Uranium saves lives, treats cancer and brings hope to millions. Uranium was also a promise of clean limitless power. In a remarkable and haunting journey, Dr Derek Muller takes us to Chernobyl and Fukushima, where uranium became a nightmare. In our energy hungry, warming world, uranium both tempts with unbelievable power and threatens all life on earth. Destroyer and saviour, dream and nightmare: the extraordinary paradox of uranium.

Born from the collapse of a star, uranium has brought hope, progress and destruction. It has revolutionized society, from medicine to warfare.

At the turn of the 20th century uranium is virtually unknown and basically worthless. Dr Derek Muller shows how, in just a single generation, it became the most desirable and terrifying rock on earth.