The UnXplained (2019)
← Back to main
Michio Kaku as Self - Dr. Theoretical Physics Professor
Episodes 47
The Greatest Escapes
Some of history's greatest tales are stories of escape, the most incredible of which defy explanation. How did Harry Houdini pull off his daring feats? Was the "Escape from Alcatraz" in fact, successful? And what about the mysterious guidance one man received that allowed him to escape the South Tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11? Are there strange forces these escapees draw upon to beat the odds, where so many others fail? Or, like a great magic trick, will the secrets of how they cheated captivity remain UnXplained?
Read MoreSuperhuman Senses
Our five senses--sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch--construct the reality of the world around us, like a blank canvas continuously painted and repainted over every day. For each person, this portrait of reality is slightly different, but we more or less agree that the sky is blue, lemons are sour, and horns are loud. But what about when one or more of your senses is heightened, changed, or even taken away all together? Do people with these radically-altered senses show us that each of us has limitless sensory potential, waiting to be unlocked? And is it possible that we have a mysterious "6th sense," one that is currently UnXplained?
Read MoreMysterious Curses
Throughout history, many have believed that certain places, things, or even people can be tainted with dark curses. Ominous lakes that morph into watery graves. Unlucky numbers that seem to cause bad things to happen. Paintings and precious stones, which bring death and destruction to their keepers. But can these mysterious curses really have the power to bring us harm? And if so, is it possible to understand their power, or will it remain UnXplained?
Read MoreThe Truth About UFO's
For decades, the debate has raged as to what exactly Unidentified Flying Objects--or "UFOs"--really are. Theories have been put forth that attribute them to everything from secret military aircraft to weather phenomena and more. But by far, the most controversial theory is that these objects are, in fact, spacecraft that have been piloted to Earth by extraterrestrial beings. It's a seemingly outlandish notion, but could it be true? And if so, how much does the government know about these spacecraft--and the aliens who are visiting our planet?
Read MoreThe Underground World
Despite all of our modern technology and sophistication, there is much that we still don't know about what lies beneath our feet, deep underground. What is at the center of the Earth? Is there really a solid core of heavy metals, or could it be a hollow environment, as many researchers claim? And just how much of mankind's history took place underground? Recent discoveries of ancient underground structures such as the city of Derinkuyu and the Malta Hypogeum suggest that there may be more structures down there, waiting to be re-discovered. If much of our past was subterranean, could our future be as well?
Read MoreLeading Double Lives
Stories of those who lead double lives are both daring and baffling. What compels a person to attempt to become someone else? Is it merely for material gain, to pull off an ingenious scam? Or is there a deeper reason? At one time or another, we've all fantasized about trying on a new identity, but when does the line between impersonation and transformation get blurred? Is it possible that by pretending to be someone else, a person can actually become that person, at least in their mind?
Read MoreMysteries of the Bible
Many believe it to be the Word of God, but others claim it contains inconsistencies and contradictions that could only be manmade.
Read MoreMysterious Mummies
From ancient civilizations to 20th century empires, mankind has had an inexplicable fascination with preserving the dead. But why? Are we simply too attached to the living to let them go? Or could it be that death isn't really the end, but rather a transition to a new beginning?
Read MoreSecrets of America's Monuments
Many see them as massive testaments to America's progress. Some view them as immutable symbols of the human spirit. Others perceive them as sacred shrines dedicated to the ideals of liberty and freedom. But no matter what they represent--America's monuments are inarguably impressive due to their colossal size and scope, their groundbreaking feats of engineering, and their storied histories. Why is it that America's greatest monuments continue to enthrall us decades--and sometimes centuries--after their creation? And perhaps more importantly, what closely guarded secrets may their implacable facades be hiding?
Read MoreThe Search for Atlantis
According to the Greek philosopher Plato, the lost continent of Atlantis was once home to an advanced civilization before it was destroyed in a cataclysm. But was Plato's story merely a myth? Or did Atlantis really exist? For centuries, archaeologists have tried to uncover evidence to prove that this legend is true. Will Atlantis finally be re-discovered, perhaps by employing modern technology? Or will this lost civilization remain...UnXplained?
Read MoreExtraordinary Engineering
For centuries, humanity has been compelled to build remarkable structures that are much more than simple places of shelter or work. What makes us want to create magnificent buildings that are bigger and grander than ourselves--and last for centuries? Whether it's Stonehenge, the Notre Dame Cathedral, or the world's tallest skyscrapers--extraordinary works of engineering are evidence of a strong instinct within us that we don't fully understand. Are we trying to prove something? Or perhaps show our power over nature? Or could there be another reason that is, for now...UnXplained?
Read MoreThe Power Of Gold
Gold. It's one of the most valuable precious metals on the planet, has been coveted by societies for centuries, and can be found inside countless modern electronics. Mankind's quest for gold harkens back thousands of years, but what is the special power that gold wields over our collective consciousness? Is it merely because it's rare and valuable, or could it be something more than that?
