Known universe 2

Are we alone in the vast expanse of the universe? It´s a question people have been asking for thousands of years and we´re closer than ever to finding the answers. In this episode of Known Universe we´re on the hunt for life in the cosmos. We´ll take a look at the incredible discoveries and technological advances scientists are utilizing that may force us to re-evaluate our very beliefs about where life might exist both on - and off - our home planet.

Big bigger biggest 1

The longest suspension bridge in the world stretching unsupported for nearly two miles over the Akashi Strait is the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan. This film reveals how seven ingenious technological breakthroughs have led to the development of this super-structure. From robots that paint it to the wires supporting its deck long enough to stretch over seven times around the world - to its earthquake proof towers. We reveal how the bridge is made from over a quarter of a million tons of steel, how its 28,000 ton cables are anchored into the riverbanks, and how the engineers built a scale model of the bridge 40 metres long to test how its design would stand up to typhoon winds of up to 180 miles per hour. Using a mix of stunning CGI animation and on-location filming, this film reveals the innovations that changed Bridge design forever and enabled them to grow in size and scale …from big to bigger into the Akashi Kaikyo the Worlds biggest.

I predator 1

He´s the largest land predator on earth, a near-perfect killing machine, and for eons, the polar bear has been engaged in the ultimate battle of survival with the evasive ringed seal.

Dangerous encounters 2

To study big carnivores, researchers have to get close, very close. But how do you get within arm´s length to some of the most dangerous predators on the planet who can easily take down prey that´s five times your size? To find out, Dr. Brady Barr creates a protective suit that enables him to crawl alongside a Nile crocodile. To design the suit, Brady examines different techniques used to protect humans from other large animals. He climbs into a protective cage modified from those used with great white sharks, and places himself next to a deer carcass and a pack of hungry wolves. Next, Brady heads to rodeo school to test out the barrels used to protect cowboys from bull horns. A few rolls in the barrel tells Brady that he needs a lightweight version to protect him from crocs, hippos and potential catastrophe. With the help of National Geographic engineers, Brady puts together a croc suit with enough protection to keep him safe from harm, but lifelike enough to help him fit in with the real crocodiles. Brady puts the suit to the test next to some of the largest and most powerful carnivores around.

Dangerous encounters with Brady Barr 1

National Geographic herpetologist Dr Brady Barr is headed to remote caves in Indonesia, to study one of the longest of all snake species; the rare and little-known reticulated python of Asia. First, he travels to Zoo Negara in Malaysia to measure what is supposed to be the longest snake in captivity. He´s knocked over by the snake´s size and power - literally! Brady is ready for the field… or so he thinks. The Indonesian cave that he and herpetologist, Dr Mark Auliya, explore is fraught with danger - waist-deep bat guano, cockroaches, snakes, giant spiders, concentrated ammonia and not enough oxygen. But worst of all, as he and Mark try to capture a big retic, the snake slithers into the river of bat feces and, while trying to get away, bites Brady on the leg! It´s a hideous wound and Brady is in serious danger of infection. To get treatment, he has to hike for hours uphill and then is treated in two local clinics. Does it stop him working on snakes? No way. Six weeks later Brady returns to the cave learning crucial information about python biology and the need to protect these caves as a vital resource for these magnificent, giant snakes.