Ep 5. Leeches/The Search for ET/Stem Cells Breakthrough/Profile: Edith Widder

NOVA scienceNOW season 3 episode 5 is a fascinating journey encompassing four different segments, each of which covers a distinct and enthralling story.

The first story revolves around leeches, which have been used for centuries by doctors for medical purposes. The segment explores the history of leech therapy, its applications, and how it has been used by researchers to investigate the blood-clotting process. The episode also highlights how leeches have become a topic of study in various research fields and how scientists are working on understanding the behavior of leeches.

The second segment focuses on the search for ET or extraterrestrial life. The episode delves into the possibility of finding life elsewhere in the universe and features an interview with renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who talks about what we know about the universe and how it might be teeming with life. The segment also showcases various scientific instruments and techniques that scientists use to detect signals that may indicate the existence of alien life.

The third story in the episode covers a groundbreaking scientific discovery in the field of stem cells. The segment features researchers who have found a way to make adult cells behave like embryonic cells, thereby potentially revolutionizing the field of regenerative medicine. The episode takes viewers through the process of the discovery and how it could impact medicine, particularly in terms of creating replacement organs for patients.

The fourth segment of the episode is a profile of Edith Widder, a marine biologist, inventor, and deep-sea explorer. The segment explores her career and her inventions, including a device she created to study deep-sea creatures. The episode also highlights her role in discovering a deep-sea creature that blinks, known as the "Green Bomber," and how it may change our understanding of bioluminescence.

Overall, the episode is a captivating journey through various scientific fields and ideas, highlighting groundbreaking discoveries and fascinating individuals who are revolutionizing their respective fields.