Dr Karl Podcast Shark repellants, going grey and the sixth sense
Oct 17, 2024
Zoe Kean, a Tasmanian science communicator and author, teams up with Ruben Meerman, the 'surfing scientist' known for his physics expertise, to explore fascinating scientific concepts. They discuss the effectiveness of shark repellents for surfers and whether humans might evolve cancer immunity. The duo also dives into the intriguing nature of shadows and the reasons for premature greying, incorporating engaging personal stories and insights on wildlife. A lively conversation that balances humor with thought-provoking science!
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Sixth Sense & Probability
- "Sixth sense" experiences are often coincidences explained by probability.
- Littlewood's Law of Miracles suggests that seemingly improbable events are expected due to the sheer number of events in our lives.
Social Attunement
- Humans are highly attuned to social cues, even subconscious ones.
- This sensitivity, combined with probability, can create the illusion of a "sixth sense."
Cancer and Multicellularity
- Cancer is a symptom of multicellularity, present across many species.
- Elephants possess multiple copies of the TP53 gene, which helps suppress cancer development.