Ep 3. Marathon Mouse/Dinosaur Plague/Franklin Chang-Diaz/Space Storms

NOVA scienceNOW is a documentary series that delves into the latest scientific breakthroughs and discoveries. In season 4 episode 3, titled "Marathon Mouse/Dinosaur Plague/Franklin Chang-Diaz/Space Storms," the audience is presented with four different segments that showcase the current state of scientific research across various disciplines.

The first segment, "Marathon Mouse," explores the genetic modifications made to mice to study the effects of overexpression of a certain gene that regulates muscle growth. By studying these modified mice, researchers hope to uncover ways to enhance human muscle performance and combat diseases such as muscular dystrophy.

The second segment, "Dinosaur Plague," investigates the impact of a deadly disease that triggered the extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago. The episode features a team of scientists on a mission to uncover the cause of the disease and the impact it had on the ancient ecosystem. Viewers get an in-depth look into the excavation process and laboratory analysis that help researchers reconstruct the chain of events leading up to the extinction of the dinosaurs.

The third segment, "Franklin Chang-Diaz," shines a spotlight on NASA astronaut and physicist Franklin Chang-Diaz, who has set his sights on developing propulsion technologies for interstellar travel. The episode takes viewers along for the ride as Chang-Diaz and his team of researchers design and test the latest plasma rocket engine, which promises to revolutionize space travel.

Finally, the last segment, "Space Storms," looks into the science behind the extreme weather conditions that exist in space. Scientists have discovered that space weather can have a profound impact on communication systems and satellites and lead to massive power outages on Earth. The show explores how scientists are using novel technologies to better predict and prepare for the effects of space weather.

Overall, "Marathon Mouse/Dinosaur Plague/Franklin Chang-Diaz/Space Storms" offers a diverse range of topics and a captivating overview of the latest scientific advancements in a variety of fields. Audiences will be treated to a fascinating look at the research behind genetic modification, paleontology, space physics, and rocket engines. The show features interviews with leading experts and behind-the-scenes footage of innovative research in action. This episode of NOVA scienceNOW is a must-see for science enthusiasts and anyone curious about the latest scientific discoveries.