Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning

Tade Souaiaia, a statistical geneticist at SUNY Downstate, dives into the complex world of genetic architecture and its implications for traits like height and athletic ability. He discusses new insights from his research on polygenic traits and how data influx is reshaping our understanding. The conversation takes a turn to race and sports, where he argues against firm conclusions about group differences in athletic performance due to variable historical factors, challenging simplifications in genetic ancestry narratives.

Shadi Hamid, a Washington Post columnist and professor at Fuller Seminary, offers a deep dive into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He discusses the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the enduring pessimism surrounding the long-term prospects for peace. Hamid also addresses the growing American progressive support for Palestine and the challenge of anti-Semitism. Shifting gears, he shares insights on identity politics, the implications for minority representation in the U.S., and the evolving political dynamics post-election.

Conn Carroll, the author of "Sex and the Citizen," digs into the intriguing history of marriage and its sociopolitical ramifications. He challenges the notion that humans are naturally non-monogamous, arguing instead for a biological basis for monogamy. Carroll connects the rise of agriculture to the increase in polygamy, noting how social hierarchies shaped access to partners. The discussion also weaves through the evolution of family structures in America, examining how cultural dynamics influence contemporary relationships.

Dan Hess, an engineer and demographer known for his insights on fertility, joins to discuss the alarming global decline in birth rates. They explore the profound cultural shift from overpopulation fears to a birth dearth narrative, focusing on extreme cases like South Korea's drastically low fertility. The conversation also highlights the connections between religion and pro-natalist values, contrasting communities like the Amish with modern societal pressures. Hess emphasizes the economic and cultural implications of these trends, calling for renewed support for larger families.

Brian Chau, Executive Director of the Alliance for the Future and a former software engineer with a mathematics background, dives into the optimistic potential of AI. He counters the doom-laden narratives surrounding artificial intelligence, advocating for a balanced view. Chau discusses the stagnation in AI due to diminishing returns and critiques the industry's focus on scaling over innovation. He also highlights groundbreaking advancements from DeepSeek in China, revealing their geopolitical and economic implications and the need for a fresh approach to AI experimentation.

John Hawks, a prominent anthropologist specializing in paleoanthropology and genetics, examines fascinating insights into our ancient relatives. He discusses archaic human admixture, revealing the complexity of Denisovan populations and the delay in naming their lineages. The podcast also explores the intriguing phenomenon of island dwarfism among Southeast Asian hominins and critiques the traditional Out-of-Africa migration model. Hawks highlights the significance of ongoing genetic research in reshaping our understanding of Neanderthals and their diverse interactions with modern humans.

David Mittelman, a geneticist and CEO of Othram, shares insights on the rapid advancements in genomic technology and forensic genetic genealogy. He discusses how simple DNA tests have revolutionized crime-solving, turning cold cases into solvable mysteries. Mittelman highlights the shift from traditional techniques to cutting-edge DNA analysis and the importance of ethical practices in the field. With the rise of consumer DNA testing and data pooling, he emphasizes the transformative potential of genetics and the need for community support in addressing privacy concerns.

Delve into the intriguing world of Indo-Europeans as new genetic research reveals distinct ancestry between populations in Northern Europe and the Balkans. Discover the connection between ancient DNA and historical linguistics, challenging long-held theories about language origins. Learn about the migrations of the Yamnaya and Corded Ware cultures, and how they shaped early societies. The podcast also highlights fascinating cultural interactions, particularly the influence of Indo-Iranians on Mycenaean chariot culture and the domestication of horses.

Megan McArdle, a Washington Post columnist and author of "The Upside of Down," explores the intricate relationship between food culture and economics. She discusses how tariffs function like taxes, impacting food production and cuisine evolution. McArdle delves into American culinary history, from the luxury of gelatin desserts to modern convenience cooking. With humor, she shares insights on how technology and diverse cuisines shape today’s dining experiences, while reflecting on societal trends and personal food journeys.

Nikolai Yakovenko, a former professional poker player and research scientist at Google, now CEO of DeepNewz, discusses the state of AI as of 2024. He highlights the seamless integration of AI into daily work, particularly in software development, and how this transformation counters fears of mass unemployment. Yakovenko reviews the evolution of large language models, touches on the potential of AI-driven news apps, and examines the competitive landscape in AI innovation, all while sharing insights on the public's shifting perceptions of technology.