Lex Fridman Podcast #350 – Betül Kaçar: Origin of Life, Ancient DNA, Panspermia, and Aliens
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Dec 29, 2022 Betül Kaçar, an astrobiologist at the University of Wisconsin, dives into fascinating realms of life's origins and extraterrestrial possibilities. She discusses the intricacies of ancient DNA and its implications for understanding evolution. Betül sheds light on the process of nitrogen fixation and its historical significance, as well as the profound connections between genetic coding and human language. The conversation also explores ethical questions around the creation of life and the philosophical inquiries into existence and meaning in our complex world.
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Phylogenetic Trees
- Phylogenetic trees depict the interconnectedness of all living beings.
- They are built from the tips of branches (modern organisms) and work backward to determine the root (common ancestor).
Early Life's Fascination
- Betül Kaçar finds the origin of life and its early evolution most fascinating.
- She studies how primitive organisms shaped the environment and enabled complex life.
Respecting Bacteria
- Bacteria are not primitive but sophisticated and resilient ancestors.
- They play essential roles in our bodies and the ecosystem.