NOVA

Just about every solid, liquid, or gas in the world as we know it begins with reactions between individual atoms and molecules. Host David Pogue dives into the transformative world of chemical reactions, from the complex formula that produces cement to the single reaction that’s allowed farmers to feed a global population by the billions—a reaction that when reversed, unleashes high explosives.

Discover the fascinating chemistry that makes our world and everything in it—including us.

Beyond the Elements: Reactions Preview

Scientists explore how the powerful peptides found in marine cone snail venom can be used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes.

What’s in this snail’s paralyzing venom?

How Killer Snail Venom Plays a Key Role in Drug Development

How does a chili pepper make your mouth feel like its on fire? When you eat peppers, capsaicin molecules fit into the heat pain receptors of your mouth, sending a false signal to your brain that's identical to the one it would receive if you ate something literally burning hot.

The chemical that makes chili peppers so hot evolved to keep animals from eating the plants.

Why Hot Peppers Set Your Mouth on Fire

"Beyond the Elements" host David Pogue and chemical and environmental engineer Ruoxue Yan illustrate how the molecular bonds around us actually make sounds—even if we can’t hear them.

In the atomic world, everything is in motion, vibrating because of thermal energy.

Yes, Molecules Do Make Sounds

Just about every solid, liquid, or gas in the world as we know it begins with reactions between individual atoms and molecules. Host David Pogue dives into the transformative world of chemical reactions, from the complex formula that produces cement to the single reaction that’s allowed farmers to feed a global population by the billions.

Beyond the Elements: Reactions

When you eat peppers, the chemical capsaicin fits into the heat pain receptors in your mouth, sending a false signal that’s identical to the one your brain would receive if you ate something literally burning hot.

"Beyond the Elements" host David Pogue explores the science of hot peppers—viscerally.

What Gives Hot Peppers Their Heat?

the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

Carlisle Companies

Viking

NOVA Science Trust Logo

close-up of welding metal, with sparks flying

Just about every solid, liquid, or gas in the world as we know it begins with reactions between individual atoms and molecules. Host David Pogue dives into the transformative world of chemical reactions, from the complex formula that produces cement to the single reaction that’s allowed farmers to feed a global population by the billions—a reaction that when reversed, unleashes the powerful chemistry of high explosives. <a href="https://www.pbs.org/video/beyond-the-elements-reactions-with-descriptive-video-ioypqu/">(Enjoy this program with Audio Description.)</a>

From explosions to photosynthesis, chemical reactions transform our world.

Chemist and Author

New York Times Tech Columnist

From explosions to photosynthesis, chemical reactions transform our world.

Physics & Math

Glass so strong you can jump on it, rubber so tough it protects a clay pot dropped from 50 feet, endless varieties of plastic. Scientists and engineers have created virtually indestructible versions of common materials by manipulating the chains of interlocking atoms that give them strength—but have they made them too tough? Host David Pogue explores the fantastic chemistry behind the everyday.

Beyond the Elements: Indestructible Preview

Beyond the Elements: Indestructible

Through a series of lab experiments, "Beyond the Elements" host David Pogue learns that there are tens of thousands of grades of plastics, each tailored for a specific purpose. What do we do with them when their job is finished?

Processing can turn the same plastic into very different products.

Plastics: Durable, Diverse, and Indestructible

Glass so strong you can jump on it, a rubber-like coating tough enough to absorb a bomb blast, endless varieties of plastic. Scientists and engineers have created virtually indestructible versions of common materials by manipulating the chains of interlocking atoms that give them strength—but have they made them too tough? Host David Pogue explores the fantastic chemistry behind the everyday materials we depend on, and how the quest for durability can be balanced with products’ environmental impact. <a href="https://www.pbs.org/video/beyond-the-elements-indestructible-with-descriptive-video-g6hhor/">(Enjoy this program with Audio Description.)</a>

Engineers have created super-strong glass, rubber, and plastic—but at what cost?

Engineers have created super-strong glass, rubber, and plastic—but at what cost?

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

RUBISCO, which helps make photosynthesis happen, is the most plentiful enzyme on the planet. But it's not the most efficient. Can a team of researchers give it a boost?

Hear from two scientists trying to hack photosynthesis.

Meet the Enzyme Driving Photosynthesis

In the days of proto-life, less-stable membranes built out of simple molecules, like those in soap, may have been an advantage.

To jumpstart evolution, a scientist shows, just add soap.

Growing Simple Cells with the Help of... Soap?

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. <a href="https://www.pbs.org/video/beyond-the-elements-life-with-descriptive-video-v3xgvl/">(Enjoy this program with Audio Description.)</a>

Discover the origins of life and the chemistry that made it all happen.

Massachusetts General Hospital

Discover the origins of life and the chemistry that made it all happen.

Picking up where he left off in NOVA’s popular special, Hunting the Elements, David Pogue sets out on a worldwide quest to find the key molecules and chemical reactions that have paved the way for human civilization, life, and even the universe as we know it. And along the way, he uncovers the simple principles that produce such a dizzying diversity of matter from elements on the periodic table.

Discover the fascinating chemistry that makes our world and everything in it—including us.

Beyond the Elements Episodes

Beyond the Elements: Reactions

Beyond the Elements: Indestructible

Beyond the Elements: Life