Accidents
of creation. The Secret of life. 1993. 1 videocassette (60
min.). Discusses change through mutation and origins
of new species. VHS 2512
Animal Einstein.
1999. 1 videocassette (57 min.). In this Scientific
American Frontiers special, host Alan Alda explores
current research being done on animal intelligence,
in particular language, counting, and simple arithmetic.
VHS 6730
Basic sterile cell culture. Videos for science: Cell culture. 1992. 1 videocassette
(17 min.). Documents actual experiments to show
how to maintain cultures, sterilize instruments
and work areas and ensure viable cultures. Discusses
the causes of contamination. VHS 3901
The Bio sci videodisc. 1983. 1 videodisc (Pioneer Laser). A visual data base
for the study of biology including such topics
as protozoology, entomology, histology, plant
taxonomy, and biochemistry. Contains more than
6,000 still images plus two motion pictures, maps,
charts and diagrams. VDD 24
The Biology encyclopedia. 1991. 1 videodisc. Provides a framework for understanding
the principles of modern biology. VDD 40
Biotechnology.
National Geographic Society educational video
presentations. 1995. 1 videocassette (28 min.).
"Biotechnology ranks among the most fascinating
and controversial of applied sciences. Using biotechnology,
genes - the very codes of life - can be moved,
changed, turned off, or even taken out of cells."--Container.
VHS 76
Birth, sex and death. The Secret of life. 1993. 1 videocassette (55 min.). Describes
development of the embryo, of sex differences,
and influences on end of life. VHS 2513
Blood. The
new living body. 1995. 1 videocassette (20
min.). "Blood and circulation are explained
... through the story of a sickle cell sufferer.
The program provides a complete introduction to
the following topics: blood structure and function,
the heart and circulation, hemoglobin, DNA and
protein synthesis, gas exchange at the cellular
level, sickle cell disease, genetic counseling,
MRI, applications of science and technology in
medicine"--Container label. VHS 4271
Breaking free video magazine : issue #1. 1998. 1 videocassette (ca. 30 min.). Using video shot
by the activists themselves, film looks at various
protests and direct actions that occurred around
the country from 1996 through 1998. Includes footage
from the groups: Animal Defense League LA, Animal
Defense League NJ, Animal Liberation of Texas,
Animal Rights Direct Action Coalition SF, Headwaters
Action Video Collective, Justice through Insurrection
by Humans for Animal Defense, New Jersey Animal
Rights Alliance. VHS 5890
Breathing.
The new living body. 1995. 1 videocassette
(20 min.). "... begins by looking at a typical
day in the life of a cystic fibrosis sufferer.
The structure and function of the lungs are seen
through a mixture of computer graphics and real
life video. The problems encountered with CF
are compared with the functioning of a normal
healthy lung. Provides a complete introduction
to: the lungs and associated organs, ventilation
of the lungs and gas exchange, the role of mucus
in the body, causes and symptoms of CF, applications
of enzyme technology to modern medicine, measurement
of lung function, genetic diseases and gene therapy"--Container
label. VHS 4272
Cancer a genetic disease. 1987. 1 videocassette (28 min.). Discusses cancer as
a genetic disease and the role that environment
plays. Covers the genetic archives that Japanese
research scientists have compiled with records
of atom bomb survivors to assist them in determining
the effects of ionizing radiation, and research
in the U.S. on the role of retroviruses in producing
some cancers. Also discusses the significance
of research on cell growth differentiation and
evidence of connections between dietary habits
and the incidence of cancer. VHS 1649
Carbon ; The age of polymers ; Proteins, structure and
function ; The genetic code.
The World of chemistry. 1989. 1 videocassette
(ca. 30 min. ea.). Program 21 teaches the organic
chemistry of carbon compounds and explains the
versatility of carbon's molecular structures.
Program 22 explains what polymers are, how they
are made and why they are different. It observes
industrial chemists as they control the molecular
structure to create polymers with special properties.
Program 23 looks at the molecular structures of
these natural polymers and their diverse functions
in living organisms. Program 24 explains how
the human body manufactures complex proteins to
sustain life and shows how genetic information
is passed from one generation to another. VHS
855-856
The Cell, a functioning structure. 1972. 1 videocassette (56 min.). Uses cinemicroscopy
and special-effects animation to present the cell
as a functioning entity as well as a stable, reproducible
structure. Part 1 shows ways cells obtain nourishment,
and discusses cellular reproduction and cell structure.
Part 2 shows the chemical elements which take
place within the living cell, describes the genetic
code, DNA, and the chloroplast of the plant cell,
and investigates communication. VHS 4978
Cell culture.
Videos for science. 1992. 5 videocassettes
(71 min.). VHS 3901-3905
Cell differentiation the search for the organizer. 1984. 1 videocassette (15 min.). Recreates classic
experiments by Hans Spemann which led to discoveries
about cell differentiation in an embryo. Salamander
eggs, which are similar to human eggs, are altered
or touched with dye and then studied as cell division
progresses using time-lapse microphotography.
