Catalyst: Shaping the Future

Men with autism confront challenges of aging with a neurological condition that impairs communication skills, like facial expressions and vocal tone. To understand the risks of aging with autism, neuroscientist Blair Braden, Ph.D. tracks their brain activity in a multi-year study.

Biologists install digital cameras and microphones around wild habitats to observe where endangered animals migrate. By mapping wildlife movements conservationists can advise governments how to build infrastructure that protects biodiversity.

Evolution programmed incredible abilities into the genetic codes of Earth’s unique animals. Biologists look at animal genes, behavior, and cell structure to see how they’ve overcome health problems still faced by humans.

From ancient Mexico to modern recess, civilians want city spaces where they can prosper. Archeologists uncover cultural treasures in Teotihuacan, a biometeorologist measures children adapting to extreme playground heat, and the LEED program helps architects construct energy-efficient “green” buildings. Also, a glassblower shapes custom goblets and tools for science laboratories.

Helmet designers smash prototypes to see how collisions impact players’ heads. By adding absorbent materials and custom-fit layers, the helmet industry hopes to prevent concussions and salvage football’s violent reputation. Psychologists show teams how to better recognize concussion symptoms and why early reporting is a winning strategy. A neurologist warns of the long-term emotional risks of CTE.

Automotive engineering students from Sun Devil Motorsports build a Formula race car from scratch for a national design competition; NASCAR mechanics create engine parts in a 3D printer; Climatologists track the rapid rise of car interior temperatures during summertime.

Biochemists test a cancer prevention vaccine for dogs; A computational biologist explains how elephants have genes that destroy cancer before it spreads; A computer scientist uses social media data to help victims of natural disasters communicate with rescuers.

NASA's DAWN orbiter uses an ion engine to survey dwarf planet Ceres and asteroid Vesta; Astrophysicists launch a balloon carrying a 5,000-pound telescope into the stratosphere over Antarctica; NASA tests its Orion parachute system over an Army bombing range; A geologist examines rock samples and oxygen molecules to study planet Earth's "Great Oxidation Event" 2.5 billion years ago.

Versatile devices that fly, flex, float in space to improve our health and safety.

The latest generation of NASA satellites captures new visions of Earth and fascinating objects in our solar system. The shoebox-sized Phoenix cubesat satellite is small but mighty and helps calculate the intensity of urban heat islands; Cracks on the icy surface of Jupiter’s moon Europa suggest an ocean swirls underneath.

We can recycle tires, now can we also recycle the roads we drive on? A microbiologist who loves to go fast has to slow down to make her science work in space. More than feelings, you can actually measure why it hurts when someone is excluded by others because of their identity.

A mission to learn more about the asteroid Bennu, and an effort to help teachers teach.

Look back at some of our favorite stories of season 2 and get a sneak peek at season 3.