Scientific American Frontiers
A TV version of Scientific American magazine hosted by Alan Alda. This show presents viewers with explorations and developments from the cutting edge of medicine, mechanical and chemical engineering, computer design, environmental science and theoretical physics.
- 1990-2005
- 15 seasons
- Documentary
- TV-PG
A TV version of Scientific American magazine hosted by Alan Alda. This show presents viewers with explorations and developments from the cutting edge of medicine, mechanical and chemical engineering, computer design, environmental science and theoretical physics.
Season 15 Episode Guide
10 Episodes 2005
Episode 1
Surgical Slimmers
Wed, Jan 19, 2005 28 mins
In spite of the risks, people are lining up to solve their weight problems in the operating room. And if the latest device -- an implantable stomach "pacer" -- works out, millions more will be taking the surgical way out.
Episode 2
Cars That Think
Wed, Jan 26, 2005 28 mins
The fully automatic car may be down the road a ways, but cars that do your thinking for you are just around the corner -- they watch out for hazards, they listen to you, they read your lips, they even know when you're distracted.
Episode 3
Going Deep
Wed, Feb 2, 2005 28 mins
A look back at the decades of effort that culminated in the deep sub Alvin reaching the ocean floor, and a look forward to what's next now that Alvin's retiring.
Episode 4
Chimp Minds
Wed, Feb 9, 2005 28 mins
A visit with an engaging if unruly bunch of cousins that we formally broke up with about 6 or 7 million years ago - with whom we share almost all of our genes but not a lot of our lifestyle. Why the difference? Maybe it's in how we learn.
Episode 5
Hot Planet: Cold Comfort
Wed, Feb 16, 2005 28 mins
So you think global warming won't affect you? Wait until the great Atlantic Conveyor shuts down. And find out what's already happening in Alaska.
Episode 6
Hydrogen Hopes
Wed, Feb 23, 2005 28 mins
We've all heard of hydrogen as the fuel of the future, but what will it take to get there from here? How can we create hydrogen from renewable sources like the sun - and how do we store it safely once we've got it?
Episode 7
Hidden Motives
Wed, Mar 2, 2005 28 mins
If you think you know why you do things, you're probably wrong. Explore how our unconscious determines our behavior - including why we buy things that are "cool."
Episode 8
The Secret Canyon
Wed, Mar 30, 2005 28 mins
The best kept secret of American archeology is now revealed - an entire canyon of perfectly preserved 1,000-year-old remains. Who were these people - and where did they come from?
Episode 9
Cybersenses
Sun, Mar 6, 2005 28 mins
Replacement synthetic senses for people are now a reality. Children as young as 12 months are already getting artificial hearing - while the first trials of electronic retinas for the blind are just beginning.
Episode 10
Robot Pals
Wed, Apr 13, 2005 28 mins
To be really useful, robots need to behave as cooperative partners rather than mindless machines. We'll meet three robots - including a future member of an astronaut team - that are trying to better understand us.