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Weekly New Release - Science & Technology
Visible light, which can be seen with our eyes, comprises a small sliver of the electromagnetic spectrum. The rest of the spectrum, from short wavelength gamma rays to long-wavelength radio waves, requires special instruments to detect. ALMA uses and array of radio telescopes to detect and study radio waves from space. Radio telescopes are typically large parabolic dish antennas used singly or in an array. Radio observatories are preferentially located far from major centers of population to avoid electromagnetic interference (EMI) from radio, TV, radar, and other EMI emitting devices. This is similar to the locating of optical telescopes to avoid light pollution, with the difference being that radio observatories are often placed in valleys to further shield them from EMI as opposed to clear air mountain tops for optical observatories. ALMA is an advanced tool for studying very old stars and galaxies. These objects now are seen at great cosmic distances, with most of their light stretched out to millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelengths by the expansion of the universe. ALMA provides the unprecedented ability to study the processes of star and planet formation. Unimpeded by the dust that obscures visible-light observations, ALMA will be able to reveal the details of young, still-forming stars, and is expected to show young planets still in the process of developing. In addition, ALMA will allow scientists to learn in detail about the complex chemistry of the giant clouds of gas and dust that spawn stars and planetary systems.
DVD / 2013 / (High School or above)
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In the United States, 12,000 babies are born annually with hearing loss. Doctors at the University of Miami's Ear Institute help patients that are diagnosed and prepared for cochlear implant surgery. A cochlear implant is a small, complex electronic device that provides the sense of hearing to patients who are profoundly deaf or are severely hard of hearing. The implant helps patients hear when electrodes along the array stimulate the remaining auditory nerve fibers in the cochlea. The electrical sound information is sent through the auditory system to the brain for interpretation. In this issue, students will learn the benefits of cochlear implants, how the ear works, and the anatomy of the inner and outer ear.
DVD / 2013 / (High School or above)
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The Periodic Table is organized with elements specified in rows, or periods, according to increasing atomic number. Metals are on the left of the periodic table, while nonmetals are located on the right. Some in the middle are called metalloids because they have characteristics of both metals and nonmetals. The periodic table is purposely arranged into vertical classifications called groups. Columns of elements help define element groups. Some of the notable groups of elements include the noble gases (column 18), the halogens (column 17), the alkali metals (column 1) and the alkaline earth metals (column 2). The transition metals are located in the center of the periodic table. They include many of the common metals, such as copper, iron, silver and gold. The two rows below the main body of the table are called the lanthanide and actinide series. They include the very heavy metallic elements, such as uranium and plutonium. This program goes in depth regarding the elements potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) and their roles in the health of the human body. Potassium helps to control the proper balance of fluids in cells, helps with the contraction of muscles, and is involved in the transmission of chemical messages between nerve cells. Potassium aids in digestion of food, and in the proper function of the eyes. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong.
DVD / 2013 / (High School or above)
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Communications technology is everywhere. We send and receive information through televisions, internet, email, radio, text message and social media. This program goes into depth about how electronic communication has evolved over time. Whether using an old rotary phone or some new technology, there are basic principles behind each that many of us are unfamiliar with. Land line telephones send sound waves that are converted into electrical impulses that work with a series of switches and routing devices that open an electrical pathway to whomever you're calling. More commonly, cell phones operate by means of a modulated electromagnetic wave basically a radio. These signals connect to an electronic communications network. Metropolitan areas are divided into small networks where antennas send and receive signals depending on the user's location.
DVD / 2013 / (High School or above)
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According to ABET, or the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology: "Engineering is the profession in which a knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences, gained by study, experience, and practice, is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize, economically, the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of humankind." There is considerable overlap between science and engineering. Research teams often consist of one or more engineers who work closely with scientists to design and build some of the tools required for lab experiments or to test theories in practice. Engineers are motivated to improve our quality of life; here are some examples: making renewable energy economical, improving health informatics, making better medicines, improving automobile safety, and improving urban infrastructure. Engineers typically develop new products using several steps - Design phase, testing, production and maintenance. During the design phase, engineers specify the functional requirements; design and test the components; produce a prototype; and evaluate the overall effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety. This process is common in the development of many different products such as chemicals, computers, energy sources, and transportation. During testing, production and maintenance, engineers determine if any failures of the components are likely and where they occur. This is where they estimate the time and cost required to produce a product. In these processes, engineers use computers to create designs, analyze functionality, and simulate how a machine, structure, or system operates.
DVD / 2013 / (High School or above)
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Medical professionals all over the world are constantly looking for better ways to treat patients and diseases. In this program, doctors at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center treat a patient with a type of cancer that affects the area of the brain that controls function. Glioblastomas are aggressive and often fatal malignant brain tumors. To combat the disease, revolutionary medical treatments are beginning to save lives all over the world. Doctors found that when the procedure called an awake craniotomy was used, they are able to remove the tumor from the brain without damage to the language areas. During an awake craniotomy, surgeons can converse with the patient to hear if the language areas of the brain are being affected before removing the tumor, thus preserving very important parts of the brain as much as possible. In addition, the medical staff is able to create a vaccine from the extracted tumor. After the tumor is harvested during surgery, certain proteins from the cells are purified. These proteins are then concentrated and given back to the patient in simple injections. The purpose of this tumor vaccine is to spark the patient's immune systems to fight the tumor and attack it to keep it from coming back. This issue also goes in depth about how the human brain works, the different regions, and specifically the Wernicke's area, which is one of the two parts that is linked to speech.
DVD / 2013 / (High School or above)
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Engineers are constantly developing new lightweight, durable textiles to be used in many facets of our daily lives. Manufacturers of airplanes and automobiles are increasingly turning to textiles, such as carbon fibers, to produce their new models. They rely on carbon fibers due to light weight and durable properties. For instance, the wing of an airplane might be metal, but many of the interior parts are made of carbon fiber. Aircraft engineers combine carbon fiber with other lightweight materials to create composites which are usually 20 to 30% lighter than metal alloys. Carbon fiber threads are made up of between 1,000 and 48,000 tiny filaments. The filaments are created by oxidizing, or burning a synthetic polymer in a 2000 degree furnace, turning it into almost pure carbon.
Engineers are finding uses for new high tech materials, such as QTC - a polymer embedded with millions of tiny pointed metal particles. QTC acts like a resistor, but the metal particles are so close together, that if something in the environment changes, the charge between particles increases and electrons can jump from one to another in a process called quantum tunneling. QTC is so sensitive that its resistance will alter if there are changes in sound, smell, temperature, or pressure. In future space missions, QTC might assist astronauts with fans, lights and other devices inside of their spacesuits - controlled by so called soft switches - devices that make use of the fact that QTC becomes more conductive when pressure is applied.
DVD / 2013 / (High School or above)
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Automobiles have evolved in many ways over the years, with increasing fuel economy, reliability, handling, and comfort. However, automobile manufacturing is in a new era, focusing on safety while incorporating impressive new technologies into our transportation needs. With a growing population, there are subsequently more people driving and more automobiles on the road. With more congestion and traffic, the likelihood of accidents seems imminent. Automobile engineers are reacting by making our transportation options safer with extensive crash tests, monitoring cameras and accident avoidance systems.
DVD / 2013 / (High School or above)
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Christmas Island, discovered December 25, 1643, is just a spec of land in the Indian Ocean. The annual red crab migration at the beginning of the rainy season, however, is so massive it can be seen from the air. It has been named a wonder of the natural world. This program follows this terrestrial arthropod from its rainforest burrow, across dangerous landscape to the ocean to mate. The park offers the perfect forest ecosystem for the Christmas Island Red Crab, which is endemic to the Cocos Islands and Christmas Island, both in the Indian Ocean. The Red Crabs rely on the rainy season that comes in November or December to initiate their migratory journey from the forests to the coasts. Their timing must be precise because the breeding sequence is also linked to the phases of the moon. Although the Red Crabs live inland, they require a certain level of moisture on their gills to survive. Their journey is filled with many obstacles. The risk of dehydration, predators, and automobile traffic cut the migration short for many crabs. However, locals on Christmas Island have built fences and tunnels to corral the crabs and help funnel them safely under roads to their final breeding destinations on the coasts. After mating, the males will return to their original forest homes, while the females will remain for several weeks to spawn. A large percentage of their offspring will not survive. Sea conditions, ocean predators such as manta rays and huge whale sharks, and possible lack of rains will affect the chances that the larva will survive. However, it only takes two successful years out of every ten to keep their populations healthy.
