Materials focus of NOVA series

Materials innovations drive civilization and inspire scientific breakthroughs, and it's that notion that motivated the television series NOVA to take viewers on a behind-the-scenes tour of the world of materials. In a new four-part series, "Making Stuff: Stronger, Smaller, Cleaner, Smarter," New York Times technology reporter David Pogue travels the globe to examine the latest advancements in materials research and to find out what the future might hold in this field. The series airs on four consecutive Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 19. (Source: National Science Foundation, 01/13/11) Gulf Coast note: The University of Southern Mississippi is internationally known for its advanced materials research.