NTR Focus 2 – Science on TV: De Dodenvallei van Texas

Brooks County, Texas is nicknamed Death Valley for a reason: the bodies of immigrants attempting to cross the border are discovered here almost every week. Many of these remains are never identified, which leaves the family to wonder whether their loved one is still alive. The Dutch science programme Focus visited the researchers at Texas State University who are trying to put a name to these faces. NTR host Diederik Jekel visits an open-air lab where scientists study decomposing bodies. He walks past bloated corpses while vultures watch from the trees.

In a follow-up session, the filmmakers explain what inspired them to make this TV documentary. What risks did they take as a film crew? What are the advantages and disadvantages of joining an expedition when you don’t know whether the research will succeed? 

During InScience, partner NTR will show two episodes of the science program Focus.