Back to Show
Reactions
Why is Carbon the Key to Life? (On Earth, Anyway)
Season 5
Episode 66
One element is the backbone of all forms of life we’ve ever discovered on Earth: carbon. Number six on the periodic table is, to the best of our knowledge, impossible to live without. In this episode of Reactions, discover what makes carbon so exceptional, its nearly infinite capabilities, and potential intergalactic implications.
Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.
Support Provided By

11:46
How does lime juice turn raw fish into delicious ceviche? We explain with biochemistry!

10:31
Forever Chemicals last… forever. Can a new technology finally send them to their doom?

8:21
Reducing the carbon footprint of concrete and cement by relying on biology.

9:13
Mosquitos really do prefer some people over others, and this Reactions ep explains why!

13:50
Discover the single most important chemical reaction on Earth, and why we need to kill it.

9:38
This week Reactions dives into something truly out-of-this-world: amorphous ice.

15:51
Are we about to re-define meat? If so, what is meat?!

11:48
How do carbon dioxide molecules trap heat in our atmosphere?

10:37
Why has the European Union banned certain colors for tattoos?

12:29
Can we solve electric vehicle fires before we fully understand what’s happening?

15:58
Fluffy, delicious bread results when starch gelatinization and flour chemistry combine!

12:35
Join George (and, occasionally, Andrew) as they chart corn’s epic chemical journey.