Reason with Science

Evolution is often misunderstood as a process limited to biology and genes. In this in-depth conversation, evolutionary ecologist Mark Vellend challenges that narrow view and presents a powerful idea: evolution is a universal principle that governs all complex systems.In this episode of Reason with Science, we explore how evolution applies not only to living organisms, but also to languages, technologies, cultures, institutions, scientific theories, economics, and artificial intelligence. Drawing on his book Everything Evolves: Why Evolution Explains More Than We Think (From Proteins to Politics), Mark Vellend explains why evolutionary theory deserves recognition as a general science of change, alongside physics.We discuss:-•What makes a system evolutionary in the most fundamental sense• Why Darwinism shaped — and narrowed — our understanding of evolution• How languages evolve through everyday use and variation• Why technologies advance through trial, error, and selection• How cultural norms, ideas, and institutions evolve over time• The role of randomness, contingency, and selection beyond biology• Evolutionary thinking in AI, economics, and complex systems• Tipping points, feedback loops, and irreversible change in ecosystems and societiesThis episode is essential viewing for scientists, students, educators, philosophers, and anyone curious about how the world changes — from cells to civilizations.📘 Book discussed: Everything Evolves by Mark Vellend🎙️ Podcast: Reason with ScienceGuests infoWebsite : https://mvellend.weebly.com/Linked in : https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mark-vellend-everything-evolves-princeton-university-press-is5xcEpisode links: Website: https://reasonwithscience.com/why-evolution-explains-more-than-we-thinkYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYqQOPph6QoSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6CQdIDnDABUPMCkgoy4gCL?si=U6zufCa_RMqckOQijL4n1AApple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-evolution-explains-more-than-we-think/id1641776894?i=1000741038261YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=yYqQOPph6Qo&si=gGOJsq0EzY7rldSHFollow Reason with Science: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonwithScience⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=5ehXeZhZ-z181G5bTimestamps:00:00:13 — Opening & episode premise: evolution beyond biology00:01:05 — What makes something an evolving system?00:01:46 — Welcome to Mark Vellend00:02:05 — Mark’s research: ecology, climate change, and evolution00:03:17 — Evolution as a universal process00:05:13 — Why evolution goes beyond DNA and genes00:06:45 — Language as an evolving system00:07:45 — Technology, trial-and-error, and innovation00:09:01 — Darwinism and the Modern Synthesis00:11:01 — How biology narrowed the meaning of evolution00:13:03 — The “Second Science”: generalized evolutionary theory00:14:34 — Why direct gene analogies (memes) fail00:17:49 — Modeling evolution without DNA00:20:49 — Selection beyond biology00:51:39 — Tipping points and irreversible change#evolution #evolutionexplained #trendingvideo #podcast #biology #culturalevolution #languageevolution #sciencepodcasts #reasonwithscience #philosophyofscience #science #evolutiontheory #sciencetalks #youtubevideo #viralvideo

How sleep shapes the developing Brain with Mark Blumberg This conversation is with Mark Blumberg, a neuroscientist at the University of Iowa whose work has fundamentally reshaped how we understand infant sleep, movement, and early brain development. Mark’s research reveals that sleep is not a passive state, but an active, self-organizing process essential for building the brain’s earliest sensory and motor circuits.We begin by asking a basic yet surprisingly difficult question: What is sleep, really? Mark explains why defining sleep across development and across species is far more complex than it seems, and why the brain during sleep—especially during REM sleep—is often more active than during wakefulness.Together, we explore why infants spend so much of their early life in REM sleep, how sleep unfolds in distinct stages, and why the tiny, jerky movements known as sleep twitches are not meaningless byproducts of dreams, but powerful developmental signals that help wire the brain and body. We discuss how these movements contribute to building internal models of the body, how sleep supports plasticity and learning, and what happens when these processes are disrupted early in life.Finally, we turn to broader questions about development, neurodiversity, and the limits of genetic explanations. Mark argues for the importance of studying typical development in order to understand developmental disorders, and reflects on what infant sleep can teach us about plasticity, embodiment, and the foundations of human cognition.Guests infoWebsite: https://blumberg.lab.uiowa.edu/X: https://x.com/canadiancharityEpisode links: Website: https://reasonwithscience.com/how-sleep-shapes-the-developing-brain-with-mark-blumbergYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNDcpIq2B98Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ASTAAKKlokphbOc2TJxCi?si=a44044dd89554571Apple podcast: YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=YNDcpIq2B98&si=Alxad9KU-RtJn78SFollow Reason with Science: Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonwithScience⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=5ehXeZhZ-z181G5bTimestamps:00:00:00 – Why sleep is one of the greatest unsolved problems in neuroscience 00:01:22 – What is sleep? Scientific challenges in defining sleep 00:04:05 – Is sleep a single state or a collection of components? 00:06:40 – Why sleep is not a passive state: brain activity during REM 00:08:37 – The major stages of sleep: REM vs non-REM 00:11:10 – Why dreaming is not the core function of REM sleep 00:12:22 – How scientists study sleep in humans and animals 00:15:10 – Sleep deprivation, stress, and experimental limits 00:19:48 – Why babies sleep so much more than adults 00:24:10 – The science of twitching during infant sleep 00:30:05 – How twitches help build the brain’s internal body maps 00:36:01 – Does twitching continue into adulthood? 00:43:28 – Learning during sleep vs learning during wake 00:50:04 – Sleep, memory, and real-world policy implications 01:21:47 – What infant sleep reveals about development and the future of research #reasonwithscience #science #health #lifescience #podcast #sciencepodcasts #trending #trendingvideo #viralvideo

This conversation is with Herman Pontzer, an evolutionary anthropologist and professor at Duke University. Herman is best known for his groundbreaking work on human metabolism and energetics, which challenges long-held assumptions about how our bodies burn and manage energy. His field research with hunter-gatherer and subsistence-farming populations—including the Hadza of Tanzania, the Daasanach of Kenya, and the Tsimane’ of Bolivia—has redefined what we know about the relationship between activity, diet, and health.We begin by exploring the deceptively simple question: Why do some people burn more calories than others? Herman explains how the body’s total energy expenditure is remarkably constrained, meaning that even when we exercise more, our bodies often compensate by reducing energy spent elsewhere. This insight challenges the familiar “calories in, calories out” model and reframes how we understand diet, obesity, and modern sedentary lifestyles.Together, we discuss how evolution has shaped the human metabolic system—from the daily life of foragers walking 19,000 steps a day to the physiology of those in industrialized societies. We examine how metabolism interacts with the immune system, reproduction, and brain function, and why understanding these trade-offs is key to improving public health.Herman also shares insights from his books Burn and Adaptable, connecting metabolic research to broader questions about longevity, diet quality, and the future of medicine. Finally, we consider how modern tools—from doubly labeled water to GLP-1 drugs—fit into the long story of how humans manage energy in a changing world.Guests info:Website: https://sites.duke.edu/pontzerlab/X: https://x.com/HermanPontzerEpisode links: Website: https://reasonwithscience.com/the-metabolic-truth-rethinking-calories-and-energy-with-herman-pontzerYoutube: https://youtu.be/07qrQN91IowSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0uN2PJNfEmHckUcdvpg9BJ?si=wZQ4g-ckRnCDNgT71ZwXMgApple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-metabolic-truth-rethinking-calories-and-energy/id1641776894?i=1000732444106YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=07qrQN91Iow&si=Ho8HOtfA5f-HzzxfFollow Reason with Science: Website: ⁠⁠https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ ⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonwithScience⁠⁠ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=5ehXeZhZ-z181G5bTimestamps:00:00:00 — What is metabolism, really?00:01:20 — Who is Herman Pontzer?00:03:10 — Measuring energy in real life00:06:45 — Lessons from the Hadza and Daasanach00:09:30 — The Constrained Energy Expenditure model00:12:15 — Why exercise alone rarely changes body weight00:15:50 — Diet versus activity: the hierarchy of control00:19:10 — Internal trade-offs: the body’s energy budget00:22:35 — Metabolism in global context00:26:20 — Metabolism across the human lifespan00:29:55 — Overtraining, stress, and energy limits00:33:40 — Modern lifestyles and metabolic mismatch00:37:25 — GLP-1 drugs and the new metabolic frontier00:41:10 — Energy, health, and longevity00:45:00 — Evolution’s signature in our metabolism00:48:15 — How culture shapes our energy habits00:52:00 — Metabolism and reproductive health00:56:30 — The science of appetite and satiety01:00:45 — Metabolic research and public health policy01:05:10 — Final reflections on what it means to live energetically#reasonwithscience #science #health

Can economics help us create a sustainable future? Our guest is Doyne Farmer, Director of the Complexity Economics Programme at Oxford University. Trained as a physicist, he’s spent his career studying chaos, complex systems, and prediction, and now applies those ideas to economics, sustainability, and climate change. In this episode, we’ll talk about why traditional economic models often fail, how complexity economics gives us new tools to understand markets, and what agent-based models and heterogeneity can teach us about the real economy. We’ll look at chaos, business cycles, and equilibrium, and draw surprising parallels between biology, supply chains, and innovation.Guest info: Website: https://www.doynefarmer.com/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/doynefarmer.bsky.socialEpisode links: Website: https://reasonwithscience.com/predicting-future-of-the-planet-with-j-doyne-farmerYoutube: https://youtu.be/i7T-1m7s2rYSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Mmqc9hETV1yrgxgvv8rHk?si=MxqQzImoR2W0k6W7AvM9pgApple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/predicting-future-of-the-planet-with-j-doyne-farmer/id1641776894?i=1000731754638YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=i7T-1m7s2rY&si=OANPQABq3CgX6znIFollow Reason with Science: Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonwithScience⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=5ehXeZhZ-z181G5b

Is evolution predictable? The guest for this podcast is with Simon Conway Morris, Professor of Evolutionary Palaeobiology at the University of Cambridge. Famous for his work on the Cambrian explosion and the concept of evolutionary convergence, Conway Morris has written influential books including Life’s Solution: Inevitable Humans in a Lonely Universe, The Runes of Evolution, and From Extraterrestrials to Animal Minds. In this conversation, we talk about why convergence — the independent evolution of similar traits across unrelated species — offers evidence for deep constraints on the evolution of life. We’ll discuss major evolutionary transitions such as the origin of eukaryotes, sudden explosions of complexity, and the narrow “design space” within which evolution operates. We’ll examine whether traits like intelligence and consciousness are inevitable, why extinction often leads to familiar replacements, and how evolution’s predictability might extend to technology, culture, and even artificial intelligence.As Conway Morris provocatively asks: “If we replayed the tape of life, would we still end up with eyes, wings, minds—and perhaps even something like us?” This episode explores how the physical, chemical, and biological constraints that underpin convergence shape the living world and why, despite its complexity, evolution may be far more predictable than we imagine.Guest info:Website: https://www.esc.cam.ac.uk/directory/simon-conway-morrisEpisode links: Website: https://reasonwithscience.com/is-evolution-predictable-with-simon-conway-morrisYoutube: https://youtu.be/mYpFJbJsWYASpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7cr8LN9qfsVz40ykFSjC3O?si=bae3fa740cbb4e77Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-evolution-predictable-with-simon-conway-morris/id1641776894?i=1000721290043YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=mYpFJbJsWYA&si=7RgntDEFRkqAh9hSFollow Reason with Science: Website: ⁠⁠https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ ⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonwithScience⁠⁠ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=5ehXeZhZ-z181G5bTimestamps:00:00:00 – Introduction 00:02:00 – Starting point: evolution’s predictability00:06:44 – Predictability of evolution & extraterrestrial comparisons00:10:56 – Deep homology and universal molecular pathways00:16:30 – Randomness vs probabilities in evolution00:19:41 – Major evolutionary transitions00:27:47 – Convergent evolution as a predictive framework00:42:45 – Laboratory evolution experiments00:49:57 – Human uniqueness vs other primates01:02:46 – Dyson spheres & the Fermi paradox01:06:09 – Human peculiarity and consciousness01:14:02 – Limits of understanding consciousness01:27:20 – Challenges in improving science funding01:38:59 – Mavericks and unpredictability of great ideas01:42:01 – Theology and spirituality in society#reasonwithscience #podcast #biology

