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 discovered in 2005 by scientist Uter Tan who created a media sensation by suggesting that the handwalkers might be genetic throwbacks offering clues to our early human ancestors. Intrigued by Tan s 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.System Requirements:Running Time: 56 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Age: 7+ UPC: 783421414099 Manufacturer No: WG41409

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #42457 in DVD
• Brand: WGBH BOSTON VIDEO
• Released on: 2007-02-13
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 56 minutes

Features

• 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 discovered in 2005 by scientist Uter Tan, who created a media sensation by suggesting that the handwalkers might be genetic throwbacks, offering clues to our early human ancestors. Intrigued by Tan s t

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 young adults grappling with their strange affliction. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews

Unsolved mysteries of evolution and genetics
In a rural Turkish village, a large but unique family has 5 children out of 19 total, aging between 18 to 34 years old that walk primarily on both hands and feet. Why several other members of the family are not afflicted with this unusual phenomenon is unknown and certainly intriguing.

NOVA takes a fascinating look at several different aspects which might supply answers to this medical puzzle. Different scientists working on this problem look first at the fact that the parents are cousins. Marriage between close relatives increases the chances of faulty genes in children. Another consideration is man's evolution and how genetics plays a role in one's abilities to walk upright.

Referred to as `hand-walkers' in the program, the children are administered neurological tests and brain scans to further determine abnormalities. The findings are significant in that they show limited intelligence, language, and fine motor skills and x-rays show damage to the Cerebellum which helps in balance and movement of normally healthy individuals. Although there are no absolutes, it is believed that this may be causing some of the problems.

Science and research segments of this documentary are very interesting in and of themselves and the detailed explorations of genetics and their functions are explained in easy to understand terms. A common agreement among many is that due to the massive amount of genes contained in the brain (many of whose functions are still unknown) and the complexities of the humane genome, there are still dozens of unanswered questions that science is still trying to answer.

Despite adapting well to their current afflictions and leading mostly normal lives considering their situations, your heart still goes out to these special family members and the continuing challenges they face. Closing segments in this program show therapists and specialists working with the children using walkers and other devices to introduce them to upright mobility and it makes for a rewarding end to this feature.

Family that walks on all fours
An enlightening DVD on how genetics or behavioural learning can change a human'a lifestyle. Evolution or de-evolution, some great theories and questions to be answered.