Press Release 09-116
National Science Foundation Releases Science Nation, a Video Series on Breakthroughs and Discoveries That Impact Our Lives

Series created for NSF by former CNN senior science producers

NSF's Science Nation video series will examine breakthroughs and possibilities for new discoveries. Credit and Larger Version

June 1, 2009

The National Science Foundation (NSF) today released the first in a series of video programs called Science Nation, which examine breakthroughs and the possibilities for new discoveries about our planet, our universe and ourselves. The video series is being created for NSF by former senior science producers at CNN, including Peter Dykstra and Kate Tobin.  Each program features a two-minute and five-minute version.

"We are pleased to be able to educate and engage the American public about the diverse range of NSF-funded cutting-edge research that is going on every day," said Jeff Nesbit, director of NSF's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs. "Each week, Science Nation will take a dynamic, entertaining look at the research, and the researchers, that will change our lives."

The first episode, released on June 1, focuses on what we can learn from organisms that can live and thrive in frozen deserts or steaming-hot volcanic vents. These "freak" organisms may offer clues about possible life away from Earth. Subsequent episodes will be released every Monday and will be featured on http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/science_nation/index.jsp. The videos can be downloaded from that site.  Links to the videos can also be embedded on other sites.

Upcoming shows include:

• Tornadoes: research into perfecting how to anticipate tornadoes, and save lives in the process
• Artificial Retina: a totally-blind woman whose sight is partially restored through what is essentially a bionic eye
• Hydrogen Cars: advances in someday finding the "Holy Grail" of hydrogen-powered vehicles
• Cleaning up Rural China: coal-based cookstoves rule in rural China--an American grad student has potential solutions
• Greenland Ice Cores: research into ages-old ice cores from Greenland could preview what climate change may mean for us

In addition, the producers are developing programs about Emperor penguins, biofuels and atom-thin nanofibers.

-NSF-

Media Contacts
Dana Topousis, National Science Foundation (703) 292-7750 dtopousi@nsf.gov

Related Websites
Science Nation: http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/science_nation/index.jsp

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2009, its budget is $9.5 billion, which includes $3.0 billion provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to over 1,900 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 44,400 competitive requests for funding, and makes over 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

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