Simulating The Strange Way Life (Likely) Started

This Veritasium video kicks off with a quirky look at why poop smells bad before diving into how life probably got started at the molecular level. Using magnetized Snatoms and custom simulations, it walks you through gene mutations, the mechanics of natural selection, and how early molecules might have evolved into self‐replicating systems.

Along the way, you get a crash course in inheritance, kin selection, and the core ideas from Dawkins’ The Selfish Gene, all backed by experts like Dr. Jack Szostak, Dr. John Sutherland, and Dr. Joanna Masel. Toss in some top-notch animations, a stellar production crew, and a snazzy sponsor shout-out, and you’ve got science made both rigorous and entertaining.

Watch on YouTube