Perspective programs that can be viewed on line are highlighted in red In 1983 the science based series Tomorrow Today and Living Tomorrow were subsumed into Perspective. This was to be a new series of single subject programs about science and technology. The new programs constituted a change of length and format from the previous science and technology series. The changes were market driven following a number of requests from television stations at the MIP annual television market festivals. There were requests for longer programs and for programs devoted to single suobjects rather than the magazine format. As a 30 minute single subject program the Perspective series met these requests and continued the theme of science and technology.
Perspective quickly demonstrated its credentials by winning three out of four Gold Medals at the 1984 International Festival of Scientific Films in Belgrade. The three award winning films illustrated the rich diversity of the subjects covered by the series. The films were: 5th Generation Computersabout developments in super fast microchips which were to lead to a new generations of computers able to learn and think The New Alchemyabout engineering bacteria and the way man can take advantage of their natural alchemy to extract more oil from off shore wells, to develop new plastics and to digest industrial effluent. Produced by Bob Thorpe and directed by Janice Kay. Pictures In a Patient looked at the use of modern technology to take pictures inside the human body, work that would lead to the development of MRI diagnostic scans. Produced by Bob Thorpe and directed by David Walker.
An indication of the range of subjects covered by the Perspective series some of which can be viewed is set out below:
1983: Perspective Animal Farming (click here to view) a program about science and farming animals 1985: Perspective Rampaging Carbonsexplained the work of the National Environmental Research Council in funding small groups of scientists throughout the world to monitor every aspect of carbon release and carbon absorption. The burning of fossil fuels had increased the carbon dioxide content of the air which it predicted would result in a change of climate around the world to produce the Greenhouse Effect.
1985: Perspective Microscopes (click here to view) a program about the importance of microscopy. Directed by Film Division Director Eddie Newsted.
1986: Perspective Fragile Forest (click here to view) a program about the fragility of forests in Nepal where wood is the main source of energy.
1986: Washing of a River (click here to view) a program about the cleaning up of polluted sections of the River Ganges and the contribution being made to the project by water engineers from Britain. Produced by Bob Thorpe and Directed by Judy Davison
1990: Perspective Restoration of Hampton Court Palace (click here to view) a fire destroyed one wing of the Royal Palace of Hampton Court. THd program shows how modern architecture, engineering techniques coupled with individual craftsmanship have been used to restore the Palace. Producer Bob Thorpe, Director Judy Davison, Script Claire Petersen, Editor Peter Day
1991: Perspective: Hole in the Skysaid that there are alternatives to the harmful chemicals responsible for the holes in the protective ozone layer. International research and cooperation was needed to ensure that everyone is aware of the danger posed by these chemicals. directed by Julian Chomet and produced by Jenny Ranson.
1992: Taming of the Atom (click here to view) program about various uses of atomic energy
1994: Perspective: Medical Joinery:a program about facial reconstructive surgery following accidents or disease or genetic deformity. Shows how non-medical influences play a part in surgery at the Mt Vernon hospital. These include a sculpture course for plastic surgery surgeons, 3-D computer imaging of the human face and the art of the goldsmith helping to save the sight of an elderly cancer victim. Program directed by Bill Metcalfe, script by Jenny Lucas and edited by Fred Goodland
1994: Perspective Formula One:some 90% of the world’s Formula One racing teams are located in Britain. The automotive engineering needed to keep one team marginally ahead of another means that new ideas techniques and designs for cars are constantly emerging. Materials engines and electronics are being developed. A the time they were exclusive to Formula One. But in a few years time they would be integrated into ordinary cars. Program directed by Julian Chomet. 1994: Perspective Medical Robots:was about robotic machines that set the path of probes into the brain. It is one of a series of robots helping surgeons in the operating theatre. Designers are also working on a robot to guide the surgeon’s drill in operations to repair broken thigh bones and another to perform prostate removals.Program Directed by Paul Nyberg, Produced by Bob Thorpe and edited by Mike Wilcox.
The majority of the programs that were made in this series were Produced by Bob Thorpe. It was a considerable achievement on his part.Other Producers were Geoff Raison, Jenny Ranson and Judy Davison. As with other programs made for the Overseas Television Service they were essentially made in-house with individuals working on contract for specific projects.
