Footage of Native Americans sending smoke signals, traffic signs, and lights is compared to the chemical communicators that initiate specific responses in cells. One of the scientists compares her commands to which her dogs give specific responses to the control of cells. The scientists in the video discuss the fact that programmed cell death is occurring all of the time in a multicellular organism. The video shows how the the cell deaths are neat and well orchestrated, similar to the implosions during the demolition of buildings. They state that humans lack of webbing between their fingers and toes is the result of programmed cell death.
Cancer is discussed in terms of lack of cell death instead of uncontrolled cell division.
Nobel Prize winner, Rita Levi-Montalcini discusses how her research in programmed cell death has been influenced by intuition. The scientists in the video explore questions about topics such as why does programmed cell death work the way it does and why do organisms produce so many more cells than they need. They speculate that the reason that research in programmed cell death has been sporadic over the years is that Western society has a repugnance for anything associated with death. The interaction of science, society, and technology is mentioned in terms of the importance of a strong scientific foundation for the crafting of responsible public policy and the appreciation of art and nature. Contact vendor for further information.