Episodes
Jane Goodall
Meet Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, world-renowned primatologist, humanitarian, conservationist and UN Messenger of Peace.
Shark Behavior
Do sharks have friends? Watch and see if there is actually anything to study when we look at the "social behavior" of sharks off the coast of New South Wales, Australia!
Virtual Universe
Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could just sit and watch a movie about the universe and see how everything unfolded? Thanks to a new scientifically accurate computer simulation called the Illustris, which models a part of the universe, a cube 350 million light years across, you can!
Polar People
Each year, over 2000 people apply for jobs in Antarctica, but few are successful. What are the physical and psychological attributes required to work in the most remote location on Earth? Could you snag a job in sub-zero temperatures at an Antarctic station?
Voyager
Take a look at the Voyager unmanned space probes launched in the 1970's -- and where they are now after 36 years of travel! Voyager I is the furthest travelled man made object in space. What are the missions finding in the distant universe?
Wings Of Wonder
Titanium implants are a favorite among surgeons. They're light, durable and strong and readily accepted by the human body. But with each surgery comes a small but potentially deadly risk - infection through the introduction of bacteria. How can they design implants to resist bacterial infection?
Sun's Lost Siblings
In a family reunion like no other, astronomers reunite our sun with her long lost sibling. Dr Graham Phillips meets the new relative and explores its similarities with our sun. Could it even have planets, like our solar system, and be another home for life?
Super Solar Cells
Dr Graham Phillips investigates new technology that is able to convert more than 40 per cent of the sun's light into electricity. This is more than double the efficiency of today's domestic rooftop solar panels, and could eventually lead to cheaper sources of renewable energy.
Our Chemical Lives
Thousands of chemicals are used in everyday products – in our water, our food and in the air we breathe. It’s the chemical soup of modern life and it’s virtually impossible to escape them. Is there adequate regulation and testing, or are we in the midst of an uncontrolled, human experiment?
Antivenom
Good to know as you travel to the Antipodes - Australia has the most venomous snakes and spiders in the world. But, if you’re bitten, can you rely on anti-venom? Dr Graham Phillips investigates the effectiveness of anti-venom.
Powering The Mind
What is memory? How do our memories change from childhood to adulthood? How we can build up greater brain reserves to power our mind into old age? Brain epigenetics, how the expression of our DNA can be changed by our experiences, is an intriguing new area of science with huge health implications.
Alien Technology
Is there anyone out there? Does the popular movie quote 'ET phone home' have any substance? Astronomers have been pointing their radio telescopes at the skies for decades trying to pick up alien signals. Hitch a ride as we join astronomers trawling through the galaxy looking for signs of life.
3D Virus
How can a supercomputer can help researchers to a better understanding of the poliovirus at an atomic level? This has implications for understanding and eradicating deadly diseases worldwide.
Future Cities
It's amazing to think that in the 1900s a mere tenth of the world's population lived and worked in cities. Now it is over half. With soaring populations, how will we keep our cities live-able? And what will the city of tomorrow look like?
Quantum Computing
The promise of quantum computers is that what would otherwise take a billion years to calculate, could be done in a few seconds. First-generation quantum computers have started to appear. Indeed, earlier this year, Google bought one, The D-Wave 2. How will this advance change our future lives?
Peacock Spider
Think spiders aren't beautiful? Then think again! The colorful and beautiful jumping Peacock Spider, native to Australia, will change your mind.
Allergy Pill
In the western world there’s an epidemic of allergies. Could it be that our lifestyles are too clean? And that we’re not exposing ourselves to bugs that help build our immune systems? Is there bacteria that is good for us?
Cardiac Implants
There’s no doubt that cardiac implants or stents save lives. They unblock arteries to prevent heart attacks. But because the body treats stents as foreign, the risk of blood clots is ever present. How can we coat the stents in order to stop the rejections?
Honey Bees
It seems that the bee population crisis is intricately tied to the way we have changed our planet. Catalyst investigates how modern agriculture methods, increasing diseases and the impending threat of the deadly varroa mite could destroy the last safe-haven for bees on the planet, Australia.
