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Science In Action: The Algae that Changed the Earth

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Algae floods in a pond

17/08/2017 GMT

The Algae that Changed the Earth

BBC World Service - Science In Action, The Algae that Changed the Earth

Three billion years ago, life was suddenly transformed and plants and animals took over

Three billion years ago, life was suddenly transformed. Also, 40 years since the launch of Voyager, techniques used to identify dead bodies and a total solar eclipse.

The earliest life forms on Earth were bacteria, but three billion years ago, life was suddenly transformed. Eukaryotes - precursors to all plants and animals - took over. The evidence has only just been found in algae microfossils.

In August and September 1977, Nasa's probes Voyager 2 and Voyager 1 were launched. Since then the two spacecraft have been exploring our Solar System and interstellar space. Exceeding all expectations, the probes have taught us so much about our planets and beyond. The Voyager mission's chief scientist, Professor Ed Stone, looks back over Voyager's highlights. 

Much like Europe, South Africa is experiencing an increase in the number of undocumented migrants. Who, when they die, can be hard to identify. Forensic scientists are looking at radioisotopes to try to work out the origin of migrants whose journey has tragically ended in the mortuary. 

On Monday 21st of August 2017, a 70km wide stripe of the continental United States will go dark, as the Moon blocks out the Sun. It has been nearly a century since the United States experienced a total solar eclipse from coast to coast.

Presenter: Roland Pease	
Producer: Caroline Steel

Main image: Algae floods in a pond (Credit: Getty Images, Alex Wong)

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