Season 12

01 Edgerton and His Incredible Seeing Machines Episode 115th January 1985 NOVA explores the fascinating world of Dr. Harold Edgerton, electronics wizard and inventor extraordinaire, whose invention of the electronic strobe, a "magic lamp," has enabled the human eye to see the unseen. 02 Global Village Episode 222nd January 1985 NOVA presents an in-depth look at India's attempt to use satellite technology to leapfrog into the era of space-age communication and whether it brings benefit or blight to India's villages and rural areas. 03 Conquest of the Parasites Episode 329th January 1985 NOVA examines the complex world of parasites, parasitic diseases and the exciting work currently being done by a new breed of medical researchers as they meet the challenge of conquering the world's number one medical problem. 04 In the Land of the Polar Bears Episode 45th February 1985 A rare look at the beautiful and desolate Wrangel Island-a Soviet possession 300 miles off the coast of Alaska-as seen through the eyes of Soviet Filmmaker and naturalist Yuri Ledin. Wrangel Island is not only the home to Siberian snow geese, polar foxes and Walruses, but serves as the world's largest denning area for Polar bears. 05 AIDS: Chapter One Episode 512th February 1985 Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS, is a deadly disease that has struck down some 2,000 people in the four years since its discovery. NOVA examines how modern science has been unraveling the mystery of this baffling ailment. 06 The Shape of Things Episode 619th February 1985 Sea shells, Crystals, Honeycombs, Eggs and seeds: They are shaped the way they are for a reason. NOVA takes viewers on a unique journey of discovery to find out why things are shaped the way they are and why they work so well. 07 Baby Talk Episode 726th February 1985 It's a mystery just how children acquire language. Does the process begin in the womb? And which comes first, language or thought? NOVA explores the fascinating world of baby talk and reveals the latest theories on this remarkable achievement. 08 The Mathematical Mystery Tour Episode 85th March 1985 Imagine a bottle with no inside or a number bigger than infinity or parallel lines that meet. Welcome to the world of pure mathematics. NOVA offers a look into a wholly abstract, quirky world of mathematics. 09 Child's Play: Prodigies and Possibilities Episode 912th March 1985 What do Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the painter Raphael and chess champion Bobby Fischer have in common? They were all child prodigies. NOVA explores the current efforts to learn more about the nature of giftedness. 10 Monarch of the Mountains Episode 1019th March 1985 NOVA explores the breeding, migration and survival patterns of the Rocky Mountain elk in a unique film, made totally under natural conditions. Telephoto lenses were used so as not to disturb the animals; filmmakers spent 18 months tracking the elk through the breathtaking Wyoming Rockies. 11 The National Science Test II Episode 118th October 1985 In NOVA's special sequel to 1984's National Science Test, viewers can match wits with celebrity panelists David Attenborough, Michelle Johnson, Edwin Newman and Alvin Poussaint and a live studio audience. Art Fleming hosts. 12 Seeds of Tomorrow Episode 1215th October 1985 NOVA examines worldwide efforts of scientists who employ aggressive agricultural technologies to ensure food for the future. 13 What Einstein Never Knew Episode 1322nd October 1985 Albert Einstein did not live to find the answer. NOVA follows a new generation of physicists in their search to explain the mystery of the universe. 14 The Robot Revolution? Episode 1429th October 1985 How are the computer and the robot affecting the way we work? NOVA chronicles the new industrial revolution reshaping the American workplace. 15 The Magic of Special Effects Episode 155th November 1985 NOVA cameras go behind-the-scenes to reveal the new art of illusion, Hollywood-style, focusing on three blockbuster films—Return of the Jedi, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and 2010: The Year We Make Contact. 16 Child Survival: The Silent Emergency Episode 1612th November 1985 NOVA charts the progress of an ambitious worldwide health program established to save the lives of millions of children who continue to die from common but curable diseases. 17 Tornado! Episode 1719th November 1985 NOVA follows a chase team—a group of scientists who chart deadly Tornadoes—in an effort to learn more about predicting nature's most powerful and elusive weather phenomenon. 18 The Genetic Gamble Episode 1826th November 1985 NOVA examines current research and its ethical implications as modern medicine confronts the era of human gene therapy. 19 Animal Architects Episode 193rd December 1985 NOVA examines the intricate world of nature's construction industry and presents rare footage of unusual habits. 20 The Plane that Changed the World Episode 2017th December 1985 NOVA joins the 50th anniversary celebration of the DC-3—the plane that revolutionized commercial air travel, served gallantly in World War II and is called the most important plane ever built.