VHS 1641
Cell wars.
The Secret of life. 1993. 1 videocassette
(60 min.). Describes the study on the molecular
level of parasites and microbes that challenge
the human immune system, and the possibility of
using gene technology to tailor vaccines to prevent
diseases like multiple sclerosis and AIDS. VHS
2516
CELLebration.
1995. 1 videocassette (36 min.). A collection
of research videos from the American Society for
Cell Biology demonstrating some of the wide diversity
of cellular phenomena. VHS 4427
Charlie, the lonesome cougar. 1985? 1 videocassette (90 min.). Lost, abandoned and
frightened, a young cougar is discovered and adopted
by Jess Bradley (Ron Brown), a lumberman in the
Pacific Northwest. Named "Good Time Charlie,"
the young cat lives a carefree life among the
loggers but tension develops as he is torn between
this unusual way of life and his true wildlife
instincts. VHS 5059
Chick embryo: life is born. 1983? 1 videocassette (ca. 17 min.). Sequential view
of happenings inside a fertilized hen's egg during
the first 150 hours of incubation. Shows blastodisc
onto which an extra primitive node was grafted.
Tissue cultures show differentiation and activity
of individual cells. VHS 4974
Children by design. The Secret of life. 1993. 1 videocassette (60 min.). Discusses
gene therapy and genetic engineering. VHS 2517
Children of Eve.
Nova series. 1987. 1 videocassette (58
min.). Discusses the origin of the human species
and natural selection. VHS 1892
A clone of frogs. 1979. 1 videocassette (16 min.). An award-winning documentary, in which
Dr. John Gurdon of Cambridge University details
his experiments in cloning frogs by the technique
of nuclear transplantation. Uses time-lapse photography
to show the development of an embryo into an exact
genetic duplicate. VHS 423
Courting. 1992.
1 videocassette (ca. 50 min.). Anthropologist
Attenborough looks at the natural ritual of courtship
among animals. Film demonstrates that courting
in the animal world is not merely pursuit and
conquest; the natural ritual is subtle and varied,
involving sound, smell, and sight. VHS 4704
Creation or evolution? science & religion : bridging
the gap.
Science & religion : bridging the gap.
1996. 1 videocassette (58 min.). A Christian perspective
and analysis of both the geologic record and the
biblical account of creation. VHS 6485
Creation vs. evolution a battle in the classroom. 1982. 1 videocassette (58 min.). Creationists and Evolutionists
hold contradictory views of the origins of life.
Now, in legislatures, school boards and courtrooms
across the country, Christian fundamentalists
are demanding that "creation science"
be taught in a balanced presentation along with
evolution in public schools - a proposal opposed
by the science community. This video looks at
the issues in this battle for the classroom involving
educators, parents, fundamentalists and children.
VHS 4936
Cryopreserving cultured cells. Videos for science: Cell culture. 1992. 1 videocassette
(22 min.). Shows how to freeze cells (using the
cryopreservative DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide)) for
storage while maintaining their viability for
future use. VHS 3904
Darwin's revolution. Day the universe changed. 1986. 1 videocassette (52 min.). Reveals
how Darwin's writings undermined the concept of
an orderly, unchanging universe and with it the
belief in the biblical theory of creation. Also
considers how aspects of Darwinism were used to
political and economic advantage to justify Nazism,
robber baron style capitalism, and communism.
VHS 2898
Darwin's revolution in thought an illustrated lecture
for the classroom.
1995. 2 videocassettes (125 min.). Gould's lecture
is structured in the form of a paradox and three
riddles about Darwin's life. Each is designed
to shed light on one of the key features of the
theory of natural selection, its philosophical
radicalism, and why it has been so poorly understood.
VHS 3114
Developmental biology. 1990. 1 videocassette (24 min.). Discusses the factors
that influence the process of sexual differentiation
and how researchers have unlocked part of the
mystery of gender. VHS 1640
Digestive system. Human body series: Human body series (Washington, D.C.). 1988.
1 videocassette (17 min.). Explains the digestive
system from ingestion through digestion to absorption
and elimination. Includes animation. VHS 4187
Do you really want to know? 1996. 1 videocassette (23 min.). First segment: Robert
Krulwich interviews the mother of a child who
inherited the fragile X chromosome and two sisters
in a family with a genetic predisposition to breast
cancer. Second segment: Ted Koppel interviews
Francis Collins, a doctor participant in the human
genome project. Both segments explore the ethical
and social issues and life decisions that result
from genetic information. VHS 3897
A dozen eggs time-lapse microscopy of normal development.
1991. 1 videocassette (44 min.). VHS 1302
Evolutionary biology. The Biological sciences. 1981. 1 videocassette (16 min.). Presents
a concise summary of evolutionary biology. Discusses
the diversity of life, the adaptation of species
for specialized functions and changing environments,
individualization with species, mutation, and
how variations lead to new species through geographical
and reproductive isolation. VHS 2974
Fighting. The
Trials of life. 1991. 1 videocassette (ca.
