James Madison University
Libraries and Educational Technologies

Hubbard Brook: The Chemistry of the Forest

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Gene Likens, Director of the Institute of Ecosystem Studies at Millbrook, New York, provides insights into the work that takes place at Hubbard Brook experimental forest in New Hampshire. By studying the minerals in the watershed soil and stream water of this remote area, scientists have been able to document that acid rain is not just a local phenomenon, but one that can have far-reaching global effects.

How to Build a Human: Forever Young

http://did.cit.jmu.edu/default.aspx?direct=image&id=31&res=ffh30400.xml

One of a four-part series presenting research and breakthroughs in the field of human genetics. This segment analyzes the aging process, showing ways to build a longer-lasting human. Dr. Ron Livesey, who runs an anti-aging clinic in New York, discusses the benefits and perils of hormones as an elixir of youth. Professor Stephen Shalet, an expert on human growth hormone, explains its link to cancer. Shows an attempt to retard aging by slowing metabolism in a man on a special diet of less than 1500 calories a day. Molecular geronologists Dr. Simon Melov and Dr. Gordon Lithgow, both of the Buck Institute for Age Research in California, discuss the most promising strategy--controlling rogue elements called free radicals, the by-products of metabolizing oxygen, with antioxidants.

Kids and Chemicals

http://did.cit.jmu.edu/default.aspx?direct=image&id=31&res=ffh30270.xml

All across the U.S., growing numbers of children are being diagnosed with asthma, childhood cancers, and learning and behavioral disabilities. Is exposure to an ever-increasing number of untested chemicals to blame? In this program, Bill Moyers investigates the relationship between environmental contamination and the health of America's children. Dr. Philip Landrigan, of Mount Sinai School of Medicine; Dr. Richard Jackson, of the CDC's National Center for Environmental Health; Dr. Frederica Perera, of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health; and other medical investigators and health officials discuss their findings. In addition, families whose children are coping with potential chemical poisoning talk about their anger and their fears.

Laws of Chemical Change and Heat Flow

http://did.cit.jmu.edu/default.aspx?direct=image&id=31&res=ffh06838.xml

The first lesson provides examples of the Law of Conservation and Mass and the Law of Definite Proportions. In lesson two, an experiment uses the chemical contents of a pocket warmer and dry ice to demonstrate exothermic and endothermic reactions. The third lesson includes demonstrations of oscillating reactions and clock reactions, plus various experiments showing a hydrogen explosion, acetone peroxide explosion, surface polymerization, and a silver mirror reaction.

Animated Neuroscience

http://did.cit.jmu.edu/default.aspx?direct=image&id=31&res=ffh08352.xml

Using sophisticated 3-D animation, this program ... takes viewers ... deep into the brain to study the effects of the three substances.

Chemistry

http://did.cit.jmu.edu/default.aspx?direct=image&id=31&res=ffh05570.xml

This program begins by summarizing the theoretical foundations of chemistry and explains the fundamentals of chemical bonding and reactions. It also deals with an interesting application of chemistry - brewing beer - and with chemical synthesis, which enables mankind to produce almost any chemical compound from almost any other.

Bad Chemistry

http://did.cit.jmu.edu/default.aspx?direct=image&id=31&res=ffh03058.xml

Perfumes, aerosols, plastic on television sets--for some people, these everyday chemicals may create health problems ranging from headaches to loss of consciousness. This program examines the medical and political dimensions of EI (environmental illness)--the controversial and mysterious condition whose victims cannot tolerate common chemicals of modern life. Doctors specializing in EI believe the condition may result from damage to the immune system, but other physicians do not recognize EI as a medical condition and see those who treat it as "cult practitioners." The dispute has given rise to wide-ranging political action and heated in-fighting in the medical profession. EI sufferers are caught in the middle.

Fit to Drink

http://did.cit.jmu.edu/default.aspx?direct=image&id=31&res=ffh01278.xml

Traces the water cycle from the collection of rain water, through purification in a water treatment plant, to places where water is used. Describes how water is treated and shows the treatment facilities in a modern British plant.

Addicted Brain, The

http://did.cit.jmu.edu/default.aspx?direct=image&id=31&res=ffh01363.xml

This documentary takes viewers on a tour of the world's most prolific manufacturer and biggest user of drugs--the human brain. The biochemistry of the brain is responsible for joggers' highs, for the compulsion of some people to seek thrills, for certain kinds of obsessive-compulsive behavior, even for the drive to achieve power and dominance. This program explores the cutting edge of developments in the biochemistry of addiction and addictive behavior.