The Infinite Monkey Cage cover image

The Infinite Monkey Cage

The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… Failure

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.
16:54

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Failure is essential for scientific progress, leading to discoveries and advancements.
  • Epigenetics challenges Darwin's ideas, exploring inherited traits beyond genetics and environmental influences.

Deep dives

The Importance of Failure in Science

Failure is considered essential in the scientific field, as it paves the way for discoveries. Scientists like Edison and Darwin faced setbacks before achieving success, highlighting the iterative nature of scientific progress. The podcast discusses how failures and mistakes lead to advancements, emphasizing the role of trial and error in scientific endeavors.

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