

Reason with Science
Jitender Kumar
Welcome to "Reason with Science", the podcast that explores the intersection of reason and science in our everyday lives. Billions of years of evolution led to a species which is asking questions about its own existence. This quest of humans is not possible without science. As we navigate an increasingly complex world, it's more important than ever to approach issues with a clear and evidence-based understanding. In this podcast, we'll dive into the latest research, explore fascinating topics, and interview experts in their respective fields to help us make sense of the world around us.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 18min
Synthetic cells and DNA origami | Kerstin Göpfrich | Reason with Science | Engineering | Biology
This episode is with Kerstin Göpfrich. She is a leading researcher in the field of synthetic biology with experties in biophysics, DNA nanotechnology. and microfluidics. She leads the max plank research group of biophysical engineering at the max plank Institute for medical research in Heidleberg. Her research centers on utilizing DNA origami, a versatile technique that employs DNA molecules to construct three-dimensional components for synthetic cells. In this conversation we talk about can we create life in the lab, synthetic cells, advantages of using DNA origami in creating synthetic cells, applications, and the future of artificial cells.
Guest info:
Website: https://goepfrichgroup.de/kerstin-gopfrich/
Twitter: https://x.com/kgoepfrich?s=21
Episode links:
Website: https://reasonwithscience.com/synthetic-cells-and-dna-origami-with-kerstin-goepfrich
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6sD5k6uU9A
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1toGr9GQQxRoKfWKT88SGd?si=C-GUgGxvRzSw9O5qp3FN5w
Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/synthetic-cells-and-dna-origami-kerstin-g%C3%B6pfrich/id1641776894?i=1000684692335
YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=S6sD5k6uU9A&si=oCqy98Z0JpxMU5oI
Follow Reason with Science:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonwithScience
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh
Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894
YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=Qb5QI_Pucar-QQ1P
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:22 - Briefly describe your work and what you do.
00:03:08 - How do you envision a cell?
00:11:51 - What are top-down and bottom-up approaches?
00:17:37 - What are the paths taken to achieve certain functions?
00:20:09 - How are you exploring DNA nanotechnology?
00:24:48 - What do you mean by DNA and RNA origami?
00:35:45 - What does sustaining cells mean?
00:45:50 - Tell us about laser printing.
00:51:03 - What components can you build using DNA or RNA origami?
01:03:45 - Is there progress in using DNA nanotechnology to build metabolic systems?
01:08:19 - What applications do you envision for DNA nanotechnology-based synthetic cells?
More on Reason with Science:
1) Chemistry of life and death | Nick Lane | Reason with Science | Origin of life | Biochemistry (https://youtu.be/YolIkk_oJdI)
2) Collective intelligence of cells | Michael Levin | Reason with science | Bioelectricity | Biology (https://youtu.be/yFNWuHOtM1w)
3) Powering the complexity of life with Michael Levin and Nick Lane | Reason with Science | Biology (https://youtu.be/GBxVvLVzF68)
4) How multicellularity evolves | William Ratcliff | Reason with Science | Origin and evolution of life (https://youtu.be/HOrNrg2H5Ok)
5) The evolutionary origins of a good society | Nicholas Christakis | Reason with Science | Psychology (https://youtu.be/61-cE2z-aWI)
6) Food for your health | Dr. Robert Lustig | Reason with Science | Sugar | Diets | Healthy Lifestyle (https://youtu.be/JD4yPgnqv4M?si=3R68UDTRfW_lV5Pw)
#reasonwithscience #engineering #biology

Sep 10, 2023 • 1h 15min
Evolutionary aspects of ageing | Steven Austad | Reason with Science | Lifespan | Human health
This episode is with Steven Austad. He is the Protective Life Endowed Chair in Health Aging Research, a Distinguished professor and Chair of the Department of Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Steven has been at the forefront of unraveling the mysteries of why some individuals live longer and healthier lives than others. His work covers a diverse array of topics, from the cellular mechanisms of aging to the evolutionary aspects of longevity in various species. In this conversation we talk about what is ageing?, biggest challenges in the field of ageing, evolutionary aspects of ageing, chronic illnesses and how to increase human life span?
