Lex Fridman Podcast #113 – Manolis Kellis: Human Genome and Evolutionary Dynamics
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Jul 31, 2020 
Manolis Kellis, a professor at MIT and head of the MIT Computational Biology Group, dives deep into the intricacies of the human genome and evolutionary dynamics. He discusses the relationship between our genetics and free will, challenging conventional notions of determinism. The conversation takes a turn into viral evolution, examining how SARS-CoV adaptations intersect with human health. Additionally, Kellis explores the role of technology in enhancing human perception and the philosophical implications of language, meaning, and existence.
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Digital Inheritance
- Genomes store information digitally, ensuring no information loss during replication.
- This digital inheritance, first understood by Mendel, contrasts with the ancients' view of continuous inheritance.
Balancing Selection
- Despite vast genetic variation possibilities, humans exhibit remarkable similarity due to balancing selection.
- This selection favors intermediate traits, avoiding extremes for survival advantages, exemplified by human height.
Human Genome Uniqueness
- The human genome's beauty lies in its variation, revealing individuality within our shared 99.9% similarity.
- Horizontal inheritance through cultural transmission complements vertical genetic inheritance, distinguishing humans from other species.