The new format proved to be very popular with television stations. The series ran, after an initial batch of 13 programs, from April 1983 to1995 having completed well over 100 programs. It achieved sales in some 60 countries. It was to win 11Gold Awards and 6 Silver Awards at major International Film Festivals. It was offered in English, Arabic, French and Latin American Spanish generally in packages of 13 programs.
As with the other television series a full list of Perspective programs that were produced between 1983 and 1995 is incomplete. However a list of all the programs so far identified is set out below:
1983
Consulting Cambridge about a company called Cambridge Consultants formed by a small group of Cambridge graduates, that hired itself out to industry to solve problems arising on the shop floor. In fifteen years it had, among other things, helped design methods of spraying letters onto bottles as they travel on conveyor lines, developed a new type of sewing machine, built a special wheelchair for congenitally deformed children and explored new materials such as carbon fibre and fibre optics NFA ID 106205
Rampaging Carbons explained that the National Environment Research Council was funding small groups of scientists throughout the world to monitor every aspect of carbon release and carbon absorption. The burning of fossil fuels had increased the carbon dioxide content in the air, which could result in a change of climate around the world producing the "Greenhouse Effect" Producer Bob Thorpe Director Mike Sciator Script Dick Sullivan Editor Mike Murray NFA ID 754591
Forensic Science opens with a dramatised sequence of a hi-jack robbery which also involves the hi t-and-run killing of a cyclist. Shows the role of forensic science in helping to identify and convict the criminals. Director Roger Lunn NFA ID 619632 NA INF34/ 1183
Electronic Music shows how the development of microchips and microcircuits has made musical expression available to many more people, and how the new synthesis of sounds has given musically creative people new directions in which they can express their emotions. NFA ID 1067506
1984
Light As Information describes recent developments in communications systems involving the transmission of light down glass wires - fibre-optics. Director Bob Bentley NFA ID 103257 NA INF34/1200
The New Alchemy program about British achievement in the field of biotechnology. Shows how by manipulating the environment of bacteria, man can take advantage of their natural alchemy and use them in many ways: to supply cattle feed, to extract more oil from offshore wells, to develop new plastics for surgical use, and to digest industrial effluent. Producer Bob Thorpe Director Janice Kay Script Judy Davison NFA ID 105521
Food, Food, Glorious Food about the work of food scientists, who take account of the objective and subjective needs of people, help the world produce food more economically, and through understanding food manufacture and cooking, offer tastier and more nutritious meals NFA ID 106316
Threatened Insects about the work of a team of British scientists who for 25 years have been searching through a billion combinations of atoms to find a single molecule that will kill harmful insects, but be harmless to man and his environment. Meanwhile scientists are also trying to solve the problem of preserving harmless insects such as the Adonis blue butterfly, in danger of becoming extinct. Producer Bob Thorpe Director Eddie Newsted Script Dick Sullivan Editor Allan Bowry NFA ID 106031
A Chance to Live program about the work of a Dr Cesar Milstein, who discovered how to grow antibodies outside the human body. Monoclonal antibodies are being used to help reduce the risk of mismatched bone marrow transplant and, attached to magnetic beads, are being used to pick cancer cells out of children's bone marrow Director Bill Metcalf Script Judy Davison Editor John Wilson NFA ID 105513
Insect War shows how the understanding of the complex life cycles of insects has lead to new methods of controlling them. Pheromones - chemicals used by many insects to attract mates - are being synthesised in the laboratory and applied in the field in order to disturb the insects' sexual patterns, thereby limiting their numbers. Predators are being bred and released where they will do most damage to the insect population and be of most help to man. NFA ID 106033
Animal Farming about modern methods of cattle farming involving cows being kept in calf for most of the year, being offered ever less palatable foodstuffs, and fostering calves of different breeds NFA ID 106049
1985
Science In The Saddle looks at new veterinary techniques for horses, including treatment of fractures and checking breathing and heart rates at the gallop NFA ID 620561 NA INF34/1217
Alexander Technique posture and pain The cause of many cases of back pain could be the adoption of bad posture and the cure could lie in an understanding of the relationship between limbs and muscles. The program considers the technique developed by an actor Matthias Alexander, who realised that incorrect posture resulted in tension throughout his body and loss of voice. This technique has only recently been fully understood both physically and scientifically. NFA ID 105628