Read MoreThe Truth About Bigfoot
For centuries, legends and eyewitness accounts have told of a massive, hairy creature that roams the forest on two legs. While science has yet to prove the existence of this mythical man-beast, countless researchers and experiencers around the world are convinced that there is a giant, ape-like animal hiding in remote parts of the world. They point to the discovery of large, inexplicable footprints as evidence of the so-called "Bigfoot" that they hope to prove is real. But does Bigfoot actually exist?
Read MoreBizarre Vanishings
Mysterious disappearances are confounding and bizarre and simply can't be explained. Can these be chalked up to tragic accidents? Or could they be the result of something more...UnXplained?
Read MoreSerial Killers
The total disregard for life exhibited by serial killers shocks our sense of humanity and makes us question our safety and security. These sadistic psychopaths rarely show any remorse or empathy for the lives they've destroyed. How could human beings be capable of these horrific atrocities? And what causes such a murderous defect in the human psyche?
Read MoreThe Mystery of Plagues
On March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization declared that the outbreak of the lethal Coronavirus had become a worldwide pandemic. We'll examine some of the most devastating plagues in human history, as well the scientific advances to combat these diseases, including the development of Edward Jenner's vaccine for smallpox in the 1790s. Jenner's vaccine was one of the first major breakthroughs in modern medicine and helped to end humanity's superstitious attitude towards disease. But in the future, might we face diseases that are different from the ones we've experienced in the past?
Read MoreMysteries of the Moon
For centuries, humanity has looked up at the Moon with a sense of wonder. But is the Moon just a rock floating in space? Or could it hold profound secrets—and perhaps even possess incredible powers? That is what we will try and find out.
Read MoreOutrageous Robberies
Will we ever understand the motivations that drive people to undertake the most bizarre, intricate, and dangerous crimes -- or will the mind of a master criminal remain - UnXplained?
Read MoreThe Hunt for Hidden Treasures
Sunken ships filled with priceless cargo. Lost cities of gold. Ancient temples concealing untold riches. There's something about these hidden treasures that captures the human imagination. But are lost treasures merely the stuff of legend? Or could they actually be real?
Read MoreSatanic Encounters
For thousands of years, people have believed in the existence of Satan, the embodiment of evil. Some believe he has the power to possess souls and create mayhem amongst humanity. But is Satan a myth? Or are there signs of Satan's existence--and the evil he brings into our world?
Read MoreThe Search for the Ark of the Covenant
Throughout history, many have sought the lost Ark of the Covenant. According to the Old Testament, God himself instructed Moses to build the Ark--and it is believed that it held the power of the Almighty. But how could such a coveted religious artifact just disappear? And is it possible that the Ark could actually be found?
Read MoreApocalypse When?
Since the dawn of civilization, humanity has been fixated on predicting our own demise. Perhaps it will be asteroids, black holes, or something even more mysterious that will wipe us out. But is there anything we can do to predict the future and protect ourselves from apocalypse? Will our civilization end--or will we find a way to evolve and endure?
Read MoreSecrets of the Immortals
Sacred waters with remarkable healing powers. Ancient mystics who lived for hundreds of years. A scientific breakthrough may provide the answers to eternal life. Throughout history many have searched for the secret to everlasting life, but so far, it's eluded them. But is it possible to cheat death and live forever? What if, by re-examining ancient teachings and harnessing modern technology, we could eventually become immortal?
Read MoreSacred Bones
We don't have an overview translated in English. Help us expand our database by adding one.
Mysteries of Mars
Ancient cataclysms are believed to have left Mars barren, but science continues to find clues that this red planet was once blue and capable of producing life. For centuries, humanity has been fixated on Mars, the glowing red orb in the night sky. As a new era of exploration of the Red Planet begins, humans are on the cusp of finally solving the Red Planet's mysteries.
Read MoreMysterious Ancient Ruins
Ancient ruins fascinate us, and some archaeological finds are so baffling that they challenge everything we know about the past. Will we ever learn the truth about these mysterious ruins? Or will they continue to present more questions than answers?
Read MoreThe Mystery of Genius
Genius is widely considered to be the ability to change the world in an incredible way: inventing new technology, deciphering the mysteries of the universe, or creating transcendent art. But where does genius come from? What is the X-factor that makes someone a genius? Is it "good genes"? A proper education? Or do geniuses tap into something much more mysterious and extraordinary?
Read MoreWhat Lies Below?
More than 80% of the Earth's oceans remain unexplored, and in many ways, the underwater world is the final frontier. As new technology allows us to explore oceans and deep lakes more than ever before, what will we find? Will we discover profound secrets about the oceans? Underwater ruins that were lost for thousands of years? Or perhaps something even more extraordinary?
Read MoreSecrets of Abandoned Places
From the ancient Babylonian's to modern day urban explorers, mankind has always been fascinated by abandoned places. What is the allure that draws us to these post-apocalyptic landscapes? Is it simply morbid curiosity? Or, something harder to define? Could abandoned places actually be places of 'magic'--as the ancients believed? Well, that is what we will try and find out.
Read MoreActs of God
There are some events that are so destructive, so astounding, or truly miraculous -- that for the faithful -- they must be directed by the hand of the Almighty. The Great Flood. The Plagues of Egypt. Sodom and Gomorrah. Moses Parting the Red Sea.
