The Nature of Things S21E10 · Prenatal Diagnosis / Hearing in Chinchillas

Overview

Prenatal Diagnosis: Presents new techniques to examine the fetus while still in the womb to determine its sex and detect possible defects. Hearing in Chinchillas: A look at the similarities between the human ear and the ear of a chinchilla, and a study of how noise can permanently damage hearing in both. Chinchillas are subjected to loud tones and their inner ear membranes are examined for damage in an electron microscope.

Torrents

Subtitles

Episodes

1. 1 1. Volcanoes / Hovercraft / Curve Balls / Windshear / Xerography1980-10-08Volcanoes: A look at the geological formation and environmental impact of volcanoes, focusing on the 1980 eruptions of Mt. St. Helens in Washington. Hovercraft: New uses for air-cu
2. 2 2. Cystic Fibrosis / Whooping Crane / Cold-Water Survival1980-10-15A report on cystic fibrosis, a genetic respiratory ailment that afflicts young people; the International Crane Foundation's work to save endangered species of birds is documented;
3. 3 3. Skin – The Bare Necessity / Manatees / Ludhiana1980-10-22Three films are featured: Skin – The Bare Necessity, dealing with the human skin; Manatees, concerning a unique vegetarian creature which lives in coastal waters, and Ludhiana, a p
4. 4 4. Tar Wars1980-10-29The geology and relative impact of the Athabasca Tar Sands are examined, along with the problems involved in the extraction of oil from the deeper deposits
5. 5 5. Going Without Gas / Surface Tension / Science Fair1980-11-05Going Without Gas: A look at recent developments in designing cars that run on fuels other than petroleum, such as methanol, ethanol, electricity, hydrocarbons and hydrogen. Surfac
6. 6 6. China Now – Its Roots in the Past (Part 1 of 2)1980-11-12The lifestyle and culture of modern China are highlighted in a study of the educational system and medical techniques of the country; visits to the seaport of Qingdao and the ancie
7. 7 7. China Now – The Four Modernizations (Part 2 of 2)1980-11-19The professional and recreational activities of the Chinese people are examined in a tour of their homes, factories and parks, as well as the palaces which were formerly the homes
8. 8 8. Success Story / Sickle Cell Anemia1980-11-26A magazine edition: Success Story: a film by nature photographer John Carey about the insect world and the ability of insects to survive hostile forces of man and nature. Sickle Ce
9. 9 9. Freak Waves / Invisible Astronomy / Hildebrand1980-12-03Freak Waves: A report on work at the Canadian National Research Council into wave formations that can engulf oil rigs or large vessels, even when weather conditions are relatively
10. 10 10. Prenatal Diagnosis / Hearing in Chinchillas1980-12-10Prenatal Diagnosis: Presents new techniques to examine the fetus while still in the womb to determine its sex and detect possible defects. Hearing in Chinchillas: A look at the sim
11. 11 11. AAAS Report / One of the Family / Oyster Culture1981-01-07AAAS Report: Scientists gathering in Toronto for a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science are interviewed about the role of the scientific community in
12. 12 12. Birds' Eggs / Newfoundland Oil / John Polanyi1981-01-14Birds' Eggs: A look at the many ways that egg shells protect and aid embryonic development of birds. Newfoundland Oil: The technical difficulties and possible environmental and soc
13. 13 13. Poisoned Playgrounds / Charlie1981-01-28The actions taken by Ontario parents when insecticide spraying at a school proved hazardous to their children's health are examined, and in a repeat showing of the film "Charlie",
14. 14 14. The Moving Still1981-02-11A look at the history of scientific photography from its beginnings in 1837 to the present-day use of high-speed cameras
15. 15 15. Sri Lanka: Island of Serendib1981-02-18A documentary on Sri Lanka, its wildlife and culture and the changes taking place as technological development erodes traditional ways of life.
16. 16 16. Blackfly / Desalination / Memory – Come to think of it / Dr. Karl Illmensee1981-03-11Blackfly: A look at the life cycle of the blackfly, and its effects in northern Canada and Africa. Desalination: A practical method of desalination using reverse osmosis is present
17. 17 17. The Foxes' Earth1981-03-25For centuries the people of the village of Huasicancha in Peru lived under the domination of others, from the last of the Inca rulers to the Spanish conquerors and subsequent regim