Magic Bullet Cesar Milstein of the Medical Research Council has perfected a method of cultivating for man's use, individual and unique antibodies. The programme explores the possibilities in diagnosis and treatment resulting from this discovery. Director Judy Davison NFA ID 105514 NA INF34/1214
Laser Surgery lasers have become invaluable in modern surgery. The program demonstrates how lasers can be used to cut a malignant tumour out of the brain NFA ID 105825
Pictures In A Patient program looks at the use of modern technology to take pictures inside the human body, including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, a non-invasive method which is being used as an early diagnostic tool as well as in treatment, and the development of safe methods of using radioactive isotopes. It is hoped that in the future, internal pictures of every person will be taken regularly as an aid to preventive medicine. NFA ID 105766
Crystal World program about the increasing understanding of crystals which has lead to man being able to create new alloys and build materials atom by atom. Suggests that it will become possible to organise bacteria to grow crystals Director Neil Harris NFA ID 105478
Small Is Beautiful considers the economic theory put forward by Ernst Schumacher in his book "Small is beautiful", published in 1973. His desire was for a fresh view of life which would recognise the dignity of work and bring new work to the people, not dependent on power-hungry machines and factories. NFA ID 104765 NA INF34/1204
Computer Aided Design program illustrates the benefits of computer aided design of buildings for architects, designers and their clients. NFA ID 106597 NA INF34/1208
Uses of Blood program explains that relatively little of the blood donated to Britain's National Blood Transfusion Service is used for transfusions following accidents or surgical operations. Most of it is purified and used for a variety of purposes, such as the isolation of a factor which helps blood to clot, for the treatment of haemophiliacs, the use of factors from the blood of pregnant women to save the lives of unborn children, and the use of a constituent from plasma to treat children suffering from thalessaemia. NFA ID 105706
The Mummy's Blessing program shows how the study of an Egyptian mummy at Manchester Museum has resulted in the development of new fingerprinting methods and new techniques in radiology and pathology. Producer Bob Thorpe Director Bill Metcalfe Writer Jonathan Priest Editor Bob Phillips Camera John Rosenberg NFA ID 106927
Recording Music program shows how the acquisition of a true understanding of the elements that make up recorded sound has led to the digital system of recording NFA ID 106367
Microsurgery program follows Professor J.S.P. Lumley of St. Bartholomew's Hospital designing new surgical instruments, as he trains other surgeons in the art of making minute stitches, and as he performs an operation to connect a large artery outside the patient's scalp to a tiny artery inside, thereby increasing the blood supply to the left side of the brain. NFA ID 105832
5th Generation Computers considers the future development of computers which will be able to learn and think. They will be based on super-fast microchips, parallel processing (getting microchips to work as a team), new logic languages and expert systems. NFA ID 106348
Traffic shows how modern technology is being used to relieve the problems of traffic congestion: scanning traffic minute by minute and adjusting lights accordingly, using all sorts of visual aids and developing new tunnel technology NFA ID 106590
Valley program questions the need for a constant battle between the interests of conservation and of commerce. Aims to show that the farmer, the fisherman, the biologist and the conservationist can live happily together. NFA ID 106592
Accidents program looks at how new materials, new computers, new surgical techniques and greater understanding of the human body are all helping to alleviate suffering in the aftermath of accidents Director Malcolm Craddock NFA ID 105826
Astronomy program looks at the advent of bigger, better computerised telescopes that has advanced knowledge of the night sky and of the earth and mankind NFA ID 105441
Science at Kew Gardens program looks at the behind the scenes work of Kew Gardens: the library which catalogues every known plant, the seed collection to keep alive plants already extinct in their native habitat, the electron microscope room where plants are examined with a view to introducing new plants into hostile environments, and the work of extracting natural medicines and insecticides from plants in use in the community. NFA ID 620559 NA INF34/1185
