Curious Minds

Leading scientists discuss their work and the larger questions of humankind's existence.
The Science of Sleep: Sleepless Society
S50 E1

Dr. Michael Smith, director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at John Hopkins University, explores the causes of sleep problems in today's hectic society.

The Science of Sleep: Good Sleep Healthy Life
S50 E3

Dr. Michael Smith, director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at John Hopkins University, examines the impact of sleep deprivation on physical and mental health.

The Internet: Can the Internet Limit Decision Making
S49 E3

Nuala O'Connor, Internet and technology expert, warns of the impact targeted digital advertising can have on people's decisions.

Social Networking: Grooming Our Network
S41 E3

Lee Rainie, director of Internet science and technology research at the Pew Research Center, compares the ways chimps and humans build communities to how social networking surpassed traditional media to set the news agenda of the day.

Social Networking: The Internet of Things
S41 E5

Envisioning a future where machine communication influences every aspect of people's lives.

Psychology: The Roots of Friendship
S36 E1

Fathali Moghaddam, professor of psychology at Georgetown University, examines the behaviors that unite and divide friends and couples.

Psychology: People Are All Alike/Different
S36 E2

Fathali Moghaddam, professor of psychology at Georgetown University, contrasts the belief that all people are essentially the same with distinctions made due to racial or ethnic groups.

Psychology: When Women Lead
S36 E3

Fathali Moghaddam, professor of psychology at Georgetown University, sees the rise of women leaders as the key to building peaceful societies.

Happiness: Can Anxious People Be Happy?
S25 E2

Evolutionary psychologist Nancy Etcoff explores the impact anxiety can have on happiness.

Happiness: Can Money Buy Happiness?
S25 E3

Evolutionary psychologist Nancy Etcoff examines whether money can buy happiness.

David McCullough: The Men Who Made America
S14 E2

David McCullough points out how there were no guarantees that the American Revolution would succeed.

David McCullough: The Writer's Life
S14 E4

David McCullough details how he loves the detective hunt of uncovering people from the past and how there is no better way to get to know someone than to read their mail.

Creativity: Can Science and Art Be Combined?
S13 E1

Bran Ferren, design and technology innovator, proposes melding science and art as a natural option to lead a wholesome life.

Brain Health: Are Teenagers Better at Multitasking?
S10 E2

Frances Jensen, neurologist and author of "The Teenage Brain," investigates whether adolescents are better at multitasking than adults.

Brain Health: What Makes the Teenage Brain So Dangerous?
S10 E5

Frances Jensen, neurologist and author of "The Teenage Brain," offers a revolutionary explanation for risky behavior in adolescents.

Brain Health: Can a Blow to the Head Cause Alzheimer's?
S10 E7

Dr. Rudy Tanzi, neurologist and co-discoverer of the Alzheimer's gene, shares how traumatic brain injuries could lead to Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Brain Health: Can Alzheimer's Be Prevented?
S10 E8

Dr. Rudy Tanzi, neurologist and co-discoverer of the Alzheimer's gene, shows how to reduce the risks of contracting Alzheimer's disease.

Brain Health: Can We Really Cure Depression?
S10 E9

Evolutionary psychologist Nancy Etcoff explores whether there will ever be a true "cure" for depression.

Brain Health: How Many People in the U.S. Have Alzheimer's?
S10 E13

Dr. Rudy Tanzi, neurologist and co-discoverer of the Alzheimer's gene, relates the extent of the population affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Brain Health: Is Epilepsy More Common Than We Think?
S10 E19

Frances Jensen, neurologist and author of "The Teenage Brain," explains why everyone should be prepared for the possible onset of epilepsy at some point in life.

Astronomy: How Many Stars and Planets?
S9 E7

Lowell Observatory astronomer Nick Moskovitz surveys the number of stars and planets believed to exist in the universe.

Climate Change: Why Do So Many Tornadoes Strike the U.S.?
S1 E4

Severe weather expert Jeff Halverson explores why the USA is such a hotbed for tornadoes.