HDNet World Report Season 7 Episode 55 Soccer Sickness: What's Killing Italian Footballers?; Water Bringers: The World Bank's Indonesia Experiment; Viewfinder: Mountain Gators

HDNet World Report, Season 8, brings an intriguing look at global issues with three fascinating features in episode 55. Soccer Sickness: What's Killing Italian Footballers? takes a critical look at the alarming number of young Italian soccer players being diagnosed with rare autoimmune diseases. Correspondent Medellin Salah investigates the possible connection to excessive use of synthetic turf, chemical exposure, and pollution. The episode also explores the challenges of creating a safe environment for young athletes while not compromising the integrity of the sport.

The second feature, Water Bringers: The World Bank's Indonesia Experiment, follows one of Indonesia's most ambitious public works projects, the Brantas River Basin Development project. The project aims to restore the river's ecosystem by creating a dam system that controls flooding and provides irrigation to the surrounding agricultural land. Correspondent Sarah Carabine travels through the region, examining how the project has impacted the communities, the environment and questioning its success.

The third and final feature in the episode, Viewfinder: Mountain Gators, showcases an unusual side of mountain life in the American South. Mohsin Ali explores the history and culture of people living in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee and their relationship with a unique subpopulation of alligators. The swampy habitats created by coal mining have allowed the alligators to thrive in the region, and the people have adopted them as part of their heritage.

HDNet World Report, Season 8, episode 55 provides a glimpse into fascinating stories from around the world that will leave the viewers with an appreciation for geographic diversity and cultural brilliance.