- 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
- Share this episode
-