The Nature of Things
Overview
A pioneering Canadian documentary series, The Nature of Things first aired on CBC Television on November 6, 1960. Focusing on the intricacies of the natural world, it highlights the profound impact humans have on the environment. As one of the earliest programs to tackle pressing environmental concerns, such as clear-cut logging, it set a precedent for ecological awareness. The title draws inspiration from Lucretius’s classic poem, "Dē Rērum Nātūrā" ("On the Nature of Things"), echoing its philosophical exploration of nature’s essence.
Episodes
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13
Cyberman: Canada's Original Cyborg
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1
Up Close and Toxic
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4
Brain Magic: The Power of Placebo
Title: Brain Magic: The Power of Placebo Plot: Imagine if we possessed the ability to vanish our ailments with sheer belief. A force so remarkable th...
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5
Invasion of the Brain Snatchers
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6
Untangling Alzheimer's
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11
How to Be a Wild Elephant
Sities, an orphaned elephant, faces the challenge of adapting to life in the wild as she departs from the security of a Kenyan sanctuary. Her journey ...
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1
She Walks with Apes
This is the remarkable tale of three iconic women who dedicated their lives to protecting the great apes, igniting passion and awareness in a new gene...
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2
Episode 2
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3
Episode 3
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4
Episode 4
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5
First Animals
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13
Episode 13
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15
Episode 15
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16
Episode 16
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1
Rebellion
As global temperatures climb, a wave of young activists is stepping up to assert their right to a sustainable future. Millions are uniting in a powerf...
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4
The Covid Cruise
Title: The Virus Voyage Plot: Onboard the Diamond Princess, 3,711 passengers and crew find themselves facing an unprecedented challenge. A 14-day loc...
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11
The Real Neanderthal
Recent findings challenge the long-held perception of Neanderthals as primitive and unintelligent. Evidence suggests they were far more sophisticated ...
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1
Inside the Great Vaccine Race
This episode delves into the intense competition to combat a deadly virus and the efforts to protect countless lives. It highlights the challenges fac...
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2
Nature's Big Year
As humanity takes a break, nature begins to regenerate. Researchers uncover unexpected impacts that the pandemic lockdowns had on the environment.
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3
The Machine That Feels
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, showing greater empathy, emotional intelligence, and creativity, it raises an intriguing question: wha...
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4
The New Human
Title: The Evolving Human Plot: What will the future hold for humanity? With vanishing tendons, elongated limbs, and synthetic body components, the p...
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5
Chef Secrets: The Science of Cooking
Want to elevate your cooking skills? The answer lies in science! Renowned chefs and culinary professionals delve into the intricate chemistry, physics...
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6
Curb Your Carbon
In Curb Your Carbon, narrated by Ryan Reynolds, viewers discover simple yet powerful methods to combat climate change and help cool the planet.
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7
In Your Face
Humans possess a remarkable ability to see faces everywhere. This talent for facial recognition is an evolutionary advantage that sets us apart from o...
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8
Ice and Fire: Tracking Canada's Climate Crisis
Farewell to backyard ice rinks, melting mountain glaciers, and dwindling forest biodiversity: the potential losses Canada faces as a result of climate...
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9
Why We Dance
You might be surprised to discover that dancing is part of who you are. In reality, each of us has a dancer within. This film explores the fundamental...
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11
How the Wild Things Sleep
Title: The Sleep Secrets of Wild Creatures Plot: Explore the fascinating world of the most unusual sleepers among animals. What mechanisms drive thei...
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12
The Teenager and the Lost Maya City
Title: The Teenager and the Lost Maya City Plot: A spirited Canadian teenager embarks on an exhilarating journey, convinced he has discovered the whe...
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13
The Musical Animal
Humans are inherently musical beings, expressing ourselves through song, dance, and rhythm. But do other species share this musicality with us?
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14
The Science of Success
Success is often more about societal perception than actual performance, with winners and losers determined by external judgment. Recently, researcher...
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1
Last of the Right Whales
The North Atlantic right whale teeters on the edge of extinction. Join the struggle to protect this endangered species and ensure their survival.
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2
Rat City
With extraordinary abilities, rats emerge as the unsung champions of the animal kingdom in the story of evolution.
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3
Science & Cannabis
Is cannabis a miracle cure or just a hoax? Researchers are working to separate fact from fiction when it comes to its medicinal properties.
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4
Secret Agents Of The Underground Railroad
The employees of a high-end hotel in Niagara Falls, NY played a crucial role in assisting enslaved individuals in their quest for freedom. Through the...
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5
Walking With Ancients
Recent archaeological findings are reshaping our perspective on the timeline of when the first humans set foot in North America, altering the narrativ...
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6
Apocalypse Plan B
A group of scientists is suggesting bold methods to lower Earth’s rising temperatures, while a contrasting view advocates for a worldwide restoratio...
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7
True Survivors
Title: True Survivors Plot: What strategies have humans employed to endure drastic shifts in their environment throughout history? As we face impendi...
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8
Grizzly Rewild
Five orphaned grizzly bear cubs embark on a journey to reclaim their lives in the wilderness, but will they be able to thrive without their mother? Th...
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9
Bug Sex
In the bizarre and fascinating realm of insect reproduction, prepare for a journey filled with broken genitals and cannibalistic acts. This is a glimp...
