Networks ~ how kevin bacon cured cancer Networks six degrees

A very rich documentary about the new science of network. It is built around reproducing the “Six degrees of separation” experience. The main concepts are well explained and the history of discoveries is emphasized with many examples and interviews of the researchers. I personally think the documentary is well realized and may be understood by any public.

The first part is about small worlds model and explaining why six degrees works. The second part brings the concepts of hubs and power-law degree distribution. At the end we learn more about network theory applications, in particular about cancer research.

“Connected: The Power of Six Degrees brings us a new view of the world, as we unfold the science behind the popular trivia game ‘Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon’. Based on the idea that anyone on the planet can be connected in just a few steps of association, ’six-degrees of separation’ was supposedly an urban myth. Through this documentary we discover it’s at the heart of a major scientific breakthrough.”

Connected: The Power of Six Degrees – Part 1 from gephi on Vimeo.

Connected: The Power of Six Degrees – Part 2 from gephi on Vimeo.

Connected: The Power of Six Degrees – Part 3 from gephi on Vimeo.

To go further :

• The disease map developed at the end can be found here. The PDF article “The human disease network” is here.
• The new Diseasome : Explore online the diseasome network
• Six Degrees: The Science of a Connected Age
• Linked: How Everything Is Connected to Everything Else and What It Means for Business, Science, and Everyday Life

Found here.

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