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Particles of Thought

Particles of Thought

By: GBH
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Particles of Thought from the producers of NOVA unleashes the universe's biggest questions through the lens of astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi and the world's most brilliant scientific minds. Should we resurrect extinct species? Are we blind to a fundamental force of nature? What secrets do ancient fossils reveal about humanity's destiny? Across 10 mind-bending episodes, each conversation dives deep into the discoveries that shatter assumptions, spark wonder, and completely transform how you understand reality.


Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

©2020 WGBH Educational Foundation Science
Episodes
  • What Exactly Is a Law of Nature? | Robert Hazen & Michael Wong

    What Exactly Is a Law of Nature? | Robert Hazen & Michael Wong
    Feb 11 2026

    What’s the difference between a fact, a law, and a theory? Mineralogist Robert Hazen and astrobiologist Michael Wong unpack the hierarchy of scientific ideas and reveal how laws of nature elegantly unify the universe.

    For more, check out the extended interview with Robert Hazen and Michael Wong.

    Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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    3 mins
  • How Many Microbes Live on Earth? | Peter Girguis

    How Many Microbes Live on Earth? | Peter Girguis
    Feb 4 2026

    Sorry, Beyoncé, it turns out microbes rule the world. Microbiologist Peter Girguis explains how to conceptualize just how many microbes are on Earth… and how understanding this helps us look for life on other worlds.

    For more, check out the extended interview with Peter Girguis.

    Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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    1 min
  • Why Tropical Trees Don’t Have Rings | Kirk Johnson

    Why Tropical Trees Don’t Have Rings | Kirk Johnson
    Jan 28 2026

    Growth rings on trees can measure time, allowing scientists to date things from the deep past. But, paleobotantist Dr. Kirk Johnson explains why, in the tropics, some trees have no rings.

    For more, check out the extended interview with Kirk Johnson.

    Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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    1 min
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