FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

PBS NORTH CAROLINA LAUNCHES SEASON 7 OF ‘SCI NC’ ON SEPTEMBER 5

From space travel and renewable energy to innovations in farming and medicine, the weekly series explores the exciting world of science.

Watch the trailer. >

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 8/22/2024 — PBS North Carolina announces season seven of its original series Sci NC. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning reporter Frank Graff, Sci NC explores the fascinating ways science touches our daily lives as well as groundbreaking research and innovation happening across the state. The new season of Sci NC premieres Thursday, September 5, 8:30 PM, on PBS NC as well as online and on the free PBS app. 

“This season, Sci NC takes viewers from Earth’s orbit to the depths of the ocean,” said Frank Graff, the show’s executive producer and host. “We’ll learn how solar panels and sheep can help farmers, how hot-air ballooning is more than just hot air and how North Carolinians are meeting the challenges of climate change. We’ll also explore two very timely topics: PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals,’ and microplastics, which have been found in the environment and even in our bodies.” 

Additional Sci NC episodes include an interview with North Carolina astronaut Christina Koch, a look at zombie hogfish and an endangered snail found only in NC and high-speed photography of insects produced by Adrian Smith of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. 

“The Sci NC team is committed to making science engaging for all of our audiences,” says Graff. “Demonstrating how science impacts our daily lives has always been our focus. We’re so excited to share these stories with everyone across the state, both on air and online.” 

Broadcast Schedule 

Sci NC airs Thursdays, 8:30 PM, on PBS NC. Visit pbsnc.org/schedule for the latest scheduling information. For more stories, visit pbsnc.org/blogs/science and Sci NC’s YouTube channel. 

Episode 1: Harvesting Science 

Premieres September 5, 8:30 PM 

Learn about the quest for a resilient breed of sweet potatoes, how science helps farmers grow truffles and the importance of pollinators and flowers. Plus, visit a farm where both sheep and solar power are produced, and discover how solar power helps small farms survive. 

Stories featured in this episode are part of PBS North Carolina’s State of Change series. They were supported by the Pulitzer Center and are part of its nationwide Connected Coastlines reporting initiative. 

Episode 2: From Earth’s Orbit to Outer Space 

Premieres September 12, 8:30 PM 

Explore the perils of space junk, why a nonprofit in the NC mountains preserves historic star photos and how scientists at Wake Forest University apply their research on astronaut health on Earth. Plus, NASA astronaut Christina Koch talks about her groundbreaking space mission on Artemis II. 

Episode 3: The Science of Trees 

Premieres September 19, 8:30 PM 

Why do leaves change color in the fall, and how will climate change affect that rainbow of color? Plus, urban trees, heat islands and how Bee Downtown builds safe spaces for honeybees. 

Episode 4: Seeds of Hope 

Premieres September 26, 8:30 PM 

Meet the North Carolinians who are adapting to our changing climate in new and inspiring ways. From conserving land and growing food that’s tolerant of extreme conditions to using farmland to produce both crops and solar energy, these innovators are facing the challenges of climate change with perseverance and ingenuity. 

Stories featured in this episode are part of PBS North Carolina’s State of Change series. They were supported by the Pulitzer Center and are part of its nationwide Connected Coastlines reporting initiative. 

Episode 5: Engineering for Our Climate Future 

Premieres October 3, 8:30 PM 

Follow engineers as they explore how to protect homes and design stormwater systems that can handle extreme weather events fueled by climate change. Also, see how scientists are working to harness the power of oceans to provide renewable energy. Plus, learn about the Stenus rove beetle, a creature “engineered” by nature to survive all types of climates. 

Episode 6: What’s in the Water? 

Premieres October 10, 8:30 PM 

PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are synthetic, sometimes toxic chemicals found in commercial, industrial and consumer products. Follow scientists as they track and test PFAS levels in our water and look for ways to protect us from harm. Plus, see how pollution has impacted a rare NC salamander, the Neuse River waterdog, and what’s being done to save it. 

Episode 7: Natural Science 

Premieres October 17, 8:30 PM 

Explore how climate change will impact Grandfather Mountain’s ecosystem, why sharks are taking up residence on shipwrecks along the NC coast and how crayfish can survive in nasty water. Plus, learn about the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, a bird that lives only in living longleaf pines, a species of tree once threatened by clear-cutting. 

Episode 8: Plastics 

Premieres October 24, 8:30 PM 

Plastics are everywhere, and they can cause environmental and health problems. Follow researchers as they track plastics from a river to the ocean, and see how scientists test how harmful microplastics are when they enter our bodies. Also, learn about an NC start-up that creates biodegradable, plant-based plastic, and visit the Duke Toxicology Program, which tests the safety of art supplies. 

Episode 9: Health Science 

Premieres October 31, 8:30 PM 

Get an in-depth look at weight-loss drugs and diabetes, incisionless brain surgery that could spark surgical innovations and a toilet design that could save water and improve sanitation across the globe. Plus, meet Duke researchers who are exploring new applications for hyperbaric medicine, which is often used to treat divers suffering from decompression sickness, aka the bends. 

Episode 10: Nature’s Wonders 

Premieres November 7, 8:30 PM 

Follow NC paleontologists as they dig into the mystery of the most complete fossils of Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus ever found. Journey to a new coastal habitat where biologists work to reintroduce a magnificent endangered native snail to the wild. Meet the zombie hogfish and see how it can change the color of its scales. Plus, captivating bat flies up close and in slow motion. 

Episode 11: Engineering Science 

Premieres November 14, 8:30 PM 

NC State develops new ways to collect solar power and grow plants, and NASA astronaut and UNC alum Zena Cardman talks about her mission to the International Space Station. A tiny mechanical marvel safely returns fish inadvertently caught by anglers to deep water, thereby helping to save a fishery. Plus, high-speed photography captures amazing video of fleas. 

Stories featured in this episode are part of PBS North Carolina’s State of Change series. They were supported by the Pulitzer Center and are part of its nationwide Connected Coastlines reporting initiative. 

Episode 12: New Perspectives 

Premieres November 21, 8:30 PM 

Discover how Lumbee farmers use Indigenous practices and share their knowledge with the next generation. Explore how nature-based tourism is saving a polluted river and helping a nearby town, and see how science is helping farmers grow a fungus that has become a food delicacy. Plus, high-speed photography captures wasps in ways never seen before. 

Episode 13: Flight Science 

Premieres November 28, 8:30 PM 

Learn all about NC State’s aerospace program, which boasts astronaut Christina Koch as an alum. See how hot-air balloons take flight, and enjoy amazing high-speed photography of moths. Plus, discover how sustainable farming is improving soil health as well as creating big benefits for a farmer and the nonprofit that receives his crops. 

About PBS North Carolina 

As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and the Explorer Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

-PBS NC-

Media Contact 
Allyson Meade, Marketing & Communications 
PBS North Carolina 
press@pbsnc.org