NOVA scienceNOW Season 1 Episode 3 Fuel cells/RNAiFastest Glacier/Profile: Brothers Chudnovsky

NOVA scienceNOW season 1 episode 3 is composed of three segments revolving around the topics of fuel cells, the fastest glacier in the world, and the Chudnovsky brothers. The show combines scientific research, interviews, and animations to provide viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the featured subjects.

The first segment delves into the topic of fuel cells, which are devices that convert chemical energy from a fuel source into electrical energy. David Pogue, the host, visits several research labs and industries to understand the potential of fuel cells for a sustainable energy future. Throughout the segment, Pogue talks to experts on the subject, such as Jay Whitacre, the founder of Aquion Energy and a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Pogue also explains the science behind fuel cells and shows viewers how they work. The segment raises the question of why fuel cells, despite being more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional energy sources, have not yet found widespread use.

The second segment explores the fastest glacier in the world, the Jakobshavn Glacier in Greenland. To understand the effects of climate change on the glacier, Pogue ventures into the Arctic with a team of researchers from the University of Maine. Pogue engages in some hands-on work, operating an IcePod, a sophisticated device that maps the topography of the ice sheets. The segment delves into the intricacies of how the glacier is melting and the impact this has on global warming. Pogue demonstrates the urgency of the issue, as the melting rates of the glacier have increased dramatically over the past decade. The segment ends with a discussion on what possible solutions exist to halt this process.

The final segment of the episode profiles the Chudnovsky brothers, Gregory and David, who are known for their cutting-edge work in mathematics. The brothers were born in the Soviet Union and became fascinated with mathematics when they were young. Eventually, they migrated to the United States and pursued careers in academia as mathematicians. Together, they developed a formula to calculate pi to a world-record-breaking 1.01 billion decimal digits. Pogue visits the brothers to understand how their shared passion for mathematics has driven their work over the years. The segment dives into the significance of their pi formula, which is essential for modern technology, and how groundbreaking it was when they first developed it.

Overall, NOVA scienceNOW season 1 episode 3 provides viewers with an exciting, engaging, and informative experience. The variety of subjects and depth of research makes it a great choice for anyone looking to expand their knowledge on science, technology, and the environment.