The Nature of Things 53

Carpe Diem: A Fishy Tale (2013)

North America is under attack by a sly and wily aquatic invader. Introduced in the ‘70s for the purpose of cleaning up algae in fish ponds, the aggressive Asian carp escaped into the Mississippi river system during floods. The 50-kilogram bottom feeders have advanced north at a surprising rate, becoming a familiar sight with their frenzied and often physically threatening mass leaps into the air. Despite their fascination with this newcomer, scientists on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border agree this invader is a threat we need to take seriously.

Ticked Off: The Mystery of Lyme Disease (2013)

Lyme disease, a mysterious tick-borne illness, has become one of the fastest-spreading diseases in North America. Tiny, dangerous and once uncommon, the population of ticks is growing at an alarming rate. The documentary explores how climate change has hastened the spread of the ticks and this devastating disease, one that is often misdiagnosed and mistreated, and is mired in medical controversy.

Myth or Science 2: The Quest for Perfection (2013)

Dr. Jennifer Gardy is back. But this time, Dr. Gardy’s journey of scientific discovery will plumb our very hopes and dreams - our quest for self-improvement. Are raw vegetables really better for you? Can you be fat and fit? Should you ditch caffeine? Dr. Gardy puts her own body on the line in lively experiments and scientific investigations to discover whether many popular health claims are science fact or science fiction.

Brain Magic: The Power of Placebo (2013)

What if each of us could make the symptoms of an illness disappear? Cast a spell so powerful it would actually heal our bodies, help us walk, or breathe better? For centuries placebos have been thought of as just fake medicine, but Brain Magic: The Power of Placebo explores the growing scientific evidence that placebos can have powerful—and real—effects on our minds and bodies.

Invasion of the Brain Snatchers (2013)