See how the cognitive changes of aging relate to the biological changes discussed in the previous lectures. It turns out that regions of the brain associated with processing speed, executive function, and episodic memory are more susceptible to aging, which may explain why these cognitive functions are particularly susceptible to decline.

Algae have sustained life on this planet since they were first modified by the atmosphere with photosynthetic by-products over two and a half billion years ago. From the microscopic to giant seaweeds, over 30,000 different forms exist today. In this program researchers discover how algae can transform, from life supporting to life threatening. Learn how we've depended on algae in the past and see the new ways we are putting them to use in cancer research,...

Explore the controls that determine which genes are expressed at a given time, where in the body, and to what extent. Controls that act over and above the information in DNA are called epigenetic, and they can be passed on to offspring for a generation or two. Consider the case of honeybees, where a special food affects which genes are expressed, turning an ordinary larva into a queen bee.

A metabolic pathway is a series of biochemical reactions, where the product of one serves as the substrate for the next. Biochemists compare these pathways to road maps that show the network of reactions leading from one chemical to the next. Follow the metabolic pathway called glycolysis that breaks up glucose and other sugars. Then trace the route for fatty acid oxidation.

Nitrogen is a key component of amino acids, DNA, and RNA, yet animal and plant cells are unable to extract free nitrogen from air. See how bacteria come to the rescue. Then follow the flow of nitrogen from bacteria to plants to us. Also look at strategies for reducing our reliance on environmentally unsound nitrogen fertilizers by exploiting the secret of 16-feet-tall corn plants found in Mexico.

tangent, sine and cosine ratios using a trigonometric ratio to calculate the lengths of the other sides of a right triangle when an angle and one side length are known using a trigonometric ratio to calculate an angle of a right triangle when two side lengths are known using the mnemonic acronym SOHCAHTOA

Exuma is a documentary film that uses innovative cinematography above and below the surface to highlight the surreal beauty of the Exuma Cays, a string of small islands in the Bahamas. This film, the first to highlight the beauty of these remote "out islands", is a window into this surreal world of sand, sky and water through the eyes and thoughts of a young woman who lives there..

Study how plants use sunlight and reduction reactions to build carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water. This synthesis of food from air and water occurs in a series of reactions called the Calvin cycle. While humans exploit plants for food and fiber, we also utilize a multitude of other plant molecules called secondary metabolites. These include flavors, dyes, caffeine, and even catnip.

Cells go to great lengths to prevent mutations. Luckily, these measures are not quite perfect, since nature relies on mutations to drive evolution. Study the methods that cells use to minimize alterations to their DNA. Find that DNA repair can interfere with cancer treatment, when the malignant cells survive medical therapy by repairing their DNA faster than the treatment can halt the repair.

Is it possible to live forever? Would we even want to? Conclude the course with a look at cutting-edge research involving gene therapy and stem cells that may help us mitigate or even "cure"the effects of aging. The science is still emerging, but the possibilities are fascinating.