Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe Listener Questions #21 featuring Cat Bohannan
Nov 6, 2025
Kat Bohannon, author of 'Eve' and a researcher on reproduction and evolution, joins the discussion. She dives into whether gestation can be shortened and the potential of external wombs for reproduction. Bohannon explains why human infants are so helpless at birth and discusses the concept of superhuman strength linked to adrenaline and pain suppression. Intriguingly, she also reveals how viruses may have played a role in our evolution, highlighting their unexpected benefits. Her insights challenge conventional views on reproduction and biology.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Current Ways We Shorten Parts Of Gestation
- IVF and neonatal technologies already shorten parts of gestation by externalizing early or late stages.
- Researchers are developing womb-like NICU devices (e.g., bio-bags) to better support very preterm infants.
External Wombs Would Reshape Society
- External artificial wombs would decouple reproduction from individual bodies and reshape gender roles and social policy.
- Removing reproductive burden from some bodies would cause broad social and structural change.
Real 'Hysterical Strength' Is Partial And Costly
- Stories of 'hysterical strength' often involve lifting one corner of a car to free someone, not raising the whole vehicle.
- Kat explains adrenaline boosts blood flow and suppresses pain, letting rescuers exceed normal limits at personal cost.