Guest info:
Website: https://www.uab.edu/cas/biology/people/faculty/steven-n-austad
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StevenAustad
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Steven-N-Austad/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ASteven+N.+Austad
Episode links:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/evolutionary-aspects-of-ageing-with-steven-austad
Youtube: https://youtu.be/823Yw2LtOSs?si=UzDtGW2npXjmS2VC
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/48kythKGzGRRP0kprH2URf?si=bLVx4NCsQuCVdwH2J6EyvA
Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/evolutionary-aspects-of-ageing-%7C-steven-austad-%7C-reason-with-science-%7C-lifespan-%7C-human-health/c45d0d4e-0054-4519-8697-22e4a8649162
Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/NmE1M2MzMDMtODMyYy00MjNkLTg2YTctNDI3ZGQzZTk2NTc2?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwiYsL_O56CBAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA
Follow Reason with Science:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh
Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894
Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:08 How did you decide to work on ageing?
00:03:21 Why some species age faster than others?
00:03:56 Evolutionary perspective of ageing
00:05:42 What is ageing?
00:06:13 Challenges in studying ageing
00:09:49 What is longevity and longevity quotient?
00:12:18 How does flight affects ageing?
00:17:21 Correlation between habitat of animals and their lifespan
00:19:07 Factors affecting lifespan of animals in the wild or in captivity
00:20:59 Importance of regeneration for the survival
00:22:58 Flight independently evolved four times
00:25:55 Temperature dependent change of sex
00:27:10 Wisdom- the oldest confirmed wild bird
00:28:58 What are the challenges to get the age of an animal correctly?
00:37:12 Relationship between size of the animal and longevity
00:40:42 Vampire bats
00:41:41 Lifespan of naked mole rats
00:44:31 Impact of high altitude on human health
00:46:37 Lifespan of hummingbirds
00:49:22 Lessons for human longevity from evolutionary biology
00:56:04 Steven's work on Restrictive eating
01:02:04 It is important to couple restrictive eating with weight training
01:04:40 Comment on diets
01:06:58 There are no biomarkers for ageing
01:08:27 When can we have a good consensus on healthy lifestyle?
01:10:10 Life at the age of 77
01:11:28 Ethical implications of increasing human lifespan
01:13:53 Thank you
More on Reason with Science:
1) The evolutionary origins of a good society | Nicholas Christakis | Reason with Science | Psychology ( • The evolutionary origins of a good so... )
2) Food for your health | Dr. Robert Lustig | Reason with Science | Sugar | Diets | Healthy Lifestyle ( • Food for your health | Dr. Robert Lus... )

Sep 3, 2023 • 1h 52min
Cells to civilizations with Enrico Coen | Reason with Science | Evolution | Science | Culture
This episode is with Enrico Coen. He is a plant biologist and geneticist at John Innes Centre. Enrico's work has focused on unraveling the intricate genetic and molecular mechanisms that govern the formation and growth of plants. He is the author of two books, namely, 'Cells to civilizations' and 'Art of genes'.
In this conversation we talk about major transitions in biology, emergence of complexity, evolution of life, drivers of evolution, evolution of brains, Intelligence and science.
Guest info:
Website: https://www.jic.ac.uk/people/enrico-coen/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/InnerWorlds1
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Enrico-Coen/author/B001HCV4C8?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Episode links:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/cells-to-civilizations-with-enrico-coen
Youtube: https://youtu.be/_20Tko5_Xho?si=RiEHhpaOlgaBGjil
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/13MfRZ6EGFPW05osKeWUfW?si=QT-HPrXXR5OiCwHM07AxiQ
Apple podcast: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/cells-to-civilizations-with-enrico-coen-%7C-reason-with-science-%7C-evolution-%7C-science-%7C-culture/c2fa8dec-cefa-4b2a-9498-56d67e12b08c
Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/ZjQ1Y2FlNWEtNWJiZS00MGVmLWJkZGMtOWM2ZGZiZjBjMjVh?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjI1ZGbl5CBAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA
Follow Reason with Science:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh
Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894
Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:04 Major transformations of life
00:14:12 What is science and how it works?