This conversatio is with Ricard Solé, a leading thinker in complex systems and synthetic biology. Ricard heads the Complex Systems Lab at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, where he explores how simple rules give rise to life’s astonishing complexity.We open with a thought-provoking question: Can a biologist fix a radio? — an idea from Yuri Lazebnik that asks if breaking things down into parts really explains how living systems work. Ricard explains why life resists simple mechanical analogies and why cells, organisms, and ecosystems can’t just be “wired up” like machines.Together we explore what we mean by “complexity,” how nature builds it through evolution, self-organization, and cooperation, and why emergence makes the whole more than the sum of its parts. We touch on termite nests, slime molds, brains, and immune systems as windows into collective intelligence and hidden patterns in nature.Guest info:Website: https://www.upf.edu/web/biomed/pdi/-/asset_publisher/vDntl1i7QlGn/content/sol%C3%A9-vicente-ricard/maximizedX: https://x.com/ricard_soleBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ricardsole.bsky.socialEpisode links: Website: https://reasonwithscience.com/how-nature-builds-complexity-ricard-soleYoutube: https://youtu.be/KRcqScqqunASpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3n64g2SSyXSlzTmOXtE597?si=dNxmfjtFQMGsfY0qaQGaGwApple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-nature-builds-complexity-ricard-sol%C3%A9-reason-with/id1641776894?i=1000719142144YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=KRcqScqqunA&si=MxOfuk6cvTRDJqtlFollow Reason with Science: Website: ⁠https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ ⁠Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonwithScience⁠ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=5ehXeZhZ-z181G5bTimestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:01 - Can a Biologist Fix a Radio? (Yuri Lazebnik's Analogy)00:03:36 - The Limits of Engineering Approaches in Biology00:04:50 - Hardware vs. Software in Cellular Systems00:09:01 - What Is Complexity? Emergence Explained00:10:18 - Collective Intelligence: From Termites to Slime Molds00:14:57 - Evolution as a Driver of Complexity00:15:54 - Major Evolutionary Transitions Defined00:17:27 - The Limits of Reductionism in Biology00:19:34 - What Complexity Theory Could Offer00:21:07 - Scaling Laws in Biology and Metabolism00:22:26 - Synthetic Biology and the Origin of Life00:26:44 - Information, Coding, and Pre-cellular Chemistry00:30:03 - Cells, Agency, and the Birth of Individuality00:33:37 - Liquid Brains: Immune Systems, Ant Colonies, and Intelligence00:37:58 - Synthetic Worlds: Rebuilding Evolution in the Lab00:41:06 - Language Emergence and Cognitive Space00:45:00 - Multicellularity and the Last Common Ancestor00:49:00 - Turing Patterns and Symmetry Breaking in Development00:53:36 - The Challenge of Modeling Organs in Complexity Theory00:55:03 - Plant Intelligence, Redundancy, and Morphological Plasticity00:57:14 - Slime Molds and Network-Based Computation01:00:00 - Fungi and Underground Intelligence01:01:04 - Liquid Brains: A Broader Framework01:03:00 - The Immune System as a Cognitive Network01:06:04 - Evolutionary Convergence and Constraints in Biology01:09:04 - Searching for Life Beyond Earth01:12:00 - Can Complexity Theory Predict Life’s Origins?01:17:04 - Synthetic Biology as a Tool for Discovery01:18:47 - The Origin of Neurons and Brains01:24:43 - Regeneration, Memory, and the Mystery of Planarians01:31:05 - Cancer, Evolution, and System Breakdown01:36:04 - Climate Tipping Points and Complex Systems01:39:00 - The Importance of Scientific Thinking01:47:52 - Final Thoughts and Reflections#reasonwithscience #podcast #biology

This episode is with one of the most compelling voices in anthropology, Agustín Fuentes. Agustín is a professor, evolutionary theorist, and author of “The Creative Spark”, where he explores what truly makes us human, not just biologically, but culturally, socially, and creatively. In this episode, we discuss common misconceptions about evolution and explore the complex, branching story of our species. We examine how traits like cooperation, creativity, and social bonding shaped our survival, and why race, gender, sex, and even marriage is far more culturally constructed than biologically fixed. We also dig into big questions around religion, science, and the future of human evolution. Agustín helps us see that to understand where we’re going, we first need to understand how we’ve evolved, not just in body, but in mind, meaning, and imagination.Guests infoWebsite: https://afuentes.com/X: https://x.com/AnthrofuentesBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/anthrofuentes.bsky.socialEpisode links: Website: https://reasonwithscience.com/human-evolution-and-culture-with-agustn-fuentesYoutube: https://youtu.be/9KlvbqPXM8sSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/55xwrZEofw4nO9iQEJ8sKQ?si=890c260c49be4372Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/human-evolution-and-culture-with-agust%C3%ADn-fuentes/id1641776894?i=1000717975098YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=9KlvbqPXM8s&si=NVXOiCWNdQf6lBJIFollow Reason with Science: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonwithScience Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=5ehXeZhZ-z181G5bTimestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:48 - Explanation of the extended evolutionary synthesis00:04:19 - The role of technology in modern evolutionary science00:05:07 - Why humans are the last surviving hominins00:06:02 - The “Messy bush” model of human evolution00:07:45 - Ancient human interbreeding and genetic mixing00:09:15 - Understanding creativity as a core human trait00:10:49 - What distinguishes humans from other primates00:14:47 - Convergent evolution and shared solutions across species00:16:22 - Exploring cultural, behavioral, and genetic inheritance00:20:45 - Human brain development and its adaptive plasticity00:25:25 - Why the human brain operates in a social default state00:26:02 - The role of imagination and creativity in human evolution00:35:12 - How media and modern inputs shape human bias00:42:05 - Comparing human creativity and artificial intelligence00:57:58 - Evolutionary insights into modern human diets

This episode is with John Tregoning, a leading expert in infectious diseases, professor at Imperial College London, and author of the books “Live Forever?” and Infectious. John’s work focuses on how our immune systems fight off disease and how scientific advances can help us live not just longer, but healthier lives. In this episode, we break down the science behind ageing and talk about the growing role of vaccines, lifestyle, and cutting-edge technologies like AI, gene editing, and immunotherapy in transforming how we think about health. We also touch on some big-picture questions like What are the ethical and social implications of radically extended lifespans? And what can we do right now to stack the odds in our favor for a longer, more vibrant life?Guests infoWebsite: https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/john.tregoningX: https://x.com/drtregoningEpisode links: Website: https://reasonwithscience.com/vaccines-longevity-and-the-future-of-health-with-john-tregoningYoutube: https://youtu.be/x1-9zESxap0?si=nqAHKe27m1xX0HjLSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wSu03Fd1xkAzVmsMuMZg5?si=ng_0KpqXRiinG7vKfvbfIQApple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vaccines-longevity-and-the-future-of-health/id1641776894?i=1000716957739YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=x1-9zESxap0&si=TU37R8zkoJoXgt8GFollow Reason with Science: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonwithScience Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=5ehXeZhZ-z181G5bTimestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction to John Tregoning and the podcast00:01:26 - Scientific method and how we establish facts00:03:59 - How vaccines are developed, tested, and approved00:09:09 - What is aging? Biological and evolutionary insights00:11:22 - Healthspan vs. lifespan: Why quality matters00:13:44 - Infectious diseases and the immune system's role00:20:07 - Biology's complexity: Genes, environment, and unknowns00:23:22 - The immune system: Strengths, complexity, and risks00:29:08 - Microbiome and its influence on health00:34:06 - Chronic diseases: Heart disease, cancer, and dementia00:44:39 - Genetic predispositions and the limits of DNA testing00:50:00 - Obesity, diet, diabetes, and ultra-processed food00:57:03 - Technology in health: Wearables, data, gene editing01:06:05 - Lifestyle interventions for healthy aging01:07:52 - The importance of social connection for longevity01:13:39 - Public health policy and environmental factors01:16:21 - Ethical implications of radical life extension01:17:40 - Final thoughts: Prevention, trust in science, and living well

This episode is with Chris Kempes, a professor at the Santa Fe Institute working at the fascinating intersection of physics and biology. Chris joins us to talk about some of the most profound questions about life starting from fundamental definitions to exploring life's potential multiple origins guided by the laws of physics. Join us as we explore the role of energy landscapes in Prebiotic chemistry, the physical basis of microbial behaviors, scaling laws that govern life's metabolic patterns, and how collective behaviors emerge in multicellular organisms. Let's embark on a journey to rethink life's mysteries through the lens of physics.Guests info:Website: https://chriskempes.com/Chris_Kempes/Home.htmlEpisode links: Website: https://reasonwithscience.com/the-physics-of-living-system-with-chris-kempesYoutube: https://youtu.be/2rvJoa31-KI?si=TBAngZ5ZvgK3DoHCSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2NSmBsJWfp7l5ZJMaxRVsv?si=0ceaa05de2964ecbApple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-physics-of-living-system-with-chris-kempes/id1641776894?i=1000705041814YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=2rvJoa31-KI&si=8jyG5q4MTQDiC7OvFollow Reason with Science: Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reasonwithscience.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonwithScienceSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=5ehXeZhZ-z181G5bTimestamps:00:00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast00:00:24 – Chris Kempes and The Intersection of Physics and Biology00:01:20 – The Role of Definitions in Science00:03:59 – Merging Physics and Biology00:05:01 – Easy vs. Hard Questions in Science00:07:20 – What is Life? Defining the Undefined00:09:25 – Language as a Living System00:10:57 – Are Viruses Alive? 00:17:45 – "Livingness" as a Spectrum00:19:03 – Scaling Laws in Biology00:24:17 – Multiple Origins of Life00:26:01 – The Error Threshold in Evolution00:31:29 – Scientific Method as Evolution00:34:01 – Unifying Ecology, Origins, and Astrobiology00:45:00 – Convergent Evolution and Physical Constraints01:36:30 – Building Life in the Lab & Theories That Guide Us#reasonwithscience #podcast #biology

This episode is with Kenneth Catania, a neuroscientist and biologist at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. His work has illuminated the fascinating sensory worlds of species like star-nosed moles, electric eels, and the emerald jewel wasp. Science is often thought of as a rigid, methodical pursuit, but in reality, it thrives on creativity, intuition, and the ability to recognize patterns in chaos. In this episode, we dive into the "grammar" of science, the puzzle-solving nature of discovery, and the ways in which attention, technology, and unexpected anomalies shape breakthroughs. From paradigm shifts to high-voltage eels, we explore what it truly means to think like a scientist—and why the entire scientific endeavor is important for humanity.Guests info:Website: https://as.vanderbilt.edu/catanialab/Books on Amazon: https://shorturl.at/LrTbEEpisode links: Website: https://reasonwithscience.com/the-art-and-craft-of-science-with-kenneth-cataniaYoutube:https://youtu.be/BmV8y4iRuvwSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jxmbRdmDo8nr3iGwVq8w5?si=487106e179404a6fApple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-and-craft-of-science-with-kenneth/id1641776894?i=1000700376415YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=BmV8y4iRuvw&si=RYFW4r-C13H6yrx5Follow Reason with Science: Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reasonwithscience.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonwithScienceSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=5ehXeZhZ-z181G5bTimestamps:00:00:00 – Intro: Why Science Is Both Creative and Crucial00:02:14 – What is neuroethology? The bridge between brains and behavior00:05:01 – Evolution’s extremes: Why strange animals are scientific gold00:07:27 – The real story behind scientific discovery00:10:03 – Science’s hidden stage: Where ideas actually come from00:11:01 – Why science changes – and why that’s a strength00:13:00 – Why revising experiments is like revising writing00:14:56 – Hidden histories: How experiments evolve like species00:20:01 – Obsession leads to insight: How puzzles capture our focus00:23:01 – Electric eels: Evolution’s living tasers00:29:30 – Anatomy of horror: Jewel wasp eats heart and lungs first00:31:02 – Art as a path to science: The surprising power of images00:41:01 – Scientific method: Bringing together Popper, Kuhn and chaos00:46:30 – The role of clarity in discovering facts00:47:58 – Science as a culture of truth-seeking00:53:01 – Science is everywhere: Even in your light switches00:55:52 – The unspoken reality of failure in science1:04:30 – Why scientists are humans, not robots in lab coats1:07:00 – Scientists don’t fit in a box – and that’s a good thing1:08:30 – Why scientific papers don’t tell the whole story1:09:05 – Success in science: What it really looks like1:10:46 – What makes a good scientist? Passion, curiosity, and persistence1:17:01 – Nurturing curiosity: Letting students follow what excites them1:19:53 – Hard work, passion, and science#reasonwithscience #podcast #biology

This episode is with Iñaki Ruiz-Trillo, whose research sheds light on one of the most fundamental transitions in the history of life—the evolution of multicellularity. Iñaki is a group leader at the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Barcelona, where he investigates how unicellular organisms gave rise to complex multicellular life. Our conversation explores the deep evolutionary forces that shaped this transition, the role of cooperation and cell differentiation, and what studying the ancestors of animals can teach us about life’s complexity. We also discuss broader questions about biological organization, individuality, and the very nature of what it means to be a multicellular being.Guests info:Website: https://multicellgenome.com/X: https://x.com/multicellgenomeEpisode links: Website: https://reasonwithscience.com/how-animals-evolved-with-inaki-ruiz-trilloYoutube: https://youtu.be/DgVuuAnYZpY?si=aH4Ti4uiomMaGW6dSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/054J6Lj4xqvw7h3oNzAis1?si=Ad4rVvgSRTumw_BwPaLSlQApple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-animals-evolved-with-i%C3%B1aki-ruiz-trillo-reason/id1641776894?i=1000697174412YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=DgVuuAnYZpY&si=cCfR2juq00UjCfKCFollow Reason with Science: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonwithScience Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=5ehXeZhZ-z181G5bTimestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:20 - Evolution of multicellularity with Iñaki Ruiz-Trillo 00:02:54 - Why compare animals with unicellular relatives? 00:05:11 - What defines multicellularity? 00:09:07 - Studying unicellular ancestors of animals 00:14:19 - Convergent vs. homologous evolution 00:22:26 - Why did multicellularity evolve? 00:27:53 - What did the first animals look like? 00:30:55 - Bilateral symmetry and its impact 00:33:27 - Predation, competition, and cooperation in evolution 00:39:09 - Comparing different multicellular lineages 00:52:22 - Searching for new unicellular relatives 01:03:30 - Experimenting with multicellular growth 01:07:08 - Can we fully understand the origin of animals? 01:09:47 - Closing remarks

This episode is with Kevin Mitchell. He is an associate professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin, where he investigates how genetic variations influence neural wiring, cognition, and conditions like autism and schizophrenia. Kevin is also the author of Innate: How the Wiring of Our Brains Shapes Who We Are and Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will. Here, we discuss the laws of biology and the nature of free will. Kevin also shares insights on agency as a defining feature of life, the meaning of self, and the evolution of perception.Guests info:Website: https://www.kjmitchell.com/X: https://x.com/WiringTheBrainEpisode links: Website: https://reasonwithscience.com/genetic-and-the-brain-with-kevin-mitchellYoutube: https://youtu.be/eOyNWCjBuQc?si=Nz09vBN0mCFN8nuFSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4HVcFuG48HLu4T92aXflLM?si=a68eee4f113e4aeeApple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/genetics-and-the-brain-with-kevin-mitchell/id1641776894?i=1000692566036YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=eOyNWCjBuQc&si=AMWPfTZthe8zS5tEFollow Reason with Science: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonwithScience Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=5ehXeZhZ-z181G5bTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:55 Biology vs. Chemistry and Physics00:04:02 Reductionism in Science00:16:09 Emergence and Evolution00:26:59 Free Will Discussion00:41:42 Cognition and System Irreducibility00:44:03 Genetics and Psychological Predispositions00:55:17 Complexity of Interactions01:04:39 Engineering Free Will01:07:38 Social Impacts of Free Will01:11:53 Long-term Free Will and Decisions