60 min.). Explores how animals engage in physical
combat as a fact of life. The stakes may be food,
territory, a mate, or survival. VHS 4905
Francis Crick: Beyond the double helix. 1990. 1 videocassette (28 min.). This program examines
molecular biology and the discovery of the DNA
molecule by Francis Crick. Includes interviews
with Francis Crick. VHS 1952
The Gene engineers. Nova series. 1977. Explores the scientific, moral, and legal
implications of scientists' new ability to transfer
genes from one creature to another.
VHS 6909
Generating contrast phase contrast, DIC, and immunofluorescence.
Using microscopy: Knowledge now in experimental
biology. 1997. 1 videocassettes (19 min.).
In their natural state, many cells and tissues
lack sufficient contrast to be visible in an ordinary
light microscope. This program introduces three
powerful contrast-generating modes of microscopy.
Phase contrast and differential interference contrast
(DIC) give detailed views of unstained specimens
by converting differences in refractive index
and thickness into wave interference effects that
the eye can detect as differences in brightness
and darkness. Immunofluorescence microscopy reveals
specific organelles or proteins within a cell
by using antibodies coupled to a fluorescent dye
to locate the target of interest. VHS 6347
Genetic biology.
1982. 1 videocassette (16 min.). Examines two
qualities essential to the existence of a species:
the genetic mechanisms that preserve continuity
and the mechanisms that ensure variation. Also
explores recent breakthroughs of molecular genetics
in the area of recombinant DNA. VHS 3929
Genetic screening the ultimate preventive medicine? Hard choices. 1980. 1 videocassette (59 min.).
Examines options that parents have for prenatal
testing of their children and how genetic counseling
has affected some parents. Considers whether a
woman should abort the fetus, or knowingly have
a baby that would be notably handicapped. VHS
5522
Genetic transfer. Unseen life on Earth: an introduction to microbiology. 1999.
1 videocassette (30 min.). Series explores the
vast biotechnological potential micro-organisms
hold and discusses their importance in everything
from medicine to environmental issues to global
politics. Features new techniques in microscopy
and computer-generated imagery. Microbial populations
achieve genetic diversity through horizontal gene
transfer. Bacteria may transfer genes from one
to another by conjugation, transformation, or
transduction. Scientists often exploit these processes
through recombinant DNA. VHS 6325
Gorillas in the mist: the story of Dian Fossey. 1989. 1 videocassette (129 min.). Based on the true
story of young anthropologist Dian Fossey who
travels to the African mountains to study the
rare gorillas. VHS 1301
Harvest of fear.
2001. 1 videocassette (120 min.). In "Harvest
of Fear," Frontline and Nova explore the
intensifying debate over genetically-modified
(gm) food crops. Interviewing scientists, farmers,
biotech and food industry representatives, government
regulators, and critics of biotechnology, this
two-hour report presents both sides of the debate,
exploring the risks and benefits, the hopes and
fears, of this new technology. VHS 6836
Henry, one man's way. 1997. 1 videocassette (53 min.). Examines the life of animal rights
activist Henry Spira. Examines how Henry was able
to bring the issue of animal testing into mainstream
consciousness and change corporate thinking. VHS
5381
Homeostasis.
The new living body. 1995. 1 videocassette
(20 min.). "In order to understand homeostasis
in a natural setting, this program observes what
happens in the body during a marathon race. By
monitoring various physiological responses of
one [of] the runners, we show many changes and
adjustment being made as the race progresses ...
The program provides a complete introduction to
the following topics: homeostatic mechanisms within
the body, regulation of temperature, regulation
of blood sugar, feedback systems, role of hormones,
water balance"--Container label. VHS 4273
How babies get made. Nova series. 1987. 1 videocassette (58 min.). Examines the processes
by which animal and human embryos develop from
single cells into complex organisms and the efforts
of scientists to discover the cellular and genetic
mechanisms that account for both normal and abnormal
embryological development. VHS 1893
The human animal: A natural history of the human species.
1999. 6 videocassettes (50 min. each). In this
series, Desmond Morris examines human behavior
and the human condition. Issues such as body
language, human evolution, modern culture, love
and sex, human genetics and human creativity are
discussed. VHS 6427
Human defenses.
Unseen life on Earth: an introduction to microbiology.
1999. 1 videocassette (30 min.). Series explores
the vast biotechnological potential micro-organisms
hold and discusses their importance in everything
from medicine to environmental issues to global
politics. Features new techniques in microscopy
and computer-generated imagery. Both nonspecific
and specific defense strategies can defeat the
invasion of microbial pathogens.Film shows the
coordinated defense system of humans through visual
analogy, animation, and examples of specific diseases.
VHS 6331
The Human genome project. 1991. 1 videocassette (ca. 28 min.). Reports on a 15-year
research initiative designed by the National Institutes
of Health and other federal agencies to identify
the precise location and sequence of the 100,000
genes that comprise the 23 pairs of chromosomes.
