What makes a genius?.

Marcus du Sautoy attempts to understand what it is that makes someone a genius. He meets mathematician Arthur Benjamin who can calculate vast mathematical problems in his head. However, Benjamin feels he has a skill rather than the creative quality which he believes is the true definition of genius. De Sautoy looks back over the history of brain dissection, used to ascertain intelligence; we see a brain dissection and Manuel Casanova shows differences in brain structure in people with so-called super brains. The link between intelligence and genetics is discussed and experimental studies with genetically modified mice referred to. Brain activity in chess grand masters has been analysed in depth by Ognjen Amidzic, who himself spent 20 years training to be a grand master but never made it. He now believes that we are born hard-wired to succeed in certain types of learning. Annette Karmiloff-Smith discusses her work with babies - she believes that we are born with malleable brains. The phenomenon of autistic savantism is also discussed, and we see autistic pianist Derek perform. Walter Paulus shows his research to alter neuronal networks within the brain and prolific artist, Tommy McHugh describes his surge of creativity following a brain haemorrhage; Mark Lythgoe from University College discusses his research into McHugh's condition.