This episode is with Michael Levin and William RatCliff. Mike is a Professor in the Biology department at Tufts University. He is a pioneer in the study of bioelectricity, regeneration, and morphogenesis. Will is a Professor in the School of Biological Science at Georgia Tech. He is a leading expert in the study of how single-celled organisms evolved into complex multicellular life forms. Here, we talk about how cells cooperate, evolve, and build the diversity of life we see today. Specifically, we discuss about evolution of multicellularity, the role of bioelectricity in evolution, and the emergence of regeneration.Guests info:William RatCliff-Website: https://ratclifflab.biosci.gatech.edu/X: https://x.com/wc_ratcliffMichael Levin-Website: https://www.drmichaellevin.org/X: https://x.com/drmichaellevinEpisode links:Website: Youtube: https://youtu.be/NULzvSGpmvE?si=qMjfKNyMzKrUmdRmSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/46y8cCFsbzMKRnC1urghVQ?si=E3tDRUojTPOrIsBHDqcusgApple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-biology-works-with-michael-levin-and-william/id1641776894?i=1000690266570YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=NULzvSGpmvE&si=Fi1CksVMCBDPe9nvFollow Reason with Science:Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reasonwithscience.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonwithScienceSpotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=5ehXeZhZ-z181G5bTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:04:06 How do you picture a cell?00:12:5600:15:37 What is multicellularity?00:25:58 Why can’t unicellular or early multicellular organisms communicate over long distances?00:31:10 Cells as colonial organisms—how do they coordinate with identical genomes?00:48:11 Introducing snowflakes01:14:36 How does cellular specialization happen, and what makes it unique?01:16:34 Can different experimental conditions lead to new types of specialization?01:33:25 What drives cellular specialization?01:34:46 What happens at the cellular level in diseases like cancer?01:43:52 How do you view aging from a cellular perspective?More on Reason with Science:1) Chemistry of life and death | Nick Lane | Reason with Science | Origin of life | Biochemistry (https://youtu.be/YolIkk_oJdI)2) Collective intelligence of cells | Michael Levin | Reason with science | Bioelectricity | Biology (https://youtu.be/yFNWuHOtM1w) #reasonwithscience #biology #evolution

In this episode, we talk with cognitive scientist Hugo Mercier about the fascinating topic of reasoning - what it is, how it works, and why it matters. Hugo is a co-author of The Enigma of Reason (with Dan Sperber) and author of Not Born Yesterday. Here, we discuss why reason evolved, the good and bad sides of reasoning, and how our biases - like confirmation bias and motivated reasoning - affect us. Hugo helps us unpack ideas like the argumentative theory of reasoning, the dual-process theory, and whether reasoning is better for competition or collaboration. Plus, we explore how to fight misinformation, train our reasoning abilities, and embrace intellectual humility. Guest info: Website: https://sites.google.com/site/hugomercier/ X: https://x.com/hugoreasoning?lang=en Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=hugo+mercier&btnG= Episode links: Website: https://reasonwithscience.com/reason-and-scientific-method-with-hugo-mercier Youtube: https://youtu.be/SJUoyZKGPIc?si=-lsc5R2BuVBBQIj0 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1k5xiHUJsahSsGJCS33f00?si=9421bc7b341d436f Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-and-scientific-method-hugo-mercier-reason/id1641776894?i=1000686324801 YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=SJUoyZKGPIc&si=LL0RrAovldZgQV_i Follow Reason with Science: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reasonwithscience.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonwithScience Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 ⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=5ehXeZhZ-z181G5b Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:36 What's your understanding of reason? 00:05:37 What about science? 00:08:10 Can we say that reason is an evolved property of evolution? 00:12:50 Can using the scientific method lead to better reasoning? 00:30:30 Does the role of language play an important part in understanding how reason works? 00:33:40 Do you think cooperation is the key to the evolution of reasoning? 00:35:12 What characteristics make reason evolve? 00:37:45 If cooperation is key, why does reason misfire? 00:39:40 What do you think about rationality? Is it another special form of reasoning? 00:42:45 Are there different processes, like unconscious and conscious levels, that matter when it comes to reasoning? 00:51:55 Can reasoning be trained? 00:56:34 What do you think about misinformation, and how is it linked to education? 01:05:10 What is the difference between information and misinformation? 01:08:48 Does the type of media matter? More on Reason with Science: 1) Chemistry of life and death | Nick Lane | Reason with Science | Origin of life | Biochemistry (https://youtu.be/YolIkk_oJdI) 2) Collective intelligence of cells | Michael Levin | Reason with science | Bioelectricity | Biology (https://youtu.be/yFNWuHOtM1w) 3) Powering the complexity of life with Michael Levin and Nick Lane | Reason with Science | Biology (https://youtu.be/GBxVvLVzF68) 4) How multicellularity evolves | William Ratcliff | Reason with Science | Origin and evolution of life (https://youtu.be/HOrNrg2H5Ok) 5) The evolutionary origins of a good society | Nicholas Christakis | Reason with Science | Psychology (https://youtu.be/61-cE2z-aWI) 6) Food for your health | Dr. Robert Lustig | Reason with Science | Sugar | Diets | Healthy Lifestyle (https://youtu.be/JD4yPgnqv4M?si=3R68UDTRfW_lV5Pw)

This episode is with Kerstin Göpfrich. She is a leading researcher in the field of synthetic biology with experties in biophysics, DNA nanotechnology. and microfluidics. She leads the max plank research group of biophysical engineering at the max plank Institute for medical research in Heidleberg. Her research centers on utilizing DNA origami, a versatile technique that employs DNA molecules to construct three-dimensional components for synthetic cells. In this conversation we talk about can we create life in the lab, synthetic cells, advantages of using DNA origami in creating synthetic cells, applications, and the future of artificial cells. Guest info: Website: https://goepfrichgroup.de/kerstin-gopfrich/ Twitter: https://x.com/kgoepfrich?s=21 Episode links: Website: https://reasonwithscience.com/synthetic-cells-and-dna-origami-with-kerstin-goepfrich Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6sD5k6uU9A Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1toGr9GQQxRoKfWKT88SGd?si=C-GUgGxvRzSw9O5qp3FN5w Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/synthetic-cells-and-dna-origami-kerstin-g%C3%B6pfrich/id1641776894?i=1000684692335 YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=S6sD5k6uU9A&si=oCqy98Z0JpxMU5oI Follow Reason with Science: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonwithScience Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=Qb5QI_Pucar-QQ1P Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:22 - Briefly describe your work and what you do. 00:03:08 - How do you envision a cell? 00:11:51 - What are top-down and bottom-up approaches? 00:17:37 - What are the paths taken to achieve certain functions? 00:20:09 - How are you exploring DNA nanotechnology? 00:24:48 - What do you mean by DNA and RNA origami? 00:35:45 - What does sustaining cells mean? 00:45:50 - Tell us about laser printing. 00:51:03 - What components can you build using DNA or RNA origami? 01:03:45 - Is there progress in using DNA nanotechnology to build metabolic systems? 01:08:19 - What applications do you envision for DNA nanotechnology-based synthetic cells? More on Reason with Science: 1) Chemistry of life and death | Nick Lane | Reason with Science | Origin of life | Biochemistry (https://youtu.be/YolIkk_oJdI) 2) Collective intelligence of cells | Michael Levin | Reason with science | Bioelectricity | Biology (https://youtu.be/yFNWuHOtM1w) 3) Powering the complexity of life with Michael Levin and Nick Lane | Reason with Science | Biology (https://youtu.be/GBxVvLVzF68) 4) How multicellularity evolves | William Ratcliff | Reason with Science | Origin and evolution of life (https://youtu.be/HOrNrg2H5Ok) 5) The evolutionary origins of a good society | Nicholas Christakis | Reason with Science | Psychology (https://youtu.be/61-cE2z-aWI) 6) Food for your health | Dr. Robert Lustig | Reason with Science | Sugar | Diets | Healthy Lifestyle (https://youtu.be/JD4yPgnqv4M?si=3R68UDTRfW_lV5Pw) #reasonwithscience #engineering #biology

This episode is with Steven Austad. He is the Protective Life Endowed Chair in Health Aging Research, a Distinguished professor and Chair of the Department of Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Steven has been at the forefront of unraveling the mysteries of why some individuals live longer and healthier lives than others. His work covers a diverse array of topics, from the cellular mechanisms of aging to the evolutionary aspects of longevity in various species. In this conversation we talk about what is ageing?, biggest challenges in the field of ageing, evolutionary aspects of ageing, chronic illnesses and how to increase human life span? Guest info: Website: https://www.uab.edu/cas/biology/people/faculty/steven-n-austad Twitter: https://twitter.com/StevenAustad Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Steven-N-Austad/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ASteven+N.+Austad Episode links: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/evolutionary-aspects-of-ageing-with-steven-austad Youtube: https://youtu.be/823Yw2LtOSs?si=UzDtGW2npXjmS2VC Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/48kythKGzGRRP0kprH2URf?si=bLVx4NCsQuCVdwH2J6EyvA Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/evolutionary-aspects-of-ageing-%7C-steven-austad-%7C-reason-with-science-%7C-lifespan-%7C-human-health/c45d0d4e-0054-4519-8697-22e4a8649162 Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/NmE1M2MzMDMtODMyYy00MjNkLTg2YTctNDI3ZGQzZTk2NTc2?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwiYsL_O56CBAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reasonwithscience.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Google podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:08 How did you decide to work on ageing? 00:03:21 Why some species age faster than others? 00:03:56 Evolutionary perspective of ageing 00:05:42 What is ageing? 00:06:13 Challenges in studying ageing 00:09:49 What is longevity and longevity quotient? 00:12:18 How does flight affects ageing? 00:17:21 Correlation between habitat of animals and their lifespan 00:19:07 Factors affecting lifespan of animals in the wild or in captivity 00:20:59 Importance of regeneration for the survival 00:22:58 Flight independently evolved four times 00:25:55 Temperature dependent change of sex 00:27:10 Wisdom- the oldest confirmed wild bird 00:28:58 What are the challenges to get the age of an animal correctly? 00:37:12 Relationship between size of the animal and longevity 00:40:42 Vampire bats 00:41:41 Lifespan of naked mole rats 00:44:31 Impact of high altitude on human health 00:46:37 Lifespan of hummingbirds 00:49:22 Lessons for human longevity from evolutionary biology 00:56:04 Steven's work on Restrictive eating 01:02:04 It is important to couple restrictive eating with weight training 01:04:40 Comment on diets 01:06:58 There are no biomarkers for ageing 01:08:27 When can we have a good consensus on healthy lifestyle? 01:10:10 Life at the age of 77 01:11:28 Ethical implications of increasing human lifespan 01:13:53 Thank you More on Reason with Science: 1) The evolutionary origins of a good society | Nicholas Christakis | Reason with Science | Psychology (   • The evolutionary origins of a good so...  ) 2) Food for your health | Dr. Robert Lustig | Reason with Science | Sugar | Diets | Healthy Lifestyle (   • Food for your health | Dr. Robert Lus...  )

This episode is with Enrico Coen. He is a plant biologist and geneticist at John Innes Centre. Enrico's work has focused on unraveling the intricate genetic and molecular mechanisms that govern the formation and growth of plants. He is the author of two books, namely, 'Cells to civilizations' and 'Art of genes'. In this conversation we talk about major transitions in biology, emergence of complexity, evolution of life, drivers of evolution, evolution of brains, Intelligence and science. Guest info: Website: https://www.jic.ac.uk/people/enrico-coen/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/InnerWorlds1 Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Enrico-Coen/author/B001HCV4C8?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Episode links: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/cells-to-civilizations-with-enrico-coen Youtube: https://youtu.be/_20Tko5_Xho?si=RiEHhpaOlgaBGjil Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/13MfRZ6EGFPW05osKeWUfW?si=QT-HPrXXR5OiCwHM07AxiQ Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/cells-to-civilizations-with-enrico-coen-%7C-reason-with-science-%7C-evolution-%7C-science-%7C-culture/c2fa8dec-cefa-4b2a-9498-56d67e12b08c Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/ZjQ1Y2FlNWEtNWJiZS00MGVmLWJkZGMtOWM2ZGZiZjBjMjVh?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjI1ZGbl5CBAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reasonwithscience.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Google podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction  00:01:04 Major transformations of life  00:14:12 What is science and how it works?  00:16:22 Can science help us to study fundamental nature of reality?  00:30:07 Do we need an absolutist view of science?  00:37:14 What are the commonalities between evolution, development, culture and learning?  00:44:32 Role of parasites in the evolution of life  00:47:49 Survival of the fittest  00:53:07 Natural selection at the level of replicators  00:58:46 Level at which evolution works (genes or cells)  01:09:47 Concept of memes  01:16:00 Why religion has been successful?  01:25:45 Crucial elements of scientific method  01:32:50 Importance of self-doubt  01:36:10 Covid-19 pandemic and science  01:40:00 Science and art  01:48:09 Future writing  01:50:12 Thank you!

