The Dissenter

David Henshall, a Professor at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and expert in epilepsy research, dives deep into the fascinating world of microRNAs. He explains how these tiny regulators are pivotal in gene expression and evolution. The discussion highlights their role in speciation and human cognition, and how they might revolutionize medical diagnostics, particularly in cancer. Henshall also unpacks the complexities of RNA regulation, shedding light on the intricate dance between genetics and life itself.

In this discussion, guest Thaís Pansani, an Associate Researcher at the Smithsonian, dives into the migration of Homo sapiens into the Americas over 15,000 years ago. She shares insights on the intriguing relationship between early humans and Pleistocene megafauna, including evidence of human interactions with animals like Mastodons. Pansani also explores the complexities surrounding megafauna extinction, highlighting the roles of climate change and human activity, all while advocating for ongoing debate and research in this captivating field.

Dr. Mona Simion, a Professor of Philosophy and Director of the COGITO Epistemology Research Centre at the University of Glasgow, dives into the intriguing topic of resistance to evidence. She explains the phenomenon of epistemic vigilance and how it affects belief formation. The conversation highlights critical decision-making processes, such as climate change and vaccination, while discussing virtue-responsibilism. Additionally, they tackle the challenges posed by misinformation and the need for better communication strategies to enhance trust in scientific evidence.

Paul Penn, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of East London, shares insights on effective studying techniques. He discusses metacognition and its impact on learning, along with addressing procrastination's pitfalls. Note-taking strategies, especially the 3R method, are highlighted for better comprehension. Penn also delves into academic integrity and the challenges of teamwork in academia, suggesting peer evaluations to boost accountability. His advice promotes intentional engagement in education to enhance both skills and personal satisfaction.

In this engaging discussion, Olivia Reilly, a Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard's Hecht Lab, dives deep into social cognition among capuchin monkeys. She explores fascinating behaviors like fur rubbing and its connection to oxytocin, a hormone that plays a dual role in promoting in-group bonding while heightening distrust towards outsiders. The conversation also uncovers significant sex differences in the monkeys' brain structures and behaviors, shedding light on how these insights can inform our understanding of human social dynamics.

Will Gervais, a cultural and evolutionary psychologist from Brunel University London, dives deep into the origins of atheism and its evolutionary significance. He challenges popular misconceptions about religion, examining beliefs and morality through a psychological lens. Gervais also explores the unique role of humans as a religious species, the societal complexities behind belief retention, and the ethical behavior of atheists versus the religious. He highlights the nuanced factors influencing both terror and cooperation in religious contexts, painting a dynamic picture of belief in modern society.

David Pinsof, a research scientist with a PhD in Psychology from UCLA, dives into the captivating interplay between incentives, morality, and opinions. He discusses how behavior is driven by evolutionary incentives and how social dynamics shape our perceptions of virtue. The conversation also touches on the conflict between truth and status in science, exploring how biases can hinder objectivity. Finally, the role of likability and social acceptance in shaping opinions adds intriguing depth to the discussion.

Dr. Rodolfo Dirzo, an expert in biodiversity and a professor at Stanford University, delves into the intricate web of species interactions and their crucial role in evolution. He discusses the alarming decline in animal populations and its impact on ecosystem health. The conversation highlights the urgency of biodiversity conservation amidst human-induced challenges. Rodolfo warns of a potential sixth mass extinction driven by climate change, emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect our natural world and maintain ecological balance.

Andrea Zagaria, a PhD student at the University of Trento, delves into the intriguing idea of evolutionary psychology as a potential scientific revolution. He discusses the evolution of psychological paradigms, the insularity of sub-disciplines, and the relationship between behavioral genetics and evolutionary psychology. Zagaria critiques the limited engagement with cultural concepts in psychology, emphasizes the importance of meaning and sense-making, and reflects on the challenges posed by today's fast-paced intellectual environment.

In this engaging discussion, Anna Puzio, a researcher at the University of Twente specializing in ethics and technology, explores the fascinating world of social robots and the ethical dilemmas of anthropomorphism. She dives into how digital identities affect our understanding of humanity, the roles of robots in religious contexts, and the complexities of transhumanism. Puzio also tackles the controversial subject of digital afterlives, examining the psychological impacts of creating chatbots that mimic deceased loved ones. It's a thought-provoking conversation that blends technology with deep ethical questions.