Cosmos: Possible Worlds Season 2 Episode 4 Vavilov

As the fourth episode of the second season of Cosmos: Possible Worlds, "Vavilov" takes viewers on a journey through the life and work of Nikolai Vavilov, a brilliant Soviet botanist and geneticist whose contributions to science earned him both praise and persecution. Host Neil deGrasse Tyson dives into Vavilov's groundbreaking research, which involved extensive travel to collect and study thousands of plant species from around the world.

Vavilov was renowned for his belief in the importance of genetic diversity in food crops, a concept that was decades ahead of its time. The episode explores Vavilov's efforts to preserve the biodiversity of seeds, through his establishment of the first seed bank, and his desire to protect this biological heritage from the ravages of war and famine.

The episode also delves into the darker aspects of Vavilov's life, as he fell out of favor with the Soviet government and was eventually imprisoned and sentenced to death. Through interviews with scientists and historians, viewers gain insight into the political and social climate that led to Vavilov's downfall, and how his legacy continues to inspire scientists to this day.

Throughout the episode, Tyson draws connections between Vavilov's work and modern-day issues such as climate change, genetic modification, and food security. By examining the life and work of this brilliant yet tragic figure, "Vavilov" offers a complex and thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between science and politics, and the ways in which one individual can make a profound impact on the world.