Ep 2. Spinach Leaf Hearts

In The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation season 5 episode 2, titled Spinach Leaf Hearts, the show takes a look at various innovations and inventions that are making a positive impact on society and the environment. The episode begins by introducing us to Dr. Roxanne Swentzell, a renowned artist and activist who is revolutionizing the way we think about agriculture. Dr. Swentzell's innovative farming techniques involve using organic materials such as clay and compost to create nutrient-rich soil that's free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. The show explores how these techniques are helping farmers around the world improve their yields and reduce their carbon footprint.

Next, the episode takes us to the Salish Sea off the coast of Washington State, where we meet Dr. Brian Hunt, a marine biologist who is using underwater drones to monitor the health of the sea's ecosystem. By collecting data on everything from water temperatures to the behavior of marine life, Dr. Hunt is helping scientists better understand the challenges facing our oceans and develop strategies to protect them. We also learn about the innovative technology that powers these drones and the engineers and scientists who work tirelessly to improve their capabilities.

The episode then turns to a remarkable story of technology meeting medicine, as we meet a team of doctors and engineers who are using 3D printing to create human heart valves. These valves are made from a patient's own cells, which means that they are much less likely to be rejected by the body and require less medication after implantation. The show explores the unique challenges involved in creating these custom-made heart valves and the remarkable impact they are having on patients' lives.

The show then takes us to California, where we meet Dr. William Tarpeh, a chemical engineer who has developed an innovative method for purifying water using spinach leaves. Dr. Tarpeh's technique involves exposing spinach leaves to sunlight, which causes them to release oxygen and purify the water around them. The show explores how this technique can be used to create low-cost water filtration systems that are accessible to people in developing countries.

We also get to see a unique innovation in the world of transportation, as the episode profiles a company called "EV OneStop" that is bringing electric vehicle charging stations to rural America. By working with local businesses and governments, EV OneStop is helping to reduce the country's carbon footprint by making it easier and more convenient for people to charge their electric cars. The show explores how this innovative business model is changing the way we think about sustainable transportation.

Finally, the episode takes us to a company called "HyperSciences" that is using innovative technologies to help us better understand the Earth's geology. By developing high-speed drilling systems that can penetrate deep into the Earth's crust, HyperSciences is helping scientists uncover new insights into the planet's history and evolution. The show explores how this innovative technology is enabling us to further explore and understand our planet's geological processes.

Overall, The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation season 5 episode 2 is a fascinating look at the many ways in which innovation and technology are being used to create a better world for all of us. From 3D printing human heart valves to purifying water with spinach leaves, the episode showcases some of the most inspiring and impactful innovations happening today.