Unearthed: Our Fantastic World Season 1 Episode 20 Ep. 20 - The First Computer, New Cancer Treatments and More
- TV-NR
- May 2, 2000
- 23 min
Unearthed: Our Fantastic World is a captivating series that delves into the fascinating advancements and discoveries of technology, science, and history. Each episode showcases the groundbreaking achievements made by humans over the years, offering viewers an opportunity to imagine the endless possibilities for the future. In season one, episode twenty, titled "The First Computer, New Cancer Treatments and More," the show explores the exciting innovations that have the potential to transform our lives.
The episode begins with the story of the world's first computer, discovered in Antikythera, a small Greek island. The ancient device, built around 100 BCE, was a remarkable feat of engineering that used a complex system of gears and cogs to track the positions of the sun, moon, and planets. The device is a testament to the advanced knowledge of astronomy possessed by the Greeks, and how they utilized it. Unlike other computers, this ancient device is mechanical, powered by hand and showing information on eclipse predictions and the visible sky.
Next, the show shifts its focus to modern medicine, exploring the new techniques being developed to treat cancer. The episode introduces viewers to a revolutionary new gene therapy treatment that harnesses the power of the immune system to fight cancer. In the treatment, T-cells are removed from a patient's blood and genetically modified to produce a protein that targets cancer cells. The modified cells are then infused back into the patient, where they begin a relentless hunt for the cancer cells.
In addition to gene therapy, the episode also showcases a new technique that uses focused ultrasound to destroy cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. The treatment, known as HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound), targets tumors with precision, using highly concentrated sound waves to heat up and destroy cancer cells. HIFU is non-invasive, so there are fewer risks involved compared to surgery.
The program also takes a closer look at the innovations of the automobile industry. The show highlights the advent of self-driving technology, discussing the advantages and challenges of autonomous vehicles. The episode explains how autonomous cars rely on a suite of sensors and cameras to detect and respond to their surroundings. The episode takes viewers through the development of self-driving technology and where it is at now.
Unearthed: Our Fantastic World season one episode twenty also delves into the advancements made in virtual reality technology. The show follows the team at Stanford University and their virtual reality lab, where they're creating advanced VR experiences for medical training and other applications. The episode demonstrates highly detailed VR scenarios that can transport users from remote clinics to high-pressure medical situations.
The episode concludes by taking a closer look at the ways technology is improving our understanding of history. The show talks about how virtual reconstructions of historical sites can immerse us in the past, allowing us to experience history in a new way. The program takes viewers through the creation of digital models and animations, allowing us to see how recreating a city of the past can provide valuable insight into how societies functioned.
In conclusion, Unearthed: Our Fantastic World season one episode 20, "The First Computer, New Cancer Treatments, and More," is an enthralling exploration of the seemingly endless possibilities of human ingenuity. The episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, present, and future, showcasing some of the most exciting advancements in medicine, technology, and history. Viewers of all ages will be captivated by the discoveries and innovations presented in this episode of Unearthed: Our Fantastic World.