Scientific American Frontiers

Scientific American Frontiers was an educational show from PBS that highlighted new technologies and discoveries from the scientific and medical community. The show served as a companion program to the Scientific American magazine. In addition to innovations in science and medicine, the show featured developments from environmental science, mechanical and chemical engineering, computer design, and even theoretical physics. the Scientific American Frontiers debuted in 1990 with host Woodie Flowers, an MIT professor. In 1993, actor Alan Alda took over as host, and held the spotlight until the end of the show's run in 2005. Alda was lauded for his humble and often humorous approach to the subjects being highlighted. Most episodes of Scientific American Frontiers are broken up into three short documentaries, although some follow a different format. The long-running program sometimes featured minds from the scientific community who were inspired to pursue their career in part because of the show itself. New episodes of Scientific American Frontiers ceased in 2005 after 15 seasons, although reruns are aired on PBS. MORE