In Tu Youyou's Malaria Breakthrough, host Chris Packham tells the story of Tu Youyou’s groundbreaking discovery of artemisinin, a drug that transformed the fight against malaria. Her extraordinary courage, including volunteering as the first test subject, went unnoticed as she was never named on the research papers that led to the breakthrough. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Marie Curie Discovers Radioactivity, Chris Packham highlights the journey of a brilliant immigrant who transformed science. From discovering radioactivity to developing pioneering cancer treatments, Marie Curie challenged conventions and inspired breakthroughs in atomic science. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Einstein and the Nuclear Bomb, host Chris Packham explores Albert Einstein's scientific contributions. As a pacifist, he was opposed to the use of his research to develop nuclear weapons. Einstein’s story reveals the burden of scientific discovery in wartime. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In The Extraordinary Abilities of Breath-Hold Divers, learn about the abilities of breath-hold divers and the scientific discoveries that are being made as researchers study their techniques. Understand the human body's remarkable ability to adapt and how these findings could have future applications in medicine and technology. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In Henrietta Lacks and the Legacy of Her Extraordinary Cells, learn about Henrietta Lacks, whose cells, taken without her consent during her treatment for cervical cancer, became one of the most important tools in medical research. Henrietta's cells, known as HeLa cells, have continued to divide and grow in laboratories for decades, making them a valuable resource for scientists. Understand the significance of her contribution to science and explore the ethical questions surrounding consent and cell ownership. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In Treating Spinal Cord Injuries, learn how one engineer created an innovative way to help treat spinal cord injuries. Meet Ian, who suffered a spinal cord injury and explore how his injury interrupted the connection between his brain and body. An engineer developed a groundbreaking solution that has helped people with spinal cord injuries regain movement. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In Some People Don't Feel Fear, learn what doctors are discovering about from Jordy, a man who does not experience fear. Find out how Jordy’s unique condition challenges our understanding of human emotions. Learn how hormones like cortisol and adrenaline affect the body’s reaction to fear and anxiety. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In Cataplexy and Narcolepsy, learn how one woman lives with cataplexy and narcolepsy. The video follows Lucy, a woman with these conditions, exploring how her body reacts to extreme emotions and how that impacts her daily life. Gain an understanding of these two disorders, their effects on the body, and the challenges faced by individuals living with them. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In Exploring Current Research on HIV, learn about the groundbreaking moment when Dr. Hutter cured a patient, Timothy Ray Brown, of HIV for the first time. The video highlights how Timothy, who had developed leukemia in addition to HIV, became the first person cured of the virus through a stem cell transplant. The story explores the role of white blood cells and how some people are naturally resistant to HIV, providing an exciting look into modern medical advancements. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In What Is Acquired Savant Syndrome? hear the incredible story of Derek Amato, a man who developed the ability to play the piano overnight after sustaining a traumatic brain injury. A concussion transformed his brain, unlocking a rare phenomenon known as acquired savant syndrome. Students will learn about the science behind savant syndrome, the changes in Derek’s brain, and how he describes his newfound musical talent as an unstoppable flow of notes. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In Tu Youyou's Malaria Breakthrough, host Chris Packham tells the story of Tu Youyou’s groundbreaking discovery of artemisinin, a drug that transformed the fight against malaria. Her extraordinary courage, including volunteering as the first test subject, went unnoticed as she was never named on the research papers that led to the breakthrough. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Marie Curie Discovers Radioactivity, Chris Packham highlights the journey of a brilliant immigrant who transformed science. From discovering radioactivity to developing pioneering cancer treatments, Marie Curie challenged conventions and inspired breakthroughs in atomic science. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Einstein and the Nuclear Bomb, host Chris Packham explores Albert Einstein's scientific contributions. As a pacifist, he was opposed to the use of his research to develop nuclear weapons. Einstein’s story reveals the burden of scientific discovery in wartime. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In The Extraordinary Abilities of Breath-Hold Divers, learn about the abilities of breath-hold divers and the scientific discoveries that are being made as researchers study their techniques. Understand the human body's remarkable ability to adapt and how these findings could have future applications in medicine and technology. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In Henrietta Lacks and the Legacy of Her Extraordinary Cells, learn about Henrietta Lacks, whose cells, taken without her consent during her treatment for cervical cancer, became one of the most important tools in medical research. Henrietta's cells, known as HeLa cells, have continued to divide and grow in laboratories for decades, making them a valuable resource for scientists. Understand the significance of her contribution to science and explore the ethical questions surrounding consent and cell ownership. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In Treating Spinal Cord Injuries, learn how one engineer created an innovative way to help treat spinal cord injuries. Meet Ian, who suffered a spinal cord injury and explore how his injury interrupted the connection between his brain and body. An engineer developed a groundbreaking solution that has helped people with spinal cord injuries regain movement. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In Some People Don't Feel Fear, learn what doctors are discovering about from Jordy, a man who does not experience fear. Find out how Jordy’s unique condition challenges our understanding of human emotions. Learn how hormones like cortisol and adrenaline affect the body’s reaction to fear and anxiety. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In Cataplexy and Narcolepsy, learn how one woman lives with cataplexy and narcolepsy. The video follows Lucy, a woman with these conditions, exploring how her body reacts to extreme emotions and how that impacts her daily life. Gain an understanding of these two disorders, their effects on the body, and the challenges faced by individuals living with them. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In Exploring Current Research on HIV, learn about the groundbreaking moment when Dr. Hutter cured a patient, Timothy Ray Brown, of HIV for the first time. The video highlights how Timothy, who had developed leukemia in addition to HIV, became the first person cured of the virus through a stem cell transplant. The story explores the role of white blood cells and how some people are naturally resistant to HIV, providing an exciting look into modern medical advancements. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In What Is Acquired Savant Syndrome? hear the incredible story of Derek Amato, a man who developed the ability to play the piano overnight after sustaining a traumatic brain injury. A concussion transformed his brain, unlocking a rare phenomenon known as acquired savant syndrome. Students will learn about the science behind savant syndrome, the changes in Derek’s brain, and how he describes his newfound musical talent as an unstoppable flow of notes. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.