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Arts & Culture

The Wonderful World Of Blood

Michael Mosley holding a test tube containing his blood.
Courtesy of Nathan Budd, © BBC 2015
Michael Mosley holding a test tube containing his blood.

Airs Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 9 p.m. on KPBS TV

Michael Mosley looks at the cutting-edge science that reveals the vital functions of blood in our bodies.

Michael Mosley demonstrating how blood circulates.
Courtesy of Nathan Budd, © BBC 2015
Michael Mosley demonstrating how blood circulates.
Michael Mosley receiving the so called “vampire facial” where his blood in injected back into his face to improve his appearance.
Courtesy of Nathan Budd, © BBC 2015
Michael Mosley receiving the so called “vampire facial” where his blood in injected back into his face to improve his appearance.
Immunologist Dr. Natalie Riddell from University College London holding a sample of Michael Mosley’s blood.
Courtesy of Nathan Budd, © BBC 2015
Immunologist Dr. Natalie Riddell from University College London holding a sample of Michael Mosley’s blood.

Each of us carries within us eight pints of an extraordinary liquid – blood. It makes up 10 percent of our bodyweight and is vital to our survival. But how much do we really know about this sticky, red substance and its mysterious, life-giving force?

This fascinating film sees Michael Mosley put himself through some extreme challenges to discover how our blood protects us from infection, heals us when we’re wounded, and powers our lives.

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He undergoes experiments including entering a low-oxygen environment to supercharge his blood and boost his physical fitness; poisoning his blood with a vial of viper venom in order to see it clot; doing a state-of-the-art body scan to chart every artery and vein in his body; and going white-water rafting to discover how his blood’s defenses combat stress.

The program explores the dark mythology around blood, and meets the scientists on the cusp of discovering whether there’s any truth in the ‘Dracula myth’ – that young blood can reverse the aging process.

Packed with absorbing stories about the science of blood—from the grisly history of transfusion to pioneering medical engineering—"The Wonderful World Of Blood" is a comprehensive take on a subject that’s central to our survival. Always engaging and inquisitive, Michael animates each story in his uniquely accessible style.

You can follow @DrMichaelMosley on Twitter.

Credits:

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A BBC production. Presenter is Michael Mosley (TRUST ME, I’M A DOCTOR, THE STORY OF SCIENCE). Producer is Nathan Budd. Executive Producer is Jacqueline Smith ("The Magic of Mushrooms").

The Wonderful World Of Blood With Michael Mosley: Trailer