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"Recommended. This program describes more than 20 years
of work undertaken by Dr. John Stanford and his wife, Cynthia. Viewers will
come away understanding that not all microorganisms are bad and that some
are even essential to our well-being. To date, I have found no current
programs that address the concept of harmful as well as helpful
microorganisms as well as this documentary." -EMRO Review Modern culture tends to equate all germs with devastating disease The truth is the vast majority of microorganisms are harmless to us, and some are absolutely essential for our well-being. Our obsession with destroying bugs may have gone too far. Professor John Stanford and immunologist Graham Rook are among a growing number of scientists who believe that too little contact with bacteria may be bad for our health, and it may actually cause disease. For example, asthma is common in industrial countries, but still rare in the developing world. Professor Stanford believes that an answer lies in the African soil; and not only for asthma, but also for a host of other diseases as well. He has found a microorganism that seems to unlock the incredible powers of the body's ability to fight illness. And if he's right, it's a bacterium that will change medicine. 07DR JSCA 30 min. |
| Every year 78 million people are added to the population of the world, and 95% of this population increase is happening in developing countries. The Governments of the world have set an ambitious target. They plan to halve poverty by the year 2015, and they see greater access to contraception as their key tool. Until now most research has been into birth control for women, but new trials in Scotland and Nigeria of a male contraceptive pill could pave the way for men to take charge of their fertility in the 21st century. 07DR JSCA 30 min. |
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"Highly Recommended. This documentary provides an
exciting look at the cutting-edge technologies currently being used to
discover new drugs, cures for diseases, and solutions for improving life
throughout the world. All we have to do is help save the rainforests so that
this important work and study can continue. Beautifully photographed
throughout, the variety and colorful array of frog species, as well as other
rainforest species, make for a visual palette that will leave viewers
awestruck. Haunting Celtic music further enhances this production."
-EMRO Review Why are biochemists chasing venomous frogs in the heart of Chinese rainforests? These frogs appear to contain natural antibiotics and fungicides capable of fighting diseases in human beings; so the scientists are harvesting small protein molecules known as peptides. As Professor John Daly from the National Institute of Health says, "I believe cures for cancer, heart disease, and neuro-degenerate diseases exist in the rainforest, in the molecules that have evolved over millions of years." This documentary examines the cutting-edge technologies being used for new drug discovery. 07DR JSCA 30 min. |
| Hauntings, ESP, and other unexplained phenomena - is it all just superstitious nonsense or is there some scientific basis? This program examines how scientists are at the cutting edge of new research into the paranormal which could change the way we perceive it. Here we look at brain functions and biology, physics and molecular biology, as well as social biology and mankind's relationship to the galaxy. 07DR JSCA 30 min. |
| Every year thousands of babies suffer brain damage due to a lack of oxygen during birth. This documentary examines pioneering ideas, such as simple brain cooling treatments that can now prevent this damage. We learn the idea of cooling dates back hundreds of years; however, only today's modern, cutting-edge technologies allow doctors to experiment with new treatments. Also we see how ground breaking "brain washing" is offering hope for premature babies who suffer brain hemorrhaging. 07DR JSCA 30 min. |