This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
A pilot episode of It Ain't Rocket Science, an original, family-friendly television show that Time Warner Cable has created as part of its Connect a Million Minds venture, aired June 24 on NY1. The program shares information about STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) topics, aiming to cultivate a love of science in children through informational segments and interviews with experts—such as Scientific American Editor in Chief Mariette DiChristina.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
In this segment of It Ain't Rocket Science's 30-minute pilot, DiChristina discusses the transmittable cancer ravaging Tasmanian devils, which NY1 reporter Kafi Drexel compares to the famous fictional incarnation, the Warner Bros. cartoon character "Taz." In the five-minute interview, DiChristina and Drexel discuss the manner of the cancer's transmission and the danger it poses to the Tasmanian devil population.
Other topics in the episode (available on YouTube via the channel run by Connect a Million Minds) included reports on a robotics competition and an Indiana Jones-themed archaeology exhibit at the Montreal Science Centre, as well as interviews with teacher Amir Abo-Shaeer and author Mary Roach.