Brave New World with Stephen Hawking

2. Brave New World with Stephen Hawking

Brave New World with Stephen Hawking
Radio Times
Review by:
David Butcher

You and I have 100 billion brain cells each; fruit flies have a mere 25,000. So they’re easier to experiment on, using a technique for controlling behaviour called opto-genetics: tonight Richard Dawkins explains how biologists have genetically engineered the flies to have light-sensitive cells in their brains, which are activated by firing a laser at the fly, making females act like males. The long-term potential for tackling human brain diseases is, apparently, huge.

Meanwhile, Professor Robert Winston introduces an amazing if scary development in bio-robotics: automatic, software-controlled heart surgery.

About this programme

Experts reveal how scientists are working to eliminate some of the world's deadliest diseases. Biologist Aarathi Prasad joins virus-hunters in the jungles of Africa, and Robert Winston explores the plausibility of robots replacing surgeons in the operating theatre. Richard Dawkins investigates the future of treatments for brain disorders, and anatomist Joy Reidenberg examines two possible ways to eradicate malaria. Presented by Stephen Hawking.

Cast and crew

Cast

Presenter
Stephen Hawking
Contributor
Aarathi Prasad
Contributor
Robert Winston
Contributor
Richard Dawkins
Contributor
Joy Reidenberg

Crew

Director
Craig Collinson
Producer
Craig Collinson
Series Producer
Daniel Barry
Categories
Education

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