DVD / 2012 / (High School or above)
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Chemistry has an impact on every aspect of our daily lives. The most important chemistry reference is the Periodic Table of the Elements. By providing a logical, mathematical method of organization, the table has become a critical tool for students, teachers and scientists around the globe. This program explores the discoveries that led up to the organization of the periodic table and how it is presently organized. It introduces and explores several elements (Hydrogen and Titanium) and their effect on our daily lives and the environments in which they occur.
DVD / 2012 / (High School or above) /
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This program examines how electronics systems monitor the environment to help scientists influence certain weather conditions and understand the impact on humans and animals in a variety of scenarios. One example is the unique electronic systems developed to regulate humidity and temperature in a biome designed to emulate the Amazon Rainforest. With advancements in science and engineering, not only can we predict and limit the impact of environmental disasters, but we can imitate nature itself. Flooding is a natural disaster that affects people all over the world. Electronic river management systems are being put in place so potential flooding can be identified and possibly controlled. This program shows how we are utilizing electronics to understand environmental conditions and help to avoid disaster. As more biomes across the planet experience extremes in weather and as more natural disasters such as hurricanes and tsunamis affect densely populated areas, this technology will increase in importance.
DVD / 2012 / (High School or above)
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The energy demands and rising cost of oil have encouraged scientists and engineers to develop renewable energy alternatives. Biofuels are renewable energy sources from organic materials such as plants or animals that are directly converted into liquid fuels. The two most common biofuels in use today are ethanol and biodiesel. Engineered biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel that are made from starches, sugars and cellulose are already in use as blending agents and additives that greatly reduce vehicle emissions. Algae as a bio-fuel has become more common because it is easy to harvest and these single celled photosynthetic organisms are known for their rapid growth and high energy content.
DVD / 2012 / (High School or above)
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In East Africa, the Serengeti comes alive when wildebeests journey across treacherous terrain to find the best grazing locations. Every year, approximately 1.5 million wildebeests migrate over 1,800 miles or nearly 3,000 kilometers searching for rain ripened grass. Prior to their journey toward Kenya, they graze on the grasses of the Serengeti in Tanzania before the rainy season comes. As they search for food and water, they endure crocodile-filled river crossings and open range lion attacks in what is considered the largest wildlife migration on earth. In this program, students will learn about the lifecycle of this dynamic migratory mammal.
DVD / 2012 / (High School or above)
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Deep in Southern Mexicos jungle, the Villa Luz limestone caves support an ecosystem that thrives in a highly poisonous, acidic environment. This rare type of cave is found in few spots on Earth. The Villa Luz, is known for the bacteria in its thermal sulphur springs that produce hydrogen sulfide gas. When the gases form bonds with oxygen, the result is sulfuric acid. The acid eats away at the cave walls, constantly altering the patterns in the cretaceous limestone. All life forms, from microbial colonies to spiders, fish and bats, are interdependent upon the toxic soup of water, sulphur-oxide and hydrogen monoxide for survival. Surprisingly, the caves are home to spiders, bats, and a unique fish species referred to as the Cave Molly. The caves are also well known for their snottites, which are mucous-like formations that resemble stalactites. Descending into the caves is very dangerous as there are potentially lethal levels of hydrogen sulfide gas. Researchers carefully plan expeditions into the caves to better understand these rare ecosystems and must wear respirators and protective clothing as they enter the cave system in their attempt to document and understand the deadly ecosystem.
DVD / 2012 / (High School or above)
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Kinesiology is the study and application of physics to body movement - energy, work, friction and inertia. This program explores the application of Newton's Three Laws of Motion in baseball regarding pitching and hitting. Kinesiologists at the American Sports Medicine Institute use video motion capture to study the biomechanics of a pitcher's delivery to optimize performance and help reduce injury.
