The Infinite Monkey Cage The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… Failure
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May 8, 2024 
Anthropologist Alice Roberts joins Brian Cox and Robin Ince to discuss the importance of failure in science, highlighting how mistakes can lead to discoveries. They explore Darwin's theory flaws, the accidental creation of Viagra, and the challenges in drug development for global health. The podcast reflects on past failures in medicine, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the debate on exercise as a health solution.
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Failure Is Integral To Scientific Progress
- Science advances through error because correcting mistakes reveals more about nature.
- Alice Roberts says being wrong is celebrated in scientific training as it leads to deeper knowledge.
Practice The Test-Refine Cycle
- Test ideas rigorously and refine them based on evidence rather than clinging to theories.
- Alice Roberts urges practicing the scientific process: test, look at evidence, refine, and retest.
Epigenetics Doesn’t Overturn Darwin Easily
- Epigenetics raises the possibility that some acquired traits affect descendants via gene regulation.
- Adam Rutherford cautions that the heritable aspect of epigenetics remains contentious and limited.