BBC's 2002 four-part, four-hour How To Build a Human still provides great information and makes for some riveting viewing in 2008.
The first and fourth episodes were the strongest, centering on human cloning and longevity respectively. The first episode is truly enthralling: it presents the first human embryo ever cloned, and the makers of this documentary had exclusive access to this historical experiment.
The episodes on genetic traits (predisposition) and sex had interesting moments but were mostly a retread of things we know and weren't as engaging.
The last episode contains some great stuff on the ageing process: mitochondria, antioxidants, free radicals, and caloric restriction. This is mostly common to the topic, though very well-presented. But watching this documentary taught me about: Synthetic catalytic scavenger, an artificial anti-oxidant that has extended life significantly in nematodes. Very exciting stuff!
2 comments:
Hei!
This comment goes beyond the single blog entry; I enjoy reading your regular entries, it makes me feel like there is a world out there with people who appreciate knowledge, and its advances, as I do. Also, the logic behind your comments on difficult topics, such as the one on heroin addiction, remind me of the old days: of Sven, Frosch, Pavlick and the lot. Somehow, a common education gave us similar, and permanent, perspectives on life...
As you can imagine, not many intellectuals up here in Lapland, but nevertheless I have the privilege to meet interesting customers, so-called "achievers", from all over Europe, on a daily basis.
I sent you an email to your gmail address. More to come soon, let's say mid-april, concerning your pubblication.
Cheers,
antihero79
PS: I was very saddened by Arthur C. Clarks expected and definitive departure.
Hey senor! Thanks for dropping by and sharing your thoughts, it's a pleasure! :-) I'm really glad you're enjoying these entries and that they may provide you with some measure of entertainment/information. You're right, I do think those formative years contributed a lot to our outlooks and thought processes.
I'll respond to your e-mail shortly and look forward to the next one!
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