Mysteries at the Museum Season 16 Episode 1 Alone in the Arctic and More
- TV-PG
- August 3, 2017
- 42 min
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(8)
In Mysteries at the Museum season 16 episode 1, entitled "Alone in the Arctic and More," viewers are taken on a thrilling journey through time as host Don Wildman explores some of the most captivating artifacts from history. The episode features three main segments: "Alone in the Arctic," "Mystery Meat," and "The Invention of Penicillin."
In the first segment, "Alone in the Arctic," Wildman dives into the harrowing story of Ada Blackjack, a young Inuit woman who found herself stranded in the Arctic with four others in 1921. The group had been sent on an expedition to Wrangel Island by eccentric explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson, but they soon ran out of food and supplies. One by one, the men died or abandoned the others, leaving Ada as the lone survivor. Wildman examines the objects that helped her survive, including a small diary and a pair of snow goggles, and reveals how she managed to make it back to civilization against all odds.
Next up is "Mystery Meat," which delves into the gruesome discovery of meat stored on the USS Hornet during World War II. The meat, which came from a shipment sent from the mainland, was found to be tainted with botulism and caused a number of deaths among the crew. Wildman interviews experts on botulism and examines the meat itself, as well as the tools and equipment used to handle it. He also uncovers the story of how the soldiers were able to overcome the botulism outbreak and continue their military mission.
The final segment, "The Invention of Penicillin," takes viewers back to the early 20th century and the groundbreaking discovery that revolutionized modern medicine. Wildman introduces the story of Alexander Fleming and his discovery of penicillin, a life-saving antibiotic that has saved countless lives. He examines some of the equipment used by Fleming in his lab, as well as the culture dishes that allowed him to isolate the penicillin mold. Wildman also shows how penicillin was used to treat wounded soldiers during World War II and how its continued development has transformed medicine.
Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to exciting reenactments and informative interviews with experts on the various subjects. Wildman's enthusiasm for history and his engaging storytelling style make "Alone in the Arctic and More" a must-watch episode for fans of Mysteries at the Museum.