Digital Pick: Elements of Surprise

In 2009, Michael Specter wrote about synthetic biology and the stunningly complex knowledge of basic elements that the field requires. “[Scientists] are attempting to reconfigure the metabolic pathways of cells to perform entirely new functions, such as manufacturing chemicals and drugs,” he explained. “Eventually, they intend to construct genes—and new forms of life—from scratch.” Budding synthetic biologists—and average folks whose knowledge of the periodic table stopped with sophomore-year chemistry—would be wise to check out NOVA Elements, a new app from PBS that explains why the periodic table has its specific shape, what gives each element its properties, and how the elements combine to do what they do. The app also offers “Essential Elements,” an element-building game hosted by David Pogue, of the Times, and a two-hour NOVA video, “Hunting the Elements.”