Ep 44. Genetic Revolution, The Youngest Refugees, Vision of Music

In season 52 episode 44 of the long-running news program 60 Minutes, viewers are taken on a journey covering three different, but vital topics. The show opens with a segment titled "Genetic Revolution" covering advancements in gene editing technology. Correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook dives into the world of CRISPR, the technology that allows scientists to make precise edits to DNA sequences, and the potential this holds for curing diseases such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. LaPook interviews patients, doctors, and scientists about the progress and possibilities that this technology offers, as well as the ethical dilemmas surrounding gene editing.

The second segment, titled "The Youngest Refugees," brings viewers into the world of young children who are fleeing war and conflict. Correspondent Holly Williams travels to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she meets children as young as six years old who have been forced to flee their homes and country. Williams talks to aid workers and refugees about the struggles that come with living in refugee camps and trying to build a future amidst uncertainty. The segment offers a sobering look at the impact of war on young children and the challenges that international aid organizations face in providing for them.

The final segment, "Vision of Music," explores a unique approach to teaching music to the visually impaired. Correspondent Bill Whitaker visits the California School for the Blind in Fremont, where students learn to play in the school's orchestra, choir, and other musical groups. The program uses technology, such as braille music notation and audio descriptions of music, to help students experience music in a way that caters to their unique abilities. The segment features interviews with students, teachers, and the school's music director, who explain the program's successes and the profound impact it has on the students' lives.

Overall, 60 Minutes season 52 episode 44 offers a collection of insightful and thought-provoking segments, covering topics ranging from cutting-edge technology to social issues and the arts. The combination of deep reporting, earnest interviews, and groundbreaking stories make the episode a standout in the long history of 60 Minutes.