This episode is with John Bargh. He is a social psychologist at Yale University. John's work has shed light on the intricate workings of the human mind, delving into topics such as priming, automaticity, and the power of the unconscious. His research has challenged conventional notions, revealing how subtle cues and environmental factors can shape our perceptions,decisions, and actions. In this conversation we talk about unconscious mind, priming effects, evolution of consciousness, unconscious biases, and can we train our unconscious? Guest info: Website: https://acmelab.yale.edu/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Books-John-Bargh/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AJohn+Bargh Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=xueSKyQAAAAJ&hl=en Episode links: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/unconscious-mind-and-our-behavior-with-john-bargh Youtube: https://youtu.be/rb2gaN0VAsI Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/08y5c7CKorKThk5w0BgSlQ?si=DLAvsAE5Ss2vhrLCyqW0Zw Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/unconscious-mind-and-our-behavior-|-john-bargh-|-reason-with-science-|-psychology-|-consciousness/ffb36aaf-7029-40b9-9066-9fb23050a72f Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/MjA4MzQ5OTgtZTVkZS00Nzk3LTkzNjUtZWI5OGJkODE2ZjZj?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjgsfX5iev_AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science: Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.reasonwithscience.com/⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh⁠⁠⁠ Apple podcast: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 ⁠⁠⁠ Google podcast:⁠⁠⁠ https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw ⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:46 Early career 00:04:10 Hard problem of consciousness 00:10:33 Unconscious mind and it's role in our behavior 00:17:57 Distinction between conscious and unconscious mind 00:20:40 Hot and Cold experiments 00:29:56 Priming effects 00:30:40 Global effects of priming 00:34:05 Goal priming 00:39:40 Trust priming for the idiologies 00:55:45 Cultural priming 00:58:31 Priming effects through Social media 01:07:50 Evolution of conscious and unconscious mind 01:15:00 Examples of conscious and unconscious activities 01:17:46 Evolution of unconscious mind in other species 01:20:50 Consciousness in other species 01:24:00 Can we train our unconscious mind? 01:27:24 Effects of multi-tasking 01:34:00 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 01:36:03 Unconscious biases 01:42:02 Next book 01:45:12 Thank You!

This episode is with Michael Russell. He is geologist who works on the origin of life. Mike is an originator of the theory that life emerged at alkaline submarine hydrothermal vents. In this conversation we talk about topics related to origin of life, hydrothermal vents, alien life, artificial life, and are there new life forms emerging now? Guest info: Website: https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/directory/russell-michael/ Episode links: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/life-origins-at-hydrothermal-vents-with-michael-russell Youtube: https://youtu.be/CtKMl5Gr5JY Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xyGOMu6CNOfbIknRhFis3?si=LqPekasnTv6mUo6e8AAGkA Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/life-origins-at-hydrothermal-vents-|-michael-russell-|-reason-with-science-|-geology-|-chemistry/a651d6d1-2124-46e7-b83d-c1a2918dfceb Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/ZjU3MjQ0MTctYWJkZC00ODExLWEzOTAtZDUwM2UzMDVkMGUz?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjggpygouH_AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science: Website: ⁠⁠https://www.reasonwithscience.com/⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh⁠⁠ Apple podcast: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 ⁠⁠ Google podcast:⁠⁠ https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw ⁠⁠ Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:49 What are the most interesting aspects of life? 00:04:02 Beginning of space-time 00:08:42 Dawn of chemistry 00:11:47 Progress in science 00:16:37 Discovery of hydrothermal vents for emergence of life 00:28:12 How the submarine alkaline vents were discovered? 00:37:06 Early earth conditions for the origin of life 00:44:22 Major issues to explain orgin of life 00:49:45 Composition of green rust 00:52:07 Disagreement on engines of hydrothermal vents 00:54:15 Can we link origin of metabolism at hydrothermal vents with the information? 00:56:22 Next step after origin of metabolism 00:59:22 Membranes and viruses 01:02:34 Did protocells escape hydrothermal vents? 01:08:47 Did LUCA (Last Universal Common Ancestor) evolve in hydrothermal vents? 01:18:56 Creating an artificial hydrothermal vents 01:29:00 Thank you!

This episode is with Lee Cronin. He is the Regius Chair of Chemistry in the School of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow. He and his team are trying to make artificial life forms, find alien life, explore the digitization of chemistry, understand how information can be encoded into chemicals and construct chemical computers. In this conversation we talk about topics related to origin of life, framework to build life from inorganic material, assembly theory, Darwinian evolution, and alien life. Guest info: Website: https://www.chem.gla.ac.uk/cronin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/leecronin?s=20 Episode links: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/building-life-from-chemistry-with-lee-cronin Youtube: https://youtu.be/IrTp7uu8le0 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/02qVFLcY6AF7HWvCJqHqZe?si=gDcdgmjbSAy93Pne9rcWcw Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/building-life-from-chemistry-|-lee-cronin-|-reason-with-science-|-artificial-life-|-origin-of-life/9ed704ca-7836-4a52-a3a3-b894f537ff4a Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/MmJhZDViOTUtZWZjMS00NjY0LTlmZDYtZmM2ZTdiNTRlNmVl?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjA1ZHF27v_AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science: Website: ⁠https://www.reasonwithscience.com/⁠ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh⁠ Apple podcast: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 ⁠ Google podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw ⁠ Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:59 Lee's point of view of origin of life research 00:02:24 Are there different scales in chemistry of origin of life? 00:04:01 Framework to build life 00:06:57 Theory of life 00:12:06 Can darwinian evolution works beyond at the chemical level? 00:15:59 Fundamental level of selection 00:22:04 Memories of compounds 00:22:42 Assembly theory 00:24:51 Multiverse 00:28:05 Why haven't we managed to build life so far? 00:31:33 How to use automation to build life? 00:36:33 What is essence of life? 00:39:03 Why do we have life only on earth in our solar system? 00:39:33 Experiment to build life 00:40:33 What will be the information of artificial life? 00:41:19 Chemputer 00:44:38 3D printing life forms 00:49:07 How to identify alien life? 00:50:22 Explanation of assembly theory 00:54:22 How to differentiate alien organic or inorganic matter? 00:58:12 Selection at artificial cells 01:02:45 Thank you!

This episode is with Robert Aumann (94 years old now). He is widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers in game theory and decision theory. His exceptional work has not only reshaped the way we understand strategic decision-making and cooperation but has also garnered him numerous accolades. In 2005, Aumann was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his pioneering work in game theory and its applications. His groundbreaking insights have not only advanced our theoretical understanding of strategic decision-making but also have practical implications in various fields, such as negotiations, conflict resolution, and the design of market mechanisms. In this conversation we talk about the topics related to his scientific journey including game theory to study the conflict and cooperation, Nash equilibrium, Aumann Agreement Theorem, Knot theory, rationality, and future directions of game theory. Guest info: Website: https://mathematics.huji.ac.il/people/robert-j-aumann Episode links: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/behavioral-economics-and-game-theory-with-robert-aumann Youtube: https://youtu.be/l6AK1RlNPSo Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6hKAlf7GqPwhtkrNLaPU9I?si=55G-9LCwS-qn5ecZvPQ6DQ Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/behavioral-economics-and-game-theory-|-robert-aumann-|-reason-with-science-|-nobel-laureate-|-psychology/b975ea0c-2501-448a-8bd3-ea58628da534 Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/NjRmN2RlMTEtYWY1NS00ZGNmLTkwNzgtMGE3ZmJkMDY3YzZl?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwiQ5IGWuKn_AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:07 Interest in mathematics and economics 00:12:34 What is game theory? 00:16:35 War is an example of a game 00:17:30 Zero sum game 00:18:33 Politics is also a game 00:19:05 Contributions of John Nash to game theory 00:28:35 Examples of game theory regarding economics 00:47:00 Concept of common knowledge 00:58:30 Agreement theorem 01:04:25 Bayesianism and agreement theorem 01:05:42 Importance of education 01:13:48 Rationality 01:22:55 Kahneman and Tversky's work 01:25:30 Wars are rational 01:43:40 Life at the age of 93! 01:44:30 Thank you

This episode is with Denis Noble. He is a renowned biologist, physiologist, and systems theorist, known for his pioneering research in the fields of cardiac physiology and systems biology. Noble's early work on the electrical activity of the heart was centered on this topic, and he was the first to put forth the notion of the cardiac action potential, which is now generally recognized in the field. He has also contributed significantly to our understanding of cardiac arrhythmias, irregular heart rhythms that can cause serious health concerns. In addition to his work in cardiac physiology, Noble has been a critical player in the development of systems biology, which aims to comprehend complex biological systems by integrating data from different sources. He has also been a vocal proponent of using mathematical and computational approaches in biology, and his work has contributed to developing a new paradigm for biological research. In this conversation we talk about the topics related to evolution, including Neo-Darwinism, the role of DNA as information, the use of genes as templates for evolution, the emerging field of epigenetics, the significance of bioelectricity, and potential future directions for evolutionary research. Guest info: Website: https://www.dpag.ox.ac.uk/team/denis-noble Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=J6kLmsIAAAAJ&hl=en Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Denis-Noble/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ADenis+Noble Episode links: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/what-drives-evolution-with-denis-noble Youtube: https://youtu.be/V09fJ38Qt6E Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DtKdllyvzMtNxMc3hS4cI?si=grH2uw6ySNmMMa-Uq6pv_g Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/what-drives-evolution-|-denis-noble-|-reason-with-science-|-darwin-|-selfish-genes-|-richard-dawkins/714742fe-f764-44f6-ac50-bb4e52dabd1f Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/N2QwMGUwY2ItMWU0NC00N2FlLWE0YjgtMTM1MGE3N2UzMmFj?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjAwbSUgfb-AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:58 DNA as the information in biological systems 00:20:30 What drives evolution? 01:00:49 Horizontal gene transfer 01:05:03 What is an organism? 01:23:08 Importance of metaphors 01:31:00 What is a gene? 01:31:57 Evolution of species 01:39:03 Artificial life 01:41:04 Thank you!

This episode is with Michael Levin and Nick Lane. Mike is a Professor in the Biology department at Tufts University. He studies the role of bioelectric signals in regulating development and regeneration in animals. Nick is a professor of Evolutionary Biochemistry at University College London. His work is focused on the fundamental processes that underlie the origin and evolution of life. In this conversation, we talk about major transitions and key innovations in biology, information in biological systems, bioelectricity, emergence of eukaryotes and importance of bioelectric signals to create artificial life. Guests info: Nick Lane- Website: https://nick-lane.net/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nick-Lane/e/B001IXSEJ2/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 Google scholar: https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?hl=en&view_op=list_works&gmla=AJsN-F4olJCJHK40l0_0fVpJFgPP2JYynLUs5cpCsX0ADVj9y4VIo99TJ598Hr0_ItDJucJJGG4Tlxw9nr0zvdBMl8ow3iI3rA&user=eChselQAAAAJ Michael Levin- Website: https://ase.tufts.edu/biology/labs/levin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmichaellevin Episode links: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/powering-the-complexity-of-life-with-michael-levin-and-nick-lane Youtube: https://youtu.be/GBxVvLVzF68 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4P3znAFYC8JofY2dcAUVRz Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/powering-the-complexiy-of-life-with-michael-levin-and-nick-lane-|-reason-with-science-|-biolectricity/0a003abf-4d67-48c2-aed8-e4dadcebe574 Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/ZDc3OTZlMDktYWZiMi00OGMyLTk0ZmYtNzY1MGI0ZDhjODIy?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjAvoyG3-P-AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:58 Transition from chemistry to biology 00:06:53 Emergence of complexity 00:09:53 Key innovation of biology (Resting potential over genome) 00:13:53 Hardware-software in biology 00:15:35 Evolutionary biology and software of extinct species 00:18:48 Bioelectricity and biology 00:21:45 Biolectricity at molecular level 00:29:05 Metabolism is central to bioelectric signals 00:32:21 How bioelectric systems evolve? 00:43:33 Emergence of eukaryotes 00:47:05 Multicellularity 01:19:55 Plasticity at the genome level 01:30:02 How the memories are stored? 01:44:00 Ploidy (genome copies) and biology 01:49:00 Anaesthesia 01:53:37 Importance of bioelectricity to create synthetic life 01:58:38 Thank you

Support ALFA Mars: https://www.alfamars.org/get-involved/ For years, humanity has been captivated by the idea of the red planet and the possibility of finding extraterrestrial life. With advancements in technology and space exploration, the search for life on Mars has become more realistic than ever before. In this stream, we will talk about latest discoveries and developments in our understanding of the Martian environment, and explore the potential for life to exist on this neighboring planet. We will also discuss why NASA or ESA would not be able to find life on Mars. How a new project 'ALFA Mars' will contribute in this endeavor. Guests: 1) Steven Benner https://www.alfamars.org/about-us/#bio-3 2) Miguel Ángel Fernandez https://www.alfamars.org/about-us/#bio-32 3) Catherine Maggiori https://www.alfamars.org/about-us/#bio-29 4) Jan Špaček https://www.alfamars.org/about-us/#bio-1 Episode links: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/life_on_mars Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/live/xLi05sr-Ivk?feature=share Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6NPFfY0WzT7LabCxORLwYI?si=SXZjmmfBSIScuVPh_WbGvA Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/life-on-mars-|-reason-with-science-|-alien-life-|-alfa-mars-project/ba1ff7ee-0885-4d95-a094-683a18a584f0 Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/Mjk1NDVjODMtZTRjMS00MTQzLTkyOWMtNzQwYWYxYWVlMzQ2?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjQ3ruopcD-AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/reasonwithscience Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:05:54 Why Mars is an important candidate for life? 00:09:00 What kind of life are we looking at Mars? 00:14:00 Is there water on Mars? 00:17:33 Temperature ranges on Mars 00:24:09 What type of microbes are present in Mars like conditions? 00:26:14 Understanding Mars geology from meteorites 00:38:23 How to avoid contaminating Mars? 00:51:50 Assembly theory by Lee Cronin and Sara Walker 00:59:20 Many microbe species live together, so why don't we see any biosignatures yet? 01:04:04 Do we see any biosignatures on Mars? 01:06:13 Panspermia on Mars 01:09:46 Contribution of the Moon for origin of life 01:15:48 ALFA Mars project and how to support it? 01:25:28 Thank you!