VHS 5130
The human quest with Roger Bingham. 1995. 4 videocassettes (57 min. each). Draws on recent
advances in evolutionary biology and neuroscience
to explore answers to the important questions:
Who are we? Where did we come from? What are
our prospects? Roger Bingham speaks with scientists,
researchers, philosophers, and ordinary people
around the world. VHS 5311-5314
Ilha das flores: Isle of flowers. 1990. 1 videocassette (13 min.). A funny but ultimately
bitter film from Brazil about values, the food
chain, and the human condition as it looks at
what becomes of the garbage produced by the inhabitants
of Porto Alegre, Brazil. VHS 2926
The Immortal thread. The Secret of life. 1993. 1 videocassette (60 min.). Describes
the significance of DNA and genetic mapping. VHS
2511
The Immune response. 1989. 1 videocassette (20 min.). Uses time-lapse microcinematography
to show how a virus destroys healthy cells and
is then overcome by the body's immune system.
VHS 1010
In the beginning: The creationist controversy . 1994. 2 videocassettes (112 min.). Two-part program
presents both sides of the debate between those
who advocate creationist theory and those who
support evolution. Program one looks at the Institute
for Creation Research, which maintains that the
Biblical account of the origins of life is literal
and accurate. Also includes an interview with
Stephen Jay Gould, a leading Darwinist and science
historian who argues that "creation science"
is not science at all, but religion. Finally,
Balmer talks with parents, teachers and school
board members in Vista, California where the school
board mandated the teaching of creationism in
the schools. Program two looks further into the
issue of scientific creationism in school curricula.
Balmer goes to a school where evolution is taught
only so students are able to refute it and looks
at the influence of the conservative Christian
community in public school systems. Balmer interviews
two leading scholars on opposite sides of the
evolution versus creationism debate: Philip Johnson
and Dr. Leonard Kishtalka. VHS 3528
Inherit the wind. 1983. 1 videocassette (127 min.). A small Tennessee town gained national
attention in 1925 when a biology schoolteacher
was arrested for violating state law and teaching
Darwin's theory of evolution in the classroom. DVD 1677, HOME USE COLLECTION VHS 58
Intimate strangers: Unseen life on earth. 1999. 1 videocassette (120 min.). Provides an overview
of the microbial world and offers a clear and
exciting picture of the field of microbiology.
Dangerous friends and friendly enemies: Scientists
focus on microbial communities that live in and
on humans as well as some key factors that contribute
to the emergence of new infectious diseases. Creators
of the future: Scientists turn to microbes for
solutions for repairing our damaged environment
and feeding the planet's growing population. VHS
6333
Is evolution progressive? 1997. 1 videocassette (ca. 50 min.). Richard Dawkins
lectures on the theory of progressive evolution,
which proposes the steady long-term improvement
of evolutionary grade. The biological theory originated
in Victorian England and developed analogous sociological,
political and cultural counterparts. VHS 4735
Isaac Asimov. Parts 1 & 2. 1988. 1 videocassette (60 min.). Isaac Asimov talks
about evolution, the correlation between science
and religion, the future of education, and getting
something out of existence and questioning the
meaning of a single lifetime. VHS 1308
Jumping genes.
1987. 1 videocassette (26 min.). Since antibiotics
were introduced in the 1930's, many bacterial
strains have developed resistance to several drugs.
Discusses how the resistance occurs when genes
are carried on short pieces of DNA that may insert
into rings of extra-chromosomal DNA called plasmids.
VHS 3928
The Ladder of creation. Ascent of man. 1980. 1 videocassette (52 min.).
Explores the controversy around the theory of
evolution developed simultaneously by Alfred Wallace
and Charles Darwin. VHS 1281
Lethal medicine.
1997. 1 videocassette (57 min.). A documentary
whose stated aim is to debunk the myth that animal
research saves human lives. VHS 6641
The Living cell.
1988. 1 videocassette (20 min.). Shows how each
cell, by means of its various organelles, accomplishes
specific jobs in order to stay alive, what these
organelles are and how they are coordinated within
the cell. VHS 1642
Map of life: Science, society, and the Human Genome Project.
1992. 1 videocassette (46 min.). Reports on a
15-year research initiative designed by the National
Institutes of Health and other federal agencies
to identify the precise location and sequence
of the 100,000 genes that comprise the 23 pairs
of chromosomes. Discussions by James D. Watson,
Walter Gilbert, Louis Sullivan and Bernadine Healy
focus on the history, scientific procedures, ethics
and anticipated results of the project. VHS 1842
Membranes and transport. Biology, form and function. 1991. 1 videocassette
(24 min.). VHS 2415
Metabolism.
Unseen life on Earth: an introduction to microbiology.
