Ep 2. Personal Genome/Digital Art Authentication/Capturing Carbon/Pardis Sabeti

In season 3, episode 2 of NOVA scienceNOW, viewers are taken on a journey through some of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs of our time. The episode is divided into several segments that each explore a different topic, giving viewers a taste of what's possible when it comes to cutting-edge research and innovation.

The first segment of the show is dedicated to the topic of personal genomics, a field that has exploded in recent years. Host David Pogue sits down with geneticist George Church to learn more about the possibilities and limitations of DNA testing. Church is a pioneer in the field of genetics and has been at the forefront of some of the most important breakthroughs in the history of the discipline.

In addition to exploring the science behind personal genomics, the segment also touches on some of the ethical concerns that arise when we start playing around with DNA. Is it ethical to manipulate the genetic code of an embryo, for example? Should we be allowed to patent genetic material? These are just some of the difficult questions that scientists and policymakers are grappling with as the field of personal genomics continues to evolve.

The second segment of the episode focuses on the art world, where a new technology is revolutionizing the way art is authenticated. Host Ziya Tong introduces us to digital authentication, a cutting-edge technique that uses computer algorithms to analyze paintings and other artworks. By examining brushstrokes, color gradients, and other markers of the artist's style, these algorithms can determine whether a painting is genuine or a forgery.

The segment also explores some of the challenges of digital authentication. For example, what happens when an artist experiments with different styles? How can you tell whether a digital copy of a painting is an exact replica of the original? These are just some of the questions that the experts in this field are tackling as they work to bring greater clarity and transparency to the world of art authentication.

The third segment of the show takes us to the front lines of the fight against climate change, where researchers are working to capture carbon and keep it out of the atmosphere. Host Carla Sinclair visits a facility in Alabama that is pioneering a technique known as carbon capture and storage. By capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes, such as coal-fired power plants, and storing them underground, these researchers hope to reduce the amount of carbon that is released into the atmosphere.

The segment also touches on some of the challenges of scaling up carbon capture and storage. For example, how do you transport large volumes of carbon dioxide from one location to another? What happens if the storage sites leak? Despite these challenges, however, the researchers involved in this work are hopeful that carbon capture and storage will play a critical role in our efforts to combat climate change.

The final segment of the show profiles Pardis Sabeti, a biologist and musician who is using her expertise to find new ways to combat infectious diseases. Host David Pogue travels to Sabeti's lab at Harvard University to learn more about her groundbreaking work on diseases such as Ebola and Lassa fever. By sequencing the genomes of these deadly viruses, Sabeti and her team are gaining a better understanding of how they work and how we can stop them.

In addition to her work in the lab, Sabeti is also a musician who has performed with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Paul Simon and Yo-Yo Ma. Her music is inspired by her scientific work and explores themes of disease, health, and human resilience. Through her music and her research, Sabeti is showing us that science and art can not only coexist but also inspire each other in meaningful ways.

Overall, season 3, episode 2 of NOVA scienceNOW offers a fascinating look at some of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs of our time. From personal genomics to digital art authentication, carbon capture to infectious disease research, this episode is sure to inspire and entertain viewers with its engaging storytelling and cutting-edge science.