middle EastOil has brought great wealth to the Middle East and ignited major wars. Is it a blessing or a curse for the region, as well as the rest of the world?22m6RobotsWe share the planet with an estimated 9 million robots, from self-driving cars to surgical arms. Could they one day completely replace humans?22m7FeminismFeminism has ushered in sweeping changes to society, securing rights for women around the world. How much further do we have to go?24m8Nuclear PowerOver 10% of the world's electricity comes from nuclear power. But with radioactive waste and the threat of nuclear meltdown, are we playing with fire?22m9AIDSNearly 40 million people are living with HIV. After decades of research and activism, how far have we come in finding a cure and battling the stigma?22m10GeneticsDNA analysis has given us the tools to map disease, solve crimes and more. But in our rush to decode DNA, are we leaping before we look?21mCast
