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The Dissenter

#985 Philip Ball - How Life Works: A User’s Guide to the New Biology

Aug 26, 2024
Philip Ball, a distinguished science writer and former editor at Nature, dives deep into the essence of life itself. He explores the intriguing concept of agency in biology, discussing how living systems pursue goals. The episode challenges traditional metaphors, arguing that genes alone don't determine outcomes; context is crucial. Additionally, Ball unravels the dynamic role of proteins in cellular processes, shedding light on their impact on evolution and medicine. He also touches on ethical dilemmas in synthetic biology, leaving listeners with much to ponder.
01:45:10

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Quick takeaways

  • Defining life transcends traditional traits, emphasizing agency and goal-directed behavior as vital characteristics of living systems.
  • The inadequacy of outdated metaphors in biology highlights the necessity for improved language to convey the complexities of life.

Deep dives

Defining Life's Complexity

There is currently no universally accepted scientific definition that distinguishes living from non-living systems, which raises significant philosophical and biological questions. Traditional criteria often include characteristics like self-replication and metabolism; however, these can also apply to non-living systems, such as tornadoes. The discussion of agency is emphasized as a more pertinent way to characterize life, as it refers to the ability of organisms to act with purpose and adapt to their surroundings. In essence, living systems are distinguished by their goal-directed behavior, a concept that underscores the complexity and mystery of biological life.

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