National Geographic Explorer Season 6 Episode 16 Inside Bioterror

Inside Bioterror is an episode from season 6 of National Geographic Explorer that dives into the world of biological terrorism and the potential devastation that bioweapons could cause. The episode takes a closer look at the history of bioterrorism, its most significant threats, and the efforts being made to prevent it.

The episode begins with a chilling reminder of the devastating potential of bioterrorism by discussing the anthrax attacks in the United States after 9/11, which lead to five deaths and caused a nationwide panic. The episode then dives into the history of bioterrorism, tracing its roots back to the ancient world when diseased animals were used to contaminate water supplies.

From there, the episode explores some of the most significant threats concerning bioterrorism today. The first is the potential use of smallpox, an infectious disease that has killed millions throughout history and was eradicated in the world in 1977. The episode explains how one laboratory in Russia still holds the smallpox virus, raising concerns about its possible use as a bioweapon.

Next, the episode looks at the rise of synthetic biology and the possibility of creating new, deadly diseases that could be used as bioweapons. The episode discusses how advances in genetic engineering have made it relatively easy to design and create custom viruses that could be undetectable by traditional biodefense systems.

The episode also explores how terrorists or rogue states could use bioweapons to target specific populations. For example, they could create a virus that only affects people of a particular ethnicity or religion. The episode acknowledges the ethical concerns surrounding this type of bioterrorism, including the potential for genocide.

While the episode does not shy away from the danger of bioterrorism, it also highlights the efforts being made to prevent it. The episode discusses how governments and organizations around the world are working to detect and respond to bioterrorism threats. It covers some of the technologies being developed to improve security, including advanced biosensors that can quickly detect dangerous pathogens, and personal protective equipment that can help contain outbreaks.

One of the most significant efforts highlighted in the episode is the Bioweapons Convention, an international treaty signed by over 180 countries that prohibits the development, production, and stockpiling of biological weapons. The episode discusses the challenges facing the convention, including concerns about the compliance of rogue states, but also notes its essential role in preventing bioterrorism.

Finally, the episode looks at what individuals can do to protect themselves and their communities from bioterrorism. The episode provides practical advice on how to recognize and respond to potential bioterrorism threats, including steps to take during an outbreak, such as social distancing, handwashing, and wearing personal protective equipment.

Overall, Inside Bioterror is a thought-provoking and informative episode of National Geographic Explorer that examines the dangers of bioterrorism and the efforts being made to prevent it. The episode is not overly sensational or alarmist, but it does provide a sobering reminder of the profound potential of bioweapons to cause harm. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the current state of biodefense and safety.