1999. 1 videocassette (30 min.). Series explores
the vast biotechnological potential micro-organisms
hold and discusses their importance in everything
from medicine to environmental issues to global
politics. Features new techniques in microscopy
and computer-generated imagery. The metabolic
pathways that produce energy create important
environmental transformations. Although living
organisms have diverse ways of meeting their energy
needs, there is an amazing similarity between
all life forms as they carry out metabolism directed
to the construction and use of necessary biological
molecules. VHS 6323
Microbes and human diseases. Unseen life on Earth: an introduction to microbiology.
1999. 1 videocassette (30 min.). Series explores
the vast biotechnological potential micro-organisms
hold and discusses their importance in everything
from medicine to environmental issues to global
politics. Features new techniques in microscopy
and computer-generated imagery. How microbes come
into contact with humans, and the many factors
leading to disease outbreaks around the globe,
are examined here. Film looks at current efforts
to track infectious diseases and the considerations
necessary to control disease worldwide. VHS 6332
Microbial control. Unseen life on Earth: an introduction to microbiology. 1999.
1 videocassette (30 min.). Series explores the
vast biotechnological potential micro-organisms
hold and discusses their importance in everything
from medicine to environmental issues to global
politics. Features new techniques in microscopy
and computer-generated imagery. In certain situations,
microbial control is a necessity. For instance,
our food system requires sanitary conditions and
hospitals require sterilization techniques. Film
presents the options available for various levels
of microbial control. VHHHS 6329
Microbial diversity. Unseen life on Earth: an introduction to microbiology. 1999.
1 videocassette (30 min.). Series explores the
vast biotechnological potential micro-organisms
hold and discusses their importance in everything
from medicine to environmental issues to global
politics. Features new techniques in microscopy
and computer-generated imagery. What is the relationship
between the bacteria, archaea, and eukaryote branches
of the tree of life, with their startling variety
of organisms? Film provides comparisons of organisms
in their natural habitats and examines ways of
studying these organisms in those habitats and
in the laboratory.VHS 6327
Microbial ecology. Unseen life on Earth: an introduction to microbiology. 1999.
1 videocassette (30 min.). Series explores the
vast biotechnological potential micro-organisms
hold and discusses their importance in everything
from medicine to environmental issues to global
politics. Features new techniques in microscopy
and computer-generated imagery. Humans and all
life forms depend on microorganisms as the essential
processors of oxygen, mineral nutrients for plant
growth, and waste materials. Film investigate
some of the important environments dominated by
microbes and how their presence is essential for
human life. VHS 6328
Microbial evolution. Unseen life on Earth: an introduction to microbiology. 1999.
1 videocassette (30 min.). Series explores the
vast biotechnological potential micro-organisms
hold and discusses their importance in everything
from medicine to environmental issues to global
politics. Features new techniques in microscopy
and computer-generated imagery. Recent genetic
techniques have led to new theories of evolution
and the relationships between organisms. Film
examines this "evolution revolution,"
using molecular sequences to trace the phylogenetic
relationships of microbial life. Both the big
picture of microbial evolution and the methods
necessary for determining molecular phylogenies
are examined. VHS 6326
Microbial interactions. Unseen life on Earth: an introduction to microbiology.
1999. 1 videocassette (30 min.). Series explores
the vast biotechnological potential micro-organisms
hold and discusses their importance in everything
from medicine to environmental issues to global
politics. Features new techniques in microscopy
and computer-generated imagery. There are many
symbiotic relationships among microbes and between
microbes and higher organisms. Microorganisms
have developed mechanisms to defeat animals' defenses
against disease. Examples of beneficial and harmful
symbiotic relationships are examined here. VHS
6330
The microbial universe. Unseen life on Earth: an introduction to microbiology.
1999. 1 videocassette (30 min.). Series explores
the vast biotechnological potential micro-organisms
hold and helps you discover their importance in
everything from medicine to environmental issues
to global politics. Features new techniques in
microscopy and computer-generated imagery. The
world of microorganisms is a dynamic one, and
all other life forms depend on microbial metabolic
activity. Recent genetic research has uncovered
only about one percent of the 99 percent of microbes
that remain "undiscovered.". VHS 6321
Microscopically characterizing cells. Videos for science: Cell culture. 1992. 1 videocassette
(16 min.). Uses video microscope images to characterize
commonly used cells. Shows cells of different
sizes, shapes, growth patterns, etc., through
a phase contrast microscope. VHS 3902
The Miracle of life. 1983. 1 videocassette (57 min.). Combines live action and animation
with detailed microcinematography to explain the
process of human reproduction. Shows the cell
as the basic unit of life; the structure and function
of the male and female reproductive organs; the
fertilization, implantation and development of
a human egg; the development of the embryo and
fetus during pregnancy; and the birth of a baby.
VHS 1585
The Mouse that laid the golden egg. The Secret of life. 1993. 1 videocassette (60
min.). Examines the promises and dangers of industrial
genetic manipulation, and the interaction of science
with the marketplace. Covers the controversial
trend of genetically engineering sheep, pigs,
mice, tomatoes, and other life forms for human
benefit. Drugs, low-cholesterol milk, bruiseless
tomatoes, human hemoglobin, and even human organs
are some of the genetically engineered products
that, if not already available, may soon be. VHS
2515
Never say die.
