This week, we dive into the toilet and how providing toilets to parts of the developing world can solve health problems. We follow medicines flushed down the toilet all the way downstream to the sea. See what happens to the river and ocean life on the way. We look at potentially dangerous things swimming in the ocean — no they're not sharks! Finally watch an effort to preserve abalone snails!

This week, see how the plastic bottles you recycle can wind up back in your home. A person can tell you how soft and breathable clothes are, but when you need to light them on fire, it's best to get a robot. Watch the textile trials! We chat with Neil Degrasse Tyson about science and curiosity, and finally we'll show you a stunning, inside view of life-changing brain surgery.

This week we lose our train of thought......with the science of daydreaming. Big energy needs a big magnet. Watch San Diego scientists design a magnet for fusion power. We chat with scientists and government officials about the possibility of offshore wind energy in North Carolina, and watch as we go for a spin in an electric-pedal hybrid in Asheville.

This week, learn how paleontologists use satellite technology to find dinosaurs more easily. An astronautical engineer explains how humans and robots work together in space. Learn how social media and gaming technology are changing the hiring process. Finally, we profile two medical treatments that use sight and sound to heal hands and feet.

This week, we dive into the science of political polls and how selecting the correct few can reflect the opinions of many. We show you a new type of farming that requires little water, no fertilizer, no pesticides...and no soil. Finally we answer the ancient question, "How many licks to the center of a lollipop?"

Watch researchers at the National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center in Asheville use computers and graphics to model future land use and climate.

In March of 1781, the British Army suffered heavy losses at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in Greensboro. Seven months later, the British surrendered at Yorktown. Watch as archaeologist us ground-penetrating radar to see what's buried at Guilford Courthouse, saving time and resources at they unlock the secrets of a major turning point in the Revolutionary War.

Mechatronics blends principles of design and engineering to create the most innovative, economical, appropriate and elegant solutions to engineering problems. Watch engineers and students from NC State University and UNC-Asheville put mechatronics into action.

UNC Wilmington researchers build new facial recognition technology with a wide range of applications, including health and national security.

Nobody knows how Carolina Bays were formed. They look like swamps and wetlands from ground level, but from the air they take on a fascinating uniform shape and directional alignment.