Extreme Weather
This special report looks at the domino effect of environmental and atmospheric factors that drive the globe to wetter, hotter, drier and colder extremes.
Fast Food For Hummingbirds
By building see-through flowers, researchers at the University of Connecticut have captured high-speed, high-magnification images of the remarkable tongue of the Hummingbird. And they've revealed that previously held theories about the diminutive birds are wrong!
Ancient Writing
Cuneiform documents in clay cover everything from political affairs to economic practices, from 3400BC right up to the time of Christ. But can modern technology unwrap clay envelopes so that archaeologists can preserve the artifact but see the letter inside? Watch and see!
Tokyo Flood Prevention
Fifty meters beneath the teeming mega-city of Tokyo is an underworld river system - 6.4km of tunnels, colossal water tanks, massive pillars, giant pumps that remove 200 tons of floodwater every second. It’s an engineering marvel built to protect Tokyo against the increasing threat of flooding.
Life Enhancing Drugs
Performance-enhancing drugs aren't limited to just sport and increasing your physical prowess. There are substances that could improve your mind power as well - things like help you learn faster or improve your memory. Do we face a future where we'll be increasingly brain doping?
Bioluminescence
A short video on this phenomenon of nature, particularly evident in deep ocean animals.
Mega-tsunamis
By investigating the tell-tale signs of earthquakes and tsunamis written into the landscape over the last thousand years, Japanese scientists are rewriting the rule books for disaster prevention in the Pacific.
Meteors, Sea Level Rise, House Fires
The Catalyst team look at what YouTube can teach us about meteors and how far can sea levels rise? Also how to stay as safe as possible in a house fire.
Tattoos, Moon Mining, Muscle Fibre
Tattoos: They are on trend but how easy are they to remove? Moon Mining: Scientists look at ways to mine the moon. Muscle fibre Fishing Line: How fishing line, a hairdryer and an electric drill make artificial muscle fibres.
Omega 3 Inmates, Antarctic Sea Ice, Dog Optimism
Could omega 3 supplements reduce aggressive behaviour of inmates?; Antarctica Sea Ice: The sleeping giant of climate change; Dog Optimism: How does your dog view the world? Is it an optimist or pessimist?
Radiation Fallout, Multiple Organ Failure
Three years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster we explore the hidden impact of radioactive sediments and why do some trauma patients appear to recover from injury but just a few days later develop multiple organ failure?
Gut Reaction: Part 1 - What You Eat Could Be Making You Ill
In the first of a two-part special, reporter Dr. Graham Phillips investigates whether what we feed the bacteria deep inside our gut could be contributing to a whole litany of diseases.
Gut Reaction: Part 2 - Let Food Be Thy Medicine
In this two-part Gut Reaction special, reporter Dr. Graham Phillips investigates whether the Western diet could be contributing to a whole litany of diseases by causing an imbalance in the bacteria deep inside our gut.
AE2 - The Silent ANZAC, Where Does Fat Go?
Inside Australia's long lost World War 1 submarine, the AE2, we reveal her hidden secrets and investigate what scientists are doing to protect her from the ravages of time.
Epilepsy, Brian Schmidt
Catalyst investigates two ground breaking treatment procedures for epilepsy; We meet the man who discovered dark energy - Nobel Prize winner Professor Brian Schmidt.
Dr. Jane Goodall Profile, Mystery Mummy, Eureka Prizes
Dr. Jane Goodall entered the forests of Tanzania as a girl with a dream. Twenty years later she left a woman with a mission; Can science help the dead speak? We 'unwrap' a mummy to unveil secrets hidden for thousands of years.
Testosterone - It's Not All About Sex
Dr. Graham Phillips delves into the latest research on testosterone, from the womb to old age, it moulds the male body & mind. It is also a hormone of good health during the life of both men & women.
