Secrets of the BrainComing Soon

Join renowned theoretical physicist Professor Jim Al-Khalili on an epic journey through 600 million years of evolution to uncover how the human brain, the most complex structure we know of in the universe, came to exist. With some 100 billion neurons and over 100 trillion connections—more than all the stars in the Milky Way—the human brain is one of nature's greatest achievements. But how did something so incredibly sophisticated evolve from the simplest beginnings? Using cutting-edge scientific discoveries and groundbreaking research, this landmark series tells the brain's extraordinary story like never before. From the strangest prehistoric creatures, through the first land animals, apes and us, we witness the remarkable evolutionary leaps that led to our unique brain shape, forged the powerful neocortex and gifted us the genius of language. It’s an epic tale spanning hundreds of millions of years, packed with amazing twists and revelations. As we stand on the brink of creating artificial intelligence that may one day rival our own cognitive abilities, Professor Al-Khalili ponders what makes the human brain so special. Combining stunning visual effects, the latest neuroscientific breakthroughs, and Professor Al-Khalili's trademark accessible explanations, this series will transform our understanding of the most mysterious organ in our bodies—and will reveal why the story of the brain is ultimately the story of what makes us human.