Read MoreSerial Killer Creatures
The animal kingdom is full of deadly predators, and some of them attack in extraordinary and inexplicable ways. Do some animals strike back at humans for reasons beyond normal defense and hunger? Can they have emotions like anger or a desire for revenge? Despite our technological advancement, do animals pose a greater threat to us than we realize for reasons that we cannot explain?
Read MoreMysterious Tombs
Throughout history, humans have buried their dead in caves or chambers, in pyramids or in some form of a tomb; ancient tombs were visual memorials for the dead; in China, a vast necropolis was constructed as a way to connect to the afterlife.
Read MoreUncanny Curses
All over the world, there are places and objects that are thought to be cursed; many people avoid these locations and things, believing they will bring harm, while others think that curses are nothing more than superstition and folklore.
Read MoreSuperhuman Feats
Whether surviving freezing temperatures, diving unfathomable depths in one breath, or lifting weighty objects, superhuman feats never cease to amaze; pulling them off could be a matter of training, willpower, genetics, or something more mysterious.
Read MoreMysteries of the Missing Link
Today, human civilization spans the globe, and there are more than 7 billion people on Earth. But how did humanity evolve? Although many around the globe believe that the divine hand of God placed homo sapiens on Earth, were there other kinds of human-like creatures--cousins of man--that could have been just as intelligent as us? And if so, might these other species still exist today, perhaps in remote parts of the world?
Read MoreSurviving the Impossible
Humans can survive catastrophic injuries and deadly scenarios that defy the odds in ways that are inexplicable; these survivals challenge the best attempts to explain how anyone could live through such circumstances.
Read MoreThe Search For King Arthur
King Arthur, England's first pop culture superhero; his exploits inspired blockbuster movies and television series like "Middle Earth", "Harry Potter", "Game of Thrones" and "Star Wars"; the significant impact of Arthurian legend on Western culture.
Read MoreWonders of the Ancient World
Remarkable feats of engineering from our ancient past span the globe. Some are amazing in size. Others in sophistication. Some are so strange they border on inexplicable. Did the ancients have advanced scientific knowledge that has been lost to time? How--and why--did they fashion these incredible wonders?
Read MoreThe Hunt For Jack The Ripper
Who was Jack the Ripper? The question has baffled police investigators, historians, and armchair detectives for over a century. Countless books, movies, and television shows have been based on the Ripper's murderous exploits each with their own unique take on the killer's identity. Was he an accomplished surgeon? A member of the British royal family? Did he actually exist at all? Over 130 years later, are we any closer to the identity of one of history's most notorious serial murderers?
Read MoreThe Search for Extraterrestrial Life
Space. The Final Frontier--and the ultimate mystery. Scientists are involved in a never-ending quest to understand the vast universe our planet inhabits. But it seems that for each answer science provides, even more questions arise. Our own solar system is populated by mysterious objects and phenomenon that seem to defy our attempts to understand them. And when we get deeper into space, the mysteries only deepen. What could lay beyond the confines of the Milky Way? Are there galaxies similar to our own? Could they be capable of sustaining intelligent life? And is that life trying to contact us?
Read MoreReal Life Monsters
For centuries, fantastic tales of terrifying monsters have fascinated mankind. Bizarre beasts of all shapes and sizes have been portrayed in some of history's most classic stories and folklore. But what if these creatures were more than just works of imagination and superstition? Could these stories of legendary creatures be inspired by actual events and where does the line between fact and fiction fall? Do these famous monsters still lurk in the dark corner of our globe today?
Read MoreAmerica's Lost Treasures
For hundreds of years there have been legends of vast treasures hidden throughout the United States. Stories of stolen gold, piracy, murderous revenge, but are these legends of lost treasures tall tales? Or is it possible that these valuables are out there, waiting to be discovered?
Read MoreThe Bermuda Triangle and the Beyond
All over the world are forbidden 'triangles'--mysterious regions where ships, planes, and people enter and then just disappear. They are found in Bermuda, Alaska, Japan and elsewhere. But why? Do these locations defy the laws of physics? Or is it possible that there are some places on Earth that we are simply not meant to go?
Read MoreSecrets of the Founding Fathers
The Founding Fathers established the pillars of freedom and democracy in the United States; more than two centuries after their bold vision came to life, new information has emerged about the agendas and secrets of these important historical figures.
Read MoreThe Weird Wild West
The American frontier is full of legends of cowboys, Native Americans, and outlaws. But there are also many eerie stories of cursed mountains, monsters and even UFOs. Could these tales be true? Is the Wild West much stranger than commonly though?
Read MoreDevastating Disasters
In our modern world, we tend to think that technology and scientific knowledge can help protect us from almost anything, including natural disasters. But is that really true? Or are we just as vulnerable today in the face of raging fires, violent earthquakes, and destructive hurricanes as our ancestors were in the past?
Read MoreMysterious Monoliths
All over the world, there are giant monoliths that our ancient ancestors carved out of solid rock. But what was the purpose of these huge stone monuments? Did they serve some kind of ritual function? Were they intended to honor the gods? Or is it possible that, as some believe, certain monoliths were actually designed to conduct energy?
Read More