Sci-Fi Science: Physics of the Impossible
2009–2010 · Science · 30 min · 2 seasons
S02E12 · Shapeshifting Transformer
Thu, 11 Nov, 4:00 am
Dr Kaku wants to create a transformer that can turn into any shape, moving with strength and stealth. What technologies can help him realise his vision?
About
What first appears to be a send-up of classic science fiction is in fact a thorough examination of the real-world science behind the sensationalism. In the pilot episode, the physics behind a hypothetical alien invasion are explained. With the help of scientists and engineers from NASA, JPL, the Department of Energy, the U.S. Army, a major special effects studio, and various universities, the Sci-Fi Science crew explores force fields, lasers, lightning guns, rail guns, extrasolar planets and other "science fiction" concepts that are in fact, quite real. A campy, animation-rich alien invasion of Los Angeles provides the jumping-off point for real science demonstrations.
Episodes
- E01
Earth 2.0
Thu, 2 Sept· 30 minDr Michio Kaku investigates the possibility of humans surviving on a different planet; for Earth 2.0, he comes up with crazy ideas like giant solar mirrors, floating cities and a barrage made of an asteroid.
- E02
Galactic Colonization
Thu, 2 Sept· 30 minSwarmbots search the galaxy for habitable planets, human DNA is broken down into ones and zeros and beamed light years away. All part of Dr Kaku's plan for galactic colonisation.
- E03
Deep Impact
Thu, 9 Sept· 30 minEarth is under constant threat from asteroids and comets that could destroy the planet. Dr Kaku finds out how a rogue star could be detected, assessed and eliminated.
- E04
A New Solar System
Thu, 16 Sept· 30 minDr Michio Kaku draws up ambitious plans for the construction of a new solar system. Details involve a giant shell encircling a star, with a new stellar civilisation living on the inside.
- E05
Alien Invasion
Thu, 23 Sept· 30 minThe aliens are coming! It is the cry at the heart of many sci-fi movies, but what would we do if an alien race really did invade? Earth must be prepared - and Dr Kaku has a plan.
- E06
First Contact
Thu, 30 Sept· 30 minDr Michio Kaku is on a quest to make the first contact with extraterrestrial life; with multitudes of planets in and outside of our Milky Way galaxy, experts believe it is only a matter of time before the first contact takes place.
- E07
Destroy the Death Star
Thu, 7 Oct· 30 minDr Michio Kaku is on a mission to build a Star Fighter, a ship that is capable of destroying the moon-sized Death Star and for that, he gets in touch with some of the finest Pentagon strategists to get help on his mission.
- E08
Black Hole Odyssey
Thu, 14 Oct· 30 minA black hole could destroy the solar system, so how could a human survive its gravitational pull and tunnel through space time itself? Dr Kaku investigates.
- E09
Cyborg Army
Thu, 21 Oct· 30 minTo understand how the human mind could control a cyborg army, Dr Kaku looks at existing technology that enables amputees to move prosthetic limbs by thinking.
- E10
A.I. Uprising
Thu, 28 Oct· 30 minAs the rapid processing power of computers develops it looks likely that artificial intelligence will soon exceed our own. What will this mean for humanity's survival?
- E11
Holodeck
Thu, 4 Nov· 30 minDr Michio Kaku believes we can actually build `Star Trek's' fictional holodeck. Join him on his mission to create an imaginary world indistinguishable from the real thing.
- E12
Shapeshifting Transformer
Thu, 11 Nov· 30 minDr Kaku wants to create a transformer that can turn into any shape, moving with strength and stealth. What technologies can help him realise his vision?
Cast
Michio Kaku
Host