Science in Museums program looks at some of the scientific work carried out in Britain's museums. Modern technology is being used to gain greater understanding of our ancestors and some of the findings have significance for the present. One project has led to the isolation of a specific type of wasp which lives off the mealy bug, and it has been used to protect the West African cassava crop. Other discoveries have included how to manufacture pure zinc, and the development of X-ray and biopsy techniques whilst exploring mummified remains. NFA ID 104564
Robotics program considered the increasingly more sophisticated robots are being developed. It had been estimated that by the year 2000, only 10% of the total workforce will be employed in manufacturing. The program considers the social dilemma resulting from the human workforce being replaced by robots NFA ID 106241
1986
Wind Energy Windmill was a mediaeval workhorse that died out with the Industrial Revolution. It was now coming back into favour, as our resources of fossil fuel diminish. But today's windmills are high-tech. New materials are designed for their blades, computers control their output. And they are mushrooming everywhere. Comparatively small ones serve tiny remote communities and are changing living standards. Huge ones - standing collectively in farms - are feeding power to whole nations. The windmill is back and here to stay. Producer Bob Thorpe Director/writer Suzanne Campbell-Jones Editor Mike Murray NFA ID 755696
Community Health program considered the lives of two family doctors, both of whom worked for the National Health Service. The first is a young woman GP, working in a community health centre in Kentish Town, London, an ethnically and culturally diverse inner-city area. The second is a GP nearing retirement, who has worked more than 30 years in a rural practice in Exmoor, Devon. The film looks at their different philosophies of life and the patients they serve. Producer Annabel Olivier-Wright Director Keith Evans NFA ID 754776
1987
no programs produced
1988
Rhythms of Light No further information NFA ID 620212 NA INF3/1217
Limitations program considered that without the discovery of the electronic chip we would still have the limitations of the conventional microscope. A new generation is using the electron microscope to over come the limitations of the past and to see deeper into nature of things.
Washing of a River program was about the cleaning up of polluted sections of the River Ganges and the contribution being made to the project by water engineers from Britain. Directed by Judy Davison. NFA ID 620627 NA INF3/1248
Cybernetics no further information. Directed by Eddie Newsted. NFA ID N-720370
1989
The Greenhouse Effect program explores the causes and implications of the greenhouse effect and climatic change. A rise of temperature of only half a degree within the Pacific basin can flip the pressure systems and cause drought in Africa and flooding in Pakistan. Considers what might happen if the temperature rose by five degrees celsius as predicted will happen by the year 2030. Producer Geoff Raison Director Richard White Script Dick Sullivan Editor Mike Murray. NFA ID 489716
Microlights program about the development of a cheap, safe means of flying, the micro light, and how it can be used for such tasks as surveying, crop-spraying and research into crop hazards such as locusts. Director Suzanne Campbell-Jones NFA ID 408472
1990
The Molecule Mine for centuries the native inhabitants of tropical rainforests have lived on, and used plants. Now Western scientists are realising that these forests contain many species, previously unknown to them, which could provide new medicines, dyes and foodstuffs. Producer Jenny Ranson Director Chris Warren Script Dick Sullivan NFA ID 397461
Hampton Court-A Palace Preserved in 1986 fire destroyed one wing of the Royal Palace of Hampton Court. The programme shows how modern architecture and engineering techniques, coupled with individual craftsmanship have been used to restore it to its former glory. The work has also provided an invaluable opportunity for archaeologists to discover more about 18th century building techniques and materials. Producer Bob Thorpe Director Judy Davison Script Claire Petersen Editor Peter Day NFA ID 437338
Copycat over millions of years, plants and animals, including humans, have evolved to make the best use of their environments. For example, an insect's feet, a spider's web and a fish's tail are all highly specialised tools. Scientists and researchers are borrowing ideas from the natural world and adapting them to robotics, aerodynamics and future technology. Producer Bob Thorpe Director Mike Lockey Script Alan Jabez Editor Bob Philips NFA ID 437464
Physiology of Muscles the body depends on muscle structure not just for movement, but for every bodily function, including breathing, digestion and blood circulation. Greater understanding of their structure and function means that doctors can now rebuild muscle or replace one type with another, often a life-saving measure. Producer Bob Thorpe Director/script Craham Buchan Editor Mike Murray NFA ID 437571
