NOVA

Beyond the Elements: Life Preview

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.

Beyond the Elements: Life Preview

30s

  • Interview: De-Extinction, Dire Wolves, and Jurassic Park with Beth Shapiro: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Interview: De-Extinction, Dire Wolves, and Jurassic Park with Beth Shapiro

    54m 49s

    Can we bring extinct species back to life? Evolutionary biologist Beth Shapiro claims we just did. As Chief Science Officer at Colossal, her team made headlines in spring 2025 with the announcement of the de-extinction of the dire wolf. She takes us behind the headlines to explain how this is no “Jurassic Park” fantasy.

  • Operation Space Station: Science and Survival: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Operation Space Station: Science and Survival

    S52 E20 - 53m 41s

    Witness life-or-death decisions 250 miles above Earth, as astronauts and Mission Control work together to survive moments of high danger on board humanity’s remarkable orbiting laboratory, the International Space Station.

  • Operation Space Station: High-Risk Build: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Operation Space Station: High-Risk Build

    S52 E19 - 53m 40s

    From ammonia leaks to Space Shuttle disasters to a spacewalk gone terribly wrong, astronauts and Mission Control insiders relive the most terrifying moments during construction of the International Space Station.

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