The unexpected death of TV doctor Michael Mosley in June cast a sad shadow over Michael Mosley: Wonders of the Human Body. He had completed filming this new three-part documentary about the wonders of human physiology shortly before he died while on holiday on the Greek island of Symi. Two months later, the series arrived on Channel 5 with the blessing of his wife, Dr Clare Bailey, who said her husband’s “biggest passion was to reveal the extraordinary secrets of how our bodies work”.
Mosley, 67, had a special talent for communicating the complexities of science in easily accessible ways to an everyday audience. Wonders of the Human Body – so called because Mosley declares the human body is a constant source of wonder – was no different, and this absorbing first instalment touched on subjects including the inner workings of the heart and the benefits of cold-water swimming.
The latter saw Mosley in full Action Man mode as he plunged into a freezing pool to monitor how it affected his breathing and heart rate. “Ooh, that is cold – when it gets to the nether regions!” he said, before making his first observation that he suddenly needed to use the loo. Later, he reported his mood had improved thanks to the release of hormones while his body adjusted to the shock of swimming in 12°C water. “I’m feeling fairly vigorous,” he said. “I’ve got a smile on my face. I’m feeling cheerful about it.”
Cheerfully putting his body on the line was all part of a day’s duty for Mosley, a former banker and trained psychiatrist, who, across a 30-year career, famously brought a stunt man quality to his work. Swallowing magic mushrooms and internal cameras were just two of the eye-popping activities he engaged in for the benefit of viewers. He didn’t go quite so far in this opener, but there are still stunts to look forward to – next week he will climb a rock face to explore the effect of stress on the body.
Exploring the Benefits of Cold Water Swimming
Mosley's enthusiasm for cold water swimming is evident throughout the documentary, as he delves into the potential health benefits of this invigorating practice. He explains that cold water swimming can strengthen the heart, improve mood, and even boost the immune system. To illustrate these benefits, Mosley dives into a freezing pool, experiencing firsthand the physiological changes that occur when the body is plunged into icy waters.
Pioneering Brain Surgery for Essential Tremor
In a poignant segment of the documentary, Mosley meets Thomas, a 71-year-old man suffering from essential tremor, a neurological condition affecting millions of people. Thomas's tremor has progressively worsened over the years, impacting his daily life. Mosley follows Thomas as he undergoes a groundbreaking brain surgery aimed at alleviating his tremor. The innovative procedure uses focused ultrasound waves to target a specific part of the brain responsible for movement, hoping to disrupt the neural signals causing the tremor.
A Glimpse into the Future of Cancer Treatment
Mosley also highlights the advancements in cancer treatment, showcasing the remarkable impact of CAR T-cell therapy. He meets Allan, a former bodyguard of Princess Diana who was diagnosed with stage 4b diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Allan's cancer was initially deemed incurable, but CAR T-cell therapy offered a lifeline. This revolutionary treatment involves modifying the patient's immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells. The results are impressive, as Allan enters complete remission, demonstrating the potential of this groundbreaking approach.
The Ever-Changing Human Body
Mosley's final documentary serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the human body. It's a fitting tribute to a man who spent his career bringing complex scientific concepts to a wider audience. While the documentary showcases the awe-inspiring capabilities of the human body, it also reminds us that our bodies are constantly changing and adapting throughout our lives. From the intricacies of bone health to the evolving landscape of cancer treatment, Mosley's exploration highlights the ongoing quest to understand and optimize the human experience.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite his untimely passing, Michael Mosley’s legacy lives on through his insightful documentaries and his enduring passion for science. He leaves behind a wealth of knowledge and a profound understanding of the human body, encouraging us to appreciate the remarkable complexity and resilience of our own biology. Wonders of the Human Body is a fitting testament to his unwavering dedication to exploring the intricacies of the human experience. It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit perseveres, driven by a constant yearning for knowledge and a desire to improve the world around us.