00:16:22 Can science help us to study fundamental nature of reality?
00:30:07 Do we need an absolutist view of science?
00:37:14 What are the commonalities between evolution, development, culture and learning?
00:44:32 Role of parasites in the evolution of life
00:47:49 Survival of the fittest
00:53:07 Natural selection at the level of replicators
00:58:46 Level at which evolution works (genes or cells)
01:09:47 Concept of memes
01:16:00 Why religion has been successful?
01:25:45 Crucial elements of scientific method
01:32:50 Importance of self-doubt
01:36:10 Covid-19 pandemic and science
01:40:00 Science and art
01:48:09 Future writing
01:50:12 Thank you!

Jun 30, 2023 • 1h 47min
Unconscious mind and our behavior | John Bargh | Reason with Science | Psychology | Consciousness
In this conversation, John Bargh, a Yale social psychologist known for his insights into the unconscious mind, discusses how subtle cues shape our behaviors and decisions. He highlights the powerful effects of priming and automaticity, revealing our unconscious biases and the possibility of retraining them. The dialogue explores the evolution of consciousness, the interplay between conscious and unconscious influences, and how sensory experiences impact social judgments. Listeners will be intrigued by the complexities of human behavior and the implications for our daily lives.

Jun 26, 2023 • 1h 32min
Life origins at hydrothermal vents | Michael Russell | Reason with Science | Geology | Chemistry
This episode is with Michael Russell. He is geologist who works on the origin of life. Mike is an originator of the theory that life emerged at alkaline submarine hydrothermal vents. In this conversation we talk about topics related to origin of life, hydrothermal vents, alien life, artificial life, and are there new life forms emerging now?
Guest info:
Website: https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/directory/russell-michael/
Episode links:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/life-origins-at-hydrothermal-vents-with-michael-russell
Youtube: https://youtu.be/CtKMl5Gr5JY
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xyGOMu6CNOfbIknRhFis3?si=LqPekasnTv6mUo6e8AAGkA
Apple podcast:
https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/life-origins-at-hydrothermal-vents-|-michael-russell-|-reason-with-science-|-geology-|-chemistry/a651d6d1-2124-46e7-b83d-c1a2918dfceb
Google podcast:
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/ZjU3MjQ0MTctYWJkZC00ODExLWEzOTAtZDUwM2UzMDVkMGUz?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjggpygouH_AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA
Follow Reason with Science:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh
Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894
Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:49 What are the most interesting aspects of life?
00:04:02 Beginning of space-time
00:08:42 Dawn of chemistry
00:11:47 Progress in science
00:16:37 Discovery of hydrothermal vents for emergence of life
00:28:12 How the submarine alkaline vents were discovered?
00:37:06 Early earth conditions for the origin of life
00:44:22 Major issues to explain orgin of life
00:49:45 Composition of green rust
00:52:07 Disagreement on engines of hydrothermal vents
00:54:15 Can we link origin of metabolism at hydrothermal vents with the information?
00:56:22 Next step after origin of metabolism
00:59:22 Membranes and viruses
01:02:34 Did protocells escape hydrothermal vents?
01:08:47 Did LUCA (Last Universal Common Ancestor) evolve in hydrothermal vents?
01:18:56 Creating an artificial hydrothermal vents
01:29:00 Thank you!