Honey Bees, Drinking Water, Driver Distraction
Catalyst investigates how modern agriculture methods, increasing diseases and the impending threat of the deadly varroa mite could destroy the last safe-haven for bees on the planet.
Mega Tsunamis, Allergy Pill, Nature Play
Ground breaking Japanese research reveals clues about future hazards for tsunami-prone countries. How playing outdoors can improve children's health and could the bacteria in our stomach ulcers help cure allergies.
Falling In Friendship
Friendship: From before we can even speak, we seek the companionship of others. But why is this drive so powerful? And how come out of all the people we meet in our lives, we fall in friendship with some and not others?
Global Warming Pause, Virtual Universe, Green Alloys
Global Warming Pause: The big question in climate science - what happened to global warming? Virtual universe - reveals the life of the universe. Green alloys - 'reincarnating' CDs, pushbike and car parts.
Tokyo Flood Prevention, Crying, Open Plan Office
Tokyo flood prevention - How does a city of rivers defend itself in during flooding rain? Crying - are tears of joy different from tears of sorrow? Open plan office layout - how the open plan office can affect our health.
The Wind, Bird Strike
What does it mean when the weather report says - winds will be up to 50kph... How much notice should we really take?; With planes and birds sharing our skies, how common are collisions and how can they be avoided.
Aircraft Electromagnetic Interference, Tilapia, Laser Danger
How Aircraft Electromagnetic Interference (AEI) affects our military aircraft; Detecting Tilapia; the cane toads of our waterways and what makes Lasers so dangerous?
Low Carb Diet - Fat or Fiction?
Catalyst investigates the science behind the low carb diet. What are the health benefits and are there any risks? Is it suitable for everyone?
Genetic ID, Tunnel Borer, Coral Trout
The Catalyst team look at how our genes can affect exercise performance; Come face to face with 120 metre tunnel borers Florence and Elizabeth; And reveal the good news for Coral trout on the Great Barrier Reef.
Antiviral Abalone, Fermat's Theorem, Predator Scat
Could abalone blood be the new treatment for cold sores and herpes?; The inspirational story of 350 year old mathematics problem and how it was solved; Tasmania's Great Poo Hunt - have foxes invaded the island state?
Future Cities
With a soaring population how do we keep our cities liveable? And what will the city of tomorrow look like? Catalyst reporter Anja Taylor investigates some innovative ideas for Australia's future cities.
Implant Protection, What Rat Is That?, Science Of The Perfect Drink
Reporter Mark Horstman gives up some of his own blood to test specially coated stents that can mimic the blood vessel wall and Dr Jonica Newby is on a mission to find out what's been lurking in the back yard.
Polar People, Plant Based Medicine
Would you apply for a job in the Antarctic? Mark Horstman looks into the physical and psychological profiles of successful applicants. Dr. Maryanne Demasi investigates the development of ingestible, protein based drugs.
Lead Astray
Could lead exposure in childhood lead to an adult life marked by violent crime? Although much is being done to reduce contamination, once the damage has been done, it can't be reversed.
Tick Meat Allergy, Alien Technology
Mammalian meat allergy is on the rise in Australia and the surprising cause is a tick bite. Dr. Jonica Newby meets Dr. Sheryl van Nunen, the clinician who discovered the link.
Passport Facial Recognition, Anti-venom
Dr. Jonica Newby tries her luck at passport fraud and Dr. Graham Phillips investigates the effectiveness of anti-venom for red back spider and brown snake bites.
Tamiflu, The Sun's Lost Sibling
Faced with a flu pandemic, will anti-viral drugs protect us? Dr. Maryanne Demasi investigates. Plus searching for our sun's lost siblings - what can it tell us about the existence of life on other planets?
Super Solar Cells, Where Birdsong Began
Graham Phillips investigates new technology that is able to convert more than 40 per cent of the sun's light into electricity. Plus Mark Horstman discovers that no other continent has been as important for bird evolution.
Powering The Mind
Anja Taylor investigates how our memories change from childhood to adulthood and how we can build up greater brain reserves to power our mind into old age.
