“NOVA Wonders: Can We Make Life?” Preview
A revolution in gene editing enables scientists to create and edit DNA like never before.
Premiering May 23, 2018 at 9 pm on PBS
“It’s alive!” Since Dr. Frankenstein spoke those famous words, we’ve been alternately enthralled and terrified by the idea of creating life in the lab. Now, a revolution in genetic engineering and thrilling innovations in synthetic biology are bringing that dream—or nightmare, as the case may be—closer to reality. New tools allow researchers to use cells to create their own DNA and edit it into existing genomes with more ease and less cost than ever before. Along with renewed hopes for treating some genetic diseases, there’s serious talk of using the newest technologies to bring long-extinct animals back from the dead – like the team hoping to resurrect the woolly mammoth. Science fiction is quickly becoming science fact. Another daring genetic experiment to bioengineer animals could prevent Lyme disease. But the power to make life comes with deep ethical questions. What are the potential rewards—and dangers—of tinkering with nature? “NOVA Wonders” explores the benefits and the burden of risk surrounding the controversial new technology.
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@d.p.6758
March 7, 2026 at 10:09 am
The nova documentary beyond the elements: life is terrifying! I'm glad I won't be here to see this ending!
@chandratiwari1154
March 7, 2026 at 10:09 am
I watched the whole Documentary …its all about dna
@kookooplays6709
March 7, 2026 at 10:09 am
I need to do a reaction paper about this documentary. Help.
@jimmyk8076
March 7, 2026 at 10:09 am
L.O.L. To God their knowledge is foolishness
@chillingwithceleste4222
March 7, 2026 at 10:09 am
Where could I see the whole documentary??
@Ellenwexler
March 7, 2026 at 10:09 am
Mice carry Lyme and Babesiosis virus and give them to ticks, But it is the white tailed deer that is the reservoir of two other tick borne diseases in Lone Star Ticks. We must reduce the over-population of deer as well as mice to stop the epidemic of the numerous tick borne diseases we can get just by playing on our green lawn.
@vuefineart
March 7, 2026 at 10:09 am
Incredibly interesting. Simultaneously fascinating and terrifying. We can anticipate the benefits but not the unintended consequences. We are looking forward to learning more. Thank you.
@00bikeboy
March 7, 2026 at 10:09 am
I don't know, but if we can, we will.
@CapCrunch45
March 7, 2026 at 10:09 am
Jurassic Park
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