This is part three of Distillations‘ four-part series Our Chemical Landscape. In this episode we head out to farm country to learn how crop production has evolved in response to exploding global population growth. First we learn about the gruesome pursuit of guano—a powerful natural fertilizer—in the 19th century. And next, producer Julia Botero visits a Louisiana farm to investigate the impact of the EU’s ban on genetically modified crops.

Image courtesy of Flickr user chefranden.

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One more best of show while the team rests up and works on new content for the fall. From the placebo show, Michal Meyer reveals the dubious science behind the idea of mesmerism. Next, Bob Kenworthy and Gigi Naglak show how climate change is impacting two countries in extreme ways. And reporter Esther D’Amico examines how shows like The Big Bang Theory are convincing teenagers that being a geek isn’t so bad.

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