Horse Whip, Antarctic Acidification
Are we beating our horses to the finish line? Dr. Jonica Newby investigates. And in a world first, a lab under the Antarctic ice puts the sea floor to the acid test.
Our Chemical Lives
Dr. Maryanne Demasi investigates the safety of chemicals found in everyday products and compares the level of chemicals in her own body with clean living convert and media personality Sarah Wilson.
Condoms, Toorale Man
The next generation condom - a pleasure, not a duty to wear. And, can science solve the Toorale Man murder mystery? Mark Horstman joins the dig team on this extraordinary investigation.
Fit In 6 Minutes A Week
Anja Taylor investigates the science behind low volume, high intensity fitness training, and takes on the challenge of going from couch slouch to fighting fit, with just six minutes of exercise a week!
Diagnosing Mental Illness, Ghostbusters, Brain Stimulation
Could facial expressions, voice and body posture be the key to diagnosing depression? Plus we take a look at a range of non-invasive brain stimulation therapies that may help treat depression.
Why Am I Still Fat?
Can obesity be treated as a chronic inflammatory disease? Mark Horstman explores these emerging fields of science, and meets ordinary people in their daily struggle with obesity.
Can We Live on Mars?, Parrots versus Possums
Catalyst meets one of Mars One's brave astronauts, & takes a look at NASA's new interplanetary spaceship. Catalyst reporter Mark Horstman joins scientists in the Tasmanian wilderness as they try to save the swift parrot.
Too Much Medicine
Advances in medicine have propelled health care to new heights. But are we getting too much of a good thing? Dr Maryanne Demasi examines how our relentless pursuit for good health, could be making people sick.
Female Sex Drive
Sex is the spark that ignites many relationships. It seems to fade more quickly in women. Dr. Newby investigates the science of female libido, as she asks - what does it take to restore a healthy sex life?
Einstein
To celebrate 100 years since Einstein's theory of General Relativity we visit three 'big physics' facilities where scientists are hoping to prove a prediction Einstein made over a century ago.
A Life Without Males
We explore the recent extraordinary cases of virgin births in animals and find out whether humans could spontaneously clone themselves. Reporter Anja Taylor investigates why males exist in the first place.
Gluten: A Gut Feeling
Millions of people are giving up gluten in pursuit of better health. In this special investigation, Dr. Maryanne Demasi cuts through the hype of the gluten free diet. Should we all get on board or is it just another fad?
Sharks
In the final Catalyst for 2015, the team look at the scientific discoveries and innovations being made to ensure sharks and humans can co-exist.
Batteries 24 Hour Renewable Power
Dr. Jonica Newby investigates home batteries - how they work, why you will want one, how they will change the way we consume electricity & what they mean for the future of the world's power generation.
Oxytocin, Crown of Thorns Starfish
It turns out oxytocin is responsible for a lot more than just love. Dr. Graham Phillips discovers oxytocin's great potential to treat social disorders, like drug addiction and alcoholism.
Wi-Fried?
Wi-Fi blankets our homes, schools & cities. Dr. Maryanne Demasi takes a closer look at the link between mobile phones & brain cancer & explores whether our wireless devices could be putting our health at risk.
Out of Africa
Prof. Vanessa Hayes is searching for the origins of modern society, revealing the bedrock of human genetic diversity. Her work exposes some startling truths about racial inequality in modern medicine.
Science of Sci-Fi Films, Mercury Hotspots
Dr. Graham Phillips sits down with physicists Dr. Katie Mack & Professor Lawrence Krauss to review Hollywood's treatment of science. And is the level of mercury in the fish we're eating safe for our health?
Music on the Brain
Could the soundtrack of your life bring back fading memories? Catalyst takes you inside an extraordinary new program, revealing how personalised playlists can re-awaken the brains of people with dementia.
Micro-Plastics, Tassie's Secrets
We look into marine life in Australia, to find out what plastics escape our household drains & what kind of damage they can do. And the geology of north-western Tasmania reveals similarities to Antarctica.