Scientific American frontiers. 2000. 1
videocassette (60 min.). VHS 6729
One voice in the cosmic fugue: The Shores of the cosmic
ocean.
Cosmos, a personal voyage. 1989. 1 videocassette (121 min.). Carl Sagan explores the origin, evolution, and diversity
of life on Earth. Shores of the cosmic ocean:
Via a stunning visual representation, the "cosmic
zoom," the series begins with a guided tour
of the universe from clusters of galaxies to the
Milky Way to Earth, landing in Egypt. The discoveries
of Eratosthenes are introduced--the measurement
of Earth's circumference and its spherical nature.
The dawn of systematic scientific research and
the Alexandrian Library are discussed. The episode
concludes with the "cosmic calendar,"
a journey through time from the Big Bang to the
present. One voice in the cosmic fugue: Discusses
the question of life and its origins, life on
other planets, molecular biology, DNA, and how
organisms have adapted to their environment. VHS
6361-6362
The Origin of species: Creationism and evolution. 1997. 1 videocassette (ca. 25 min.). Program revisits
the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands
(seen by Charles Darwin in 1835) as it explains
the differences between the fact and theory in
science. Discusses why creationism was rejected
by the scientific community, shows the differences
about details of evolution theory and how science
today uses the knowledge of evolutionary change
as basic data in on-going work.VHS 4710
Origins. Science
odyssey. 1998. 1 videocassette (120 min.).
Series of program that chronicle twentieth-century
scientific adventures including the people, breakthroughs,
and social forces that have made this the most
dynamic 100 years in the history of science and
technology. This segment focuses on the inventors,
entrepreneurs, and industrial scientists whose
work fueled the 20th century's technological revolution.
This segment reveals what is known about the history
of the planet, the human species and life itself
through the discoveries of geologists, biochemists,
paleoanthropologists and others. Topics include
earth sciences-- volcanoes, earthquakes, age and
origin of the Earth, formation of mountains--
and life sciences, such as the legacy of Charles
Darwin, DNA and RNA and the origins of life. VHS
4995
Patterns of development. Genetics. 1987. 1 videocassette (26 min.). Shows
the prenatal development of amphibians and insects
as an indication of how the human fetus develops.
VHS 2998
Penguin odyssey.
1988. 1 videocassette (30 min.). The film shows
a half dozen species of penguins in the Falkland
Island and Antarctica, as the wildlife that shares
the penguins' environment. Narration is limited
; most of the sounds are made naturally by the
animals. VHS 1805
The Persistence of memory; Encyclopaedia galactica. Cosmos, a personal voyage. 1989. 1 videocassette
(121 min.). Persistence of memory: From the modern
view that whales represent an intelligent species,
Dr. Sagan moves to the study of genetic information,
the functions of the human brain, a discussion
of brain size and behavior, the relationship of
brain and environment, and the physiological synaptic
response, the chemical-electrical process that
enables us to think. He points out how the "libraries"
of the gene and the brain are translated into
symbolic communication--writing--to create libraries
which house the accrued information of generations.
Encyclopaedia galactica: Beginning with the scrutiny
of a notorious UFO incident and the unsubstantiated
theories of von Daniken, this episode explores
the probable nature of intelligent civilizations
in the universe and the means by which contact
might be made. Dr. Sagan notes that the "Rosetta
Stone" for interstellar communication is
likely to involve the laws of physics--shared
observations about the universe, such as the spectra
of the elements and the constant speed of light.
At the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, Dr.
Sagan programs the world's largest radio telescope
to listen to a hitherto unexamined star for signs
of intelligent life. VHS 3641-3642
Phage lambda as a model organism. Knowledge Now in experimental biology. 1996.
1 videocassette (30 min.). Introduces lambda,
a virus that infects bacteria. It has proven its
value as a model organism for addressing many
important questions: How is a sequence of events
programmed during development? How do viruses
establish a latent, quiescent state within their
host cell? What triggers them to become active?
The program details the laboratory procedure for
observing the phage life cycle and, by using graphic
effects, allows viewers to see the program of
lambda infection, which includes DNA replication
and synthesis of phage heads and tails. VHS 5876
Plague war.
1998. 1 videocassette (60 min.). "Frontline
presents new evidence culled from scientists,
intelligence agencies, and policymakers to examine
the threat biological warfare poses to world security
and the responses the U.S. is frantically developing."
-- Container. VHS 5697
Plant politics.
The private life of plants. 1995. 1 videocassette
(50 min.). Struggling for survival, plants use
some hair-raising strategies such as arson, to
engineer catastrophes. Attenborough dangles 200
feet up in Borneo's jungle and dodges flames in
Australia to show how plants exploit disaster
to meet their species' needs. VHS 5964
Putting down roots. The private life of plants. 1995. 1 videocassette (50 min.).
