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Nova

Bats have been implicated in deadly epidemics such as COVID-19 and Ebola, yet scientists are discovering evidence that they may hold a key to a longer and healthier life. From caves in Thailand and Texas to labs around the globe, NOVA meets the scientists who are decoding the superpowers of the bat.

Could the source of the deadliest viruses hold the secret to a healthier and longer life?

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Laboratories around the world are mobilizing to find the answers because just how this stealthy nocturnal animal functions remains largely a mystery.

Viruses circulate so well within bat colonies — could they hold secrets to better health?

Why are Bats Tolerant of the Diseases They Carry?

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Bat Superpowers

The heartbeats of some species of flying bat can reach 1,066 beats per minute. Could this level of activity — unrivaled by any other mammal — help explain bat super immunity?

Bats are really effective at dumping heat to keep their body temperatures fairly normal.

Unique Adaptations may Explain Bats' Resistance to Viruses

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Bats have been implicated in deadly epidemics such as COVID-19 and Ebola, yet scientists are discovering evidence that they may hold a key to a longer and healthier life. From caves in Thailand and Texas to labs around the globe, NOVA meets the scientists who are decoding the superpowers of the bat. (Premiered September 15, 2021)

Could the source of the deadliest viruses hold the secret to a healthier and longer life?

Nature

NOVA investigates the story of cannabis from the criminalization that has disproportionately harmed communities of color to the latest medical understanding of the plant. What risks does cannabis pose to the developing brain? How much do we know about its potential medical benefits? As cannabis becomes socially accepted, scientists are exploring its long-term health consequences. (Premiered September 29, 2021)Check out a previously recorded panel discussion and audience Q&amp;A featuring experts and producers from "The Cannabis Question" <a href="https://youtu.be/nSTT5RZ_hxA">here</a>.

As state-legalized cannabis spreads, NOVA explores its little-known risks and benefits.

The Cannabis Question

A 2006 composite image from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and Spitzer Telescope shows the chaos of baby stars in the Orion nebula some 1,500 light-years away. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/STScI

With the upcoming launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, the Hubble era is gradually drawing to a close. Here are some highlights from the countless wonders Hubble has shown us during its 31 years in space.

10 spectacular Hubble Space Telescope images

A statue of Zheng He at the Sam Poo Kong Temple in Java, Indonesia. Image Credit: Budianto Santosa, Shutterstock

In the 1400s, Zheng He sailed thousands of miles around Asia and Africa in ships the size of soccer fields, spreading Chinese innovations like compasses and gunpowder in the process.

Bat Superpowers

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Bat Superpowers

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Why are Bats Tolerant of the Diseases They Carry?

To predict the next infectious disease outbreak, ask a computer

Researchers use migratory bats to track Ebola

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Support Provided By

Explore More

Bat Superpowers

Unique Adaptations may Explain Bats' Resistance to Viruses

Vampire bats form lasting bonds of ‘friendship,’ just like us

Why Bats Share Blood

Why are Bats Tolerant of the Diseases They Carry?

To predict the next infectious disease outbreak, ask a computer

Researchers use migratory bats to track Ebola

Bat-Inspired Tech Could Help Blind People See with Sound