Visions of the Future

Visions of the Future is a three part miniseries on the BBC hosted by Michio Kaku. In this new three-part series, leading theoretical physicist and futurist Dr Michio Kaku explores the cutting edge science of today, tomorrow, and beyond. He argues that humankind is at a turning point in history. In this century, we are going to make the historic transition from the 'Age of Discovery' to the 'Age of Mastery', a period in which we will move from being passive observers of nature to its active choreographers. This will give us not only unparalleled possibilities but also great responsibilities.

Documentary is in three parts, with the first part discussing the advancements in computing and artificial intelligence. Constructing new fascinating virtual worlds, automated intelligent cars and star trek like holograms are just a part of it.

That's Impossible - Eternal Life

So once again, we have a documentary about longevity. It is produced by History Channel and one of the commentators is the editor of Scientific American so I guess it gives it a bit more credibility which it certainly needs because of many SF-like topics in it. Some of the things they talk about are really eye opening, especially the nano-technology which is already being used in the laboratory experiments. All in all, very informative and recommended.

Living Forever: The Longevity Revolution

Immortality. Life Extension. The Fountain of Youth. Real science or simply wishful thinking? Is it hope or is it hype? Scientists from around the world are racing to answer one of humanity's chief questions: can we turn back the human clock?

A decent documentary about the current researches in prolonging life expectancy. Several very interesting and promising methods are introduced along with the already popular caloric-restriction diet of which I am really no fan.
Enjoy.

Mapping Stem Cell Research: Terra Incognita

Stem cell research is a controversial topic these days. The morality here is very grey and many arguments are made against, however most of those for political purposes not really moral or ethical ones. This story is told from a perspective of a neurologist and a stem cell biologist.

TED: Craig Venter unveils "synthetic life"

TED Talks gives us the lecture of Craig Venter who, along with his team, created the first fully functioning, reproducing cell controlled by synthetic DNA. In his words he describes this life form as the first life form on this planet whose parent was a computer.

Human Body - Pushing The Limits: Brain Power

Our bodies are amazingly complex machines, which this production presents with great detail. I must say I'm rarely surprised by the CGI animations but this time, I'm amazed. Great presentation, great detail, great information on a great topic, most complex organ of our complex machines, the brain.

Do You Want To Live Forever?

Question as old as sentient life is. Stopping aging was always one of the central motives explored in all medias. From Biblical stories and religion to modern day film-making as shown in the Fountain. Average human life span has already doubled or perhaps even tripled so the question is how far can it go? Dr. Aubrey de Grey is a central figure of this story. Computer scientist turned biologist now Cambridge biomedical gerontologist, he gathered as many experts in all fields of science in an attempt to break the puzzle of aging. His opinion is that we could extend life indefinitely by addressing seven major factors in the aging process. He describes his work as Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence (SENS).

The Universe: Alien Faces

The Universe: Alien Faces, a History Channel production about the possible appearances of alien life-forms on other planets. It goes through 5 types of planets that could support life of some kind and analyzes how that life would actually look like.

The Cell

Part 1: The Hidden Kingdom

Part 2: The Chemistry of Life

Part 3: The Spark of Life

The Cell, a three-part BBC documentary about the building blocks of all life, cells.
Starting with a bit of history about the first discoveries of the existence of cells and how it shattered the general view on life in a world filled with religious dogmas.
It then continues delving deeper in the cell itself, the structure and the famous DNA code contained in its heart.
The final part offers a glimpse on the future possible technologies that could be made possible with the knowledge about the cell we have now. Genetic manipulation offers many wonders...bacteria producing diesel fuel? - possible

Douglas Adams: Parrots the Universe and Everything

Douglas Adams was the best-selling British author and satirist who created The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. In this hilarious talk, Adams describes some truly weird lifestyles of some creatures that most of us never heard about as well as describing his travels around the world and the difficulties he faced during that time. Throughout the whole talk, Douglas Adams delivers his typical satirical and common-sense humor while providing a scientific talk about the biology of different species, meaning of the universe, and everything else.

Richard Dawkins: Growing up in the universe

Oxford professor Richard Dawkins presents a series of lectures on life, the universe, and our place in it. With brilliance and clarity, Dawkins unravels an educational gem that will mesmerize young and old alike. Illuminating demonstrations, wildlife, virtual reality, and special guests (including Douglas Adams) all combine to make this collection a timeless classic.