Breakthrough

An anthology of leading scientists and how their cutting-edge innovations and advancements will change our lives in the immediate future and beyond. The series intends to bring to life the stories, people and technology behind these breakthroughs, and show how they are changing our world.

Genre: Documentary

Cast:Mike Colter , Sheila Vand , Jason Bateman , Adrien Brody , Paul Giamatti , Peter Berg , Ron Howard , David Cronenberg , Angela Bassett , Tanya Thompson , Phillip E. Walker , Claire McCaskill , Billy B. Collins , Matt Stuber , Ezekiel Emanuel , Aaron Mandell , Milton Nussdorf , Alessandro Vespignani

1Season 1

S1.E1 ∙ Fighting Pandemics

Sun, Nov 1, 2015

Viral outbreaks can become deadly pandemics in a matter of days. To prevent catastrophe, courageous scientists are fighting back with new treatments and vaccines.

2Season 1

S1.E2 ∙ More Than Human

Sun, Nov 8, 2015

Advances in science are fusing biology and technology to make us better, stronger, faster, and smarter; manipulating our genetic code; building exoskeletons that give us super strength; giving hope to people with traumatic spine injuries.

3Season 1

S1.E3 ∙ Decoding the Brain

Sun, Nov 15, 2015

After millennia of speculation about what goes on inside the human brain, we now have the tools to explore its hidden reaches. These tools are leading to research that may help those suffering from afflictions such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. They are also shedding light on the mystery of consciousness and what makes us who we are.

4Season 1

S1.E4 ∙ The Age of Aging

Sun, Nov 29, 2015

In recent years, close study of the aging process has opened up new ways that could help us all live healthier for longer. Can we move beyond treating individual diseases, and instead treat the aging process itself? But would a longer life necessarily be a better life? A loose-knit group of researchers believe the real breakthrough is extending our health span - the period of life spent free of disease.

5Season 1

S1.E5 ∙ Energy on the Edge

Sun, Dec 6, 2015

We are surrounded by clean, raw energy waiting to be tapped - energy that could eventually replace fossil fuels. Finding new ways to harness the energy around us takes a rare breed of scientist-engineers: men and women with a combination of technical skill, imagination, and unwavering focus. If we act now, developments in energy production could avert disaster and usher in a new era of clean, safe energy.

6Season 1

S1.E6 ∙ Water Apocalypse

Sun, Dec 13, 2015

California is on the brink of an apocalypse. The state faces a future of drought that will cost billions in lost farm revenue and thousands of jobs. But the challenges facing the state are not unique: All over the world, governments are struggling with bigger populations and a diminishing supply of freshwater. Innovators across the globe are seeking solutions in emergent technologies to prevent a planet-wide water crisis.

1Season 2

S2.E1 ∙ Addiction: A Psychedelic Cure?

Tue, May 2, 2017

Renegade researchers explore a controversial cure for vices: psychedelic drugs.

2Season 2

S2.E2 ∙ Cyber Terror

Tue, May 9, 2017

Examining the shadowy world of cyber hackers.

3Season 2

S2.E3 ∙ Curing Cancer

Tue, May 16, 2017

Maverick doctors supercharge killer T cells, creating a breakthrough treatment for cancer.

4Season 2

S2.E4 ∙ Game of Drones

2017

The military and defense industry are looking for ways to defend against drone attacks. Teams from around the world compete in a government sponsored challenge to safely bring down drones using a variety of technologies.

5Season 2

S2.E5 ∙ Predicting the Future

Tue, May 30, 2017

By finding hidden patterns in data, a new form of AI predicts the future with incredible accuracy. But if we peer into the crystal ball, will we see a world where machines shape the future, leaving their creators far behind?

6Season 2

S2.E6 ∙ Power to the People

Tue, Jun 6, 2017

A team of engineers make a dangerous trek deep into the Himalayas of India to prove there is a way to bring power to the people who need it most.