I talk with synthetic biologist Elizabeth Strychalski about the minimal genetic requirements to make a functioning cell.

157 | Elizabeth Strychalski on Synthetic Cells and the Rules of Biology

Ever wanted to know how music affects your brain, what quantum mechanics really is, or how black holes work? Do you wonder why you get emotional each time you see a certain movie, or how on earth video games are designed? Then you’ve come to the right place. Each week, Sean Carroll will host conversations with some of the most interesting thinkers in the world. From neuroscientists and engineers to authors and television producers, Sean and his guests talk about the biggest ideas in science, philosophy, culture and much more.

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I talk with intellectual historian Stefanos Geroulanos about the stories we tell ourselves about our prehistoric humanity.

273 | Stefanos Geroulanos on the Invention of Prehistory

I talk with computer scientist Leslie Valiant about learning and educability in computers and people.

272 | Leslie Valiant on Learning and Educability in Computers and People

AMA | April 2024

I talk with physicist Claudia de Rham about cosmologically interesting ways to modify Einstein's theory of general relativity.

271 | Claudia de Rham on Modifying General Relativity

I think through some of the ways that technology is changing the world, exploring the possibility of an upcoming singularity marking the shift to a new equilibrium of human existence.

157 | Elizabeth Strychalski on Synthetic Cells and the Rules of Biology

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