Discusses how plants cultivate myriad survival
techniques. Some plants race across the forest
floor to climb a tree, tropical leaves strain
to catch shafts of life-giving sunlight, and others
use poisonous sap and crafty disguises as defense
mechanisms. VHS 5962
Quantifying viable cells. Videos for science: Cell culture. 1992. 1 videocassette
(12 min.). Shows several methods for quantifying
viable cells including a hemocytometer, a Coulter
counter and a fluorescent activated cell sorter.
Also shows how to distinguish viable cells from
unhealthy ones without using trypan blue exclusion.
VHS 3903
Reading the code of life. Unseen life on Earth: an introduction to microbiology.
1999. 1 videocassette (30 min.). Series explores
the vast biotechnological potential micro-organisms
hold and discusses their importance in everything
from medicine to environmental issues to global
politics. Features new techniques in microscopy
and computer-generated imagery. DNA is central
to cell activity, replicating with great fidelity
and carrying the information for all proteins.
Organisms also regulate the products made from
genes in an effort to conserve energy and adapt
to new environments. VHS 6324
Rhythms and drives. The Brain. 1984. 1 videocassette (58 min.). Explores man's animal
drives, which are controlled by the hypothalamus
and other parts of the brain. Explains how seasonal
changes affect human biorhythms and influence
behavior, including sleep patterns and emotional
well-being. Tells how disorders affecting the
hypothalamus can inhibit production of sex hormones
or trigger violent criminal behavior. Includes
medical studies and experiments as well as interviews
with experts and victims of brain disorders. VHS
1983
Science for survival. A woman's place. 1995. 1 videocassette (50 min.). Millions of
women, with their managerial, economic and scientific
skills, are the backbone of India's rural economy.
Film looks in depth at two women: activist and
ecologist Vandana Shiva, the leader of a people's
movement that opposes "reductionist Western
science," argues that the failure of the
Green Revolution was due to the fact that women's
knowledge of traditional seed varieties was ignored
and now works to promote local farming methods
that she believes are vital to the survival of
the Indian ecosystem; and Dr. Sharadini Dahanukar
who has set out to prove that ayurvedic medicine,
which relies heavily on women's knowledge of plants
and herbs, has scientific validity. Film also
looks at silk technology and Prabha Shekar who
argues that the fusion of modern science with
indigenous knowledge can provide a way forward
for poor communities. VHS 4923
The science of cloning. 1997. 1 videocassette (25 min.). Ben Wattenberg talks
with Michael McClure of the National Institutes
of Health about the history of genetic reproduction
technologies, antecedents of modern cloning practices,
and illustrates the biomechanics of cloning. Scholars
discuss the future of cloning, its possible uses
and abuses. VHS 4637
Scientific American frontiers: Going to extremes. Scientific American frontiers. 1997. 1 videocassette
(60 min.). Meet researchers and scientists exploring
the inner workings of the mind, using a combination
of technology and psychological studies to find
out how the human brain works. VHS 6728
Seasons in the sea. 1990. 1 videocassette (55 min.). Describes animal behavior in Monterey
Bay and shows how winds, tides, and currents shape
the Bay life. VHS 6620
The Secret of life. 1993. 8 videocassettes (480 min.). This 8-part series reveals how scientists'
ability to decipher and manipulate human genes
will transform medicine and perhaps the human
race. It chronicles the scientific findings in
molecular biology through tales of discovery,
personal case studies and engaging histories.
Using three-dimensional animation and special
photographic techniques, the series reveals an
unseen world and showcases how DNA, base pairs,
genes, proteins, promoters and receptors work.
VHS 2511-2518
Secrets of life.
Walt Disney's true-life adventures. 1985?
1 videocassette (69 min.). Solutions to the problems
of survival and reproduction in the marine, insect
and plant worlds are presented by expert Disney
photographers. VHS 6675
The selfish meme. Life of the mind. 1997. 1 videocassette (ca. 40 min.). Richard
Dawkins lectures on the theory of memes, which
proposes a basic mental replicating unit in social
evolution which is equivalent to the replicating
function of the gene in biological evolution.
Dawkins considers the Darwinian algorithm and
postulates that the one essential ingredient to
make it work is heredity. VHS 4736
Signs of the apes, songs of the whales. 1988. 1 videocassette (60 min.). Revisits Washoe, a
chimpanzee that communicates using American Sign
Language, and examines some of the most recent
language experiments being done with apes, dolphins,
sea lions, gorillas, and whales. Features a sea-lion
that responds to more than 100 three-word commands,
Koko the gorilla, who tells jokes, a group of
chimpanzees using a computer to communicate with
a trainer, and the communication methods of humpbacked
whales. VHS 1808
Spare parts.
