The process of blood transfusion is explained as it passes from the donor to the blood bank to the recipient. The discovery that the addition of sodium citrate to blood will preserve blood and keep it from coagulating, led to the development of blood banks.

Fluorine is needed for healthy tooth growth and to prevent tooth decay. Studies show that areas with fluoridated water supplies have much less incidence of tooth decay in children. One part of fluorine added to a million parts of water is the optimum amount. Addition of fluorine does not affect the color, taste, odor, or turbidity of the water.

Scientific research at American universities has led to many important discoveries and applications during the first half of the twentieth century. Research on botulism, kidney function, human heat tolerance, x-rays and other topics from the University of California at Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania, UCLA, Indiana University and other institutions are featured.

Solar power is used by plants for creation of starch and sugar which releases oxygen into the air. This process is known as photosynthesis. Research into solar energy will lead to harnessing the energy from the sun to become a reliable source of power.

Dr. Abel Wolman describes the purpose of a university as a place to search for truth without interference. When research is in its initial stages, the information generated does not appear to have any useful application. By using case studies, the show demonstrates that basic research can have profound implications. Dr. Wolman provides some examples of how seemingly insignificant research can lead to important discoveries: Josiah Willard Gibbs, professor of theoretical physics; Henry A. Rowland, builder of the engine for ruling diffraction gratings; and Ira Remsen, developer of saccharine. Next, Dr. Francis Schwenkter describes recent medical inventions, instruments, and investigations that revolutionized the world: the circulation of spinal fluid, the properties of folic acid, and the treatment of blue babies, cancer, and rickets.

Early detection is stressed throughout this series on cancer. In this program, Dr. Warfield M. Firor shows cross sectional slides of cancerous breasts, explains the nature of the disease in female breasts, and discusses research being done in this field. He guides the viewers through a film of breast surgery as it is being performed and discusses William S. Halsted's 1890 surgical procedure. Breast cancer survivors demonstrate their range of motion and muscle tone. For cancer recurrence, Dr. Firor recommends excision of the growth, hormone therapy, or x-ray therapy. He also addresses male cancer of the breast. The program concludes with a brief description of three cancer experiments being conducted by Johns Hopkins University researchers.

A history of basic research is presented, beginning with Dr. Ira Remson, the first professor of organic chemistry at Johns Hopkins University and his research into the atomic nature of matter and isotopes. Some important findings occur by accident like the discovery of saccharine. Pure research can have far reaching applications to make the practical discoveries of tomorrow.

Krilium is a synthetic polyectrolyte produced by the Monsanto Corporation that acts as a soil stabilizer. Krilium treated soil forms firm aggregates or crumbs that are resistant to the leaching and washing to keep soil structure intact.

A detailed look at the production and direction of an installment of the Johns Hopkins science review is shown including the technical details of television transmission and broadcasting.

Glass blowing and working techniques can be used to make delicate and accurate glass instruments, which are used in scientific and medical experimentation.