Skip to main content

Up Next

Looking for Life on Mars

Looking for Life on Mars

Season 48 Episode 2
53:46
Reef Rescue

Reef Rescue

Season 48 Episode 4
54:06
The Cannabis Question

The Cannabis Question

Season 48 Episode 11
53:36
Particles Unknown

Particles Unknown

Season 48 Episode 12
53:28
Edible Insects

Edible Insects

Season 48 Episode 14
53:28
Alaskan Dinosaurs

Alaskan Dinosaurs

Season 48 Episode 21
53:21
Ancient Maya Metropolis

Ancient Maya Metropolis

Season 48 Episode 22
53:31
Arctic Sinkholes

Arctic Sinkholes

Season 49 Episode 1
53:30
Great Mammoth Mystery

Great Mammoth Mystery

Season 49 Episode 3
53:16
Why Ships Crash

Why Ships Crash

Season 49 Episode 8
53:20
Ice Age Footprints

Ice Age Footprints

Season 49 Episode 9
53:43
Rebuilding Notre Dame

Rebuilding Notre Dame

Season 49 Episode 13
53:43
Back to Show
NOVA

Beyond the Elements: Life

Season 47 Episode 19

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.

Watch Preview
Support Provided By
Season
Hidden Volcano Abyss
53:19
Investigate one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in recorded history.
Saving the Right Whale
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:31
Follow scientists determined to save the critically endangered right whale.
Chasing Carbon Zero
53:31
Here’s how the U.S. could reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Weathering the Future
53:31
Americans use ancient wisdom and new technology to fight extreme weather.
New Eye on the Universe
53:31
See the latest stunning images and discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope.
Ancient Builders of the Amazon
53:21
Archaeological discoveries reveal traces of ancient civilizations in the Amazon.
London Super Tunnel
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:20
Thousands race to build Europe's biggest construction project–London's new railroad.
Nazca Desert Mystery
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:31
Who created the Nazca lines and why? New clues to one of the greatest ancient enigmas.
Rebuilding Notre Dame
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:43
A team tackles the restoration of iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.
Ice Age Footprints
53:43
Ancient footprints provide new evidence of humans and extinct giant beasts of the Ice Age.
Why Ships Crash
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:20
How could a single ship cause a major supply chain crisis around the globe?
Great Mammoth Mystery
53:16
Sir David Attenborough explores a site with traces of ancient mammoths and Neanderthals.
Active loading indicator