Special Episode: Evolution and Genetics

Special Episode: Evolution and Genetics

Author: James Fodor December 10, 2022 Duration: 1:04:23
In this special episode I discuss various topics in evolution and genetics with Art Woods of the Big Biology Podcast. We begin by analysing various ideas associated with the extended evolutionary synthesis, including plasticity, epigentics, and niche construction, discussing the extent to which these ideas are a challenge or merely an addition to the mainstream understanding of evolution. We then consider several common misconceptions about genetics, including the idea of DNA as a blueprint and genetic essentialism. We conclude with a discussion of some politically contentious aspects of genetics.   If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything

Curiosity about how the world works is a universal trait, and The Science of Everything Podcast is built on that very impulse. Host James Fodor guides conversations that roam freely across disciplines, from the physics of black holes to the complexities of human behavior studied in social sciences. Each episode feels like a deep dive into a new subject, where the common thread is a rigorous yet accessible application of the scientific method. You’ll hear explanations that break down complex ideas without oversimplifying them, focusing on the fascinating insights that research reveals about our universe and our place within it. This isn't a lecture series, but rather an exploration driven by genuine inquiry. Whether the topic is rooted in biology, chemistry, sociology, or astronomy, the aim is to connect the dots between abstract principles and the tangible reality we experience. The result is a consistently engaging audio experience that reminds us just how much there is left to discover. Tune in to this thoughtful podcast for a regular dose of understanding, designed to satisfy both the casual question-asker and the dedicated lifelong learner.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Science of Everything Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 98: Electromagnetic Radiation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:04
An overview of the nature and properties of electromagnetic radiation, including a discussion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the nature of photons, the speed of light, near and far field radiation, and technological ap…
Episode 97: Plant Structure and Function [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:06
An overview of the basic morphology and physiology of plants, including a discussion of the main types of plants, stems, roots, leaves, plant transport, meristems, plant nutrition, and plant sensory systems.
Special Episode - Jared Bauer on Science and Philosophy in Movies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:29
In this special episode I am joined by Jared Bauer, cofounder of Wisecrack, to discuss science and philosophy in movies and popular culture. We cover a range of topics including how science is portrayed in movies, how th…
Episode 93: How Computers Work Part III - Logic Gates and Components [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:53
In this third part of the series on computers I begin with an overview of Boolean algebra, including a discussion of key logic functions such as NOT, AND, and OR, and also discuss how CMOS logic gates implementing these…
Episode 92: How Computers Work Part II - Silicon and Transistors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:37
In this second episode in the series, I explain binary digital coding to motivate a discussion of the operation of transistors. Beginning with an examination of the properties of semiconductors and why they are useful fo…
Episode 91: How Computers Work Part I - What is a Computer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:34
We begin our series discussing how computers work with an overview of the theory of computation, including a discussion of Turing machines and Turing completeness, and a brief history of early analog and digital computer…
Episode 90: Climate Systems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:05
An analysis of the major factors influencing climactic variation over Earth's surface, including a discussion of the effect of differential heating at different latitudes, the impact of continentality and sea breezes, th…