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Science Nation: Phytotron Facelift Facilitates Cutting Edge Research On Plants

3 minutes 9 seconds

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Welcome to the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Phytotron, a singular facility for growing plants under various combinations of strictly controlled environmental conditions. Scientists are able to conduct all types of plant research here, from studies of disease-resistant crops to drought-proof grasses to new biofuels. The NCSU Phytotron was built in the 1960s with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), and was used a decade later to help prevent a collapse in the U.S. corn crop from fungal disease. Now, after more than a generation of such research breakthroughs, the Phytotron has received additional support from NSF for a 21st century makeover. The renovations include a new Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) lab with a greenhouse that houses high security research, such as experiments with viral and bacterial pathogens. Part of the National Science Foundation Series “Science Nation.”

Media Details

Runtime: 3 minutes 9 seconds

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Episode 1
3 minutes 14 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
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Episode 2
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Episode 3
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Episode 4
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Episode 5
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Episode 6
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Grade Level: 9 - 12
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Episode 7
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Episode 8
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Episode 9
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Episode 10
3 minutes 19 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12