If Pain Persists
This week we investigate recent advances in science and medical engineering that are transforming our understanding of chronic back pain & opening the door to new treatments.
Motorcycle Clothes, Gravitational Waves
A new kind of telescope will allow us to observe a whole host of astronomical phenomena, like gravitational waves. Plus how protective is safety motorcycle gear anyway? Mark Horstman lays his body on the line.
Lavender and the Honey Bee, Tassie Fires
New research reveals that Lavender can help bees make new memories & even change their DNA. Could it do the same for humans? Plus, climate change is affecting the 1000 year old World Heritage forests in Tasmania.
Blind Leading the Blind, Bionic Bra
Researchers are getting a clearer picture on the way the brain turns sounds into images, redefining our understanding of vision. Plus, the "Bionic Bra" - providing the right amount of breast support as needed.
Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotics have saved millions of lives, but their overuse is making them less effective as bacteria develop resistance. Can researchers outwit these clever bacteria & find novel ways to beat resistance?
Short Sightedness In Children, Saving A Furry Friend
We look into the rise of myopia & how scientists are finding a way to turn the tide on the epidemic. Plus meet Australia's first koala scat detection dog that's helping koala conservation researchers.
Exercise and Cancer
By the time you hit mid life, odds are you or someone close to you will be touched by cancer. In this half-hour special, Dr Jonica Newby investigates a medicine that will double your chance of survival – Its exercise, but not as we know it.
Becoming Superhuman (Part 1)
Dr. Jordan Nguyen is a biomedical engineer. Riley Saban is a 13-year-old kid with cerebral palsy. Together they develop extraordinary, cutting edge technology that gives young Riley superhuman powers.
Becoming Superhuman (Part 2)
Biomedical engineer Dr. Jordan Nguyen & 13-year-old Riley aren't content developing cutting edge technology to give Riley superhuman powers. In Part 2 they want to push the boundaries to see if Riley can drive a car.
Meditation: Can It Really Change You?
Dr. Graham Phillips embarks on an 8 week meditation course to find out if the ancient art lives up to the current hype. New research shows that it can affect the body & the mind & even alter the structure of the brain.
Oldest Aussie Beer, Unboiling An Egg
Could bottles, salvaged from a 220 year old Tasmanian ship wreck, contain the remnants of the world's oldest beer? Plus 'unboiling an egg' technology leads to new discoveries in renewable energy.
Live Long Die Young
Lab experiments show it's now possible to fight the four major diseases of old age. Anja Taylor investigates one of these methods achieving extraordinary results. Could this be the key to a long & healthy life?
Stress and Cancer, Secrets of Pluto
Researchers may have found a way to prevent the stress induced spread of cancer cells. Guest reporter, oncologist Dr Ranjana Srivastava investigates. Plus we reveal Pluto's secrets with mind boggling pictures.
Toxic Ticks
Do Australian ticks pose a greater health risk than we thought? For the first time, microbes inside native Aussie ticks are being probed, leading to new discoveries which may reveal the causes of unexplained illnesses.
Soundscape, Juno's Mission
The natural world tells unseen stories through sound. Catalyst discovers what we can learn from listening to nature. Plus we go to Australia's tracking station Tidbinbilla to witness Juno going into orbit around Jupiter.
Gaming with Orang-utans, Stormageddon
How are storms changing as the world warms? Plus can orang-utans teach us a thing or two about computer games?
Gut Reaction (Part 1)
Could our food be making us sick - very sick? In the first of a two-part special, Dr Graham Phillips reveals research about the interplay between food and the bacteria deep within our guts.
Gut Reaction (Part 2)
The final part of a Catalyst investigation into whether food could actually be our medicine. A healthy diet could be even more important than previously thought because food affects the bacteria deep inside our guts.
Artificial Sweeteners, Antarctica Fossils
GP & guest reporter Dr. Zeeshan Arain looks at artificial sweeteners and how they may impact our health. Plus an Australian paleontologist goes on a US expedition searching for dinosaur fossils in Antarctica.
