Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning

Chad Orzel is a physicist and science writer who has been blogging for nearly twenty-five years. He’s the author of four books, Breakfast with Einstein: The Exotic Physics of Everyday Objects, How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog, How to Teach Relativity to Your Dog, Eureka: Discovering Your Inner Scientist and A Brief History of Timekeeping. The last is a mix of cultural and engineering history, archeology and physics, and reflects Orzel’s wide interests as reflected in his Substack, Counting Atoms. In this episode of Unsupervised Learning Razib surveys the state of physics communication and science, as well as our broader culture’s relationship with academia. Orzel and Razib first discuss the massive success of physicist-turned-YouTuber Sabine Hossenfelder. Emerging from academic physics and associated with Lee Smolin and the Perimeter Institute, Hossenfelder has shifted from skepticism of mainstream theories like string theory to arguing that academic science as a whole must be restructured. Orzel also notes that contrarian or heterodox views in popular areas such as astrophysics and particle physics receive much more attention than applied fields like solid-state physics. Razib and Orzel reflect on how science communication has changed over the past two decades, moving from the text-driven blog era before 2010 to the rise of podcasts and video. They also discuss the many technological applications of physics in the 21st century, particularly in battery technology, an area that is transforming daily life but rarely serves as fodder for glossy popular-press treatments. In the second half of the podcast, Orzel considers how science, and academia more broadly, have navigated the adversarial stance of the Trump administration. Razib asks whether institutional science, shaped in the post–World War II era, may be due for a major transformation, or whether it is even approaching the end of its line. Finally, Orzel addresses whether academics can regain broad public trust in the wake of the extreme politicization of the 2010s.

In this engaging discussion, behavioral geneticist James Lee and philosopher Jonathan Anomaly tackle the complexities of embryo selection, particularly the new tech startup Herasight. Lee raises ethical concerns about the implications of polygenic embryo selection, arguing that embryos have full moral status. In contrast, Anomaly advocates for cautious genetic enhancement, considering its potential to unlock human capabilities. The duo debates societal equality repercussions and explores the multifaceted moral landscape surrounding these emerging technologies.

Jason Richwine, a resident scholar at the Center for Immigration Studies and Harvard Ph.D., dives into the contentious immigration debate. He critiques Biden’s border policies, arguing for a moratorium on immigration, including legal channels. With the foreign-born population surging, Richwine emphasizes the economic and cultural ramifications of high-skilled immigration. He contrasts current policies with Trump’s approach, examining the potential for future reform amidst shifting political dynamics.

In this discussion, Alex Nowrasteh, Vice President at the Cato Institute and an expert on immigration policy, dives into the shifting landscape of U.S. immigration under Trump and Biden. He critiques the Biden administration's approach and how it fueled public anger over illegal immigration. The conversation touches on the media's role in shaping perceptions of immigration and crime, and the vital need for expanding legal immigration pathways. Nowrasteh also highlights the economic contributions of immigrants, debunking prevalent myths that cloud the debate.

In this engaging discussion, paleoanthropologist John Hawks sheds light on our complex ancestry. He revisits the past, exploring the significant contributions of Neanderthals and Denisovans to modern humans. Hawks reveals how the ancient DNA revolution has reshaped our understanding of human evolution. He highlights the unique evolutionary paths of various hominins and the challenges in interpreting fossil records. With insights into genetic diversity and archaic admixture, this conversation demystifies the intricate web of human ancestry.

Noah Millman, an American screenwriter and cultural critic, shares his journey from the world of finance to the arts. He discusses his disillusionment with neoconservatism and the evolving political commentary landscape. The conversation dives into the dangers of audience capture in content creation, the quest for diversity in media consumption, and the shifting dynamics of cinema in today’s culture. Millman also reflects on the intersections of faith and identity, exploring how religion and spirituality shape personal beliefs.

Cesar Fortes-Lima, a human geneticist at Johns Hopkins University, dives into the intriguing genetic history of the Fulani people. He highlights the diversity within Fulani subpopulations, revealing their ties to North African ancestry. The conversation explores how lactase persistence evolved among the Fulani, reflecting their unique dietary habits. Fortes-Lima also discusses the historical migrations during the Green Sahara period and stresses the importance of diverse genomic research to represent underrepresented populations effectively.

In this engaging conversation, Jack Despain Zhou, Executive Director of the Center for Educational Progress and former cryptographic analyst, advocates for individualized learning over the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional education. He shares his transformative journey from an unmotivated student to a passionate advocate for educational reform. Discussing the tension between equalization and nurturing individual potential, Zhou critiques existing policies and emphasizes the importance of tailored education to foster high-achieving students. His insights challenge the norms and promote a more effective educational landscape.

Nikolai Yakovenko, CEO of DeepNewz and former research scientist at Google and Twitter, discusses the evolution of AI and its impact on the news industry. He highlights the fierce competition in AI, especially concerning Meta's multi-million dollar talent strategy. Yakovenko reflects on the balance between creative AI models and user guidance, and dives into the challenges posed by energy consumption in data centers. Their conversation touches on the significance of automation in the workforce and speculates on the future of various AI applications.

David van Ofwegen, a philosophy teacher in Thailand with expertise in Social Darwinism, shares intriguing insights about cultural shifts in the Netherlands. He discusses the striking assimilation of immigrants into Dutch society and how traditional customs, like Black Pete, clash with modern sensibilities. Ofwegen reflects on his experience returning to a transformed homeland, where diverse languages flourish amid rising anti-Semitism. Additionally, he analyzes the complexities of expat life in Thailand and the delicate balance of ethics in education within a multicultural context.