Jun 11, 2023 • 1h 3min
Building life from chemistry | Lee Cronin | Reason with Science | Artificial life | Origin of life
This episode is with Lee Cronin. He is the Regius Chair of Chemistry in the School of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow. He and his team are trying to make artificial life forms, find alien life, explore the digitization of chemistry, understand how information can be encoded into chemicals and construct chemical computers. In this conversation we talk about topics related to origin of life, framework to build life from inorganic material, assembly theory, Darwinian evolution, and alien life.
Guest info:
Website: https://www.chem.gla.ac.uk/cronin/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/leecronin?s=20
Episode links:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/building-life-from-chemistry-with-lee-cronin
Youtube: https://youtu.be/IrTp7uu8le0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/02qVFLcY6AF7HWvCJqHqZe?si=gDcdgmjbSAy93Pne9rcWcw
Apple podcast:
https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/building-life-from-chemistry-|-lee-cronin-|-reason-with-science-|-artificial-life-|-origin-of-life/9ed704ca-7836-4a52-a3a3-b894f537ff4a
Google podcast:
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/MmJhZDViOTUtZWZjMS00NjY0LTlmZDYtZmM2ZTdiNTRlNmVl?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjA1ZHF27v_AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA
Follow Reason with Science:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh
Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894
Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:59 Lee's point of view of origin of life research
00:02:24 Are there different scales in chemistry of origin of life?
00:04:01 Framework to build life
00:06:57 Theory of life
00:12:06 Can darwinian evolution works beyond at the chemical level?
00:15:59 Fundamental level of selection
00:22:04 Memories of compounds
00:22:42 Assembly theory
00:24:51 Multiverse
00:28:05 Why haven't we managed to build life so far?
00:31:33 How to use automation to build life?
00:36:33 What is essence of life?
00:39:03 Why do we have life only on earth in our solar system?
00:39:33 Experiment to build life
00:40:33 What will be the information of artificial life?
00:41:19 Chemputer
00:44:38 3D printing life forms
00:49:07 How to identify alien life?
00:50:22 Explanation of assembly theory
00:54:22 How to differentiate alien organic or inorganic matter?
00:58:12 Selection at artificial cells
01:02:45 Thank you!

Jun 4, 2023 • 1h 45min
Behavioral economics and Game theory | Robert Aumann | Reason with Science | Nobel Laureate | Psychology
This episode is with Robert Aumann (94 years old now).
He is widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers in game theory and decision theory. His exceptional work has not only reshaped the way we understand strategic decision-making and cooperation but has also garnered him numerous accolades. In 2005, Aumann was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his pioneering work in game theory and its applications. His groundbreaking insights have not only advanced our theoretical understanding of strategic decision-making but also have practical implications in various fields, such as negotiations, conflict resolution, and the design of market mechanisms.
In this conversation we talk about the topics related to his scientific journey including game theory to study the conflict and cooperation, Nash equilibrium, Aumann Agreement Theorem, Knot theory, rationality, and future directions of game theory.
Guest info:
Website: https://mathematics.huji.ac.il/people/robert-j-aumann
Episode links:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/behavioral-economics-and-game-theory-with-robert-aumann
Youtube: https://youtu.be/l6AK1RlNPSo
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6hKAlf7GqPwhtkrNLaPU9I?si=55G-9LCwS-qn5ecZvPQ6DQ
Apple podcast:
https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/behavioral-economics-and-game-theory-|-robert-aumann-|-reason-with-science-|-nobel-laureate-|-psychology/b975ea0c-2501-448a-8bd3-ea58628da534
Google podcast:
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/NjRmN2RlMTEtYWY1NS00ZGNmLTkwNzgtMGE3ZmJkMDY3YzZl?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwiQ5IGWuKn_AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA
Follow Reason with Science:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh
Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894
Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:07 Interest in mathematics and economics
00:12:34 What is game theory?
