In the six-programme TV series The Mind Traveller (BBC2, 9.30 pm on Thursdays
starting 31 October), neurological sleuth Oliver Sacks, of Awakenings fame, takes up a
different case study every week. If you missed the first programme, make sure
you tune in next Wednesday (BBC2, 9.30 pm) for Shane’s story. Shane has Tourette
syndrome, but he channels his involuntary movements into karate, rather than
damp them with drugs. He is convinced that Elvis was a fellow sufferer who used
pelvic thrusts to control his own tics. The ebullient Sacks is sometimes
overeager to force pat theories onto the disorders he is trying to unravel, but
luckily the series focuses more on his natural relationships with the people
with whom he works.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features

Mind
The relationship recession is even bigger for Gen Z than we thought
News

Technology
Killer robots are here – we must finally decide whether to accept them
Leader

Technology
Quantum computer quickly mines cryptocurrency while using less energy
News

Mind
How to sparkle in conversation with strangers
Comment
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
2
The relationship recession is even bigger for Gen Z than we thought
3
Mercury may have gained all of its unexpected water in a single day
4
First working nuclear clock heralds a new era in timekeeping
5
Mysterious ‘cold blob’ in the Atlantic suggests the AMOC is weakening
6
Why we should all take quantum physics extremely personally
7
Wildlife thrives in solar farm built on restored peatland
8
Explore the mind-bending and paradoxical art of M C. Escher
9
What is a ‘normal’ memory slowdown, and when should I worry?
10
How to sparkle in conversation with strangers