NOVA scienceNOW Season 2 Episode 2 1918 Flu/Mass Extinction/Papyrus/Profile: Cynthia Breazeal

In the second episode of NOVA scienceNOW season 2, the focus is on a variety of topics, ranging from the deadliest flu pandemic to the impact of a mass extinction event on our planet. The episode is divided into four segments, each exploring a different theme.

The first segment delves into the 1918 flu pandemic, which killed over 50 million people worldwide in just a few short months. The segment looks at the causes behind the pandemic, how it spread, and how scientists are using modern technology to study the virus and develop strategies to prevent future outbreaks.

Next up is a look at the impact of a mass extinction event on our planet. The segment explores the Permian-Triassic extinction, which occurred 252 million years ago and wiped out over 90 percent of all species on Earth. Scientists are using cutting-edge technology to study the causes behind the extinction and what it can teach us about the fragility of life on our planet.

The third segment takes a closer look at the ancient Egyptian practice of creating papyrus documents. Papyrus was the primary writing surface used in ancient Egypt and was made by cutting thin strips from the stem of a plant and drying them in the sun. The segment explores the history of papyrus and how it was used in ancient times, as well as the challenges of preserving and studying these fragile documents.

The final segment profiles Cynthia Breazeal, a world-renowned roboticist and pioneer in artificial intelligence. Breazeal is the creator of the world's first humanoid robot designed for the home, named Kismet. The segment explores Breazeal's passion for robotics, her career path, and her vision for the future of intelligent machines.

Overall, this episode of NOVA scienceNOW season 2 covers a wide range of fascinating topics, from the deadly 1918 flu pandemic to the world of ancient Egypt and the cutting-edge field of robotics. With its combination of scientific discovery, historical context, and personal stories, the episode offers a thought-provoking and engaging look at some of the most intriguing and important topics of our time.