

Robert Hazen
Staff scientist at the Earth and Planets Laboratory of Carnegie Science in Washington, D.C. Known for his work in mineral evolution and mineral ecology.
Top 3 podcasts with Robert Hazen
Ranked by the Snipd community

5 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 12min
This law of nature has been hidden from science – until now | Robert Hazen
Dr. Robert Hazen, a leading mineralogist and geologist at the Carnegie Institution, introduces a groundbreaking concept of a second arrow of time, focused on increasing functional information in evolution. He argues that as the universe ages, it becomes more organized and purposeful, challenging traditional views of entropy. Using the coffee cup as an analogy, he illustrates how function shapes the evolution of complex systems, suggesting a new understanding of time, evolution, and reality itself.

Oct 24, 2025 • 5min
The mindblowing way rocks “survive” and evolve | Robert Hazen
Robert Hazen, a leading mineralogist and professor, delves into the captivating topic of mineral evolution and its connection to life on Earth. He reveals how the universe began with just a handful of minerals, which have since diversified into thousands. Hazen highlights the shared characteristics of all evolving systems—interaction, configuration, and selection—drawing parallels between minerals and living organisms. His insights encourage us to rethink our place in the cosmos by understanding the deep interconnectedness of geological and biological systems.

Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 11min
Extended Interview: A Missing Law of Nature with Bob Hazen and Mike Wong
Join mineralogist Robert (Bob) Hazen and astrobiologist Mike Wong as they propose a groundbreaking Law of Increasing Functional Information. They dive into how complexity emerges in life and the universe, discussing the differences between scientific laws and theories. The duo explains the critical role of context and selection in evolving systems, illustrating their ideas with real-world examples from minerals to AI innovation. Their insights challenge traditional views and open new avenues for understanding complexity, life, and even cooking!


