In 1969, the Surgeon General announced--somewhat prematurely--that we could "close the book on infectious disease." Today, with the emergence of AIDS, Ebola, and the resurgence of killer strains of tuberculosis, the microbes are again gaining the upper hand in the battle against humankind. This entry in the handsomely produced Ultra Science series, which aired on The Learning Channel, interweaves a hypothetical "what if?" story reminiscent of Outbreak, together with an overview of the gains science has made in combating infectious disease--primarily through quarantine, vaccinations, and antibiotics. Viewers will gain a cursory understanding of the achievements of Pasteur, Jenner, Fleming, and others, while also pondering the different circumstances facing contemporary virus fighters. To wit: a) an incubating virus can now reach any major population center across the world within 24 hours thanks to modern transportation, b) the overuse of antibiotics has led to stronger, drug-resistant strains of killer bugs, and c) scientists are just beginning to focus on a new and terrifying threat--the ability of viruses to jump species (such as HIV, which many think is of simian origin). A very condensed, but effective, encapsulation of the warning Laurie Garrett puts forth in her bestselling The Coming Plague, this is highly recommended. Other titles in the series include: Sex Appeal, Forever Young, A Case of Murder, Super Humans, and The Big Thrill. Aud: J, H, P. (R. Pitman)
Ultra Science: Return of the Plagues
(1996) 30 min. $99 (13-part series price: $995). Ambrose Video. PPR. Color cover. Vol. 12, Issue 2
Ultra Science: Return of the Plagues
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