What makes Mona Lisa’s smile so intriguing? What makes Picasso’s portraits so compelling? Kurt Andersen hosts artists Chuck Close and Devorah Sperber, with neuroscientists Margaret Livingstone, Chris Tyler and Ken Nakayama, as they examine the power of brain imaging technology to illuminate how we perceive the most intimate yet public of features, the human face.

After a storied career with 5 spaceflights (including three trips to fix the Hubble Space Telescope), NASA astronaut John Grunsfeld now helms the space agency’s scientific missions. He helps shepherd …

This video is part of our Brilliant Breakthroughs series: our new 20-episode mini-series exploring the “Eureka!” moments and proud accomplishments of the greatest scientific minds of our time. Join us …

Without dark matter and dark energy, the equations of physics don’t match what we observe in the cosmos. But what if it’s not the universe that needs extra ingredients—but the …

The experimental successes of quantum mechanics are astounding, yet the theory still has towering mysteries regarding the essence of quantum reality. Philosopher David Albert joins Brian Greene to explore the …

Public debate, pitting atheist against believer, typically yields a polarized picture. Might a more nuanced conversation that transcends simplistic assertions, and weaves insights from physics, biology, and psychology provide a more fruitful exchange of ideas?