The poisonous origin of life on Earth

In 1996, the scientific community was rocked by the discovery of a meteorite. The object appeared to come from Mars, and researchers claimed there were traces of fossils inside.

The controversial find suggested that there was life on the planet and that the chemical composition of a dangerous poison, well-known by humans, could explain the origin of life on Earth.

Watch the full documentary Science’s Biggest Mysteries on BBC Select.

21 June 2023