Modern Marvels

Join us as we explore the vast and varied world of the arch, one of the strongest and most versatile structures made by man.

Think man is unique within the animal kingdom? You might not after this hour that features an amazing collection of earth's non-human inhabitants.

In a carnivorous world, a butcher is a necessary link in the food chain, carving a carcass of unsavory flesh into mouthwatering cuts. We trace the grisly trade's evolution.

In a carnivorous world, butchers are a necessary link in the food chain, carving a carcass of unsavory flesh into mouthwatering cuts. Tour the infamous Chicago Stockyards & a non-stop sausage factory.

Close to 40% of Earth is classified as desert. In this scorching hour, the desert turns from barren wasteland into an environment rich with hope thanks to human ingenuity.

In this fiery hour, we profile five of mankind's deadliest weapons, focusing on the inventors, battles and dark technology behind their lethality.

Explore America's most important aviation facility, the Edwards Air Force Base. Examine Airborne Laser testing, designed to focus basketball-sized, intense heat that could destroy a ballistic missile.

Come see what's beneath the surface as we reveal one of man's most ingenious methods of defeating the elements and adding spice to life.

An engineering feat many believed was impossible: This is the story of the Cape Cod Canal and the men who braved the natural elements and Great Depression by venturing into new engineering territory.

Inventor Thomas Edison was the father of the future. We'll follow descendants of his motion-picture camera, track his innovations in recorded sound and illuminate his world of electric light.

Today's cowboy plants one boot firmly in the traditions of the Old West and the other in the world of modern technology. Beginning in the 19th century, we examine cowboy technology.

We explore U.S. and Dutch dredgers, mechanical beasts clearing ports for trade and Dubai's dredged islands for the elite.

Perhaps no field has experienced the revolution in velocity more acutely than transportation. We look at five blazingly fast technological marvels that have pushed the speed limits to the very edge.

Explore past, present and future equipment used to keep America connected. Includes profiles of high voltage linemen. Features the history of the telegraph, telephone, power cables and the power grid.

The sugar industry came of age on the backs of slaves toiling in Caribbean fields & British desire to control the production of its byproduct, rum. Learn the technology behind creating the sweetener.

Nearly 500 years after his death, Leonardo da Vinci still intrigues us. Most people think of him as a great artist, but he was also a remarkable scientist and inventor.

Snack foods are borne of man's need to feed his cravings. Join us as we examine the history of snacks and learn how some of them are made today.