Surprising Science — October 21, 2009

Darwin and Dawkins

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

The irrepressible Richard Dawkins visited Big Think today and spoke about genes, God (or the lack thereof), evolution, and great unanswered questions in his field from how consciousness evolved to why we have sex. He also shared his imitation of cricket songs, from an aborted research project earlier in his career.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

The Present

Microplastic overload: Is cutting production the only realistic way to curb pollution?

On November 25, U.N. members will meet in South Korea to cap off a series of meetings aiming to reduce global plastic pollution.

Illustration of human evolution with silhouettes of ape to human walking against an abstract background with swirling red and white patterns.

The Past

A new spin on the “Stoned Ape Hypothesis”

The controversial theory about magic mushrooms and human evolution gets a much-needed update.

An image of a cluster of galaxies, meaning science.

Starts With A Bang

10 thoughtful insights about the great cosmic unknowns

An in-depth interview with astronomer Kelsey Johnson, whose new book, Into the Unknown, explores what remains unknown about the Universe.

A praying mantis, a marvel of evolution, is gracefully perched on a white orchid flower against a black background.

Life

Richard Dawkins on reverse engineering evolution’s optimal beauty

Some biologists believe natural selection produces animals that are just good enough. Dawkins disagrees.

High Culture

Does science fiction shape the future?

Six visionary science fiction authors on the social impact of their work.

Up Next

Culture & Religion

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