Ep 6. What Will The Future Be Like?

NOVA scienceNOW Season 6 Episode 6, titled "What Will The Future Be Like?" explores the advancements of technology and science and how they will impact our lives in the near future. The episode, hosted by the charismatic astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, uses an approachable tone to explain the latest breakthroughs that could shape our tomorrows.

The first segment of the show, "Smart Traffic," exemplifies how technology could revolutionize the way we commute. The episode features emerging transportation systems, including a self-driving car that can supposedly increase road safety and reduce traffic congestion. The technology might seem futuristic, but Tyson dives deep into the matter showing how experts in the field predict these innovations could reach the public soon.

The second segment, "The Rice Revolution," discusses the agricultural changes needed to meet global food and nutritional demands by exploring the need for a new scientific breakthrough to address the urgent issue of food shortage. Tyson highlights the success of genetically modified crops, specifically a special hybrid of rice, that has dramatically boosted yields. However, the technology's social and ethical issues are also addressed, posing questions, and raising concerns for its cost and long-term effects on our environment.

In the third segment, "The Bionic Eye," Tyson investigates how the latest technology can help the blind see. He meets with people who are part of a trial to test a device that could help restore vision through electronic stimulation of the eye. The episode features the developments of the retinal implant, which could help people distinguish shapes and outlines, allowing them a significantly better quality of life.

Lastly, in the episode's fourth segment, "Space Elevator," the show takes a look at the possibility of commercial space travel becoming a reality with an idea of a space elevator. Tyson explains how people could soon travel into orbit using a cable connected to a satellite in the Earth's orbit. The cable would be strong enough to lift people and other objects into space much more cost-effectively than current methods. Tyson interviews space elevator proponents who believe the technology could transform space travel.

In conclusion, NOVA scienceNOW Season 6 Episode 6, "What Will The Future Be Like?" is a fast-paced, yet accessible, exploration of the latest science and technology advancements. Neil deGrasse Tyson's approachable and energetic style shows viewers that cutting-edge science and technology is not just for the labs, but also can be applied to make an impact on our daily lives. The episode insightfully raises concerns about the costs, ethics, and potential consequences of each scientific breakthrough it covers. Despite these challenges, viewers can see the promise of these technological advancements and what is yet to come.