Design of RNA Structure and Critical Theory in Physics | Stars, Cells, and God

Join Fazale “Fuz” Rana and Jeff Zweerink as they discuss new discoveries taking place at the frontiers of science that have theological and philosophical implications, including the reality of God’s existence.

Design of RNA Structure (Fuz Rana)

Are biochemical systems the products of unguided, historically contingent evolutionary processes shaped by natural selection? Or is there another explanation for their structure and function? Researchers demonstrate that the laws of physics and chemistry predetermine RNA secondary structure, and these structures are precisely those needed to support RNA’s central role in biochemistry. This anthropic coincidence adds to the case for a biochemical manifestation of the anthropic principle and evidence for a Creator’s role in the origin of life.

References:

Phenotype Bias Determines How Natural RNA Structures Occupy the Morphospace of All Possible Shapes

Additional Resource:

Fazale Rana, Fit for a Purpose

Critical Theory in Physics (Jeff Zweerink)

One of the central tenets of science is the ability to test any explanation against data from the real world. The fact that science is done by people means bias and unfairness get introduced into the process, yet scientists have a vested interest in eliminating this unfair aspect. Some want to use a misguided approach of looking at physics and physics education through the lens of critical theory—an approach that will almost certainly undermine the scientific enterprise. I discuss a peer-reviewed, published paper showing how critical theory analyzes physics instruction.

References

Observing Whiteness in Introductory Physics: A Case Study