NOVA

Touching the Asteroid

In October 2020, a NASA spacecraft called OSIRIS-REx attempts to reach out and grab a piece of an asteroid named Bennu to bring it back to Earth. The OSIRIS-REx team has just three chances to extend its spacecraft’s specialized arm, touch down for five seconds, and collect material from the surface of Bennu.

PBS’ premier science series helps viewers of all ages explore the science behind the headlines. Along the way, NOVA programs demystify science and technology and highlight the people involved in scientific pursuits.

A to Z: How Writing Changed the World

The creation of printing, the first information technology, drove empires and revolutions.

A to Z: The First Alphabet

The birth of writing and the first alphabet were among the world’s most vital inventions.

Secret Mind of Slime

Meet slime molds: the brainless blobs that can learn, make decisions, and navigate mazes.

CRISPR Gene-Editing Reality Check

CRISPR gene-editing technology is advancing quickly. What can it do now—and in the future?