Science writer Phil Ball discusses the flaws of traditional biology metaphors, the concept of the selfish gene, and the intricate levels of agency in multicellular organisms. He also explores the biomedical implications of viewing cancer cells as entities with their own goals.
Metaphors in biology can simplify complex concepts but may lead to misconceptions if taken literally.
Proteins are now seen as dynamic and promiscuous rather than structured molecular machines, challenging traditional views.
Cancer is shifting from rogue cells to deranged replicas of developmental processes, highlighting new treatment approaches.
Deep dives
The Influence of Concepts on Perception
In the podcast episode, it delves into the concept that people tend to perceive what they expect to see rather than what's actually present. This phenomenon is illustrated with examples like the optical illusion of the young and old woman image and the viral debate over the color of the blue and black striped dress. The episode explores how age and social influences may affect perception, shedding light on how individuals filter and interpret information differently.
Metaphorical Constraints in Science
The podcast discusses the limitations of using metaphors in scientific explanations, drawing parallels to how language can shape our understanding and lead to misconceptions. By delving into the significance of metaphors like the Tree of Life and genes as blueprints, the episode highlights how these linguistic constructs can both aid in simplifying complex concepts and hinder deeper comprehension when taken too literally. The conversation emphasizes the need to critically examine the implications of metaphors in scientific discourse.
Challenging Traditional Views on Protein Function
The episode explores a shift in understanding regarding protein function, presenting insights that challenge conventional perspectives. Contrary to the long-held belief of proteins as structured molecular machines designed for specific tasks, recent discoveries reveal a more dynamic and promiscuous nature in many proteins. This revelation, exemplified by the concept of proteins lacking fixed structures and engaging with numerous molecules, prompts a reevaluation of how proteins operate within cellular networks and influence evolutionary selection. Such advancements highlight the evolving landscape of biological knowledge beyond traditional textbook portrayals.
Understanding Agency in Living Systems
Living things exhibit varying degrees and types of agency, akin to the diversity in consciousness levels across different organisms. The concept of agency encompasses the distinct abilities of agents, such as strong memories or efficient movement and sensing capacities. While decomposing agency into specific characteristics is plausible, quantifying it remains a challenge due to its nuanced nature. The discussion hints at the necessity for a comprehensive theory to navigate the complexity of agency in living systems.
Reimagining Cancer as Developmental Anomalies
The traditional view of cancer as rogue cells acting selfishly has evolved to recognizing tumors as deranged replicas of developmental processes. Tumors exhibit organization akin to organs, comprising diverse cell types that collaborate for survival and growth. Viewing cancer through a dynamical systems framework highlights the transition of cells into cancer-like states within the landscape of cellular possibilities. This perspective reframes cancer treatment as guiding cells back to healthy states or inducing states that hinder proliferation, presenting novel avenues for therapeutic intervention.
At what levels does causation happen in biology? Are metaphors useful for understanding biology?
In this episode, we talk with Phil Ball, a science writer who was also an editor for the journal Nature for over 20 years. Phil has written over 25 books, but our conversation focuses on his most recent: “How Life Works: A User’s Guide to the New Biology.” In the book, Phil covers a wide-range of topics from cells to proteins to biological agency, and makes the argument that traditional ideas and simplified metaphors in biology often don’t hold up. We talk with Phil about the concept of the selfish gene and unpack what it actually means and when it’s useful. Then we dive into the paradox of how multicellular organisms are composed of multiple levels of agency, yet are complex agents themselves. Phil also discusses the biomedical implications of thinking about cancer as one in many possible states that cells can inhabit across a landscape.
Art by Keating Shahmehri. Find a transcript of this episode on our website.
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