Our genes strictly dictate our personalities, appearance and diseases. Or do they? Research has revealed that genes can turn on and off; they can be expressed for years and then silenced. Sometimes, they are never activated. And these genetic instructions—how and when DNA is read—can be determined by the experiences of one’s ancestors, even those several generations back.

Renowned computer scientist and virtual reality pioneer Jaron Lanier joins Brian Greene to explore revolutionary proposals for understanding, leveraging, and safeguarding AI. This program is part of the Big Ideas …

Did the molecules that make up life ride to earth on an asteroid? Planetary scientists Jessica Barnes and Phil Bland join Brian Greene to discuss NASA’s recent rendezvous with Bennu, …

The deadly scourge of cancer has confounded doctors since ancient Egypt. Now, The Cancer Genome Atlas (modeled after the Human Genome Project) promises a new and powerful approach in this age-old battle.

By identifying patterns in neural firings, non-invasive AI systems are learning to decode human thought and translate the result into language. Leading researchers Michael Blumenstein and Jerry Tang join Brian …

Disruptive technologies uproot culture, can precipitate wars and even topple empires. By this measure, human history has seen nothing like the internet. From social upheaval and ever-shifting privacy standards to self-driving cars and networked groceries, this eye-opening program provides a stunning glimpse of what’s around the corner.