This episode is with Chris Stringer. Chris is a renowned paleoanthropologist and a leading expert in the study of human evolution. He is a researcher at the Natural History Museum in London. He is best known for his work on the origins and evolution of modern humans. In this discussion, we will delve into the topics of evolution of sapiens, the development of modern humans, the reasons for our unique existence, and making projections about the future of human evolution. Guest info: Website: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/departments-and-staff/staff-directory/chris-stringer.html Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisStringer65?s=20 Episode links: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/human-evolution-with-chris-stringer Youtube: https://youtu.be/uFAQcL5wacM Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1wnn9ACTMToBBRV5i9IzVl?si=atBWYw4_ToqYTGhAHEYodA Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/how-modern-humans-evolved-|-chris-stringer-|-reason-with-science|-hominins/afc3479e-2ce2-4fd3-8359-4643956ad509 Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/NjBhNjViZjEtYWYxNS00ODdjLWI0MTMtNjBjMTBhMjQwNDZm?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjo15SX_rL-AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/reasonwithscience Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:56 Where did the Homo Sapien first appear and when was it? 00:03:38 What is a species and when does a species become a species? 00:07:03 What are hominins and when did they appear? 00:12:33 Where did hominins diverge? 00:16:50 Homo Sapiens is not the only humans which moved out of Africa! 00:23:08 Tools to study the evolution 00:28:06 Why there are limited fossils from certain regions? 00:30:48 Importance of fossils 00:31:54 Origins of Homo Sapiens 00:38:05 Genomes of the various homo species 00:40:14 How to get the proteins from fossils to study evolution? 00:41:22 Why are we alone? 00:49:22 'Bigger brain' argument for the survival of sapiens 00:50:46 Language and fire use in other hominins 00:55:05 Major questions about the evolution of hominids and hominins 00:56:53 Presence of humans in America 00:58:18 Future of human evolution 01:00:30 Thank you! #reasonwithscience #evolution #sapiens

This episode is with Kate Adamala. She is an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota. Kate is a renowned synthetic biologist and biochemist who has made significant contributions to the field of artificial life. Her research focuses on building synthetic cells, designing artificial genetic circuits, and exploring the origins of life on Earth. In this discussion, we will cover topics related to the first artificial life created in the lab, the creation of synthetic cells, various techniques for constructing artificial life, the origins of life, and the significant applications of synthetic cells. Guest info: Website: http://www.protobiology.org/indexd.php Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateAdamala Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@build-a-cell2765 Episode links: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/building-life-in-the-lab-with-kate-adamala Youtube: https://youtu.be/E6-6u1evt60 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1a5BrycZKA9yZhnqweggk6 Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/building-life-in-the-lab-|-kate-adamala-|-reason-with-science-|-artificial-life-|-origin-of-life/53206ca2-e51f-4753-9778-cc23eafb178c Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/MWQwNDI1MGItZDI0Ny00ZjFlLTkwMmItODQ2NzI4OGFhNjFm?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwiY99uFzZn-AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:01 First synthetic life at Craig Venter institute 00:03:46 What is a synthetic cell? 00:05:27 Definition of life 00:07:54 Replication of synthetic cells 00:10:00 Meaning of building life in the lab 00:11:22 Properties of biochemistry 00:12:55 Top-down or bottom-up approaches to build synthetic cells 00:14:28 Major components to build a cell 00:15:53 Importance of compartmentalization for synthetic cells 00:17:23 Liquid-liquid phase separation compartments 00:18:36 Requirements for the assembly of synthetic cells 00:20:04 Life from scratch 00:22:05 Information system in the synthetic cells 00:26:25 Genes to replication of the synthetic cells 00:30:11 Life of the synthetic cells 00:30:31 Limiting factors for the growth of synthetic cells 00:31:57 How the compartments are maintained? 00:32:58 Can synthetic cells grow forever? 00:33:51 Size of synthetic cells 00:35:20 Shape of the cells 00:35:49 Transporters in the synthetic cells 00:37:55 Applications of synthetic cells 00:42:20 Synthetic cells to study origin of life 00:43:36 Evolution of protocells 00:46:45 What is missing in building life in the lab? 00:48:12 How the work on synthetic cells can help in astrobiology? 00:49:52 Understanding multicellularity 00:51:07 Work on snowflake yeasts 00:52:17 Studying eukaryogenesis 00:53:01 How can we study evolution (by natural selection) using synthetic cells? 00:54:20 Synthetic cells for the environment 00:56:27 Limits to the biochemistry of synthetic cells 00:58:42 Engineering prosthetic 01:01:07 Viruses and the synthetic cells 01:02:27 Replication competent viruses 01:03:40 Alternatives of metabolism and biochemistry of synthetic cells 01:07:13 Yields from synthetic cells 01:09:22 Build-a-cell initiative 01:12:55 Major questions in the build-a-cell community 01:15:21 Further reading 01:16:54 Thank you!

This episode is with Eugene Koonin. He is a highly respected computational biologist who has made significant contributions to the fields of evolutionary biology, genomics, and bioinformatics. Eugene is a distinguished investigator at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). His research interests include the evolution of viruses and the development of new computational methods for analyzing large-scale genomic data. Here we talk about origins and evolution of viruses, major transitions in evolution, diversity of viruses, and tools to study viruses. Guest info: Website: ⁠https://irp.nih.gov/pi/eugene-koonin Episode links:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/evolutionary-origins-of-viruses-cellular-life-with-eugene-koonin⁠ Youtube: https://youtu.be/lJ-fw4nszDU Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/0itkqCyuTwqIs83mHHrH07?si=7e8c71dd68984fa8&nd=1 Apple podcast:  https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/evolutionary-origins-of-viruses-and-cellular-life-with-eugene-koonin-%7C-reason-with-science-%7C-genomics/f81f10bb-82e5-4dcb-b96e-8687ca1b0e86 Google podcast:  https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/ZWNhY2YyZTYtNjJjOC00OThiLWJhZGYtNWM4ODQ1ODI3ZGRk?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjouLLfiuf9AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science:  Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh  Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894  Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:03 How do we define viruses? 00:04:12 Major transitions in evolution and viruses 00:10:15 Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA) and its virome 00:15:50 Diversity of viruses 00:26:40 Multiple origins of viruses 00:28:56 Origin of viruses 00:35:21 Viruses and replicators 00:38:11 Selfish elements as information carriers 00:40:01 Nature of selfish elements 00:42:45 Why selfish elements emerge? 00:47:46 Membranes of viruses 00:53:00 Connection between information and compartments 00:56:10 Replication strategies of selfish elements 00:58:33 Strategies of viruses to organize and replicate their genomes 01:00:18 Genomes of giant viruses 01:02:56 Small or Giant viruses: which came first? 01:03:34 Tools to study phylogenetics of viruses 01:06:40 Can we identify the host of a virus from the genome and vice versa? 01:08:39 Minimum number of genes required for the survival 01:12:55 Understanding the complexity of alien life forms 01:14:31 Last Bacterial Common Ancestor (LBCA) and Last Archaeal Common Ancestor (LACA) 01:18:56 Evolution of Last Eukaryotic Common Ancestor (LECA) from bacterial and archaea 01:23:02 Endosymbiosis in nature 01:26:15 Bacterial and Archaea emdosymbiosis effects on compartments 01:28:27 Size differences in bacteria and archaea 01:29:33 Future of phylogeny of viruses 01:31:20 Thank you!

This episode is with William (Bill) Martin.  He is the head of the institute of molecular evolution at the University of Düsseldorf.  With a career spanning over decades, he has made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology, particularly in the areas of evolution and symbiosis. Here we talk about the question of origin of life, importance of metabolism, prebiotic chemistry at hydrothermal vents, emergence of information, compartmentalization, and early evolution of cells. Guest info: Website: https://www.molevol.hhu.de/en/prof-dr-william-f-martin Google scholar: https://scholar.google.de/citations?user=ms16utkAAAAJ&hl=en Episode links:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/orgin-and-early-evolution-of-life-with-william-martin  Youtube: https://youtu.be/yHM7ajYoE00  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2RUyROkiSeXqXq1lQVSdTW?si=QHleURybSiyncB04p5NAaw  Apple podcast:  https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/origin-and-early-evolution-of-life-with-william-martin-|-reason-with-science-|-hydrothermal-vents/eece8a5c-62fe-456a-99dd-4ccbe96f633f  Google podcast:  https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/NWFlYzFiOTAtNTM3My00MGRlLThjZGEtMzNiZjA4N2JmODk5?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjox6bOhNT9AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science:  Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh  Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894  Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:51 Charles Darwin's idea of warm little pond  00:04:19 Progress in the field of origin of life 00:13:46 Importance of energy for origin of life 00:20:40 Origin of life at the hydrothermal vents 00:30:45 Reaction of hydrogen and Carbon-DI-oxide at the hydrothermal vents  00:36:40 Crucial transitions for origin of cellular life  00:55:06 Emergence of information at hydrothermal vents 01:01:56 Importance of enzymes    01:06:25 Link between information and compartmentalization  01:08:24 Last Bacterial Common Ancestor (LBCA) and Last Archaeal Common Ancestor (LACA) 01:11:14 Importance of phase separation   01:16:10 Origin of life as an engineering problem  01:21:40 Life on exoplanets  01:23:57 Thank you!

This conversation is with Lee McIntyre. He is a Research Fellow at the Center for Philosophy and History of  Science at Boston University and an Instructor in Ethics at Harvard  Extension School. In this conversation we talk about what is science, importance of  scientific method, science deniers, flat earthers, Anti-Vaxx, GMO  deniers and climate change deniers.    Guest info:  Website: https://leemcintyrebooks.com/about-lee/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeeCMcIntyre  Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lee-McIntyre/author/B001IXPVPM?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true   Episode links:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/art-of-science-communication-with-lee-mcintyre  Youtube: https://youtu.be/XgZM0vaNBu4  Spotify:   Apple podcast:   Google podcast: Follow Reason with Science:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh   Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894   Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps:  0:00 Introduction  01:10 Philosophy of science and science denial  03:19 Flat earther convention  06:00 What do science deniers lack?  07:54 What is scientific method?  10:51 Distinction between skeptics and science deniers?  16:00 Need to feel different for science deniers?  17:23 Attitude of scientific community?  20:35 'No one cares about climate change outside Maldives'  24:35 Vaccination denial  29:25 GMO deniers  34:02 Is there a correlation between science denial ideologies?  36:48 Can scientists be corrupt?  39:40 How science reaches to consensus?  41:47 How to maintain trust in changing science?  44:34 Backfire effect?  49:12 What science can give them as an identity?  51:36 Impact of using terms 'Science deniers'.  52:18 Correlation between countries with science deniers and how they handled pandemic?  53:34 Does it really matter to convert science deniers?  54:45 What more to read?  56:23 Find more information about Lee's work.  56:52 Thank you!

This episode is with Chris Fields. He is an independent scientist with a  PhD in Philosophy from the University of Colorado. Here we talk about  what is a self?, nature of consciousness, physical reality, quantum  field theory, panpsychism, boundaries of cognition, complex systems and a  theory of consciousness. Guest info:  Website: https://chrisfieldsresearch.com/ Episode links:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/physical-reality-and-mind-with-chris-fields  Youtube: https://youtu.be/Mu_kW11ap8M  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ULSen1QoFeFLE2bOVi29P  Apple podcast:  https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/physical-reality-and-mind-with-chris-fields-%7C-reason-with-science-%7C-quantum-theory-%7C-consciousness/d4828162-f8b0-4b97-8203-d7cb01c2e059  Google podcast:  https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/MzBjMDI4ODUtNWUwZS00MzJhLTllZDEtMWRhNzgzODMyZDQ2?ep=14 Follow Reason with Science:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh   Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894   Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps:  00:00:00 Introduction  00:00:53 What is a self?   00:06:13 Difference between a self of a bacteria and human?  00:11:20 Self and a mind  00:14:22 Consciousness and a self  00:20:13 Panpsychism 00:22:25 Boundaries of cognition   00:26:40 Properties of LUCA (Last Universal Common Ancestor)  00:34:22 Memory and information in a system  00:39:24 How far we can stretch the understanding of boundaries?   00:45:14 Where is a self in the transitions of matter?  00:51:31 Language trap in exploring consciousness   00:56:20 Scale of consciousness 01:05:20 Attributing consciousness to chemistry  01:07:20 Consciousness during the development of a human  01:11:11 What would it mean to have a theory of consciousness? 01:16:17 Experience of larger and complex systems   01:20:03 Understanding complexity   01:27:48 Building complex systems like AI   01:32:32 What makes internet so complex?   01:35:34 Mike Levin's work to create Xenobots   01:41:00 Creating artificial bacteria     01:45:26 Origin of life 01:54:08 Thank you! Music by: Ahmed Hassan (https://www.youtube.com/@2ays577/featured)

This episode is with Nicholas Christakis. He is the Sterling Professor  of Social and Natural Science at Yale University, where he directs the  Human Nature Lab. He is also the Co-Director of the Yale Institute for  Network Science. His research focuses on social networks and the  socioeconomic, biosocial, and evolutionary determinants of behavior,  health, and longevity. Here we talk about nature nurture, The social  suite which includes seven core properties of any good society, The  forbidden experiment in sociology, and morality.   Guest info:  Website: https://humannaturelab.net/people/nicholas-christakis  Twitter: https://twitter.com/NAChristakis  Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3ANicholas+A.+Christakis+MD++PhD&s=relevancerank&text=Nicholas+A.+Christakis+MD++PhD&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1   Episode links:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/the-evolutionary-origins-of-a-good-society-with-nicholas-christakis  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61-cE2z-aWI  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WjOykglFgmydegQ18QajI  Apple podcast:  https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/the-evolutionary-origins-of-a-good-society-|-nicholas-christakis-|-reason-with-science-|-psychology/904d4179-7dc4-4a6f-b8c2-a5c13e520d7c  Google podcast:  https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/NDQ0NmFiMDUtMDI5ZS00NzAxLWFhNjYtMjQ3MjgxNTQ0YzBi?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjor4S5ybP9AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQQw Follow Reason with Science:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh   Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894   Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw    Timestamps:  00:00:00 Introduction   00:01:03 Major questions about human societies   00:07:16 Importance of human social networks   00:09:58 Nature- nurture debate    00:14:15 The social suite   00:16:06 Importance of the social society in creating a human society   00:22:17 Going beyond the social suite in a society   00:24:25 Extended phenotype and Exo-phenotype   00:29:36 Exo-phenotype and Darwinian evolution  00:30:30 Importance of an individual in a society   00:34:48 In-group bias   00:44:56 How much we can change 'In-group bias'?   00:47:03 Robert Sapolsky's 'Categorical thinking'   00:53:05 Life on Mars   00:54:11 Importance of Mild hierarchies    00:55:49 Mentorship  over Narcissism   01:01:39 Love in human societies    01:06:15 Morality    01:09:11 Thank you!

