Series 18

Season 18 · 2017 · 17 episodes

Episodes

1Meet The AvatarsIn the series return of Catalyst, Biomedical engineer Dr Jordan Nguyen examines virtual reality & how it could transform the way we learn & travel. He also meets some of the most life-like avatars scientists are creating.
2Can Seaweed Save The World?Professor Tim Flannery investigates how seaweed is helping to save the world - from growing the foods of the future, helping save the reef and even combating climate change.
3Closing In: The Hunt For Alien LifeWill we soon find evidence of alien life? Scientists are currently in the throes of an unprecedented search for ET - and an answer to this long-pondered question may come sooner than you think.
4The Day The Dinosaurs Died66 million years ago an asteroid hit the planet. Now an expedition is underway to drill 1500m into the crater it created - the Chicxulub asteroid impact crater, aiming to unearthing the secrets that killed the dinosaurs.
5Heartbeat: The Miracle Inside YouHeart surgeon Dr Nikki Stamp takes us into the amazing world of our hearts - revealing how they function, how can we look after them and shows us the latest science she uses to help fix them when they go wrong.
6Death Dive: Into The Rings Of SaturnAfter 20 years in space, NASA's Cassini spacecraft has begun the final chapter of its exploration of Saturn. It will end with a spectacular crash into its surface. Professor Alan Duffy will be there as the action unfolds.
7Sit Back, Relax; The Dawn Of The Driverless CarThe dream of the driverless car has quickly moved from the realm of science fiction. Semi-autonomous cars can park themselves, stay within the well-marked lines of a modern freeway, steer and brake to avoid unseen obstacles.
8Can We Save the Reef?The Great Barrier Reef as we know it - home to thousands of marine species - is dying. Can We Save the Reef? is the epic story of Australian & international scientists who are racing to understand our greatest natural wonder.
9How To Exercise BetterWhat kind of exercise should we be doing, how much do we need & how hard should push ourselves? To help us live happier healthier lives Dr Caroline West & Dr Shalin Naik uncover the latest sport science secrets from the AIS.
10Gut Revolution (Part 1)In a new Catalyst special, three Australians embark on a remarkable six-week intervention to find out what happens to their health when they set out to transform the bacteria living in their guts, with surprising results.
11Gut Revolution (Part 2) Garry's StoryGarry has tried to lose weight, but could his gut bacteria be keeping him fat? Nutrition scientist Dr Joanna McMillan explores controversial science suggesting gut bacteria might be affecting our appetites and mood.
12It's A Twin ThingFor the past 35 years twins have been some of the most carefully studied people in Australia. In fact revealing the secrets of this extraordinary group of people, may just help all of us live a longer, healthier life.
13The Secret To Making Better DecisionsFrom the science of making choices to the solving power of algorithms, Mathematician Lily Serna looks at how the logic of mathematics can help you make better, smarter decisions.
14Farmer Needs A RobotA group of pioneering scientists take their robots into the world of agriculture to see if they can help Aussie farmers tackle some of their biggest challenges. Will they change the way we've been farming for generations?
15Back To The MoonThe race to the moon is back. After a quiet half century since the last Apollo mission, Assoc Prof Alan Duffy takes us inside the new space race, where innovators and big dreamers are rewriting the book on space exploration.
16Gut Revolution (Part 3) Victoria's StoryNutrition Scientist Dr Joanna McMillan takes on her most challenging case as she battles to help Victoria recover from debilitating anxiety & gut pains, using emerging science showing links between gut bacteria & the brain.
17Sleep MattersActor, comedian and sleep-deprived new dad Lawrence Leung explores the latest science behind sleep to find out what he's missing out on - and if he even needs it at all.