00:16:35 War is an example of a game
00:17:30 Zero sum game
00:18:33 Politics is also a game
00:19:05 Contributions of John Nash to game theory
00:28:35 Examples of game theory regarding economics
00:47:00 Concept of common knowledge
00:58:30 Agreement theorem
01:04:25 Bayesianism and agreement theorem
01:05:42 Importance of education
01:13:48 Rationality
01:22:55 Kahneman and Tversky's work
01:25:30 Wars are rational
01:43:40 Life at the age of 93!
01:44:30 Thank you

6 snips
May 14, 2023 • 1h 41min
What drives evolution? | Denis Noble | Reason with Science | Darwin | Selfish genes | Richard Dawkins
This episode is with Denis Noble.
He is a renowned biologist, physiologist, and systems theorist, known for his pioneering research in the fields of cardiac physiology and systems biology.
Noble's early work on the electrical activity of the heart was centered on this topic, and he was the first to put forth the notion of the cardiac action potential, which is now generally recognized in the field. He has also contributed significantly to our understanding of cardiac arrhythmias, irregular heart rhythms that can cause serious health concerns.
In addition to his work in cardiac physiology, Noble has been a critical player in the development of systems biology, which aims to comprehend complex biological systems by integrating data from different sources. He has also been a vocal proponent of using mathematical and computational approaches in biology, and his work has contributed to developing a new paradigm for biological research.
In this conversation we talk about the topics related to evolution, including Neo-Darwinism, the role of DNA as information, the use of genes as templates for evolution, the emerging field of epigenetics, the significance of bioelectricity, and potential future directions for evolutionary research.
Guest info:
Website: https://www.dpag.ox.ac.uk/team/denis-noble
Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=J6kLmsIAAAAJ&hl=en
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Denis-Noble/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ADenis+Noble
Episode links:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/what-drives-evolution-with-denis-noble
Youtube: https://youtu.be/V09fJ38Qt6E
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DtKdllyvzMtNxMc3hS4cI?si=grH2uw6ySNmMMa-Uq6pv_g
Apple podcast:
https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/what-drives-evolution-|-denis-noble-|-reason-with-science-|-darwin-|-selfish-genes-|-richard-dawkins/714742fe-f764-44f6-ac50-bb4e52dabd1f
Google podcast:
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/N2QwMGUwY2ItMWU0NC00N2FlLWE0YjgtMTM1MGE3N2UzMmFj?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjAwbSUgfb-AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA
Follow Reason with Science:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh
Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894
Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:58 DNA as the information in biological systems
00:20:30 What drives evolution?
01:00:49 Horizontal gene transfer
01:05:03 What is an organism?
01:23:08 Importance of metaphors
01:31:00 What is a gene?
01:31:57 Evolution of species
01:39:03 Artificial life
01:41:04 Thank you!

12 snips
May 7, 2023 • 1h 59min
Powering the complexity of life with Michael Levin and Nick Lane | Reason with Science | Biology | Evolution
This episode is with Michael Levin and Nick Lane. Mike is a Professor in the Biology department at Tufts University. He studies the role of bioelectric signals in regulating development and regeneration in animals. Nick is a professor of Evolutionary Biochemistry at University College London. His work is focused on the fundamental processes that underlie the origin and evolution of life. In this conversation, we talk about major transitions and key innovations in biology, information in biological systems, bioelectricity, emergence of eukaryotes and importance of bioelectric signals to create artificial life.