This episode is with Chris Impey. He is a university Distinguished Professor of Astronomy at the  University of Arizona. For 17 years he was Deputy Head of the Astronomy  Department at the University of Arizona, and he is currently Associate  Dean of the College of Science. His research focuses on observational  cosmology—using telescopes and other instruments to study the  large-scale structure and evolution of the universe. Here we talk about Einstein's monsters, How do black holes form?, Types  of black holes?, Information paradox, Supernova, Dark matter and Dark  energy. Guest info: Website: http://chrisimpey-astronomy.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ImpeyChris Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Chris-Impey/author/B001IZXGTS?isDramIntegrated=true&ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&store_ref=ap_rdr  Episode links:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/physics-of-black-holes-with-chris-impey  Youtube: https://youtu.be/n_0Wp0s39Es  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7juYOARFZeR2Z1lr7oA0Bw  Apple podcast:  https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/physics-of-black-holes-with-chris-impey/a1ca48fd-09ea-438f-98c9-54bdfc907c8b  Google podcast:  https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/ZmI1MzU1NGItM2EyOC00NjAwLWFhYzItMGQ5YTgzN2RjYjE5?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjYy_zTm6H9AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ Follow Reason with Science:  Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh  Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894  Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw

This episode is with Abhay Ashtekar. He is Evan Pugh Professor of Physics at Penn State, where he also holds the Eberly Chair. In 1993, he founded the Institute of Gravitation and the Cosmos. Ashtekar’s scientific work focuses on theoretical aspects of general relativity, cosmology and quantum gravity. Here we talk about what is gravity?, loop quantum gravity, The big bang, The big bounce, Singularities, Black holes and gravitational waves. Guest info:  Website: https://science.psu.edu/physics/people/abhay-ashtekar  Biography: https://www.aip.org/history-programs/niels-bohr-library/oral-histories/45807 Episode links:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/big-bang-black-holes-and-gravitational-waves-with-abhay-ashtekar  Youtube: https://youtu.be/_eYw_MQXIhM  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1W2ltjs6l9I0WSAo9CYEKh  Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/cz/podcast/big-bang-black-holes-and-gravitational-waves-abhay/id1641776894?i=1000597045107  Google podcast:  https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/NDc4OGIxMGMtNDY4My00ZmRiLWE0OWUtZjMyYjhkYmIyYTA1?ep=14 Follow Reason with Science:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh   Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894   Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:52 What is gravity? 00:10:50 Einstein's equivalence principle 00:15:34 Importance of geometry in physics 00:19:04 Introduction to quantum field theory 00:23:50 Einstein's work on quantum mechanics 00:25:04 Quantum field theory to explain reality 00:33:10 Scale of theory of relativity and quantum field theory 00:37:50 Introduction to loop quantum gravity 00:52:44 Gravity is a weak force 00:54:45 'Loops' in loop quantum gravity 01:05:20 Difference between strings and quantum threads 01:07:04 Status of Gravitons 01:10:58 Importance of gravitons 01:15:12 Gravitational waves 01:17:34 What is a black hole? 01:21:16 Black holes and loop quantum gravity 01:27:12 The Big Bounce 01:38:00 Loop quantum cosmology 01:39:07 Big bounce and the universe 01:41:31 Validating loop quantum gravity 01:45:25 Recommended reading 01:49:51 Thank you! Recommended reading: The Story of Loop Quantum Gravity- From the Big Bounce to Black Holes https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1042&v=x9jYH5VIF9E Before the Big Bang 1 - Loop Quantum Cosmology Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFcQuEw0oY8&feature=c4-overview&list=UUtOgKmAM4MeFu-jd-HB3_cg A  Short Review of Loop Quantum Gravity, by A. Ashtekar and E. Bianchi, https://arxiv.org/pdf/2104.04394.pdf  Quantum Space-time: Beyond the continuum of Minkowski and Einstein, by A. Ashtekar, https://arxiv.org/pdf/0810.0514.pdf  Clip: New Meaning of the Big Bang. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7kvjTRW-tw&feature=youtu.be 

This episode is with Pavel Plevka. He is a research group leader at Central European institute of technology (CEITEC).  His research is focused on solving the structures of viruses in order to understand their mechanism of action. For this conversation, My co-host is Anna Papageorgiou (https://twitter.com/AnnaCalypte). Here we talk about general aspects of viruses, their genomes, evolution of viruses, their infection strategies, impact of viruses on human health, environment and agriculture. Guest info: Website: https://www.ceitec.cz/doc-mgr-pavel-plevka-ph-d/u26854?page=publication Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlevkaLab Episode links:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/viruses_the_enigma_of_life_with_pavel_plevka  Youtube: https://youtu.be/c2TRLkbDVa8  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3J2A6psAbgwudGcaBXoePS?si=NNPZNbTbR52KZVSVKW_eyw  Apple podcast:  https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/viruses-the-enigma-of-life-with-pavel-plevka/e369efdf-1cd7-42ff-967c-2937d6be3edd  Google podcast:  https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/YWJiMDRiY2EtYThjMC00M2M4LWExNWQtNWI3MjNkNDI3YmYw?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwj4qOK4q9v8AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science:  Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh  Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894  Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw  Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:01 What is a virus and why do we study them? 00:02:02 Size of a viruses 00:03:57 Viroids and Gene Transfer Agents (GTA) 00:05:17 How to visualize viruses? 00:07:03 Different structures of viruses 00:08:34 Classification of viruses 00:10:01 How do viruses recognize their hosts and infect them? 00:16:58 Viral mechanism of action 00:19:42 How viruses can infect multiple hosts? 00:21:52 Essential features of viral genomes 00:23:30 Membranes and envelopes of viruses 00:26:05 Evolutionary origins of viruses 00:29:22 Why viruses are not part of the tree of life? 00:30:17 Co-evolution of viruses and hosts 00:37:24 How widespread viruses are? 00:39:47 Therapeutic strategies against viruses 00:42:26 Prevention against viruses 00:44:55 Phage therapy 00:47:27 Use of viruses in cancer therapies 00:49:00 Gene therapy 00:51:02 Importance of viruses for ecology 00:54:44 How viruses survive the extreme conditions? 00:58:40 Honeybee viruses 01:00:12 Do viruses carry known functions? 01:01:35 Are viruses alive? 01:02:29 What the technology lacks? 01:03:34 Pavel's favorite virus 01:04:21 Recommended article 01:05:10 Thank you! Music by: Ahmed Hassan (https://www.youtube.com/@2ays577/featured)

This episode is with Peter Atkins. He is a chemist and a Fellow of Lincoln College at the University of Oxford. Peter is a prolific writer of popular chemistry textbooks, including Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Molecular Quantum Mechanics. Here we talk about what are the laws of nature?, fundamental constants, emergence in the universe, strong and weak emergence, multiverse and a theory of everything. Guest info: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Peter-Atkins/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3APeter+Atkins Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Atkins Episode links: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/emergence-of-the-universe-with-peter-atkins Youtube: https://youtu.be/o14rvWAXiJk Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2YQUiJSqLSjXm6grwRKhN6?si=US1dT05USgSItcp0ybZovQ Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/emergence-of-the-universe-|-peter-atkins-|-reason-with-science-|-multiverse-|-physics/3ef09511-b6fd-4d44-84ae-59fbb5c974bb Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/ZTQyYzAzMTUtMDg4Ni00NTAyLWE0MjctOWQ3ZDM5NDQ1NGFi?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjo-4GQ-5X8AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/i d1641776894 Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:56 What is emergence? 00:02:30 what is the relation between emergence, Complexity and self-organisation? 00:12:42 How the universe originated? 00:31:00 understanding nothing and multiverse 00:32:07 How time emerges? 00:34:09 is nothing still evolving? 00:41:32 Evolution of humanity through time 00:51:05 what does it mean to be human? 00:52:48 how do we discover laws of nature? 00:58:32 outlaws and inlaws. 01:01:55 A grand unified theory in science 01:06:08 are fundamental constants fundamental? 01:17:11 predicting chemistry from physics 01:22:05 Increasing importance of predictions 01:26:05 what are the major questions for science of emergence? 01:29:15 can we create 'absolutely nothing' in the lab? 01:30:14 how much can we account for abstract properties? 01:34:30 future work 01:36:42 Thank you More talks by Peter: 1) origin of the laws of nature (https://youtu.be/p9Zmzcl85Ds) 2) where do the laws of nature come from (https://youtu.be/0_ckzZWDth8) 3) why emergence is significant (https://youtu.be/rAeEozekhu4) Music by: Ahmed Hassan ( ) #reasonwithscience #physics #multiverse

This episode is with Charles Brenner. He is the Alfred E Mann Family  Foundation Chair in the department of Diabetes and Cancer Metabolism.  His research focuses on disturbances in nicotinamide adenine  dinucleotide (NAD), the central catalyst of metabolism, in diseases and  conditions of metabolic stress.   Here we talk about what is metabolism?, NAD system, factors affecting  NAD system, ageing, anti-ageing research and how NAD system can be used  in health?   Guest info:  Website: https://www.brennerlab.net/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlesMBrenner?s=20&t=sP8HvddsdScE8qzeQN_t3Q  Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=XgEjtucAAAAJ&hl=en   Episode links:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/understanding-metabolism-and-aging-with-charles-brenner  Youtube: https://youtu.be/DHh_E3BbtmI  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4q1tqsDiIuwi3jNtdZP2UM?si=QB1KgNMxQpu5dJvlNGLqWQ  Apple podcast:  https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/understanding-metabolism-and-aging-|-charles-brenner-|-reason-with-science-|-nad-system-|-anti-aging/8ca959ec-8bbe-466b-a4e5-d2399d40a452  Google podcast:  https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/YmUxZmQyZDEtMjI1ZC00N2FlLWJjMjAtNjVmZDZkZDRiYzc1?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwiou6WW76v7AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA   Follow Reason with Science:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh   Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894   Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw    Timestamps:  00:00:00 Introduction  00:00:51 What is metabolism?  00:01:40 Metabolism at cellular level  00:02:44 Different metabolic processes   00:04:50 NAD (Nicotinamide adenine diamide) system   00:08:20 Food to NAD system    00:13:09 Evolutionary history of NAD system    00:15:44 Molecular description of NAD system   00:20:51 Synthesis of NAD   00:23:21 What is metabolic stress?   00:28:23 Consequences of metabolic stress on NAD system   00:29:45 Conditions caused by NAD deficiency   00:34:23 Impact of food on metabolic stress   00:35:51 Different types of foods and NAD levels   00:40:01 NAD levels and circadian rythem   00:40:50 Genetic predisposition to NAD levels  00:42:40 Are there population wide changes in NAD systems?   00:47:25 Importance of NAD levels in the blood and how much of these can enter in the cell?   00:50:08 Are there modified NMN compounds which can enter in the cell?   00:52:01 NAD system and aging   01:02:25 Objection against 'Sirtuins as drivers of aging'  01:04:29 How do we understand aging?  01:08:25 Biochemical explanation of aging   01:12:20 What kind of biomarkers can help is in studying aging?   01:15:33 Charles' work on NAD system   01:17:05 What sort of system can help us study aging?   01:23:37 Lifestyle and NAD system    01:26:07 NR (Nicotinamide Ribose) as supplements   01:27:19 Thank you!     #reasonwithscience #health #aging

This episode is with William Ratcliff. He is an Associate Professor at the School of Biological Science at Georgia Tech. Will studies the physics that constrains multicellular structures and examines the minute changes in certain yeast cells that allows them to become multicellular. Here we talk about origin of life, emergence of complexity, eukaryogenesis, how cells become multicellular? and major questions regarding how multicellularity evolves. Guest info: Website: https://ratclifflab.biosci.gatech.edu/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wc_ratcliff?s=20&t=V9HDIs-TNdMJazo02F8v5Q Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=wdVRIS0AAAAJ&hl=en Episode links:  Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/how-multicellularity-evolves-with-william-ratcliff Youtube: https://youtu.be/HOrNrg2H5Ok Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0xWzhzWozsnIppGpcN1fNx?si=iMvD48OVSPqxhZTfnxv4CQ Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/how-multicellularity-evolves-with-william-ratcliff/20ca73cb-7550-451a-9dae-84e1c415ebed Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/MmIyMGYzZTYtMWY3My00M2UxLTk1YzgtNTQ0MDZlZGJmNmQ5?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwio98jQh4n7AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science:  Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh  Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894  Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw  Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:50 Origin of life 00:09:02 Protocells and Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA) 00:11:58 Origin of LUCA 00:14:47 Evolution of life from LUCA 00:20:35 Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes 00:27:44 Semantics of colonies, communities and multicellularity 00:38:25 Kin selection and Group selection debate 00:43:12 Reductionism in science   00:49:32 Strong emergence 00:55:49 Snowflake yeasts 01:11:20 Multicellularity in bacteria 01:14:10 Reproduction in yeasts 01:21:11 Growth regulation in snowflake yeasts 01:27:47 Reproduction of snowflake yeasts 01:34:44 Evolutionary game theory 01:38:34 Michael Levin's work on Xenobots  01:41:56 Darwinian evolution is crucial for multicellular systems to evolve 01:47:01 How cellular functions are regulated in multicellular systems? 01:54:52 Nicole King's work on Choanoflagellates  01:57:19 Polarity in multicellular systems 01:59:32 Syncytia (Multinuclear) cells 02:04:22 Snowflake system and major questions about multicellularity  02:15:09 Reverting multicellularity 02:18:09 Thank you!

