Two fascinating short documentaries looking at cutting-edge research being carried out at the University will be screened on KMTV over the festive period. The two films form the first in a new series known as ‘Kent Discovers’.
The first film is broadcast on Saturday 29 December at 7pm. Titled Brain Injury – The Mohawk of Consciousness it will look at the work of computational neuroscientist Dr Srivas Chennu from the University’s School of Computing. He uses advanced electroencephalogram technology (EEG) to examine the brain patterns of vegetative state patients who are otherwise unable to respond and appear unaware of their surroundings.
Dr Chennu’s research has revealed remarkable levels of activity in patients that are often indistinguishable from healthy individuals. Today it is estimated that up to 40% of patients in a vegetative state have some hidden level of consciousness but are effectively “locked in”.
The documentary explores the increasing reliance on medical technology to make life and death decisions and in doing so delves into one of the most ethically, socially and clinically complex areas faced by the modern medical community.
The second screening takes place on Sunday 30 December at 7pm with a film entitled IVF – The Science of Making Babies. This will focus on the research of world leading IVF scientists Professor Darren Griffin from Kent’s School of Biosciences and Professor Alan Thornhill.
The film explores the science behind IVF and the techniques and advances being developed globally. It includes interviews with a mother about to have her first pre-natal scan, and a father of two teenage sons both conceived by IVF. As the NHS cuts IVF funding the film also explores how this decision will impact on people and sectors of society that don’t have the funds for private treatments and asks if it’s time for the government to review the current regulatory framework.
Commissioned by the University of Kent, the films were produced to engage a wider audience with its research and associated impact on society.
Kent Discovers will be screened on KMTV on Freeview Channel 7 in the north of Kent and Virgin 159 for the rest of Kent. The scientists involved will be interviewed by KMTV journalist Andy Richards in a special broadcast before each film is aired. The films will be repeated the following week.
Kent Discovers will be available on the KMTV website after they have been broadcast. The programmes will also be posted on the University’s YouTube and other social media channels.
Information for anyone affected by the issues discussed will also be available.