Ep 23. Coding, Coral and a Concoction

In Mission Unstoppable season 1 episode 23, titled "Coding, Coral and a Concoction," viewers are introduced to three exceptional women who work in different fields of science and technology. The episode's theme revolves around the idea of using technology to solve complex problems facing various ecosystems, from the ocean's coral reefs to everyday plants.

The first woman in focus is Sarah Guthals, a computer programmer and educator who is passionate about bridging the gender gap in tech. Guthals explains how coding works and why programming is both a fun and functional skill to have. She encourages young girls to pursue their interests in technology and shares her own story of starting as a high school student who hated geometry and later discovered a love for computer programming.

Next, viewers meet Dr. Ruth Gates, a marine biologist who is transforming the field by developing a new technique to make coral reefs more resilient. Dr. Gates explains how coral reefs are dying due to the effects of climate change, but her new method of breeding "super corals" could help save them from extinction. She describes the process of taking tiny pieces of coral and encouraging them to grow in different environments. Dr. Gates's research is crucial, as coral reefs provide habitat for countless species and protect coastlines from erosion.

The final woman featured in this episode is Shreya Ramachandran, a high school student who invented a filter to clean up water in developing countries. Ramachandran explains how she was inspired to create the simple and low-cost device after seeing the pollution in rivers during a visit to India. Her filter uses sand and gravel to remove impurities from water, and it can be easily replicated using materials found in most rural areas. Ramachandran's invention could dramatically improve access to clean water in impoverished areas.

To tie everything together, the episode includes a segment in which host Miranda Cosgrove meets with horticulturalist Jolie Mathis to create a natural fertilizer using household items. Mathis explains how synthetic fertilizers can harm the environment and why it's important to use sustainable alternatives. She and Cosgrove demonstrate how to make a mixture using coffee grounds, eggshells, and other ingredients that can be added to potted plants in the home.

Overall, this episode of Mission Unstoppable demonstrates how technology and science can be used to address critical issues facing our planet. The women featured are inspiring role models who are making a real difference in their fields, and their stories offer hope for a brighter and more sustainable future.