2000. 1 videocassette (26 min.). Experts on the
cutting edge of tissue engineering and regenerative
medicine present the astounding results of their
research. Academic experts from MIT, Johns Hopkins
Medical Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital,
Duke University, and the University of Toronto
-- plus representatives of Osiris Therapeutics
and Geron, leading industry pioneers -- explain
how new organs, arteries, ligaments, tendons,
and skin are being grown from scratch using embryonic
stem cells and bone marrow cells, bio-reactors,
biodegradable scaffolding, and telomerase. Ethics
issues and the race for patents are discussed
as well. VHS 6192
Spectrasphere production Kaleidoscope. 1991. 1 videocassette (30 min.). The constantly changing
kaleidoscopic images with musical accompaniment
can be viewed purely for aesthetic pleasure or
to encourage meditation or to reduce stress. VHS
1730
The Story of Lucy. In search of human origins. 1994. 1 videocassette (55 min.).
In 1974 Don Johanson unearthed Lucy, at almost
3 million years of age, our oldest human ancestor.
Lucy's tiny three-and-a-half-foot skeleton set
the world of paleoanthropology on its ear. Lucy
walked upright and provided evidence that a larger
brain was the key difference between early man
and the ape. In this film Johanson recounts his
discovery of Lucy as he returns to the site of
his find in Ethiopia and expounds upon the important
information it still continues to generate. VHS
2471
Tales of the human dawn. 1996. 1 videocassette (58 min.). Explores the on-going
search for knowledge of our evolutionary beginning
including cultural factors that have influenced
theories of evolution as well as the role of storytelling
in evolutionary interpretations. Presents humankind's
various interpretations of its origin, origin
myths and their implications, evidence in the
fossil record of early humans and the theories
that have been developed to explain those findings,
and uniquely human characteristics. VHS 4703
The timeless issue of life: Evolution or creation. 1982. 1 videocassette (60 min.). A balanced and unbiased
view of evolution and creation featuring eleven
of the participants in the controversy: Donald
Johnson, R.L. Wysong, Steven A. Austin, Wayne
Moyer, Richard Bliss, Kenneth Miller, Gary Parker,
David Milne, Harold Slusher, John Moore, and Duane
Gish. VHS 972
Trypsin-treating attached cells. Videos for science: Cell culture. 1992. 1 videocassette
(7 min.). Cells growing on a solid matrix need
to be removed and passed to a new culture when
they fill the solid surface. A method of transferring
cells using the enzyme trypsin is explained. VHS
3905
Understanding sex. 1999. 1 videocassette (52 min.). Has reproduction choreographed the
dance of life? In this program experts including
an evolutionary biologist, a botanist, a psychobiologist,
zoologists, and doctors probe the subject of plant,
animal, and human sexuality. Topics run the gamut,
including the effects of hormonal cascades on
sexual development and pair-bonding, the evolution
of sexual reproduction as a form of gene repair,
the vital role of attraction, assisted conceptions
and genetic engineering, homosexuality and sexual
orientation, and even the use of virtual reality
for cyber-sex. Uses computer imagery to complement
the program. VHS 6184
A Union of opposites: New directions. Discovering psychology. 1989. 1 videocassette
(56 min.). Program 25 uses the yin-yang model
of complementary opposites to aid in an understanding
of basic principles thought to govern human nature
and animal behavior. Program 26 features prominent
psychologists who discuss new directions in research
and theory in the field of psychology and possible
applications. They also discuss how psychology
can contribute to the quality of human life. VHS
1138
The unity of living systems. Unseen life on Earth: an introduction to microbiology.
1999. 1 videocassette (30 min.). Series explores
the vast biotechnological potential micro-organisms
hold and discusses their importance in everything
from medicine to environmental issues to global
politics. Features new techniques in microscopy
and computer-generated imagery. All cellular organisms--prokaryotic
and eukaryotic--share basic chemical similarities.
Out of these similarities, however, emerge diverse
patterns of cell assembly. Film examines the tools
to understand various cell types and their relationship
to non-cell entities such as viruses. VHS 6322
Visual histology use of the light microscope . Histology videotape series. 1989. 1 videocassette
(29 min.). Demonstration of the light microscope
techniques that students must master in histology.
VHS 2063
Whales, dolphins, and men. Nova series. 1973. 1 videocassette (52 min.).
Examines and explains the extraordinary intelligence
and behavior of dolphins, the smallest and most
numerous members of the whale family. VHS 543
White wilderness. True-life adventure series. 1985. 1 videocassette (72 min.).
Nine daring photographers spent three years in
the white wilderness of the Arctic region to prove
that it is anything but bleak. Disney brings
you wondrous scenes of spectacular landscapes
and true-life adventures of native wildlife, including
walruses, polar bears, lemmings, and vicious predators.
VHS 6674
Who are you?
The Secret of life. 1993. 1 videocassette
(60 min.). A look at the results of thousands
of interviews with twins and with a few individuals.
Describes how behavior springs from the complex
interaction of genes, culture, experience and
chance. VHS 2518
With nerve and muscle. Breakthrough, the
changing face of science in America. 1996.
1 videocassette (60 min.). Profiles scientists
Wilfred Denetclaw, Gladys Escalona, and George
Langford who study the basic building block of
life, the cell. VHS 3943
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