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NOVA scienceNOW: What's the Next Big Thing?

In this episode of NOVA scienceNOW, come face to face with social robots that understand human feelings, carry on conversations, even make jokes. Then travel to Haiti, where geologists investigate the 2010 earthquake not long after it struck for clues to how to better forecast future quakes. Afterwards, join engineers at General Motors who are testing tiny, two-wheeled cars called EN-Vs, which one day might drive themselves through city streets. Learn about proposals for making our outdated electric grid "smart." And meet Nebraska native Jay Keasling, a pioneer in synthetic biology who shares his work on developing "designer" microbes that produce biofuels and medicines.

English
  • Originally Aired February 23, 2011
  • Special Position Airs before season 38, episode 9
  • Content Rating United States of America TV-PG
  • Network PBS
  • Special is Critical to Show's Story Yes
  • Created June 19, 2021 by
    Jordanene
  • Modified January 6, 2026 by
    niemasd