Yahoo News Disease X, dubbed the next pandemic, to be explored in new BBC show
The BBC is set to to air a special programme about Disease X, budded the next pandemic.
It is among a number of new science shows announced by the broadcaster and will be fronted by Chris Packham and Dr Chris van Tulleken. Among the newly announced factual programmes is a five-part docuseries titled Evolution, where Packham, 63, will guide viewers through the evolutionary journey of various animals using state-of-the-art CGI.
In another programme, virologist van Tulleken, 45, embarks on a global quest to find the origin of the next worldwide pandemic in a one-hour Horizon special named Disease X. The title of the documentary refers to the term used by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the yet-to-be-discovered virus that could potentially trigger the next pandemic.
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The programme will document van Tulleken's journey around the globe as he consults with top experts in virology, epidemiology, vaccinology, and public policy. He will also interact with teams who have continued their work in preparation science since the Covid-19 pandemic, visiting their labs and outbreak monitoring facilities both in the UK and overseas.
Returning to the BBC is The Secret Genius Of Modern Life, hosted by Dr Hannah Fry, which uncovers the stories of scientific innovations that are often overlooked. This five-part series will provide exclusive access to tech innovators such as Ring, Bosch, and Philips.
The BBC has unveiled plans for a new Horizon special titled Secrets Of The Brain, which will see Professor Jim Al-Khalili delve into the evolution of the brain. In two hour-long episodes, Al-Khalili will explore: how vicious prehistoric predators contributed to our "left and right brains"; the evolution of warm-bloodedness and its impact on the brain's memory capabilities; and how competition, friendship, nurturing, playfulness, song, and laughter have influenced our brain development, reports WalesOnline.
Tom Coveney, head of commissioning, science, expressed his enthusiasm: "In a world where we're bombarded with non-stop news and social media awash with misinformation, good science programmes aren't just important, they're a joyful inspiration. "I'm continually amazed and delighted by the work of British scientists and their international colleagues in these programmes: whether working tirelessly to prevent the next pandemic, engineering extraordinary tech to transform our lives, studying the inner workings of our minds, or exploring the origins and endless variety of life on Earth, there's something for everyone.
"It's thrilling to bring our viewers such a range of stories and specialisms, especially with this stellar line up of British presenters; some of the best science communicators on the planet."
Shows including Evolution, Horizon: Disease X, The Secret Genius of Modern Life Series III, and Horizon: Secrets of The Brain are all set to hit BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
