Bill Kurtis journeys to the northern tip of Brazil where ethnobotanist Mark Plotkin studies among the Trio Indians. A Trio healer takes Dr. Plotkin and Kurtis deep into the Amazon rain forest and reveals which plants have medicinal uses. The search for knowledge continues at the National Cancer Institute near Washington, D.C., where thousands of previously unknown plant species, collected by ethnobotanists, are tested as possible cures for cancer and AIDS. Also includes "Flight for Survival" investigates the habits and habitats of the American Bald Eagle, including methods used to bring it back from near extinction.
Chicago-based astronomer Phyllis Pitluga and German scientist Maria Reiche discuss their conclusions that the Nazca lines of Peru are part of a pre-historic agricultural calendar.
Species preservation efforts are demonstrated by scientists trying to save eagles from extinction. Presented are James Greer at Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada.
Witness an operation in which Dr. Cerullo penetrates a patient's brain and removes two tumors.
John Douglas, head of the FBI behavioral science division, shows how his team uses psychological profiles to catch serial killers.
To learn more about the dolphin's seemingly profound intelligence and exceptional communication ability, Bill Kurtis goes to the experts.
An infrared scanning device is used to take the Earth's temperature.
Dr. John Fitzgerald, ornithologist, discovers a new species of bird.
Scientist Walter McCrone demonstrates how optical microscopes are used to solve scientific mysteries: murder, Shroud of Turin, a lost Manet painting.
Scientists travel to the bottom of Lake Superior to measure pollution damage and to observe the lake's ability to clean itself.
Examines the beneficial role played by fire in the natural environment. Documents renewal of the ecosystem following the devastating Yellowstone fires in 1988 and successful attempts to restore midwestern prairies through the use of controlled burning.
Looks at the software created by computer graphics developer Bob Drebin and the effect his programs have in the motion picture and medical industry.
Doctors save a newborn with a fatal lung disease by recirculating his blood for him with an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine until his lungs can function on their own.