Ep 2. Hunt for Alien Earths/Art Authentication/Maydianne Andrade/Autism Genes

In season 4 episode 2 of NOVA scienceNOW titled "Hunt for Alien Earths/Art Authentication/Maydianne Andrade/Autism Genes," viewers are taken on a fast-paced journey through the latest discoveries in astronomy, art history, marine biology, and genetics.

The first segment focuses on the ongoing hunt for exoplanets, or planets outside of our own solar system, that may have conditions conducive to supporting life. Correspondent Neil deGrasse Tyson visits the Keck Observatory in Hawaii, one of the world's largest telescopes, to learn about the latest techniques scientists are using to detect exoplanets. The segment also delves into the broader philosophical questions of what the discovery of extraterrestrial life would mean for humanity.

Next, viewers are taken into the world of art authentication, as correspondent Carla Hayden investigates the booming industry of verifying whether artworks are genuine or fake. Hayden interviews some of the top experts in the field, who use a variety of high-tech tools such as spectrometry and x-rays to analyze the materials and techniques used in the creation of a work of art. She also explores the ethical implications of art authentication, as some critics argue that the industry has contributed to the skyrocketing prices of art and has led to a focus on authenticity over artistic merit.

The third segment features marine biologist Maydianne Andrade, who studies the fascinating world of the octopus. Viewers are taken on a dive in the Caribbean, where Andrade shows off some of the unique behaviors and adaptations of octopuses, including their ability to change color and shape to blend into their surroundings. Andrade also discusses her research on the unusual mating habits of some species of octopuses, which involve the male delivering his sperm package to the female with his tentacle.

The episode concludes with a segment on the genetics of autism, as correspondent David Pogue meets with researchers who are working to uncover the genes and pathways that contribute to the disorder. Pogue visits a lab at the University of California, San Francisco, where scientists are using cutting-edge genetic sequencing techniques to analyze the DNA of people with autism and their families. The segment also explores some of the emerging therapies for autism, including drugs that target specific genetic mutations.

Overall, "Hunt for Alien Earths/Art Authentication/Maydianne Andrade/Autism Genes" offers a diverse and engaging mix of science topics, spanning the outer reaches of the universe to the intricate workings of the human brain. Viewers are sure to come away with a newfound appreciation for the incredible complexity and diversity of the natural world.