Science Channel
Season 2008
Science Channel presents a collection of specials for the thought provocateur, the individual who is unafraid.
Where to Watch Season 2008
7 Episodes
- The Dark Secret of Hendrik SchönE1
The Dark Secret of Hendrik SchönImagine a world where disease could be eradicated by an injection of tiny robots the size of molecules. That is the hope offered by nanotechnology - the science of microscopically small machines. But others fear nanotechnology could lead to a non-biological cancer - where swarms of tiny nanobots come together and literally devour human flesh. Sounds like science fiction? It certainly did until a brilliant young scientist called Hendrik Schön seemed to bring it a step closer. Schön's great breakthrough was to make a computer transistor out of a single organic molecule. It was an achievement of almost incalculable brilliance. Some speculated this technology could spell the end of the entire silicon chip industry. Crucially, Schön's transistor was organic. Suddenly, this seemed to be the first step towards true nanotechnology, where minute computers could grow as living cells. Scientists speculated about how these tiny machines could be used to target diseases with astonishing precision. Others wondered - could the military use them as a new weapon? Others, including Prince Charles, were terrified. If these machines can grow by themselves, how do we stop them from growing? What happened next would destroy reputations and shatter lives - because there was more to Hendrik Schön's discovery than anyone knew. - Synesthesia - When Senses CollideE4
Synesthesia - When Senses CollideImagine if every time you saw someone called Derek you got a strong taste of earwax in your mouth. It happens to James Wannerton, who runs a pub. Derek is one of his regulars. Another regular's name gives him the taste of wet diapers. For some puzzling reason, James's sense of sound and taste are intermingled. Julian Asher can hear colors. Others can taste shapes, smell sounds, feel smells. It's called synesthesia, a truly bizarre condition in which our senses become intermingled, and has baffled scientists for decades. - Foolproof Equations for a Perfect LifeE7
Foolproof Equations for a Perfect LifeEvery day we are required to make decisions about life, and according to some scientists, we generally make the wrong one. Luckily the same scientists that have identified the problem can also help with the solution. In this documentary, scientists, psychiatrists and mathematicians examine everyday issues and give their opinions of how we should successfully approach the decision making process. These members of academia claim that far too often our emotions cloud our ability to make the correct choice. By systematically working through the decision, identifying the factors and weighing out the options, you can come to a logical and often correct decision. Mathematician and author Garth Sundem believes that by using a few simple equations, problems can be solved easily and you can sail through life. Garth believes that by using numbers he can determine if it is time to see a psychiatrist, what recreational hobbies to take up and can even achieve the perfect divorce. His unique problem-solving method is put to the test when Garth hits the road in order to provide and demystify the answers to life's problems with a calculator in hand. Other scientists in the documentary demonstrate how decisions and outcomes can potentially be manipulated and reveal how we often post-rationalise an inconvenient or bad decision.