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10
War for the Woods
Three decades after the landmark logging protests on Vancouver Island, the fight to safeguard old growth forests continues unabated.
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11
The Secrets of Friendship
Title: Unraveling Bonds Plot: Dive into the realm of 'friendship sleuths' as they explore the intricate puzzles of social interactions among humans a...
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12
Woodpeckers: The Hole Story
Delving into the hidden, melodic realm of one of nature's finest tree-cutters.
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13
Suzuki Signs Off
Title: Suzuki's Farewell Journey Plot: For over four decades, David Suzuki has guided us through the wonders of science, technology, and the natural ...
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1
A User's Guide to the Voice
The human voice is an incredibly complex means of communication, yet many of us remain unaware of how to fully harness its capabilities.
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2
The Mystery of the Walking Whale
Title: The Enigma of the Strolling Cetacean Plot: Sarika Cullis-Suzuki embarks on a journey through time to unravel the secrets behind the evolutio...
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3
Butt Seriously
Title: Behind the Scenes Plot: Anthony Morgan delves into a topic often overlooked: the significance of our behinds. He explores the evolutionary j...
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4
Jawsome: Canada’s Great White Sharks
Title: Jawsome: Canada’s Great White Sharks Plot: A team of shark enthusiasts embarks on an exciting quest to uncover the fascinating lives of Gr...
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5
I am the Magpie River
Title: I am the Magpie River Plot: In Quebec, a crystal-clear river is bestowed with legal personhood, ensuring its protection and the safety of th...
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6
Love Hurts: The Science of Heartbreak
Explore whether scientific advancements can help alleviate the emotional struggles associated with loss, rejection, and unreturned affection.
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7
Hairy Tales
An exhilarating adventure unfolds as we delve into the salon, the laboratory, a secluded village in China, a nursery for infants, and even a wildlife ...
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8
Little Sapiens
With the aid of advanced technology, researchers are uncovering the narratives of ancient children and their significant role in shaping humanity as w...
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9
Fluid: Life Beyond the Binary
Title: Fluid: Life Beyond the Binary Plot: Mae Martin delves into the complexities of gender and sexual fluidity, examining the scientific underpinni...
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10
Secrets of the Jurassic Dinosaurs
Anthony Morgan embarks on an incredible fossil excavation as paleontologists unravel the mystery behind how a small area transformed into a massive di...
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11
Lost World of the Hanging Gardens
In Mosul, ISIS ravaged countless ancient artifacts and structures. However, archaeologists are now unearthing remarkable findings amid the ruins.
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2
Sweat!
With the increase in global temperatures, Anthony Morgan delves into the human body's innate cooling mechanism. He explores the essential role of swea...
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3
Foodspiracy
Title: Foodspiracy Plot: Sarika Cullis-Suzuki and Anthony Morgan delve into the world of ultra-processed foods, exploring their widespread allure. ...
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6
Shared Planet: Waters
Water is the Earth's most extensive habitat, yet species that rely on it are rapidly diminishing. By finding ways to coexist within these aquatic envi...
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8
The Secret Knowledge of Animals
Title: The Hidden Wisdom of Creatures Plot: Researchers are harnessing wearable devices to uncover the "hidden wisdom" possessed by animals, revealin...
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9
Singing Back the Buffalo
Title: Harmonizing with the Buffalo Plot: This visually stunning and inspiring tale explores the profound bond between humanity and buffalo, highligh...
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10
Dances with Cranes
Follow the journey of whooping cranes over the course of a year, highlighting the challenges they face and the dedicated individuals working tirelessl...
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11
Plastic People
Microplastics have infiltrated every corner of our environment. Sarika Cullis-Suzuki teams up with science journalist Ziya Tong to delve into our depe...
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12
Animal Pride
Title: Animal Pride Plot: In this captivating exploration of the natural world, Connel Bradwell confronts the oversights of conventional biology, rev...
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13
Dad Bods
Research is uncovering insights about "dad bods," showing how fatherhood can significantly change both the brains and bodies of men. The true essence ...
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14
Implosion: The Titanic Sub Disaster
A descent to the Titanic ends in tragedy with a catastrophic implosion. This episode delves into the investigation aimed at revealing the facts surrou...
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2
Episode 2
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3
Episode 3
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7
Can Dogs Talk?
The phenomenon of dogs using buttons to express themselves has taken the internet by storm, prompting adventurous pet owners and researchers to explor...
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8
Cluck! Chickens Exposed
This lively adventure in the barnyard uncovers the enigmatic and frequently overlooked lives of chickens, showcasing their complex social structures a...
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9
The Berg
The journey of an iceberg unfolds from its breathtaking emergence in Greenland to its poignant demise along the coast of Newfoundland.
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11
Athens: Birth of Democracy
Anthony Morgan reveals the story of how the people of ancient Athens overthrew their tyrannical rulers, paving the way for the groundbreaking establis...
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12
Cheetah: Fast and Wild
Following the tragic death of their mother at the hands of lions, two cheetah cubs find themselves in captivity. They are given a unique opportunity t...
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13
The Mosquitoes Are Winning!
Throughout human history, mosquitoes have influenced wars and the rise and fall of empires. These tiny but lethal creatures pose a significant danger,...
