Until then our ancestors had shared the planet with other human species. But soon there was only us, possessors of something that gave us unprecedented power over our environment and everything else alive. That something was – is – the Human Spark.What is the nature of human uniqueness? Where did the Human Spark ignite, and when? And perhaps most tantalizingly, why? In a three-part series to be broadcast on PBS in 2010, Alan Alda takes these questions personally, visiting with dozens of scientists on three continents, and participating directly in many experiments – including the detailed examination of his own brain.

 

 

Episode: The Brain in Action
A look at the regions of the brain that are activated during different tasks.

 

Episode: Human Nature
A look at the ways in which monkeys and apes are similar to humans, not just biologically but mentally and socially.

 

Click here to learn more about The Human Spark.

 

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