DVD / 2012 / (High School or above)
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The Atacama large Millimeter/Sub-millimeter Array, or ALMA, is a vast array of radio telescopes and the most powerful observatory of its kind. ALMA is stationed in the Atacama Desert of Chile which is one of the worlds best sites for observational astronomy because of the high altitude, nearly non-existent cloud cover, dry air and lack of light pollution and radio interference due to the small populations. ALMA peers into previously hidden regions of space with unprecedented sharpness and sensitivity.
DVD / 2012 / (High School or above)
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Modern waste-management systems are integrating a variety of recycling processes. Transforming waste into energy and waste into new products is at the forefront of new technologies. For example, light is used to separate glass from minerals, while magnets and whirlstreams separate metals from non-metals. Inside the eponymous rotting boxes, organic waste is recycled by organic materialeating micro-organisms into re-usable products. Understanding the environmental necessity of recycling and how it is changing the world in which we live, is at the core of this program. The average American produces almost 2 kilograms of garbage per day, or 13 kilograms per week and 726 kilograms per year. New technologies are finding ways to reduce these numbers and recycle many valuable raw materials that used to end up lost in everyday trash. This program demonstrates how scientists are utilizing microorganisms to minimize waste and new separation technologies to aid in recycling. Removal of specific valuable metals from appliances, computers and automobiles has become lucrative business. To help protect our environment, engineers are learning to focus on creating new products with recycling in mind at their inception.
DVD / 2012 / (High School or above)
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The aviation industry showcases some of mankind's greatest achievements. From the Concorde to the new Airbus A380, Tech Tools explores the technology behind the industry's success stories. Aviation academies now offer world-class training for aviation professionals including pilots and flight attendants. Virgin Atlantic helps lead the way in creating a sustainable, biofuel powered industry aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. Many exhibitions showcase the latest designs and technological advances in interior cabins, as well as offering new structure innovations that are sure to be used for years to come. The aviation industry is one that has greatly benefited from the growth in technology.
DVD / 2012 / (Senior High - College) / 24 minutes
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Buildings old and new create the physical environment in which we live, work and play. This episode looks at the cutting edge techniques involved in restoration, ecofriendly housing and more. Technology is helping to achieve some remarkable feats in the industry, from aiding the completion of the Sagrada Familia to building relocations, and providing tools toward creating a sustainable industry. Rotating buildings are being designed and subways constructed under heritage cities, all due to the innovations of our time and its application to complex projects. This is one industry that is embracing technology to the fullest and giving workers across the industry the tools to achieve.
DVD / 2012 / (Senior High - College) / 24 minutes
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Design plays an important role in our lives, with Designers using technology to assist in developing products that we use and wear. The fusion of technology and design is imperative if we are to create practical and sustainable clothing and products. Exploring the first powered looms to graphic design and fiber optics, this episode takes you on a journey through the innovations across the design and textile industry. With the industrial revolution being the catalyst for change, the industry has pushed its way into the 21st century by keeping up with trends and consumer demand across the board. Influencing change in fashion, interiors and textiles, technological developments within the realm of design, mean a more efficient industry that allows designers the tools to be innovative.
DVD / 2012 / (Senior High - College) / 24 minutes
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Technology is allowing drivers of today a safer, more comfortable ride, providing tools to navigate, pre-empt and react. Development of Satellite navigation allows taxi drivers, couriers and other drivers a helping hand, meaning a more productive and efficient work day. Advancements in safety features over recent years provide consumers a world of alternatives and keeping up with the latest in-car gadgets has evoked a whole new consumer demand. With safety and comfort at the forefront of future deigns, research and development in the car industry is a promising force behind the innovations, offering those that drive for a living more and more options every day.
DVD / 2012 / (Senior High - College) / 24 minutes
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The many facets of emergency services professionals have been put to the test in recent years with an increase in natural and man-made disasters. From prevention and safety innovations to rescue drills and satellite imagery, technology is providing the means to be prepared in the face of disaster. Workers across the board are benefiting from these innovations, by incorporating streamlined and safer procedures, new tools to assist rescues and an abundance of information at their fingertips.
DVD / 2012 / (Senior High - College) / 24 minutes
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Back-breaking labor is a thing of the past. Aided by technological advancements, the Farming and Agricultural industries have progressed by leaps and bounds and use the latest ideas to ensure more yields and safer systems. From turning waste into biogas and tackling the diverse world of genetically modified crops, this episode of Tech Tools proves the worth of technology in this industry. Exploring the latest machinery from New Holland, turning waste into biofuel, and medicinal crops, the Agricultural industry has propelled itself into the 21st Century, paving the way for future generations of Farmers.
