Series 6, Episode 1
2020 has been a seminal year for science and global health. Increased understanding and awareness of the interconnections between humans and planet earth has NEVER been more pertinent, and Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Kathriona Devereux and Jonathan McCrea are back to reveal how Irish research is helping drive us towards a brighter, better world…
Episode 1 – LIGHT
Bioluminescence is like nature’s chemical flashlight in the dark – illuminating caves, lakes and oceans with an incredible fluorescent glow. One of the best examples of bioluminescence in Ireland can be seen in Lough Hyne, and we take a night trip to see how this amazing natural phenomenon creates stunning blue sparkles in the pitch-dark water! And back on dry land, the glimmering power of bioluminescence is driving important research developments in medical science. Photonics – or the science of light – is considered one of the key technologies of the 21st century, and we meet the Irish researchers using fluorescence in cancer diagnosis, and developing infra-red light technologies to monitor the lung function of premature babies.
TX: Monday 9th November at 8.30 PM on RTÉ One