NOVA Season 1 Episode 11 Case of the Midwife Toad (The)

In NOVA season 1 episode 11, titled "Case of the Midwife Toad," viewers are taken on a fascinating journey into the world of amphibian biology and the search for a deadly disease.

The episode begins with the discovery of a strange ailment affecting populations of European common toads in the 1970s. Toads were found dead or dying in large numbers, with some displaying unusual behavior such as trying to mate with dead toads. Scientists believed that the cause of the disease was a virus, but they were unable to isolate it.

Enter Dr. Richard Griffiths, a herpetologist at the University of British Columbia who became interested in the case of the midwife toad in the 1980s. Griffiths believed that the illness affecting the toads was caused by a fungus, not a virus. He hypothesized that the fungus was introduced to Europe via the introduction of North American bullfrogs, which were imported for human consumption in the 1950s.

Griffiths embarked on a mission to prove his theory, traveling to the mountains of Spain to study the midwife toads firsthand. These toads are unique in that the male carries the eggs on his hind legs, hence the name "midwife toad." Griffiths hoped that studying the midwife toads could provide clues about the disease affecting the common toads.

In Spain, Griffiths enlisted the help of Dr. Jaime Bosch, a local researcher who had also been studying the midwife toads. Together, they began monitoring toad populations and collecting samples to test for signs of the fungus. They also worked to protect the toads from a growing threat: chytrid fungus, a deadly infection that was decimating amphibian populations worldwide.

As Griffiths and Bosch collected more data, their theory about the fungus causing the disease began to gain traction. However, they faced skepticism from the scientific community, who were still focused on the virus theory. Griffiths worked tirelessly to gather more evidence, conducting experiments and building a case for his theory.

The episode takes viewers on a thrilling journey as Griffiths and Bosch work to unravel the mystery of the midwife toad disease. Along the way, they encounter challenges such as illness, injury, and bureaucratic red tape. But their tenacity and dedication eventually pay off, as they make groundbreaking discoveries about the disease and its causes.

Overall, "Case of the Midwife Toad" is a fascinating exploration of the scientific process and the quest for knowledge. It highlights the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance in the pursuit of answers. And it underscores the critical role that scientists play in understanding and protecting our planet's fragile ecosystems.