Stentrode, Fantastic Journey
Catalyst looks at the game-changing new Australian device that aims to help the paralysed walk again. Plus virtual reality takes scientists and patients on a unique interactive journey inside the human body.
Alzheimer's - Can We Prevent It?
Can lifestyle choices delay or even prevent Alzheimer's disease? From what we eat to how much we move & sleep, scientists are suggesting that the power to push back the disease is largely in our hands.
Gene Editing, Is There Life On Mars?
Graham Phillips goes into the desert on a meteorite hunt to investigate the question: is there life on Mars? Plus the powerful gene-editing technique CRISPR that is transforming the field of genetics.
Making Dogs Happy (Part 1)
We all like to think our dogs are really happy with us, but how can we be sure? New research suggests most of us can't even tell. Are our dogs really happy & can we use science to make them happier?
Making Dogs Happy (Part 2)
In Part 2 of Making Dogs Happy, discover new science-based ways of communicating with dogs, how to better read what they are saying, how our own personalities impact their happiness & new technology to help make pets happier.
Smell: Our Most Underestimated Sense
Smell is our most ancient, but also our most underestimated sense. In this episode Anja Taylor investigates the hidden powers of smell & how smell influences many aspects of our lives in ways we often overlook.
Hidden Secrets Of Art, Out Of Africa
Catalyst goes behind the scenes at the NGV to see how scientists are revealing concealed gems with stunning clarity. Plus we revisit what genomicist Professor Vanessa Hayes discovered about the origins of modern society.
Forensic Future, Alien Megastructure
Catalyst investigates how cutting edge forensics together with developments in DNA testing are working towards putting a face to the nameless. Plus the massive megastructure puzzling astrophysicists - could it be alien-built?
Coral Bleaching
In this confronting special, Catalyst explores the lethal threat of coral bleaching to the Great Barrier Reef, and the challenges we all face to protect this global treasure.
Plain Of Jars, Tiny Satellites
South East Asia's Plain of Jars is an archaeological enigma. Who carved these megalithic stone jars & what were they used for? Plus, Space is being invaded by a new breed of cheap satellites, smaller than a loaf of bread.
Testosterone, Dr. Jane Goodall
Dr. Graham Phillips investigates how testosterone affects our abilities, behaviour & health, in both men and women. Plus Dr. Jane Goodall & her work as a World-renowned primatologist, conservationist & activist.
Medicinal Cannabis
Anecdotal evidence is building that cannabis has a positive effect on a long list of medical conditions from epilepsy, cancer, even Alzheimer's Disease. By applying scientific rigour can researchers uncover clinical evidence?
Tick Bites, Swift Parrot
Dr. Jonica Newby meets Dr. Sheryl van Nunen, the clinician who discovered the link between tick bites & meat allergies. Plus we revisit a story on one of Australia's most charismatic & endangered birds - the swift parrot.
The Anthropocene
Scientists claim that the Earth has shifted out of the Holocene state & into a new geological epoch. We look at how the last 60 years has transformed the human race into a geological force to rival nature.
Meet The Avatars
In 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.
Can 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.
Closing In: The Hunt For Alien Life
Will 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.
The Day The Dinosaurs Died
66 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.
Heartbeat: The Miracle Inside You
Heart 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.
Death Dive: Into The Rings Of Saturn
After 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.
Sit Back, Relax; The Dawn Of The Driverless Car
The 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.
Can 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.
How To Exercise Better
What 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.
Gut 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.
Gut Revolution (Part 2) Garry's Story
Garry 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.
It's A Twin Thing
For 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.
The Secret To Making Better Decisions
From 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.
Farmer Needs A Robot
A 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?
Back To The Moon
The 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.
Gut Revolution (Part 3) Victoria's Story
Nutrition 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.
Sleep Matters
Actor, 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.
Skin Clinic
Uncover the secrets to healthier skin as we get up close and personal with some of the most common rashes, spots and blemishes. Dr Shalin Naik and Dr Caroline West show you how to care for your body's largest organ.