This episode is with Chris Ferrie. He is an associate Professor at the  University of Technology Sydney and Centre for Quantum Software and  Information. His research focuses on quantum information science. Chris  also writes children's books and some selected titles include Quantum  Physics for Babies, 8 Little Planets and Pandemics for Babies. In  this conversation we talk about beginning of quantum physics, Double  slit experiment, matter, understanding reality, quantum entanglement and  quantum computing.   Guest info: Website: https://www.csferrie.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/csferrie Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Ferrie/e/B00IZILZR6/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/csferrie   Episode links:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/quantum-physics-for-babies-with-chris-ferrie  Youtube: https://youtu.be/fn1W6Ml_8yY Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0R2jkglSrfguE347uF4oxk  Apple podcast:  https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/quantum-physics-for-babies-with-chris-ferrie/100f0595-9def-45e2-bc95-910415a5a077  Google podcast:  https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/NDRhZWI0YWEtYWY3OC00ZTAzLThhY2QtYTQyNzhlZDM1Yzk4?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwiItfPahvP6AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA    Follow Reason with Science: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw    Timestamps:  00:00:00 Introduction  00:00:55 Do we understand quantum physics?   00:03:50 Double slit experiment     00:08:43 Max Planck and Einstein's work   00:09:58 Early development of quantum theory  00:12:05 'Quantum' in quantum physics   00:12:41 Heisenberg's principle  00:18:56 Schrodinger's equation   00:20:10 Quantum superposition and quantum entanglement   00:22:53 How to understand quantum entanglement?   00:27:26 Measurement   00:30:13 What is matter and nature of reality? 00:34:22 Reductionism  00:36:07 Emergence and theory of everything  00:39:49 Science of chaos/luck/chance  00:42:11 Understanding chaos  00:43:54 Quantum information  00:50:07 Quantum information and consciousness  00:51:31 Work of Bernardo Kastrup and Donald Hoffman  00:54:54 (Eugene) Wigner's friend    00:59:44 Decoherence in quantum physics   01:02:31 Quantum computers  01:07:09 How big are quantum computers?  01:10:10 Problem with quantum computers  01:11:20 2022 Nobel prize in physics   01:15:04 Quantum systems in action   01:18:06 Writing science books for babies  01:21:08 Thank you!

This episode is with Lars Chittka. He is a professor at Queen Mary,  University of London. Lars is an expert on the behaviour, cognition and  ecology of Bees, and their interactions with flowers. His latest book is  'The mind of a Bee' where he explores the vast amount of work done on  the Bee behavior. In this conversation we talk about structure of Bee colonies, Nature-nurture, cognition, intelligence and consciousness.   Guest info: Website: http://chittkalab.sbcs.qmul.ac.uk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LChittka Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Bee-Lars-Chittka/dp/0691180474 Music band: Lars is also a part of a band 'Killer Bee Queens', check out  their music here  (https://killerbeequeens.bandcamp.com/album/strange-flowers)   Episode links: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/the-mind-of-a-bee-with-lars-chittka Youtube: https://youtu.be/-DWpFy0ToX4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0OoqlmcEK3IJLpSBHYG1EE?si=EIzoP0OZQO6XkzZZbXeIdw Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/the-mind-of-a-bee-with-lars-chittka/a4e353ce-37d8-4046-8cbf-310767565ebe Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/MjlkYzQxZWQtY2FhZi00NmZjLWJhM2ItNjUyODhlNzM3YmQ5?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwigjbq75eH6AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA   Follow Reason with Science: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw    Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:51 Most alien thing about Bees 00:02:12 Words of Maurice Maeterlinck 00:03:32 How do Bees perceive the world? 00:05:11 Seeing UV light 00:05:43 How a new born Bee would learn about its world? 00:08:25 Evolution of sensitivity to UV 00:11:00 Bee and flower evolution 00:13:41 How a Bee manages task of foraging? 00:18:31 Can Bees see in the Dark? 00:23:15 Cognitive maps in Bees 00:26:44 Landmarks recognition by Bees 00:28:06 Are Bees social animals? 00:36:28 Bees as carnivores 00:38:46 Social structure of Bees 00:45:01 Understanding nature-nurture from social insects 00:50:33 When the fate (to be a worker or not) of a Bee is decided? 00:52:18 Arms race between queen and works 00:54:02 Making of a Queen 00:58:21 Bee nest 01:01:17 Plasticity in Bee communication 01:07:21 Intelligence and cognition in Bees 01:14:29 Memory and Metacognition   01:23:50 Are Bees conscious?   01:37:52 Hard problem of consciousness 01:43:38 Importance of Bees   01:47:08 Bee conservation   01:54:29 Sensory, perception system of Bees and AI   01:58:58 Thank you!  #reasonwithscience #consciousness  #intelligence

This episode is with Geraint Lewis.  He is a Professor of Professor of Astrophysics at the Sydney Institute  for Astronomy, part of the University of Sydney's School of Physics. His  research focuses on the 'dark side of the universe', the matter and  energy that shapes our cosmos. His books include 'A fortunate universe'  and 'The cosmic revolutionary's handbook'. His latest book is 'Where did  the universe come from' co-authored by Prof. Chris Ferrie.  In this conversation we talk about theory of gravity, quantum physics,  Big Bang, Expansion of the universe?, Matter, how do the elements form?,  Antimatter, Dark matter and Dark energy.    Guest info:  Website: https://www.geraintflewis.com/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cosmic_Horizons  Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Geraint-F-Lewis/e/B01FRL8Y6I?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1665204017&sr=8-2   Episode links:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/where-did-the-universe-come-from-with-geraint-lewis Youtube: https://youtu.be/ep5fVxS82FA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5i1wq8JfVXvphLWxwEPwrL?si=0010caeae15e429b Apple podcast:  https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/where-did-the-universe-come-from-with-geraint-lewis/0255437b-a7bd-42cb-a770-2e85bc89a92d Google podcast:  https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/YmM5NTgyMDItMGFjNi00OTZhLWE0MjEtNzE0ZThlOTcyOThl?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwiw_ve6itD6AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh   Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894   Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw    Timestamps:  00:00:00 Introduction  00:01:16 Do we have to presuppose the existence of the universe?  00:05:49 Something from nothing    00:07:14 'What is nothing?'    00:08:26 Theory of gravity and Quantum physics   00:14:30 Standard model in physics   00:16:17 Understanding matter   00:19:00 Why we can't include gravity at quantum level?   00:20:58 Scale matters for gravity   00:21:52 Scales for Quantum effects   00:26:46 Evidence for Big Bang   00:32:53 What is fundamental?   00:37:47 Space-time is doomed   00:43:09 Universe emerging from another universe   00:45:54 How to envision Big Bang?   00:49:16 Forces at work at the Big Bang   00:58:46 Idea of the multiverse   00:59:41 Fine tuning to produce elements in the universe   01:04:10 Are all electrons same?  01:11:00 Formation of the elements   01:14:12 How do various elements reach on the planets?     01:21:20 Antimatter and why matter exist?   01:31:29 Dark matter and Dark energy   01:34:16 Question of emergence   01:35:46 How does angular momentum get included in Dark matter models of galactic rotation?   01:39:24 Can we create a universe?   01:41:02 Thank you!  

This episode is with Nick Enfield. He is a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Sydney. Nick's research on language, culture, cognition and social life is based on long term field work in mainland Southeast Asia, especially Laos. His books include Natural Causes of Language, Distributed Agency, and How We Talk. His latest book is 'Language vs Reality: Why language is good for lawyers and bad for scientists' In this conversation we talk about evolution of language and How well it can describe reality?, Can language nudge our thoughts?, Maths as a language, evolution of human reason and rationality.  Guest info: Website: http://nickenfield.org/ Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ZZ6woWgAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra Twitter: https://twitter.com/njenfield?s=20&t=rt6kyVo-IRUsdRu1Q4_W7g Episode links:   Website:  https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/can-language-describe-reality-with-nick-enfield  Youtube: https://youtu.be/lWzE55QeVDc  Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Hc9rPQQKHeboy2TINF0ik?si=ifgkA1KxSoCGM4qS0U4iqQ  Apple podcast:  https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/can-language-describe-reality-with-nick-enfield/dc89efc0-0bf4-4e35-85c2-f740fae73591  Google podcast:   https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/M2YyNTFjOTktNzZjMy00Y2Q3LWFhOTAtYzNhOGIzZmI0NDg2?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwj4w-iF0L76AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ Follow Reason with Science:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh   Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894   Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps:  00:00:00 Introduction  00:01:07 What is language?   00:04:01 When does a communication system becomes a language?  00:08:02 How language got started?   00:13:31 Do sapiens have an advantage which helped us to start a language?  00:17:30 Language is too blunt for scientists and good for lawyers   00:23:40 We simplify the complexity of the world  00:28:23 Why language was evolved?  00:30:52 On Donald Hoffman's work  00:35:36 Brute reality and social reality  00:36:59 Yuval Harrari's imagined reality   00:40:38 Power of all the languages  00:44:29 Language in an AI society  00:47:25 Complexity of a language  00:56:18 Can complexity of a language affect psychology?    01:00:08 Sapira-Whorf hypothesis  01:04:07 Co-evolution and evolution of languages   01:08:05 Desmond Morris' work on neoteny  01:10:54 Purpose of a language  01:16:04 Rationality, reasoning and language   01:22:35 Truth and rationality  01:27:45 Fighting misinformation 01:30:19 Confirmation bias  01:31:55 Should we care if a language is dying?  01:38:06 Is mathematics a language?  01:44:26 Thank you!   #reasonwithscience #languages #evolution

This is second part of the conversation with Randy Schekman. He is an  investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and a Professor of  Cell and Developmental Biology in the Department of Molecular and Cell  Biology at the University of California at Berkeley. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2013 for his  role in revealing the machinery that regulates the transport and  secretion of proteins in our cells. He shares the prize with James E.  Rothman of Yale University and Thomas C. Südhof of Stanford University.  In this conversation we talk about his work on scientific publishing,  his suggestions for  early-career researchers and his experience on Parkinson's project.   Listen to part I here: https://youtu.be/bl1uG4PbTOE  Find more about Randy's work: http://mcb.berkeley.edu/labs/schekman/  Randy's biography: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2013/schekman/facts/  Episode links:  Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/the-noble-journey-with-randy-schekman-ii  Youtube: https://youtu.be/MNjfkoutAhQ  Spotify:   Apple podcast:    Google podcast:     Follow Reason with Science:    Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh    Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894    Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps:  00:00:00 Introduction  00:00:49 How to select a scientific question?  00:05:13 Bold ideas survive in science!    00:06:50 Importance of collaboration in science  00:12:24 ASAP project model for early career researchers   00:13:03 Change in the evaluation process  00:19:25 How to understand quality of science?  00:24:31 Parkinson's project (ASAP)   00:28:02 Why scientific publishing can change?   00:29:43 Understanding of scientific method to improve scientific publishing!  00:31:37 Any shift in pressure of publishing?   00:32:58 More about Parkinson's project (ASAP)  00:38:38 Role of unstructured proteins in neurodegenerative diseases   00:41:41 Unstructured proteins are the next problem!  00:42:38 No markers for Parkinson's so far!  00:43:50 Causes of Parkinson's  00:45:06 What can be a potential cure of Parkinson's?   00:47:12 Thank you!   More Talks from Randy:  TEDx on scientific publishing: https://youtu.be/-N4Mb8tsyT8  iBiology: https://youtu.be/xvjUgTKlKyU  Nobel prize inspiration initiative lecture: https://youtu.be/Udg6bYkBtX8   #reasonwithscience #nobelprize #science

This is first part of the conversation with Randy Schekman. He is an  investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and a Professor of  Cell and Developmental Biology in the Department of Molecular and Cell  Biology at the University of California at Berkeley. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2013 for his  role in revealing the machinery that regulates the transport and  secretion of proteins in our cells. He shares the prize with James E.  Rothman of Yale University and Thomas C. Südhof of Stanford University.  In this conversation we talk about his early career, membranes,  exosomes, scientific publishing and Elife journal.  Listen to part II: https://youtu.be/MNjfkoutAhQ  Find more about Randy's work: http://mcb.berkeley.edu/labs/schekman/  Randy's biography: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2013/schekman/facts/  Episode links: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/the-noble-journey-with-randy-schekman-i Youtube: https://youtu.be/bl1uG4PbTOE  Spotify:  Apple podcast:   Google podcast:   Follow Reason with Science:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh   Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894   Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps:  00:00:00 Introduction  00:01:08 Interest in microbes  00:05:27 Yeasts have feelings too!  00:06:24 What was already known about vesicular trafficking?  00:08:42 How do you envision a cell?   00:09:51 Your work to understand 'what is life'?  00:12:48 Formation of membranes for the origin of life  00:14:39 Why membranes are ideal for life!  00:15:48 Differences of membranes   00:17:07 The evolution of membranes  00:19:02 Starting the work on vesicular trafficking  00:23:09 Discovery of COPII complex  00:25:24 The specialty of COPII complex   00:26:30 Importance of vesicular trafficking for animal physiology  00:27:39 Understanding of gut feeling!  00:28:56 What has changed after Nobel prize?  00:30:30 Different cellular trafficking system  00:32:11 Exosomes and miR223   00:34:29 Problems with exosomes as therapeutics  00:35:08 Peer-review and scientific publishing  00:39:44 Genesis of Elife   00:44:05 Impact factor of Elife  00:46:35 Thank you!   More Talks from Randy:  TEDx on scientific publishing: https://youtu.be/-N4Mb8tsyT8  iBiology: https://youtu.be/xvjUgTKlKyU  Nobel prize inspiration initiative lecture: https://youtu.be/Udg6bYkBtX8   #reasonwithscience #nobelprize #cellbiology

