Episode

The Air You Breathe Is Bacteria Poop | Peter Girguis

Podcast: NOVA Presents
Published: Apr 22, 2026
Duration seconds: 83
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Summary

Long before trees and grass, microbes were shaping our atmosphere. Evolutionary biologist Peter Girguis explains how ancient bacteria learned to split water for energy, and why their waste product changed Earth forever. For more, check out the extended interview with Peter Girguis. Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.