Burton Goes On Science Trek
Written by Wayne Hall on December 21, 2009 – 11:30 am -
Looking for a little more science in your television viewing? Well, the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) in the States may have the answer for you, according to trekmovie.
The show is called Science Trek, and it has a familiar face in the host chair. Here’s the official description:
“This out-of-this-world program explores the intersection of science fiction and science fact. Combining clips from Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation with interviews with some of the leading scientists and researchers from around the country, the program is an entertaining guide to the astonishing scientific advances being made in laboratories and universities around the country. PBS and Star Trek icon LeVar Burton hosts.”
The actor who brought Geordi LaForge to life appears without his visor. Burton’s segments were filmed on a recreation of the bridge from the Enterprise D from Star Trek: The Exhibition.
Many scientists interviewed on the program make the point that real science and technology is starting to catch up to — and sometimes even surpass — some parts of that future as seen in Star Trek.
Ed Boyden, assistant professor in the Media Lab and the Department of Biological Engineering at MIT, says he has been working on systems to make neurons in the brain directly respond to pulses of light — something that might eventually allow visual data to be transmitted directly into the brain, bypassing the normal optical channels for people whose visual systems have been damaged. “It might be the missing part of that puzzle,” he says, referring to the fact that the show never explained how the visor’s output was conveyed into Geordi’s brain.
Another featured MIT participant is Hugh Herr, associate professor of media arts and sciences, who specializes in biomechatronic devices — ones that interact with human muscle, skeleton, and nervous systems with the goal of assisting or enhancing human motor control. The program notes that Herr, a double amputee who uses such devices himself, is a kind of “Borg” — a reference to the race of cybernetic organisms from the Star Trek universe.
In the States, check your local listings for times the program will air. There has been no word yet on when the program will be available in other locations.
Related posts:
- Nichelle Nichols & LeVar Burton Discus Star Trek and New Projects
- Burton Insists ‘Alice’ Is A Disney Movie
- Star Trek History 101: TV & Movie Influences in Creating Star Trek
- Star Trek Art Re-Discovered
- Stewart Up For Star Trek Cameo, No More
Tags: LeVar Burton, MIT, Science Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation
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