Lee Berger

In dieser Folge spricht Lee Berger, Paläoanthropologe und Professor an der University of the Witwatersrand, über seine aufregenden Entdeckungen in Südafrika. Er diskutiert die Bedeutung von Fossilienausgrabungen für das Verständnis der Menschwerdung. Berger erklärt, wie modernste Technologien wie Drohnen und Robotik bei der Bergung von empfindlichen Fossilien eingesetzt werden. Zudem thematisiert er die Kontroversen rund um die Interpretation von Funden und die Debatten über die ethischen Implikationen des Transports von Fossilien ins All.

Lee Berger, a groundbreaking paleoanthropologist known for his major fossil discoveries, shares his thrilling journey in the field. He reflects on his humble beginnings in rural Georgia and the unexpected finds that reshaped our understanding of human evolution, including the jawbone of a new species discovered by his son. Berger also reveals the extraordinary Rising Star cave exploration, where they unearthed Homo naledi, challenging long-standing beliefs about what it means to be human. His passion for exploration and the intersection of science and media inspires throughout the conversation.

Lee Berger, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and paleoanthropologist, shares his adventurous journey discovering ancient hominid fossils in South Africa. He recounts his son’s remarkable find that turned their research around. Berger delves into the revolutionary discoveries within an extraordinary cave, sparking a new understanding of human origins. The conversation touches on the thrill of fossil hunting, the unexpected emotional experiences of the 'underground astronauts,' and how these findings challenge traditional views of what it means to be human.