Guests info:
Nick Lane-
Website: https://nick-lane.net/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nick-Lane/e/B001IXSEJ2/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
Google scholar:
https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?hl=en&view_op=list_works&gmla=AJsN-F4olJCJHK40l0_0fVpJFgPP2JYynLUs5cpCsX0ADVj9y4VIo99TJ598Hr0_ItDJucJJGG4Tlxw9nr0zvdBMl8ow3iI3rA&user=eChselQAAAAJ
Michael Levin-
Website: https://ase.tufts.edu/biology/labs/levin/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmichaellevin
Episode links:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/powering-the-complexity-of-life-with-michael-levin-and-nick-lane
Youtube: https://youtu.be/GBxVvLVzF68
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4P3znAFYC8JofY2dcAUVRz
Apple podcast:
https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/powering-the-complexiy-of-life-with-michael-levin-and-nick-lane-|-reason-with-science-|-biolectricity/0a003abf-4d67-48c2-aed8-e4dadcebe574
Google podcast:
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/ZDc3OTZlMDktYWZiMi00OGMyLTk0ZmYtNzY1MGI0ZDhjODIy?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjAvoyG3-P-AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA
Follow Reason with Science:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reasonwithscience
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh
Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894
Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:58 Transition from chemistry to biology
00:06:53 Emergence of complexity
00:09:53 Key innovation of biology (Resting potential over genome)
00:13:53 Hardware-software in biology
00:15:35 Evolutionary biology and software of extinct species
00:18:48 Bioelectricity and biology
00:21:45 Biolectricity at molecular level
00:29:05 Metabolism is central to bioelectric signals
00:32:21 How bioelectric systems evolve?
00:43:33 Emergence of eukaryotes
00:47:05 Multicellularity
01:19:55 Plasticity at the genome level
01:30:02 How the memories are stored?
01:44:00 Ploidy (genome copies) and biology
01:49:00 Anaesthesia
01:53:37 Importance of bioelectricity to create synthetic life
01:58:38 Thank you

Apr 23, 2023 • 1h 27min
Life on Mars | Reason with Science | Alien life | ALFA Mars project
Support ALFA Mars:
https://www.alfamars.org/get-involved/
For years, humanity has been captivated by the idea of the red planet
and the possibility of finding extraterrestrial life. With advancements
in technology and space exploration, the search for life on Mars has
become more realistic than ever before. In this stream, we will talk
about latest discoveries and developments in our understanding of the
Martian environment, and explore the potential for life to exist on this
neighboring planet. We will also discuss why NASA or ESA would not be
able to find life on Mars. How a new project 'ALFA Mars' will contribute
in this endeavor.
Guests:
1) Steven Benner
https://www.alfamars.org/about-us/#bio-3
2) Miguel Ángel Fernandez
https://www.alfamars.org/about-us/#bio-32
3) Catherine Maggiori
https://www.alfamars.org/about-us/#bio-29
4) Jan Špaček
https://www.alfamars.org/about-us/#bio-1
Episode links:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/home/life_on_mars
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/live/xLi05sr-Ivk?feature=share
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6NPFfY0WzT7LabCxORLwYI?si=SXZjmmfBSIScuVPh_WbGvA
Apple podcast:
https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/reason-with-science/407cd478-4271-4319-8318-fc378d4e7ccb/episode/life-on-mars-|-reason-with-science-|-alien-life-|-alfa-mars-project/ba1ff7ee-0885-4d95-a094-683a18a584f0
Google podcast:
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/Mjk1NDVjODMtZTRjMS00MTQzLTkyOWMtNzQwYWYxYWVlMzQ2?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjQ3ruopcD-AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA
Follow Reason with Science:
Website: https://www.reasonwithscience.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/reasonwithscience
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qFLGsPWjL4GAGidmF2nKh
Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894
Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iMjMyNDZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:05:54 Why Mars is an important candidate for life?
00:09:00 What kind of life are we looking at Mars?
00:14:00 Is there water on Mars?
00:17:33 Temperature ranges on Mars
00:24:09 What type of microbes are present in Mars like conditions?
00:26:14 Understanding Mars geology from meteorites
00:38:23 How to avoid contaminating Mars?
00:51:50 Assembly theory by Lee Cronin and Sara Walker
00:59:20 Many microbe species live together, so why don't we see any biosignatures yet?
01:04:04 Do we see any biosignatures on Mars?
01:06:13 Panspermia on Mars
01:09:46 Contribution of the Moon for origin of life
01:15:48 ALFA Mars project and how to support it?
01:25:28 Thank you!