| Description |
1 online resource (streaming video file) (27 min. 4 sec.) ; 163802774 bytes |
| Summary |
Exploring the very edges of our atmosphere from Antarctica; the ethics of embryonic stem cell research; the advantage in following the leader; and what puts the precious into precious metals?LIDARMost of the world's climate scientists are studying changes close to earth in the troposphere or a little further out in the stratosphere, but researchers in Antarctica have been looking more than 50 kilometres above the earth's surface, where the Southern Lights, or Southern Aurora, phenomenon occurs. The researchers have been observing how, paradoxically, as greenhouse emissions heat the lower atmosphere they cause the upper atmosphere to cool. Mark Horstman visits a small hut on the edge of Antarctica to take a look at the light detection and ranging equipment, LIDAR, that is collecting crucial climate change data and building a stunning picture of the mysterious noctilucent clouds in the mesosphere. Stem Cell EthicsUsing human embryos for stem cell research has long been a controversial issue but a recent breakthrough has put a new complexion on the debate. Since a Japanese scientist first developed a new kind of cell, IPS or Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, it has been speculated that the need to use human embryos for stem cell therapies might be eliminated. Researchers believe there is much to be gained from using the thousands of surplus IVF embryos sitting in storage across Australia. While it is legal to use these leftover embryos for research purposes, does using them reduce human life to a commodity? Dr Maryanne Demasi explores whether the new discoveries could end the debate for good.Follow the LeaderIs it best to be an individual and act on your own or is it better to follow the pack? It's a question for all social animals from sheep to horses, fish to birds - even for humans - and it's a question of survival. But, just how do large assemblies of animals manage to make efficient decisions?Ruben Meerman takes a look at some Sydney University research that's seeing what tiny mosquito fish can teach us about the bigger picture of making group decisions.Fundamentals with Bernie Hobbs - Precious MetalsWhat puts the precious into precious metals? Bernie Hobbs shines her 'Fundamental' spotlight on the treasures of the periodic table to find out why the glitter of gold is so preciously proverbial |
| Notes |
Closed captioning in English |
| Event |
Broadcast 2010-04-08 at 20:00:00 |
| Notes |
Classification: G |
| Subject |
Decision making in animals.
|
|
Greenhouse gases -- Environmental aspects.
|
|
Human embryo.
|
|
Stem cells -- Research.
|
|
Antarctic Regions.
|
| Form |
Streaming video
|
| Author |
Beetham, Carrie, contributor
|
|
Beetham, Kaye, contributor
|
|
Beetham, Steve, contributor
|
|
Demasi, Maryanne, reporter
|
|
Fisher, Anthony, contributor
|
|
Hobbs, Bernie, reporter
|
|
Horstman, Mark, reporter
|
|
Hussain, Jamilla, contributor
|
|
Jansen, Robert, contributor
|
|
Klekociuk, Andrew, contributor
|
|
Levi, John, contributor
|
|
Meerman, Ruben, reporter
|
|
Phillips, Graham, host
|
|
Tonti-Filippini, Nicholas, contributor
|
|
Ward, Ashley, contributor
|
|
Williamson, Bob, contributor
|
|
