About this season
Catalyst is Australia's premier science investigation series. Each week the team brings you stories from Australia and around the world, meeting scientists at the forefront of discovery.
Episodes (6)
1. How Food Works (Part 1)
Aired 14 April 2020 • 30 min
In a two part special, chef Paul West, dietician Professor Clare Collins and chemist Dr Noby Leong reveal the delicious chemistry, biology and physics hidden inside the foods we love, so we can cook better and eat healthier.
2. How Food Works (Part 2)
Aired 21 April 2020 • 30 min
Paul explores the science behind cryogenic freezing and how it's being used to ensure frozen fish tastes almost as good as fresh. In a gelato factory, Clare gets the scoop on why humans are hard-wired to desire junk food.
3. Teeth Clinic
Aired 28 April 2020 • 30 min
Catalyst sets up a pop-up dental clinic in Western Sydney to investigate Australia's most common dental complaints, uncovering the tips to keep your mouth healthy and revealing surprising secrets behind a beautiful smile.
4. Asteroid Hunters
Aired 5 May 2020 • 30 min
Asteroids are an ever-present threat to our survival, but as Astrophysicist Professor Tamara Davies discovers - they may also be responsible for kickstarting life on Earth.
5. Building Greener Cities
Aired 12 May 2020 • 30 min
As our populations grow, cities are under increasing pressure. Physicist Dr Niraj Lal explores engineering solutions designed to make our cities cleaner, greener and more efficient places to live.
6. Kill or Cure? The Story of Venom
Aired 9 March 2021 • 30 min
Australia is home to a large number of venomous animals - some so lethal they can kill a human in minutes. But within the deadly cocktail of their venom, lies a potential pharmacy of drugs that could save your life.