Nova: The Universe Within

Nova's formula for making science both instructional and entertaining continues with this fantastic voyage inside the human body. Four segments focus on various physiological processes--not in the abstract, but as they affect the bodies of actual athletes. The first episode takes us on an animated trip through the circulatory system of long-jumper Mike Powell. We learn how muscles, bones, and the heart work in concert to allow his gravity-defying leaps. Spiffy sci-fi graphics mix with microphotography to show ice-climber Rob Taylor's miraculous recovery from a harrowing fall. Looking like the extravehicular pods from 2001: A Space Odyssey, white blood cells with hinged arms rush to attack the gangrenous infection that threatens Taylor's mangled leg. Next, the process of digestion is demystified, as peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches provide a quick nutritional fix for Olympic Gold medalist Bonnie Blair before she takes to the ice. Finally, track star Karen Hatchett is going to have a baby. Hey, fertilization happens. Through electron microscopy we see those amazingly determined sperm impale themselves, tails quivering, on an egg playing hard to get. Highly recommended for general collections. (J. Dick)