Earthscan looks at how seismography, sonar imaging, remote sensing and photography from space are changing scientists' perceptions of the planet. These techniques can also help in the search for minerals and the prediction of natural phenomena, such as earthquakes and abnormal weather patterns. Producer Jenny Ranson Director Richard White Research Sally Wheale NFA ID 437475
Computers In Medicine program about the increasingly important role played by computers in medicine as record keepers, diagnostic tools, providing a network of communication for doctors and researchers, and improving knowledge of the effects of drugs on the body. Producer Jenny Ranson Director Yvonne Hewett NFA ID 397463
1991
Hole in the Sky program explains that there are alternatives to the harmful chemicals responsible for the holes in the protective ozone layer, and that international research and co-operation are needed to ensure that everyone is aware of the danger posed by chemicals and has access to the solution. Producer Jenny Ranson Director/writer Julian Chomet Editor Terry Staples. NFA ID 397462
1992
Guarding the Atom program is about Nuclear power in Britain. It is produced by either nuclear fusion (the combining of atomic nuclei) or nuclear fission (the splitting of atomic nuclei). In nuclear power stations the fission process is harnessed to produce heat. In the right hands, nuclear energy is life-giving and sustaining, but mishandled it is a devastating force. In Britain, all the nuclear facilities are strictly regulated by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate. Producer Bob Thorpe Director/script Neil Harris Editor David Fairhead NFA ID 426938
Art Restoration program explains how science now plays a part in the restoration of fine art, scuplture, ceramics and architecture, and how sometimes a previously hidden masterpiece is revealed. Producer Geoff Raison Director Ian Softley Script Christine Leeson NFA ID 425210
Flatworms program explains how in an ancient wood in New Zealand, in a dank and cool climate, a species of worm was found, which was apparently unique to a small area. It was of little interest except to biologists. Then, probably as eggs in a lump of soil, it was carried halfway around the world, arriving in Northern Ireland where it thrived. The worm is carnivorous - it eats earthworms. As the New Zealand flatworm thrives, the earthworm population dwindles, resulting in a reduction in fertility in the soil and loss of crops. The worm has reached Scotland and Denmark and vast tracts of agricultural land are threatened. Therefore it is necessary to find the means to restrain it. NFA ID 437489
Cholera In 1991 cholera returned to South America, for the first time in 100 years. The disease spread rapidly throughout the continent. The programme examines the reasons for its return, and explains that new economic and political factors are involved. New solutions, co-operation and determination are essential if this simple-to-cure, but population-decimating disease is to be eliminated. Producer Bob Thorpe Director Chris Warren Script Sally Wheale NFA ID 437348
Living Under Stress can affect everybody. A degree of stress may be a good thing, motivating and stimulating people, but too much can cause mental and physical breakdown. New research investigates the causes of stress, how to live with it and how to avoid its worst consequences at every stage of life. NFA ID 426939
Materials Revolution program explains that in the 19th century Britain became the world centre for the production of textiles made from cotton and wool. Subsequently, the industry declined in the face of competition from other countries, but now, another revolution is taking place in the North of England. New artificial materials with properties similar to those of natural fabrics are being produced. Revolutionary materials are also being developed by other industries. For example, fibre reinforced composites of tremendous toughness are being used in aerospace design. Producer Annabel Olivier-Wright Director/script Chris Barmer. NFA ID 426940
1993
Animal Psychology program explains how it is possible to learn about animal psychology by observing their behaviour under different conditions. As understanding of their needs grows, so the conditions in which they live can be improved. Such study has both moral and economic implications, particularly in relation to farm animals. Producer Bob Thorpe director/script Julian Chomet Edior Terry Stapley NFA ID 426857
Blindness throughout the world there are 42 million people defined as blind, though many will have severely limited residual sight. The most common cause of blindness are cataracts, which nowadays, can be removed by a simple operation in a matter of minutes, restoring sight cheaply and safely. The program describes how simple technology and special training can help blind people fare better in a sighted world. Producer Bob Thorpe Director Bassem Abdallah Script Jonathan Priest Research Isobel Hinshelwood. NFA ID 426860
Transgenic Chickens program about the use of genetically-modified chickens in the cheap production of human factor 8, an essential chemical for haemophiliacs. Director Richard White NFA ID 584408
