Wonders of Life: confusing and overrated? | Dean Burnett

Wonders of Life, with Brian Cox, recently debuted on BBC2 to much fanfare and anticipation, but also scepticism and concerns, particularly that a documentary fronted by a physicist that focussed on a biological subject would be flawed. This review shows that it is indeed unwise to assume you know what you're talking about when discussing an unfamiliar subjectPhysics is cool. There, I said it. From Star Trek to XKCD, the elements of pop culture that embrace science invariably do so with a focus on physics. Space travel, time travel, transporters, alternate realities, laser guns, if any of these were to become real, we would undoubtedly have to thank physics for it (and engineering of course, but then engineers do all the practical work regardless). Biology is, arguably, not so cool. Everyone appreciates it, obviously, but pushing the boundaries of physics sounds impressive, whereas pushing the boundaries of biology sounds alarming (and possibly quite painful for those involved). People gasp at the sight of galaxies; they scream at the sight of blood.No better is this love of physics illustrated than with the widespread popularity of physicist Professor Brian Cox, the people's smiley scientist. Amongst other things, Brian Cox has fronted two very successful science programmes for the BBC; Wonders of the Solar System, and Wonders of the Universe. The latest in the franchise is Wonders of Life, which debuted on BBC2 on Sunday the 27th of January. There was, judging by the comment...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Blogposts Documentary Biology guardian.co.uk Brian Cox Physics Science Source Type: news