10 Things to Know About — Season 4

Over 70% of our planet is covered by ocean, yet it remains one of our greatest mysteries with less than 15% of the world's oceanic environment having been mapped in high resolution.In The Seabed, we dive in to discover some of the mysteries of the deep! Aoibhinn meets Maria Judge of Geological Survey Ireland to find out about ‘The Real Map of Ireland' that reveals details of the incredible mountains and canyons that are hidden beneath the waves.

In Space, Jonathan heads to the European Space Agency in Amsterdam to meet the Irish researchers who are playing their part in the development of future space missions! Stephen O'Connor and Kim Heary are the first Irish graduates to experience a unique 2 year ESA traineeship in partnership with the Irish Research Council, and Jonathan finds out how they're learning their trade with access to some of the most innovative technologies for testing new materials for satellites.

This week, we investigate the science of Soil– a living, breathing ecosystem and one of the most complex structures known to mankind. It gives us clean air, filters our water, and provides us with our food, forests and wildlife, and Aoibhinn meets Sara Vero and David Wall at Teagasc's Soil Research Centre in Wexford to find out about some of the 213 different types of soil we have here in Ireland. Digging a cross section into the ground, they discuss the conditions soil needs to thrive and feed the planet, the problems created from compaction, and the crucial role earthworms play in running a healthy farm!

This week, we investigate the complexities of human Memory. Kathriona meets Prof Gillian Murphy, psychologist at UCC, to investigate false memories, fake news and the power of suggestion, before putting her own memory to the test as the sole witness of a car crash.

As renewable energies continue to challenge our reliance on fossil fuels, could Bioenergy help provide a sustainable future for generations to come? Jonathan meets SEAI's Matthew Clancy to find out what bioenergy is and discuss some of the key opportunities and challenges for developing the bio economy in Ireland.

In Ireland, 40,000 people are diagnosed with Cancer every year and research into treatments and potential cures continues unabated. Aoibhinn talks to Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society about what exactly cancer is and how we can reduce our risks of developing it, before meeting breast cancer survivor Dorothy Conaghan, who discusses the importance of regular screening, early diagnosis and continued research into new cancer treatments.