Feeding Australia: Foods of Tomorrow
Chef Paul West reveals the key breakthroughs in science and technology that will shape what we might be eating in the coming decades.
Feeding Australia: A Sustainable Future
In Part 2 of Feeding Australia, Chef Paul West, Dietitian Professor Clare Collins and Dr Noby Leong reveal the key breakthroughs in science and technology that will shape what we might be eating in the coming decades.
How to Build a Time Machine
Catalyst examines the science of time travel. What do we need to be able to do or understand to construct a functioning time machine. Dr Graham Phillips showcases the scientists working on the cutting edge of discovery.
Beating Diabetes
Nutritionist Dr Joanna McMillan is on a mission to help stem the onslaught of Type 2 diabetes, devising a personalised program to help four Australians on the brink of developing the chronic illness.
How To Get Lucky: The Maths Of Chance
Vibrant maths whizz Lily Serna pits mathematics against luck in fields as varied as birthdays, blackjack, Aussie rules football, and even air sea rescues - and puts the audience to the test in this massive maths test.
Memory Matters
In the season final, Dr Caroline West meets scientists working at the forefront of memory research, introducing remarkable individuals whose exceptional memories and unique abilities are helping unlock the secrets of memory.
Bionic Revolution
Dr Nikki Stamp meets Australians whose lives are transformed by artificial body parts, and scientists whose cutting-edge work merging biology with technology reveal a world on the cusp of a bionic revolution.
Allergy Clinic
With Australia in the grip of an allergy epidemic, we set up a pop-up clinic to understand why so many of us are suffering from these conditions and reveal the latest science about what we can do to treat and prevent them.
The Mindfulness Experiment
Catalyst brings together 15 ordinary Australians to take part in a revealing scientific experiment - to see if practicing mindfulness can help treat conditions like chronic pain, anxiety and stress that affect millions of us.
Black Hole Hunters
Professor Tamara Davis meets the scientists on a quest to hunt down black holes, the journey has brought us to the cusp of an unprecedented milestone in scientific achievement - to photograph a black hole for the first time.
Staying Younger for Longer: Body
Ian Henderson, the recently retired and much loved ABC newsreader, sets out on a quest to find the secret to ageing healthily, and along the way uncovers some amazing new science that could benefit us all.
Staying Younger for Longer: Brain
Dr Sarah McKay uncovers the revolutionary new science that promises to keep your brain healthy into old age - and uncovers the drugs that hope to defeat many of the diseases of ageing.
Should I Risk It?
Lily Serna finds out how maths can help us all become smarter with the risks we take in life. And she discovers that far from taking too many risks, many of us are playing it too safe.
Face Surgeons: Inside the Craniofacial Unit
For 6 weeks, Catalyst was given unprecedented access to an incredible unit that performs some of the most complex and specialised craniofacial surgery in the world to help rebuild people's faces and lives.
Investigating Body Dysmorphia
Journalist Ruby Jones meets some of the 2.5 million Australians whom body image concerns have become a serious mental health issue. Ruby discovers that far from vanity these disorders are crippling people's lives.
How Food Works (Part 1)
In a two part special, chef Paul West, dietician Professor Clare Collins and chemist Dr Noby Leong reveal the delicious chemistry, biology and physics hidden inside the foods we love, so we can cook better and eat healthier.
How Food Works (Part 2)
Paul explores the science behind cryogenic freezing and how it's being used to ensure frozen fish tastes almost as good as fresh. In a gelato factory, Clare gets the scoop on why humans are hard-wired to desire junk food.
Teeth Clinic
Catalyst sets up a pop-up dental clinic in Western Sydney to investigate Australia's most common dental complaints, uncovering the tips to keep your mouth healthy and revealing surprising secrets behind a beautiful smile.
Asteroid Hunters
Asteroids are an ever-present threat to our survival, but as Astrophysicist Professor Tamara Davies discovers - they may also be responsible for kickstarting life on Earth.
