Science View - 2012/07/26

Jul. 26, Thu. 23:30 - 0:00 (UTC) etc.

Turning CO2 from Trash into Treasure
Science Watcher Professor Koichi Kitazawa, University of Tokyo
Navigator Rena Yamada and Science Watcher Koichi Kitazawa
Annular eclipse

Science News Watch:
The First Accurate Measurement of the Sun's Diameter

Science Watcher Koichi Kitazawa focuses on the first accurate measurement of the Sun's diameter. The measurement was made by a group of astronomers at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. Scientists have been trying to get an accurate measurement of the Sun for over a century, but even with the aid of instruments like terrestrial telescopes, it could not be done. Astronomers were finally able to get an accurate measurement during a May 2012 solar eclipse that was visible in many parts of Japan. We'll see how the eclipse, together with Japanese astronomical technology, made the measurement possible. Just how big is the Sun? Watch and find out!
Seaweed used to absorb CO2
Core samples taken from the seabed off the Shimokita Peninsula
Methanogenic bacteria

The Leading Edge:
Turning CO2 from Trash into Treasure

Carbon dioxide is often thought of as one of the main causes of global warming. But scientists are finding new ways to turn CO2 into a useful resource. We see how fast-growing seaweed can be used to absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, and how the CO2 is then used to make plastics and methane gas. What's the secret behind this miraculous new technique? Here's a clue: microorganisms. Tune in and see the latest scientific attempts to turn "trash into treasure."
Masahiro Korogi has designed a revolutionary traffic light that is easy to see even in the harsh afternoon sun.
Masahiro Korogi's anti-sun phantom traffic signal

J-Innovators:
A Revolutionary New Kind of Traffic Light

Have you ever had trouble telling which lamp on a traffic signal is activated? Not knowing whether a light is red or green can be very dangerous, and it often happens when the sun is shining on a traffic signal. On this edition of J-Innovators, we meet the Takumi, or innovator, behind a revolutionary new kind of traffic signal that solves this problem. Traffic signals can be difficult to see when the sun's rays reflect on the mirrors inside a signal's lights. To prevent this from happening, the Takumi had to overcome two hurdles: preventing sunlight from reflecting off the lights, and ensuring that only the proper light appears illuminated to the human eye. Join us as reporter Michelle Yamamoto looks into the technology behind this bright new innovation!

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