One of the most important stories in genetics is the race to understand DNA. This intro-level program guides viewers through that story, focusing on the biological and chemical processes central to the transfer of genetic material. Beginning in the middle of the 19th century, the program describes how competing scientists in Europe and America zeroed in on the DNA molecule and determined its structure. Friedrich Miescher's identification of "nuclein,"...

This program investigates how mechanical technology is being adapted for use with the human body to treat disease and injury. Cyborg technology offers the possibility of melding injured bodies and machines, enhancing mobility for paraplegics and quadraplegics through thought-activated devices. Nanotechnology holds out the hope of using microscopic machines to combat internal illnesses such as cancer. And 3-D imaging technology, an essential tool for...

This program takes us on a tour of what has become one of the most popular and prolific beats in television, on both the network and local levels. The depth and range of medical reporting have grown considerably in the last decade, but, with few exceptions, we were tragically late in reporting the scope and severity of the AIDS story. Controversial cures and dubious wonder drugs have always gotten lots of air-time, but television has dallied in addressing...

In 1971, President Nixon declared war on cancer, envisioning a cure within five years. What mechanisms-financial, political, and medical-did his announcement set in motion? Are we any closer to winning the war? This program takes on those questions, examining milestones in cancer research and studying forces outside the scientific world that have driven or hindered anti-cancer efforts. Interviews with renowned medical pioneers-including Dr. Steven...

"After being divorced from Joe Quinn for many years, Diane Connors abruptly returns to disrupt his life by begging his current wife, Eve Duncan, to do her a favor. Diane is on the run with a secret that will not only put Eve in danger but make her choose between protecting her family and doing what is right. Diane is not Eve's favorite person. But years of animosity must be cast aside because Diane is no longer the selfish woman that Eve once knew....

Because of constant use of disinfectants, a hospital is a place where only the fittest microbes survive, a dilemma that raises the stakes of even routine surgical procedures. This program looks at how germs develop partial or total antibiotic resistance and how researchers are pursuing new lines of attack to keep pace with these highly adaptive organisms. Computer imaging and electron microscopy help illustrate how Legionella bacteria adapt to harsh...

Are cheap and fast sequencing and processing of our genomes about to give way to highly tailored treatments? The challenge is balancing affordable practices with the genetic variability of the patient. So far, traditional reactive approaches in individual care have been based on the study of family history, social circumstances, environment, and behaviors. In this 2011 Falling Walls Conference lecture, hear Aaron Ciechanover, winner of the 2004 Nobel...

Although stem cells hold promise as direct therapy for human diseases, many researchers are even more enthusiastic about the opportunity to use stem cells to study disease fundamentals. Watch this science bulletin to learn how clinicians and researchers are involving diabetes patients in the search for a cure by developing new stem cell lines from their DNA.

Due to ignorance, politics, and misused technologies, childbirth until very recently was often deadly to mother and child. This program presents a medical history of childbirth from ancient times to the present, contrasting methods and beliefs of the past with today's obstetrics. Along with commentary from obstetricians, medical historians, and evolutionary biologists, the program highlights dangers and advances in birthing through documentary clips,...

In this program students are provided with a sound introduction to three key research methods used in conducting investigations into health. Questionnaire-based surveys are examined, with detailed explanations of instrument design and administration of survey studies. The video then looks at research studies based on interviews, with a helpful analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of this technique. Finally, observational research-both open...