Crystal Rogers

Crystal Rogers, a developmental biologist from UC Davis, joins Regina G. Barber to explore what it means to be alive. They tackle intriguing definitions of life, debating whether viruses and androids like Star Trek's Data qualify. With a mix of science and sci-fi, Rogers sheds light on growth, reproduction, and energy's role in life. The discussion invites listeners to consider the complex nature of existence and even the possibility of life beyond Earth. It’s a delightful blend of biology and philosophy!

Crystal Rogers, a developmental biologist at UC Davis, digs into the age-old question of what defines a living being. She explores the criteria that separate life from non-life, highlighting tricky cases like viruses and futuristic androids. Alongside scientist Regina G. Barber, they debate whether entities like the character Data from Star Trek can be deemed alive. Their discussion raises profound questions about existence, consciousness, and the ethical implications of categorizing life, making you rethink everything you thought you knew about being alive.