Ep 12. Making Stuff: Smarter

Making Stuff: Smarter is the twelfth episode of season 38 of NOVA, a popular science documentary series that explores the latest breakthroughs in science, technology, and engineering. This particular episode focuses on the newest advancements in smart materials and how they're changing the world around us.

Host and technology journalist David Pogue takes viewers on a fascinating journey into the world of materials science to discover the latest innovations in smart materials. These futuristic substances can self-heal, sense, and react to their environment, making them incredibly versatile and useful for a wide range of applications.

Throughout the episode, Pogue visits labs and companies around the world to showcase the incredible potential of smart materials. For example, he visits a company developing smart windows that can tint themselves based on the amount of sunlight that hits them, reducing energy consumption and making buildings more efficient. He also explores self-healing concrete, a new material that can repair cracks on its own, making infrastructure safer and longer-lasting.

Other topics explored in Making Stuff: Smarter include a new type of foam that can absorb shock and impact, reducing the risk of injury in sports and other high-impact activities. Pogue also delves into the world of shape-memory materials, which can change shape in response to various stimuli, making them ideal for medical applications such as stents that can widen and narrow to meet the needs of the patient.

Throughout the episode, Pogue explains how these incredible materials work and how they're changing the way we think about engineering and design. He also looks at the potential downsides of these materials, such as their environmental impact and the challenges involved in scaling up production and adoption.

Overall, Making Stuff: Smarter is a fascinating exploration of the cutting edge of materials science and how smart materials are transforming the world around us. With its engaging host, stunning visuals, and insightful commentary, this episode is sure to captivate science enthusiasts and anyone interested in how technology is shaping the future.