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Beyond the Elements: Life

Season 47 Episode 19 | 53m 32s

Without the chemistry of photosynthesis, ozone, and a molecule called Rubisco, none of us would be here. So how did we get so lucky? To find out, host David Pogue investigates the surprising molecules that allowed life on Earth to begin, and ultimately thrive. Along the way, he finds out what we’re all made of—literally.

Aired: 02/16/21 | Expires: 12/31/27
National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
Extras
Dive into the universe at the tiniest – and weirdest – of scales.
Meet the surprising, oddball worlds moving around our solar system.
Visit strange, frozen worlds to discover the bizarre ice that forms beyond Earth.
Discover the powerful volcanic eruptions that have shaped worlds across our solar system.
What are the weirdest worlds in our solar system, and how did they come to be?
In recent decades, there's been renewed interest in studying ibogaine.
AI-generated photos are video are getting so good that it’s hard for humans to tell what’s real.
Discover the dramatic forces creating spectacular weather on neighboring planets and moons.
The Southwest is in a megadrought, but Native Americans have survived them before.
In Northern California, Marine science is guided by Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation’s community and culture.
All
  • All
  • NOVA Season 51
  • NOVA Season 50
  • NOVA Season 49
  • NOVA Season 48
  • NOVA Season 47
  • NOVA Season 46
  • NOVA Season 45
  • NOVA Season 44
  • NOVA Season 43
  • NOVA Season 42
  • NOVA Season 41
  • NOVA Season 40
  • NOVA Season 39
  • NOVA Season 38
  • NOVA Season 37
  • NOVA Season 36
  • NOVA Season 35
  • NOVA Season 34
  • NOVA Season 33
  • NOVA Season 32
  • NOVA Season 31
  • NOVA Season 30
  • NOVA Season 28
  • NOVA Season 27
  • NOVA Season 23
Dive into the universe at the tiniest – and weirdest – of scales.
Meet the surprising, oddball worlds moving around our solar system.
Visit strange, frozen worlds to discover the bizarre ice that forms beyond Earth.
Discover the powerful volcanic eruptions that have shaped worlds across our solar system.
What are the weirdest worlds in our solar system, and how did they come to be?
Discover the dramatic forces creating spectacular weather on neighboring planets and moons.
Explore big discoveries that have revolutionized our understanding of the universe.
Explore the spectacular cosmic phenomenon of a total solar eclipse.
Explore the promise and perils of new A.I. technologies.
Find out who’s using your data and what you can do about it.