Lewis Dartnell

Lewis Dartnell, author and research scientist, discusses how our biology has shaped our relationships, societies, economies, and wars throughout history. He explores the impact of psychoactive substances on the brain, the British trade in opium, the opioid crisis, and cognitive biases. Dartnell also delves into the influence of biology on human history and the role of cognitive biases in decision-making.

Astrobiologist Prof. Lewis Dartnell discusses how human biology shapes civilization, the challenges of living on Mars, and the importance of cooperation. Topics include the interconnectedness of biology and society, the impact of plagues on societies, and the future of humanity in space.

In a fascinating discussion, Jonathan Jarry, a science communicator from McGill University, and astrobiologist Lewis Dartnell, delve into the concept of 'mirror life'. They explore how flipping the molecular structure of life could challenge our understanding of biology. The duo highlights the historical significance of chirality, its role in drug development, and the ethical implications of creating mirror microorganisms. They also discuss how these concepts could affect the search for extraterrestrial life, particularly in Martian samples.