Ep 13. Apples, Apes, and Artificial Intelligence

Mission Unstoppable season 1 episode 13, titled "Apples, Apes, and Artificial Intelligence," features three women scientists who are making groundbreaking discoveries in their respective fields.

The first scientist is Dr. Susan Brown, a horticulturist and professor at Cornell University who is conducting research on apple genetics. She explains that apples are a very diverse fruit, with over 7,500 known varieties, and she is using DNA sequencing to understand the genetic makeup of different types of apples. Brown also describes the importance of preserving wild apple species, many of which are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and climate change.

Next, the show features Dr. Lisa O'Bryan, a primatologist who studies the behavior of orangutans in Borneo. O'Bryan discusses how orangutans are highly intelligent animals with complex social structures and communication systems. She shows footage of orangutans using tools to extract food from hard-to-reach places and explains how her research is helping to inform conservation efforts to protect these endangered primates.

The final scientist featured in the episode is Dr. Ayanna Howard, a robotics engineer who develops assistive technologies for people with disabilities. Howard describes how her work is inspired by the motions and behaviors of animals, such as the way that ants navigate their environment. She demonstrates a robot designed to help children with autism improve their social skills by engaging them in play-based therapy.

Throughout the episode, host Miranda Cosgrove emphasizes the importance of diversity and representation in STEM fields, and encourages viewers to pursue their passions no matter what obstacles they may face. The episode also features a segment highlighting women scientists who are making a difference in their communities through STEM outreach programs.

Overall, "Apples, Apes, and Artificial Intelligence" showcases the diverse and innovative work being done by women scientists across a variety of fields, and serves as a celebration of the power of curiosity and ingenuity to drive progress and inspire new discoveries.