Human Anatomy & Physiology

Human reproduction is a fascinating and complex process, especially when seen microscopically. This program presents a close-up view of reproduction, beginning with the fertilization of the female egg, through gestation and the millions of cell divisions, and culminating in the birth of a fully formed individual. Each stage of the development is visualized in sequence: when the heart begins to beat, when the limbs develop, when the child first moves and responds to stimuli, and when it offers its first cry to the world at the moment of birth. Sophisticated computer animation and technical narration are used throughout in an effort to explain the gestation and birth processes for the advanced learner. (35 minutes)

From the promise of eliminating genetic disease to the threat of eradicating human diversity, the potential of genetics to benefit humankind is matched only by its capacity for harm. Using interviews, archival footage, and period film clips, this insightful program traces the history of genomic research and its dark offspring: behavioral genetics, eugenics, and the commodification of children. Spotlighting topics including the Human Genome Project, gene patenting, cloning, fertility clinics, genetic testing, and the discriminatory practices of insurance companies, Nobel Laureate Dr. James Watson, Dr. Leroy Hood, and numerous other experts examine the potential of the biotechnological revolution and the moral and ethical issues it raises. (2 parts, 49 minutes and 46 minutes)

Genetically speaking, only half a percent's difference separates any two human beings in the world, less of a difference than that between any two chimpanzees or gorillas. In this program, Robert Krulwich, the engaging science correspondent for ABC News, joins Eric Lander, professor at MIT's Whitehead Institute, to provide a concise look at the results of the Human Genome Project, a fascinating roundup of discoveries that truly puts the human race in perspective. Using outstanding graphics, Krulwich and Lander discuss the genetic record of the race carried by every person and how many of these genes are dormant-or not even inherently human. William Haseltine, CEO of Human Genome Sciences, and Francis Collins, head of the Human Genome Project, are also interviewed. (39 minutes)

In this program, Dr. Susan Greenfield expresses her belief that all aspects of human experience will eventually be explained in terms of the physical processes of the brain. Cases drawn from the history of brain research-from the earliest and crudest studies of the effects of brain injury to the latest data derived from brain surgery on patients who are awake and alert-offer insights both fascinating and controversial. Is it possible that humankind's deepest spiritual feelings are simply the result of complex electrical activity in the temporal lobe? A BBC Production. (50 minutes)

Anatomist Gunther von Hagens is world-renowned for his invention of plastination, a method of preserving dead tissue. He is also famous for his Body Worlds exhibits which incorporate sophisticated-and highly controversial-dissections of human bodies. In this astonishing four-part series, von Hagens lays bare the intricacy and beauty of the human design, making it viewable and easily understood across a wide range of settings-from Biology 101 to the most advanced medical courses. Viewer discretion is advised. Contains clinically explicit language and demonstrations. 4-part series, 50 minutes each.

Neuropathologist Dr. Marco Rossi dissects and examines a normal human brain. Using three methods of dissection-coronal plane, CT-MRI plane, and sagittal plane-Dr. Rossi separates the hindbrain from the midbrain, and removes a portion of the brain containing the substantia nigra. The anterior and posterior of the forebrain are dissected, and each section is examined, along with the left occipital lobe. After separating the brain stem from the cerebellum, both are sectioned and examined. (35 minutes)

This program explores the brain and nervous system, using the analogy of computers and the Internet. Topics discussed include electrical impulses and how nerve messages travel; parts of the brain and their functions; how the brain and spinal cord are protected; the senses; and diseases, drugs, and their effects on the brain and nervous system. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. A Cambridge Educational Production. (31 minutes)

From hothousing to alternative paradigms for quantifying intelligence, this provocative two-part series presents the latest scientific research on how the brain works while addressing some of today's most pernicious myths about intellectual development. Not available in French-speaking Canada. 2-part series, 50 minutes each.

Do men and women really see the world differently? As the debate over nature vs. nurture continues, this three-part series presents a strong case for biological influences on human thought and perception. 3-part series, 51 minutes each.

For some scientists, the brain has become the last frontier to conquer. Enhanced by outstanding 3-D graphics and intimate case studies, this eye-opening six-part series explores the grand themes emerging from the latest brain research-research that with the aid of modern technology is producing a whole new model of brain function. In each program, renowned neuroscientist Susan Greenfield, biologists, psychologists, linguists, and other experts investigate the physiological basis of why people think, feel, and act as they do. A BBC Production. 6-part series, 50 minutes each.

After an introductory segment on cell characteristics, this program discusses the way human body cells function and combine into the structures that sustain life. Topics include membrane permeability and the processes of passive and active transport; cytoplasm, with its cytosol, organelles, and inclusions; the constituent parts of the nucleus and the stages and processes of the cell cycle; the four basic tissue types; and the skin, the body's largest organ. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. A Films for the Humanities & Sciences Production. A part of the series The Human Body: How It Works. (22 minutes)

Successful animal clones such as Dolly are the exception, not the norm. Most die of catastrophic organ failure, bizarre new illnesses that do not occur in nature, or other causes-if they are fortunate enough to reach birth at all. This program examines evidence suggesting that the very process of cloning causes subtle errors in the way genes function, leading Roslin Institute's Ian Wilmut and others to believe human clones would fare no better. But childless couples see human cloning as an answer to a prayer...and Drs. Panayiotis Zavos and Severino Antinori, confident of success, are ready to try it. Original BBCW broadcast title: Cloning the First Human. (50 minutes)

Can life can be summed up in a code? The science of genetics is founded on that idea-and the code has been broken. This five-part intro-level series reveals the history and development of genetics, reconstructing its journey from the 1700s to the cutting edge of 21st-century microbiology. Featuring detailed accounts of genetic advances-from Mendel's peas to Bt-treated corn-each program presents complex technical analysis and reinforces key concepts using lively, scientifically precise animation. With an emphasis on real-world genetic applications, challenges, and dilemmas, this series conveys a panoramic view of today's preeminent life science. Viewable/printable instructor's guides are available online. 5-part series, 30 minutes each.

This program presents a brief history of genetic science, from Darwin's theory of evolution through the discovery of DNA and the invention of gene splicing. Darwin hypothesized a theory, but understood nothing of the mechanism of evolution. The program follows the history of scientific understanding of the nucleus, chromosomes, and the location of hereditary information; explains the work of Gregor Mendel and Thomas Hunt Morgan; and features exclusive interviews with James Watson, who unravelled the secret of DNA's structure, and Stanley Cohen, who first spliced the gene and created contemporary cloning techniques. Spectacular computer animation displays the beautiful simplicity of the DNA molecule, and reveals how the gene was spliced. (24 minutes)

Imagine a future in which physical strength and assertiveness are the top-selling items on baby menus." This program explores that possibility and other frightening implications of market-driven genetic engineering. Showing how the government-funded Human Genome Project has become highly lucrative for pharmaceutical companies, the video examines cases of exploitative gene harvesting in Iceland and Peru, where isolated ethnic populations contain commercially valuable DNA. Interviews with prominent scientists and activists highlight the dangers of patenting genomic data and an absence of public discourse about artificial gene selection. (60 minutes)"