NOVA The Family That Walks on All Fours

Product Description An intense scientific debate has ignited around an extraordinary family living in rural Turkey with five adults who walk with their feet and the palms of their hands. The five siblings were first ìdiscoveredî in 2005 by scientist Uter Tan, who created a media sensation by suggesting that the handwalkers might be ìgenetic throwbacks,î offering clues to our early human ancestors. Intrigued by Tanís theory, German geneticist Stephan Mundlos is searching for a genetic mutation that could be connected to why early humans first stood upright. But many leading biologists and anthropologists believe that to view these family members as a kind of missing link is both deeply insulting and scientifically incorrect.Since walking upright has long been considered a key milestone in the story of human origins, the discovery of this family raises fascinating questions about genes, social upbringing, and the evolution of our species. Is this the anthropological find of the millennium, or simply a unique medical case? NOVA reveals the touching plight of a family whose unusual handicap has thrust them into the scientific and media spotlight.Special DVD features include: materials and activities for educators; a link to the NOVA Web site; scene selections; closed captions; and described video for the visually impaired. On one DVD5 disc. Region coding: Region 1. Audio: Dolby stereo. Screen format: Letterboxed. Amazon.com What might initially seem like a sideshow oddity raises profound questions about genetics and evolution in the NOVA science special The Family that Walks on All Fours. In rural Turkey, five children (now ranging from 18 to 34 years old) out of a family of nineteen kids have never learned to walk on their legs. Some scientists believe this is due to an evolutionary throwback, providing an insight into our ancestors; others argue this behavior can be explained by environmental factors--among them, that the parents are cousins, making their offspring more vulnerable to faulty genes. This hour long program takes fascinating side journeys, including the startling sight of a dog born without forelegs that walks upright and in-depth discussions of the genes that govern language and brain size. The Family that Walks on All Fours is a fascinating, sometimes unsettling show that ultimately will leave you with a wrenching compassion for these five