In the thrilling Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE arc, Episode 17, titled “Sickening Yet Beautiful,” plunges Senku Ishigami and his intrepid Kingdom of Science deeper into the treacherous Amazon rainforest, pushing their ingenuity and resilience to their limits. This installment, released on August 7, 2025, amplifies the high stakes of their mission to uncover the origins of the petrification phenomenon, balancing perilous escapes with vital scientific breakthroughs.
The Perilous Journey Through the Andes
Picking up from previous events, Senku’s team finds themselves in a desperate race against time and their relentless pursuer, Stanley. To evade Stanley’s aerial pursuit and navigate the formidable Andes Mountains, the team devises a makeshift ropeway. This perilous crossing, cannibalizing parts from a motorcycle for its wheels and requiring hundreds of feet of high-tensile strength steel and carbon rope, showcases Senku’s resourcefulness in applying scientific principles to immediate, life-or-death challenges. The scene highlights the team’s cooperative spirit, even among those with past conflicts, as their shared goal of understanding the petrification beam unites them.
Unveiling the Medusa Device’s Power Source
A critical subplot in “Sickening Yet Beautiful” focuses on Nikki and her specialized team, tasked by Senku with a monumental mission: dissecting the petrification device itself. To accomplish this, they bring master watchmaker Joel into the fold, whose expert eye and steady hands prove invaluable. Joel’s meticulous examination leads to a crucial breakthrough, as he successfully pinpoints the device’s energy source—an essential step toward unraveling its mysterious mechanics and true power. This technical investigation underscores the anime’s commitment to showcasing the intricate details of scientific reverse-engineering.
Surviving the Amazonian Wilderness
Upon successfully traversing the mountains, Senku and his group descend into the dense, unforgiving Amazon rainforest. While offering cover from Stanley’s airborne surveillance, the jungle presents a fresh array of challenges, including parasitic threats and biting insects. Ever the pragmatist, Senku quickly concocts a “disturbing mixture” for the team to use as insect repellent, humorously highlighting the less glamorous but equally vital aspects of survival science. The episode also introduces the practical application of rubber Wellington boots, providing some protection against water-borne parasites, though the overarching narrative promises even greater threats to come.
A Stunning Revelation: The Medusa Temple
The climax of Episode 17 delivers a profound and “stunning reveal” that leaves the team, and viewers, in awe. Deep within the Amazon, as the challenges seem endless, Senku and his companions stumble upon an “astonishing sight unlike anything they expected”—an enormous golden pyramid seemingly comprised entirely of Medusa devices. This discovery marks a significant leap forward in their quest for the source of the petrification, providing a tangible link to the mysterious “Why-Man” and the origins of the global petrification event. This monumental find sets the stage for the escalating conflicts and deeper scientific inquiries that define the remainder of the Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE arc.
The Continuing Pursuit and Future Challenges
Despite the Kingdom of Science’s advancements, Stanley’s pursuit remains a palpable threat. While Senku’s team gains a temporary advantage, the episode wisely maintains tension by reminding viewers that Stanley is playing the long game, intent on winning the race for the petrification secrets. The meticulous crafting of the ropeway, the focus on Joel’s detailed work, and the perils of the Amazon all contribute to an episode that balances action, character development, and the core scientific problem-solving that defines Dr. STONE. As Senku stands before the Medusa Temple, the stakes for humanity’s future have never been higher.
