Cremations vs. burials, walking sharks and consciousness
Jul 18, 2024
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Special guest Zoe Kean discusses topics like water cremation, book cover art designs inspired by nature, environmentally friendly burial options, evolution of thumbs in animals, disappearing tarns, and eye color changes in adults with Dr. Karl.
Consciousness might extend beyond humans to plants like the sensitive plant, challenging traditional beliefs.
Water cremation and other eco-friendly alternatives are highlighted for end-of-life care choices.
Deep dives
Evolution of Consciousness and the Brain
The podcast episode delves into the debate around the evolution of consciousness and the brain. Different theories suggest varying prerequisites for consciousness, ranging from language to brain structure. Some scientists believe that consciousness could be more pervasive in nature than traditionally thought, possibly even present in plants like the sensitive plant, challenging conventional ideas.
Environmental Impact of Post-Death Choices
The episode explores the environmental implications of choices after death. It discusses how bodies can impact the environment based on factors like the drugs taken during life or the preservation methods used. Alternative methods such as water cremation are presented as more eco-friendly options, shedding light on evolving practices in end-of-life care.
Innovation and Problem-Solving in Dreams
The podcast raises the intriguing question of how innovation and problem-solving occur in dreams. Various hypotheses suggest that dreams introduce chaos into the brain, aiding in finding solutions. Dreaming may serve as a cognitive mechanism to navigate complex challenges or dilemmas, potentially leading to creative outputs like jokes or problem resolutions.
Eye Color Transformation and Melanin Dynamics
Eye color variation, particularly changes in adulthood, is discussed in the podcast. The transformation of eye color from blue to greenish-hazel could be associated with melanin fluctuations. While eye color usually stabilizes by early adulthood, rare occurrences like pigment alterations in 10% of adults can lead to shifts in eye color, as observed in the individual's experience.