This episode is with Nick Lane. Nick is a professor of Evolutionary Biochemistry at University College London. He is an author of several books like Power, Sex, Suicide; Life ascending and the Vital question. His latest book is Transformer: The Deep Chemistry of Life and Death. Here we talk about What is life?, Life as an information, importance of Krebs cycle, How did the life start?, consciousness, chronic diseases like cancer and process of ageing. Guest info: Website: https://nick-lane.net/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nick-Lane/e/B001IXSEJ2/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 Google scholar: https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?hl=en&view_op=list_works&gmla=AJsN-F4olJCJHK40l0_0fVpJFgPP2JYynLUs5cpCsX0ADVj9y4VIo99TJ598Hr0_ItDJucJJGG4Tlxw9nr0zvdBMl8ow3iI3rA&user=eChselQAAAAJ Episode links: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/chemistry-of-life-and-death-with-nick-lane Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YolIkk_oJdI Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0rgEE8ZHA8wOMFcDm9k00X?si=Efq33fLXRs66vb5d6KlPVw Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/chemistry-of-life-and-death-with-nick-lane/48ce9fbe-5e92-43cd-a97a-4d6b846a7888 Google podcast: https://podcastsmanager.google.com/episode?show=show%3AktGOqSvOM5S386E5jDIB0g&episode=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3BsYXkvNTgwNDQxMTUvaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZkM2N0eGxxMWt0dzJubC5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldCUyRnN0YWdpbmclMkYyMDIyLTgtMjQlMkZlODhmZjcyMC01MWJkLTE2ZWYtYzg5Mi0xMTg3MGM2N2EwZGMubXAz&daterange=LAST_28D&hl=en Follow Reason with Science: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:50 Is 'What is life?' a right question? 00:05:10 Information view of life 00:08:02 Importance of metabolism for origin of life 00:14:27 Gases giving rise to life stuff 00:24:06 Why life doesn't form in a cola bottle? 00:25:20 Oxygen based life 00:31:06 Eukaryogenesis 00:41:07 Respiration in bacteria and mitochondria 00:44:29 Electrical potential on membranes 00:52:24 Membrane inheritance 00:58:04 Krebs cycle and reverse Krebs cycle 01:06:54 Recycling of mitochondria for health 01:15:24 Answering important questions in science 01:18:19 Biology of fields 01:32:11 Reductionism in science 01:35:33 How anesthetics affect bacterial or mitochondrial membranes? 01:45:43 Quantum biology 01:59:05 Lee Cronin's idea of synthetic life 02:01:35 Lee Cronin and Sara Walker's assembly theory 02:05:39 Can we simplify present biochemistry? 02:17:53 Thank you! #reasonwithscience #biology #biochemistry

This episode is with Paul Zachary (PZ) Myers. He is an associate professor of biology at the University of Minnesota where he works in the field of developmental biology. He is also a founder and author of Pharyngula science blog.  Here we talk about science based atheism, evolution of religion, god of gaps argument, origin and evolution of life, human values in the society, free speech and future of humanity. Guest info:  Blog website: https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/pzmyers Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PZMyersBiology Episode links:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/scienceevolution-and-atheism-with-pz-myers Youtube: https://youtu.be/SxyTgw8lYuI  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0TTztvoHbH7c8xI4b9UbAI?si=wuO3j2nrT1eRifB7dkwaIg  Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/science-evolution-and-athiesm-with-pz-myers/62fb9808-521f-43d8-8afd-7dc03300fc6a Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/MjJmZjJjZWEtZTIyNS00NzEzLWI4ZDMtMmMyMjI2NDAwYWY1?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwj41_fakZz6AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA Follow Reason with Science:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh   Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894   Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction   00:01:08 How did your scientific career started?  00:03:24 PZ's view on atheism 00:05:53 Science based atheism   00:08:29 Why we need to leave religion or God to become a scientist?   0:10:36 Preconceived biases because of faith   00:11:26 There's no clear definition of God   00:13:00 God of gaps argument   00:16:38 Can we bridge the gaps with science?   00:19:12 Transition of chemistry to biology (origin of life)  00:24:46 Evolution of life on the planet   00:29:06 Multicellularity and Sexual reproduction   00:34:59 Variation for natural selection   00:40:53 Role of chance in biology   00:44:45 Evolution-Development (Evo-Devo) biology   00:52:42 Hox genes   00:56:18 Evolutionary theory is most opposed theory!   00:59:07 Evolution of religion   01:01:58 Nature-nurture   01:04:38 Free will   01:07:28 Consciousness   01:12:58 Teleology (Purpose) in science   01:19:24 Religion in artificial intelligence   01:26:48 Morality and atheism   01:38:38 Meaning and purpose of life   01:41:31 Spirituality   01:46:07 Education and a dialogue   01:49:30 Thank you!

This is second episode with Donald Hoffman.  Donald is a Professor Emeritus of Cognitive Sciences at the University  of California, Irvine. He is an author of three books, including The  Case Against Reality: Why Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes. Here we talk about what is mathematics?, Interface theory of perception,  fundamental nature of consciousness, origin of life, spiritual  experiences and meaning of death.  Link for the first episode: https://youtu.be/pPJZm_-OKQ8).    Guest info:  Website: http://www.cogsci.uci.edu/~ddhoff/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/donalddhoffman  Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001HPIWAW    Episode links:   Website:  https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/nature-of-reality-with-bernardo-kastrup/reality-is-an-illusion-with-donald-hoffman Youtube: https://youtu.be/5zHdq_ba2W8 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/06YcGkK0C6wcFdSzu3E9Za?si=TyTDzaOkSUOiVW4jfP-ViA Apple podcast:   Google podcast:   Follow Reason with Science:   Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh   Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894   Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw    Timestamps:  00:00:00 Introduction   00:00:51 Interface theory of perception   00:09:12 Reductionist approach in science  00:13:52 What is mathematics?  00:22:12 Emergence of mathematics   00:25:28 Conscious agents and complexity  00:32:52 Modern science on consciousness   00:39:07 Experiments to study structures beyond space-time   00:57:19 Complexity from conscious agents  01:03:03 Is there an objective reality?  01:09:19 Limited semantics to explain reality beyond space-time   01:15:34 Intelligence and consciousness   01:17:39 Perception of a self    01:24:30 Is consciousness a gradient or discrete?   01:27:14 Understanding universal consciousness   01:38:38 Meditation, psychedelics and spiritual experiences   01:40:40 Bernardo Kastrup's analytical idealism   01:43:37 Fundamental consciousness is scientific or philosophical problem   01:47:26 Can we go beyond our interface to see reality?   01:49:44 Importance of silence in life   01:55:16 Worldview of consciousness as fundamental   02:03:50 Thank you!    Other conversations and talks:  1) Do we see reality as it is? @TED    2) Donald Hoffman on Ultimate Reality  @Closer To Truth    3) The Case Against Reality  @Skeptic    4) The Death of SpaceTime & Birth of Conscious Agents  @Science and  Nonduality    5) Donald Hoffman Λ Joscha Bach on Consciousness, Free Will, and Gödel  [Theolocution]  @Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal    6) The Case Against Reality  @The Institute of Art and Ideas    7) Lex Fridman  @Lex Fridman   (https://youtu.be/reYdQYZ9Rj4)   #reasonwithscience #consciousness #donaldhoffman

This is a conversation with Konstantin Batygin. He is a planetary science professor at Caltech known for his work on  planet 9. He is also a part of a rock band "The seventh season". In this  conversation we talk about how do new solar systems form?, what is a  planet?, Planet 9,  Kuiper belt, and the Edge of our solar system.   More about Konstantin's work: https://www.konstantinbatygin.com/  Follow him in Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbatygin  His music and band: https://theseventhseason.band/home   Time stamps:  00:00:00 Introduction  00:01:51 Science and music  00:04:37 How our solar system formed?   00:10:33 How different planets form?   00:13:13 Solar system as a disc   00:14:34 Rocky and gas planets   00:18:39 What sort of planets form first?  00:21:36 Orbits of the planets during the formation of a solar system  00:25:45 What is a planet?  00:28:41 Major contribution of planets in the stability of a solar system  00:30:52 Gravitational Pull 00:33:47 Why there's Planet 9?   00:36:27 History of Planet 9!  00:42:11 Why don't we have the evidence for planet 9 yet?  00:45:01 Tools to study unexplored part of solar system  00:47:44 Kuiper belt   00:48:08 What kind of planet is planet 9?  00:49:19 Orbit of Planet 9  00:51:07 Can planet 9 be a black hole?  00:53:40 What is the edge of our solar system?    00:55:36 Oumuamua  01:00:00 Concluding and thanks!  

This episode is with Bernardo Kastrup.Bernardo is an author, philosopher, and director of the Essentia Foundation. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy and another Ph.D. in computer engineering specializing in artificial intelligence. As a scientist, Bernardo has worked for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the 'Casimir Effect' of Quantum Field Theory was discovered).In this conversation we talk about drawbacks of materialism, what is consciousness?, nature of reality, panpsychism, analytical idealism, free will, what is time?, meaning of life and death. Guest info: Website: https://www.bernardokastrup.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BernardoKastrup Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BernardoKastrup/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeDZCa3VrRQvzBlVR-oVVmA Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bernardo-Kastrup/e/B004OFGCA4/ Episode links: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/nature-of-reality-with-bernardo-kastrup Youtube: https://youtu.be/hP8zqrVndfQ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/67MtexvfkKy95rZv5ylZ2F?si=rJWth3e0R8mY7CkwMubSmQ Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/nature-of-reality-with-bernardo-kastrup/f99141b8-28a8-415e-b47c-a379664d3e66 Google podcast: https://podcastsmanager.google.com/episode?show=show%3AktGOqSvOM5S386E5jDIB0g&episode=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3BsYXkvNTcwMzY4NDUvaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZkM2N0eGxxMWt0dzJubC5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldCUyRnN0YWdpbmclMkYyMDIyLTgtMyUyRjcwZjY0ZTJmLWJjYzQtOGUzMi1lMjc1LTMyMWM0ZDNiYzdkNi5tcDM&daterange=LAST_28D&hl=en Follow Reason with Science: Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:02 Most difficult questions about the cosmos 00:02:54 Science and materialism 00:05:27 Limitations of minds 00:07:36 How well science describes the nature of reality? 00:11:43 Is consciousness an illusion? 00:16:39 Issues with materialism 00:25:24 Origin of life 00:27:56 Science of complexity 00:33:54 How to refute emergence of consciousness? 00:42:19 Psychedelic experiences 00:48:19 Consciousness under analytical idealism 00:50:33 Idealism and trans-personal experiences 00:57:16 Origin of consciousness 01:00:38 What is wetness of the water? 01:05:36 Panpsychism and Solipsism 01:17:58 Consciousness in other species 01:24:31 Will artificial life be conscious? 01:29:10 What is death? 01:33:02 Idealism for meaning of life 01:39:46 What is time? 01:48:11 Western mind 01:53:44 Science of consciousness under idealism 02:24:14 Thank you!

This is a conversation with a theoretical physicist Avi Loeb. He is a  Professor of Science at Harvard University and a bestselling author of  the book "Extraterrestrial: the first sign of an intelligent life beyond  earth" In this conversation we talk about are we alone in the  universe?, first interstellar object named Oumuamua, how we can detect  alien intelligent life and the Galileo project.   More about Avi's work: https://lweb.cfa.harvard.edu/~loeb/  Buy Avi's book:  https://www.amazon.com/Extraterrestrial-First-Intelligent-Beyond-Earth-ebook/dp/B081TTY4NX   Timeline of the session:  00:00:00 Introduction  00:01:22 Journey to become a professor at Harvard university  00:07:15 Drake's equation and number of intelligent civilizations in the Universe  00:13:36 Oumuamua 00:17:55 Oumuamua like objects  00:18:55 Oumuamua product of another intelligent civilization  00:24:40 Nature of Oumuamua  00:31:26 The Galileo project   00:37:38 Size of the extraterrestrial objects and our telescopes  00:42:02 Are we ready to meet an alien intelligent civilization?  00:50:56 Scientific method   00:58:29 Are there any good/bad questions in science?  01:02:20 Wars and progress of humanity!  01:04:45 Impact of realizing that we are not alone!  01:05:45 Probability of humanity getting extinct!  01:07:49 Space exploration  01:10:11 Purpose of humanity  01:12:36 Future of astrophysics and humanity  01:14:23 Thank you!   Other conversations and talks:  1) Intelligent Life Beyond Earth  @Commonwealth Club of California    2) Was Earth visited by intelligent life?  @KTLA 5    3) Aliens, Black Holes, and the Mystery of the Oumuamua  @Lex Fridman    4) How the Scientific Community Isn't Open Minded  @PowerfulJRE    5) Avi Loeb on evidence of close extraterrestrial encounters  @CBS Mornings    6) Extraterrestrial Life ( https://youtu.be/uFrBcy0P6iM)  @Museum of Science, Boston      #reasonwithscience #aliens #aviloeb

This is a conversation with Carole Hooven. She teaches in and co-directs the undergraduate program in the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. She is also an author of a great book "T: The story of testosterone". Here we talk about what is testosterone?, Evolution of testosterone, how it affects the behavior and shapes the society?        More about Carole's work: http://www.carolehooven.com/ Follow Carole on twitter: https://twitter.com/hoovlet  Episode links: 1) Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/science-of-testosterone-with-carole-hooven 2) Youtube: https://youtu.be/mYqz5OYMvRI Timeline of the session:  00:00:00 Introduction  00:01:18 Carole's work area  00:03:36 Motivation to write a book on Testosterone  00:07:46 What is testosterone?   00:19:08 Testosterone levels  00:20:30 How do we define a male or a female?  00:27:56 Effects of Testosterone   00:36:04 Red deer and Testosterone levels  00:42:21 Effects of testosterone in other apes  00:47:15 Correlation between hierarchies and T-levels  00:48:29 Testosterone levels during lifetime  00:49:39 CAH (Congenital Androgen Hyperplasia) and CAIS (Congenital Androgen Insensitive Syndrome)   00:58:56 T-levels during the process of sex-change  01:03:29 Testosterone and homosexuality  01:07:08 Deterministic view of Testosterone  01:09:49 Meditation and testosterone   01:14:21 Testosterone and the society  01:21:06 Thank you! Follow for more!