Building Greener Cities
As our populations grow, cities are under increasing pressure. Physicist Dr Niraj Lal explores engineering solutions designed to make our cities cleaner, greener and more efficient places to live.
Kill or Cure? The Story of Venom
Australia is home to a large number of venomous animals - some so lethal they can kill a human in minutes. But within the deadly cocktail of their venom, lies a potential pharmacy of drugs that could save your life.
Are We Killing Our Koalas?
The koala is a national icon on the path to extinction. Professor Tim Flannery investigates the story behind the headlines, meeting researchers working to understand the threats koalas face, and how we can avoid them.
Mars: Our Second Home?
In the first of a two-part special, astrophysicist Professor Tamara Davis and astronomer Greg Quicke meet the Australian scientists on a mission to solve the many challenges of putting people on the red planet.
Mars: The Hunt For Life
In this second episode of Catalyst's Mars special, astrophysicist Professor Tamara Davis and beloved astronomer Greg Quicke explore a question we've longed to answer - is there life on Mars?
Kill or Cure: The Story of Venom
Australia is home to 66 venomous species - some are so lethal they can kill a human in thirty minutes. But within the deadly cocktail of their venom, lies a potential pharmacy of drugs that could save your life.
Cancer: A Story of Hope
It's a diagnosis we all dread but with advances in technology and medicine, more people are living better and longer with cancer. We follow patients experiencing this new kind of care - their stories are filled with hope.
The Truth About Fasting
Intermittent fasting is growing in popularity, and aside from weight loss, there are claims it can improve our health. Dietician Dr Joanna McMillan tracks 5 people fasting to understand the benefits and impacts on our bodies.
The Wildlife Revolution
Australia is home to over a million species of plants and animals, but we're losing them at an alarming rate. In this race against time, Dr Ann Jones explores how technology can help protect our wildlife in bold new ways.
The Grid: Powering the Future
Dr Niraj Lal meets the Australians leading the biggest change to the electricity grid in a century: the rise of renewable energy. Along the way he explores new technologies keeping the power on now and in the future.
Doctor at the Door: The McClellands
How much could a doctor change your life if they saw how you lived? In a Catalyst special, Dr Preeya Alexander prescribes lifestyle interventions for a couple headed towards Type 2 Diabetes, and their fussy eating son.
Doctor at the Door: The Kulkarnis
How much could a doctor change your life if they saw how you lived? In this two-part series GP Dr Preeya Alexander leaves her surgery and meets two families in their homes. Over 8 weeks she reshapes their lives - not with medication but with lifestyle medicine, tackling chronic pain and anxiety.
Magic and the Brain: The Science of Illusion
Lily Serna explores the strange world of sensory perception, using magic and illusions to reveal the difference between how we perceive the world - and reality.
The Secret Lives of Our Urban Birds
Nature journalist and self-confessed bird-nerd, Ann Jones, heads out on an urban safari through Melbourne, uncovering the secret lives of the city's feathery friends.
The Big Brew Challenge
Celebrate the science of beer with chef Paul West, as three teams of budding brewmasters take on the challenge to make their best homebrew. But do they have what it takes to impress our panel of international judges?
Miracle Babies: Operation Hope
This intimate look at the awe-inspiring world of fetal surgery is a story of hope and trailblazing medicine. Follow pioneering doctors as they help parents face agonising decisions about their baby's future.
Forever Young? The Rise of Injectables
Australians spend over a billion dollars on injectable treatments annually and clients seeking "tweakments" are getting younger. We explore the psychology behind this trend and the consequences of pursuing perfection.
Solar Storms: A Warning from Space
Solar storms, eruptions from the Sun with the power of 20 nuclear bombs, have the potential to hit earth in just two days. A direct hit would obliterate our technology from satellites to smart phones. We need advance warning.
The Science of Relationships
The happiest 50-year-olds are living to be the healthiest 80-year-olds. Their secret? Relationships. Lily Serna explores how to live a healthier and more satisfying life through the science of our social connections.
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