1994
The Burrowers program about the use of advanced machines to dig tunnels for example the Channel Tunnel, to burrow safely through ground previously thought to be impenetrable Director: Neil Harris NFA ID 437339
Technology for Disabled program examines the use of computers in increasing the possibilities of independence and improving the lives of disabled people. NFA ID 445488
Biodiversity thousands of species a year become extinct as a result of human exploitation of natural resources. Many more, some of which are still unclassified and thus with unknown potential, are under threat. British scientists are at the forefront of international initiatives to protect the world's wildlife through the creation of conservation programmes NFA ID 445419
Bridges program explains how new engineering techniques have led to remarkable innovations. Director: Suzanne Campbell-Jones: NFA ID 437334
Aids program explains that while scientists are still trying to unravel the mysteries of AIDS they now have sufficient understanding of how it destroys the body to seek ways of interfering with its lifecycle. NFA ID 437346
Gene Theory Katie Adams was born 12 years ago with no immune system. She was the first baby to survive a bone marrow transplant performed at the Great Ormand St Hospital in London. Now the hospital offers a unique new treatment including new gene therapy. The program explains what gene therapy is and how Charles Darwin fits into the story. NFA ID 437436
In The Pipeline program about the Pipeline Investigation Gauge which works in dark and confined spaces, sensing everything around it. Weighing several tons, it can withstand temperatures and forces greater than those exerted on spacecraft. It travels inside oil and gas pipelines, pinpointing weaknesses in pipes deep under the sea, or buried underground. NFA ID 437440
Crowds On The Move program looks at the increasingly sophisticated crowd monitoring techniques which are being deployed by the police and transport authorities. Their knowledge is contributing to improved standards of safety, efficiency and design. Producer Bob Thorpe Director/script Marian Covington Editor Bob Rootes NFA ID 437472
Formula One some 90% of the world's Formula One racing teams are located in Britain. The automotive engineering needed to keep one team marginally ahead of another means that new ideas, techniques and designs for cars are constantly emerging. At present they are exclusive to Formula One, but in a few years time they will be integrated into ordinary cars. Producer Bob Thorpe Director Julian Chomet NFA ID 437488
Medical Robots program is about a robotic machine that sets the path of probes into the brain. It is one of a series of robots helping surgeons in the operating theatre. Designers are also working on a robot to guide the surgeon's drill in operations to repair broken thigh bones, and another to perform prostate removals. Director: Paul Neuberg NFA ID 437569
Mother of Invention program explains that in many parts of the world, employment in rural areas has declined and people have moved to the cities. The program looks at the work of the Rural Development Commission that aims to halt this trend in England. Its remit is to design simple, inexpensive, innovative technology, which will assist small firms to improve productivity, create jobs and aid expansion. Producer Bob Thorpe Director/script Mike Lockey Editor Bob Phillips NFA ID 437570
Repairing the Damage productivity on the land has sometimes been pursued at the expense of the environment. The legacies of this can be poisoned land, infertile soil, or treeless hillsides swept away by storms. However, with the right approach land can be cleansed: repairing the damage and restoring the natural environment.Producer Bob Thorpe Director Bob Bentley Script Sally Wheale NFA ID 437592
Potatoes program explains that potatoes are of great importance in the world economy, and how scientists are using genetic engineering to produce better, sweeter, and disease-resistant crops. Director Suzanne Campbell-Jones NFA ID 437593
Leisure Wear people who pit themselves against the elements and choose to battle against dangerous conditions demand the best in terms of clothing and equipment. The program explains how their requirements are indirectly benefiting victims of tragedy throughout the world. NFA ID 445477
Organic Clean Up over 200 years of industrial activity have left a legacy of pollution and waste. The programme looks at the possibilities of using microbes such as bacteria to help clear up the mess. Restaurant waste, acid water from disused mines and oil spills all respond to bacterial treatment. Bugs can even extract toxic metals and radioactive waste from contaminated land. NFA ID 445482
Plant Factory program looks at Oil seed rape that had become a prime crop in England. The program explains how adaptable the plant is. Genetic engineers hybridise it with alien species and materials. As a result, the yellow fields are becoming the world's new plastic factories, oil wells and major food stores. NFA ID 445484
