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Betül Kaçar

Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and leader of a NASA-funded multi-institutional research center focusing on life’s early evolution. Studies the origins and early evolution of life on Earth.

Top 5 podcasts with Betül Kaçar

Ranked by the Snipd community
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172 snips
Dec 29, 2022 • 2h 48min

#350 – Betül Kaçar: Origin of Life, Ancient DNA, Panspermia, and Aliens

Betül Kaçar, an astrobiologist at the University of Wisconsin, dives into fascinating realms of life's origins and extraterrestrial possibilities. She discusses the intricacies of ancient DNA and its implications for understanding evolution. Betül sheds light on the process of nitrogen fixation and its historical significance, as well as the profound connections between genetic coding and human language. The conversation also explores ethical questions around the creation of life and the philosophical inquiries into existence and meaning in our complex world.
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Jul 7, 2025 • 8min

What Earth’s undefeatable organisms reveal about survival

Betül Kaçar, a NASA astrobiologist and evolutionary biologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, dives deep into the resilience of ancient microorganisms. She shares her groundbreaking work recreating environments from 3 billion years ago to unlock secrets of survival. Kaçar discusses how these tiny life forms adapted to extreme conditions and what their adaptations can teach us about tackling today’s environmental challenges. Her insights into microbial evolution and synthetic biology reveal innovative pathways for sustainable solutions.
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May 27, 2025 • 24min

The Leap: This Is Going To Kill Your Career

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Betül Kaçar, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor and NASA-funded researcher, shares her journey from biochemistry to the intriguing world of evolutionary biology. She dives into the challenges of resurrecting ancient microorganisms and proteins, highlighting the perseverance required to push boundaries in science. Alongside NASA's Melissa Kirven-Brooks and evolutionary biologist Harmit Malik, Betül emphasizes the importance of creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration in understanding life's origins.
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Apr 11, 2022 • 11min

We could kickstart life on another planet. Should we? | Betül Kaçar

In this captivating talk, astrobiologist Betül Kaçar, who employs statistics to explore the origins of life, dives into the tantalizing possibility of sparking life on other planets. She discusses how understanding ancient environments could unlock the 'secret sauce' for creation. Kaçar raises crucial ethical questions about our responsibilities when it comes to creating life elsewhere. Is humanity ready for the implications of a universe filled with life versus one that's barren? It's a thought-provoking discussion on the future of existence in the cosmos!
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Sep 27, 2021 • 1h 14min

166 | Betül Kaçar on Paleogenomics and Ancient Life

In this engaging discussion, astrobiologist Betül Kaçar, an expert in paleogenomics, delves into the mysteries of ancient life and its relevance to the search for extraterrestrial beings. She highlights the fascinating process of reconstructing ancient genomes and proteins to reveal life's evolution on Earth. Kaçar also explores pivotal moments, like the Great Oxygenation Event, that transformed our planet. Additionally, she raises thought-provoking questions about how our understanding of ancient life could shape future explorations of life beyond Earth.

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