DVD / 2012 / (Senior High - College) / 24 minutes
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Taking major leaps forward in diagnosis, surgeries and systems, the healthcare industry is one that mixes the old with the new, offering hope for the future. With new surgery techniques offering safer and quicker alternatives, and ancient diagnosis practices moving in to a new era, the possibilities for the future of medicine are endless. The ongoing technical advancements of fusing medicine and science have allowed the healthcare industry multiple platforms in which to grow. Robot doctors, MRI, and the original tool of the trade, the Stethoscope, are just some of the major stories covered while we explore the Tech Tools of Hospitals.
DVD / 2012 / (Senior High - College) / 24 minutes
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Police officers, border control personnel and detectives are just some of the groups of law enforcement that benefit from the latest that technology has to offer. From heartbeat detection techniques to shoeprint databases, officers are constantly being given more tools to help them on the job. India is upgrading their police uniforms to suit the climate, utilizing the latest materials to help control temperature and moisture. Italian police are tackling online crime with a virtual police station. New ideas are being developed to tackle contemporary crime made possible by the growth of technology.
DVD / 2012 / (Senior High - College) / 24 minutes
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People who work on or around water, such as fishermen, marine biologists and boat operators are reaping the rewards of an ever-evolving industry, which provide the latest gadgets, luxuries and environmentally friendly designs. These are the industries we rely on to provide food, research and to secure a sustainable environment for our future. Working with the latest that technology has to offer means a cleaner, greener workplace for those on the job, one that preserves our waterways and marine life. From Sonar to Amphibious Cars, the many new innovations on offer are providing the tools to achieve long-term solutions.
DVD / 2012 / (Senior High - College) / 24 minutes
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Each year the equipment available to defense forces multiples, improves and provides soldiers with the technology to stay alive. This episode explores the latest in Army uniforms, artillery, machinery and systems that keep our armed forces at the forefront of defense. The smallest improvements available in equipment have a huge impact in the field, providing lifesaving innovations, comfort solutions and a safer working environment for those who take on some of the toughest jobs in the world. Submarines, tanks and airborne surveillance are featured in this episode, showcasing the latest innovations.
DVD / 2012 / (Senior High - College) / 24 minutes
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Before man set foot on the moon, many of us have dreamt of going into space. Now, with developments in space tourism those dreams may become reality. With Virgin Galactic set to offer suborbital flights in the not too distant future and other companies experimenting with similar programs, space travel for the public is an achievable development aided by continuous research and advancements across the industry. Along with technologies allowing mapping of the moon, the ATLAS experiment on track to answer some of the most challenging questions about our universe and the ESA working towards sending man to Mars, the future of space exploration looks set to offer some momentous discoveries.
DVD / 2012 / (Senior High - College) / 24 minutes
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Technology in sport has come along a long way, from the simplest timing devices such as stopwatches, to advances in fabric and nutritional information, allowing athletes to compete and train in comfort, as well as to their optimum level of fitness. Developments in swimsuit technology have meant that Olympic swimmers get the benefit of slimmer, more hydrodynamic suits. Soccer has evolved over the years as well, with changes to the ball's makeup so that it performs better when waterlogged. Another major advance is the architecture of snow skiing runs and bobsled tracks. Finally, of course, running shoes have come a long way from the earliest boots to the lightweight shoes pioneered by Adidas today.
DVD / 2012 / (Senior High - College) / 24 minutes
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Teachers are an asset to our society, educating our children ensures the success of our future. The age of the Internet and other information technologies has assisted in the classroom by providing access to a world of knowledge and the tools in which to teach. Ensuring easy access to education is a key motivator in the education sector, helping to improve the lives of those who previously had little opportunity to learn. Today, laptops are distributed to the impoverished, tutors are available online and children in remote areas visit their classroom via webcam. Technology is giving teachers, tutors and lecturers across all levels of education a chance to reach a larger audience and the tools in which to encourage, engage and fascinate students.
DVD / 2012 / (Senior High - College) / 24 minutes
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