Spacelink program looks at a range of products developed as spin-offs from the `space race.' They include flexible heat shields, robotic tools, communication systems and a special telescope now in use as a very sophisticated medical research tool. NFA ID 445487
Wetlands program provides an explanation as to why Britain's wetlands need to be protected. Bogs, marshes, swamps and estuaries are all wetlands, which used to be deemed to be environmentally unimportant, and have been systematically polluted or destroyed. In fact, they have great economic significance, being a source of employment, agriculturally rich, and most importantly, an organic filter of society's effluent. NFA ID 437594
Medical Joinery program about facial reconstructive surgery following accident, disease or genetic deformity. Shows how non-medical influences play a part in surgery at Mount Vernon Hospital. These include a sculpture course for plastic surgeons, 3-D computer imaging of the human face, and the art of a goldsmith helping to save the sight of an elderly cancer victim. Producer Bob Thorpe Director Bill Metalfe Script Jenny Lucas Editor Fred Goodland NFA ID 437568
Asthma program reported on the incidence of the life threatening condition of asthma that had increased considerably. It was believed to affect one person in ten throughout the world, but it remained a mysterious disease with no single cause. The program looks at some of the possibilities of curbing it, ranging from genetic research to the manufacture of new duvet covers Producer Bob Thorpe Director Bill Metcalfe Script Jenny Lucas NFA ID 445418
Algae program reports on Algae that are the oldest and most primitive plants in the world. Scientists are finding new ways of exploring them and using them as drugs, food, fertilisers and fuel. However, some algae are toxic and can present a serious, even fatal, threat. NFA ID 445417
1995
Diagnostic Dummies a program about the various uses of diagnostic dummies - the pliable, state of the art, crammed with sensors dummies, used in place of living volunteers, for example, in car crash tests, or testing the viability of a life jackets in icy conditions, or in medical research into the development of bedsores. NFA ID 583275
Heart of the Man a profile of Sir Magdi Yacoub whose team of surgeons at London's Harefield hospital performed more heart and lung transplants than any other in the world. Explores his commitment to promoting preventative medicine, training younger surgeons, and researching and pioneering innovative life-saving surgical techniques. NFA ID 583277
Mind Games program examines brain scanning techniques which are providing new information on how the brain functions. This is allowing scientists to develop new techniques for repairing the brain when, from trauma, disease or mental illness, it breaks down. NFA ID 583278
Non-food Crops program reports that scientific developments had transformed farming in Europe(1995) so that farmers now produce a surplus of food. New crops are being farmed such as timber, biomass, oil seeds, plants from which clothes can be manufactured. A surplus of resources forced the West to rethink strategies of farming and find solutions that should overcome some of the hazards of industrial societies. NFA ID 584057
Scar Wars program is an examination of scientific progress into why and how wounds heal. New techniques are being developed that prevent scars that are disfiguring. This work is also relevant to persistent wounds such as ulcers. NFA ID 584061
Science of Sleep an explanation of the importance of sleep. Looks at how people in modern society often find it hard to get eight hours undisturbed sleep. Emphasises the dangers of lack of sleep and discusses the need for more understanding of the nature of sleep in order to tackle modern day problems. NFA ID 584063
Airports program about the complex technical processes which intermesh to keep the daily movement of 120,000 people through Heathrow Airport flowing. Looks at flight check-in, baggage handling, customs, immigration and air traffic control NFA ID 577986
1996
Anglo Australian Telescope program reported on fundamental questions about the universe that have teased and intrigued scientists throughout the ages, and examines the part played by the Anglo-Australian telescope at Siding Spring in New South Wales in advancing the study of astronomy during its first twenty-five years of operation. NFA ID 515235
Wheelchair Athletes program shows how many paraplegics have taken up sport to help overcome their disabilities and train as hard or harder than their able-bodied counterparts. Sporting activity has given them increased self-esteem and made society recognise that, though confined to wheelchairs, they lead full and active lives. NFA ID 49637
These were the last programs in the Perspective series produced by the COI. The series moved to the Foreign Office Film Unit that had been formed in 1990.
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