NOVA scienceNOW Season 2 Episode 5 T. Rex Blood?/Epigenetics/Kryptos/Profile: Arlie Petters

NOVA scienceNOW season 2 episode 5 features a diverse set of topics, starting with the segment on T. Rex Blood. Scientist Mary Schweitzer made a groundbreaking discovery when she extracted blood cells from a fossilized T. Rex bone. Host Neil deGrasse Tyson delves into the science behind this discovery and explores the possibilities it holds for studying extinct species. Along with the blood cells, Schweitzer found soft tissue, which could contain valuable genetic material. This segment explores the potential of such findings and what it could mean for the future of paleontology.

The next segment focuses on the science of epigenetics, which studies how genes are turned on and off. Research has shown that environmental factors such as diet and stress can have an effect on how genes are expressed, leading to changes in behavior and even sickness. Host Tyson meets with scientist Moshe Szyf to understand how epigenetics is playing a role in the development of conditions such as autism and schizophrenia. Scientists hope to use this knowledge to develop new treatments and therapies.

In the third segment, Tyson tackles the Kryptos sculpture, a piece of art that has been puzzling people since its creation in 1989. Located on the grounds of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the sculpture contains a series of codes that have yet to be cracked. Tyson interviews the artist Jim Sanborn and CIA representatives to uncover the secrets behind this sculpture.

Lastly, the episode features a segment on Arlie Petters, a prominent physicist who has overcome incredible obstacles to reach success. Born and raised in a poor village in Belize, Petters faced discrimination and doubt throughout his academic career. Despite this, he went on to become a successful scientist and is now working on cutting-edge research in astrophysics. Tyson speaks with Petters about his journey and the drive that led him to break boundaries in his field.

Overall, NOVA scienceNOW season 2 episode 5 presents a compelling mix of topics that showcase the breadth of the scientific field. From ancient fossils to contemporary sculpture, the episode highlights the many ways that science impacts our world.