Imagine this: a world where nuclear science doesn’t just exist in the shadows of power plants and sci-fi thrillers but steps boldly into the spotlight as a force for good. Well, grab your popcorn and settle in because Discovery Channel’s ‘Good To Know’ is about to prove just how mind-blowing—and world-saving—nuclear science can be.
This brand-new educational video series, in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is hitting screens today, and it’s bringing some seriously cool science vibes with it. The series will air across 30+ countries, reaching a whopping 44 million households in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Translation? A whole lot of people are about to get schooled on how nuclear tech can fix global problems—and in the most binge-worthy way possible.
Tiny Films, Big Solutions
Here’s the deal: the first batch of five bite-sized films (just one minute each—perfect for your attention span after scrolling TikTok for an hour) dives into how radiation can safely tackle massive challenges like:
- Microplastics in oceans (shot in Monaco/Global): Because who wants their fish dinner garnished with plastic?
- The growing cancer burden (filmed in India): Fighting the fight with cutting-edge treatments.
- Food insecurity (from Austria/Global): Making sure no one’s left hangry.
- Water scarcity (Austria/Costa Rica): Helping us keep our heads above water—literally.
- Industrial contamination (Czech Republic): Cleaning up messes like a nuclear-powered Marie Kondo.
These quick, smart videos are part of Discovery’s ‘Good To Know’ series, a treasure trove of fascinating science facts served with a side of optimism.
Wait, Nuclear Science Can Do WHAT?!
Spoiler alert: this is just the beginning. Future films in the series promise to dive even deeper into how nuclear science is a real MVP when it comes to tackling climate change. Think carbon capture in coastal regions, ocean acidification, and chemical-free pest control. (Yep, no more battling mosquitoes with toxic sprays.)
And the brains behind it all? The IAEA’s 12 nuclear sciences and applications laboratories, a one-of-a-kind hub within the United Nations. These labs work tirelessly to develop and share nuclear techniques with countries worldwide, making real, tangible differences in people’s lives.
From Watchdog to Wonder Worker
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi gets it: nuclear science has an image problem. “People may know us as the nuclear watchdog,” he says, referencing the agency’s work in places like Fukushima and Ukraine. “But not enough people know of the amazing potential nuclear science has to make tangible differences in people’s lives.”
He’s not just talking science fiction here. We’re talking better crops for farmers, advanced cancer treatments, and governments armed with the knowledge to protect vital ecosystems. Grossi adds, “As the terrible effects of climate change become more obvious, it’s important for the public to also know there is hope. Science, as always, offers solutions.”
Najat Mokhtar, Head of IAEA’s Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, shares the excitement: “Science is a vital force for good in the world. Nuclear science offers incredible innovations to help countries meet their development goals.”
Discovery Channel: Shining a Spotlight on Solutions
The partnership with Discovery Channel is a match made in media heaven. Jamie Cooke, Executive VP and Managing Director for Central Europe, the Middle East, and Turkey, explains: “We consider it our duty to leverage the voice, storytelling strength, and expertise we have to cast light and tell the right stories that will positively impact our communities.”
In other words, they’re here to make science cool, relatable, and, most importantly, hopeful.
So, Why Should You Care?
Because this isn’t just another dry documentary series—it’s a reminder that science can solve problems. Big ones. It’s about hope, innovation, and the endless potential of human ingenuity. Plus, you’ll finally have something to talk about at dinner other than the weather or what happened on your favorite reality show.
So, tune in to Discovery Channel’s ‘Good To Know’ and prepare to be amazed. Who knew nuclear science could be this fascinating? (Hint: the IAEA did.)
Time to sit back, learn, and maybe even save the world—one one-minute video at a time.
