Ep 1. Curiosity, childhood and the natural world: the making of two scientists
Jun 15, 2020
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In this fascinating discussion, Professors David Raubenheimer and Steve Simpson share their journeys from curious children to leading scientists in nutritional ecology. They recount hilarious childhood experiments, like reconstructing a cow skeleton and David's bee hypothesis. Their collaboration at Oxford sparked groundbreaking research on locusts, unveiling complex dietary needs. The conversation emphasizes how nurturing curiosity and challenging established norms can lead to pivotal scientific discoveries.
The childhood curiosity fostered by supportive parents was pivotal in shaping the scientific careers of Professors Simpson and Raubenheimer.
Their groundbreaking research on locusts revealed that animals prioritize protein over carbohydrates, challenging traditional views of dietary selection in ecology.
Deep dives
Interdisciplinary Connections
The conversation highlights the surprising similarities between scientific and creative processes. Both scientists and artists often start with a lingering question that drives their exploration, leading to unexpected discoveries and eureka moments when connections become clear. The speaker recounts her experiences at the Charles Perkins Centre, where she observed how collaboration across disciplines fosters breakthroughs in understanding the interconnectedness of food, health, and the environment. This partnership between creativity and science emphasizes the essential role each plays in driving innovation and understanding the complexities of life.
Nurturing Curiosity from Childhood
Both featured scientists, David and Stephen, share stories reflecting their childhood curiosity and upbringing that nurtured their interests in the natural world. Stephen's fascination with insects was cultivated by his mother's encouragement, while David's explorations were shaped by a father who worked intimately with nature. They both emphasize the importance of parental support in fostering curiosity, which is a fundamental characteristic inherent in children. This early interest laid the groundwork for their careers, demonstrating how significant early experiences are in shaping a scientist's path.
Innovative Research on Nutrition
The scientists discuss their groundbreaking research that redefined assumptions about animal nutrition, specifically focusing on locusts and their dietary preferences. Through meticulous experiments, they found that locusts prioritize protein intake over carbohydrates, which contradicts the traditional view that animals select food primarily for energy. This research introduced the concept of 'Nutritional Geometry,' a framework that considers the interplay of multiple dietary components, enhancing the understanding of how animals make dietary choices. Their findings not only impact the field of nutrition but also challenge biologists to rethink the importance of feeding behavior in ecological contexts.
Overcoming Challenges in Scientific Inquiry
The discussion details the persistence required in the face of skepticism and the initial resistance from the scientific community regarding their innovative ideas. Despite encountering criticism, Stephen and David remained committed to their research and the belief that they could elucidate complex scientific principles through their findings. Their partnership provided mutual support during challenging times, enabling them to continue pursuing their goals. This resilience and collaborative spirit were crucial in establishing their new perspective on nutrition and its significance in biology.
Are scientists born or made? In Episode 1 we hear about the early years of Professors Steve Simpson and David Raubenheimer, and their childhood investigations into the natural world. From Steve's high school reconstructions of a cow skeleton to David's childhood hypothesis about the harmfulness of bees, we see how two schoolboys grew into two world-renowned scientists. We learn of their meeting at Oxford University and the early experiments with locusts that led to their groundbreaking findings about human nutrition. Along the way we discuss how curiosity makes room for the tenacity to go your own way as a scientist and challenge long-held 'truths' about the world.
Hosted by novelist Charlotte Wood, the first writer-in-residence at the Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney.