“The Evolution of Imperfection: The Science of Why We Aren’t and Can’t Be Perfect” with Professor Laurence Hurst

Evolution is often described as a process of constant improvement. Yet many features of human biology challenge this assumption. Genetic diseases remain common. Large parts of our DNA appear to serve no clear purpose. Pregnancy is also highly inefficient, and many fertilised eggs do not survive.

These apparent flaws raise wider questions about how evolution works. Are they failures of natural selection, or are they predictable outcomes of evolutionary processes? What role do pregnancy, population size, mutation, and chance play in shaping the human genome?

In his book, “The Evolution of Imperfection: The Science of Why We Aren’t and Can’t Be Perfect” evolutionary geneticist Laurence Hurst examines these questions. He explores how genetic medicine may reduce the effects of these inherited weaknesses. By examining the apparent failures of evolution, the book offers a deeper account of natural selection and a richer understanding of what it means to be human. In this episode of Bridging the Gaps, I speak with Professor Laurence Hurst.

Laurence Hurst is professor of evolutionary genetics in the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath. His research on how genetic systems evolve, and the application of this knowledge to medicine, has been recognized with national and international prizes and fellowships.

We begin by discussing several evolutionary imperfections examined in the book. I then ask Laurence to explain what DNA is and how it contributes to evolution. His explanation provides a foundation for the rest of the conversation.

We return to the question of imperfection and examine it through the lens of genetics. We discuss the biological challenges of pregnancy and the complex interaction between the embryo and the mother. Laurence explains why some of these processes appear counterintuitive. We also discuss the role of chance in shaping evolutionary outcomes.

The conversation also explores so-called “junk DNA,” the sections of the genome whose functions remain unclear. We then turn to emerging technologies, including gene therapy and CRISPR. We consider how fair and equal access to these tools could help address genetic diseases and inherited imperfections.

The discussion offers an insightful exploration of several complex ideas in evolution, genetics, and modern medicine.

Complement this discussion with “The Evolution of Biological Information: How Evolution Creates Complexity, from Viruses to Brains” with Professor Christoph Adami and then listen to “The Network of Life: A New View of Evolution” with Professor David Mindell

By |July 22nd, 2026|Biology, Podcasts|
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“Ten Patterns That Explain the Universe” and “Ten Days in Physics That Shook the World” with Brian Clegg

The universe may appear chaotic. Yet beneath this apparent disorder lies a vast network of rules. These rules shape patterns of action, force, and consequence. In “Ten Patterns That Explain the Universe”, popular science writer Brian Clegg examines the systems that govern the physical world. He focuses on ten essential patterns that reveal how the universe is structured and how it behaves. The book explores the relationship between space and time, the quantum behaviour of matter and light, and the origins of the cosmos. It explains how the cosmic microwave background, often described as the “echo of the Big Bang,” provides evidence about the early universe. It also shows how the periodic table reflects the underlying structure of atoms. Through clear explanations, detailed illustrations, and informative diagrams, Clegg presents a distinctive view of the universe and its fundamental workings. In this episode of Bridging the Gaps, I speak with Brian Clegg. We also discuss his book “Ten Days in Physics That Shook the World”, which examines pivotal moments when major scientific breakthroughs transformed our understanding of reality and reshaped everyday life.

Brian Clegg is an award-winning popular science writer and the author of more than thirty books.

I begin by asking Brian what inspired him to write popular science books. We then discuss the title of Ten Patterns That Explain the Universe. We explore what constitutes a pattern and how patterns can help us understand the workings of the universe.

Drawing on a question often raised in mathematics, I ask whether these patterns exist independently and are discovered by us, or whether they are created through human interpretation. We then examine several patterns discussed in the book. We begin with the cosmic microwave background, the residual heat left in the universe after the Big Bang.

Brian also includes several diagrams among the patterns presented in the book. I ask why diagrams, which are human-made representations, should be regarded as patterns that explain the universe. We discuss diagrams associated with quantum mechanics and consider what they reveal about events at the quantum level.

The conversation then turns to the patterns found in the periodic table. We consider whether the table could have been organised in other ways. We also discuss the double-helix structure of DNA and examine the many forms of symmetry found in nature. Brian explains why symmetry is his favourite pattern.

We then focus on Brian’s other book, Ten Days in Physics That Shook the World: How Physicists Transformed Everyday Life. I ask which of the ten days he considers the most significant. We also discuss the book’s final example: the establishment of the first internet connection.

The discussion concludes with the challenges created by information overload, misinformation, and disinformation. We consider the importance of public understanding of science and the role of effective science communication. I ask Brian which approaches are most successful, particularly within research and academic institutions. We also examine who should be responsible for communicating scientific findings: the original researchers or specialist science communicators.

Complement this discussion with “Sharing Our Science: How to Write and Speak STEM” with Professor Brandon Brown and then listen to On Public Communication of Science and Technology with Professor Bruce Lewenstein

By |July 10th, 2026|Physics, Podcasts|
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“Somebody Should Do Something: How Anyone Can Help Create Social Change” with Professor Alex Madva

Achieving meaningful and sustainable social change is a complex task and a demanding challenge. Many of the most urgent problems, such as climate change, racism, and poverty are structural. They arise from collective practices, including laws, economies, history, culture and social norms. Yet structural change still depends on individuals making different choices—choices that confront existing structures and challenge established norms.

In their recent book “Somebody Should Do Something: How Anyone Can Help Create Social Change” Michael Brownstein, Alex Madva, and Daniel Kelly present a novel and scientific account of how personal choices can contribute to transformative social change. The authors argue that individual action matters most when it connects people to collective efforts. Meaningful change happens when individuals work with others to challenge and reshape existing structures. In this episode of Bridging the Gaps I speak with Professor Alex Madva.

Alex Madva is Professor of Philosophy, Director of the California Center for Ethics and Policy, and Co-Director of the Digital Humanities Consortium at Cal Poly Pomona.

We begin our discussion by unpacking a key point made in the book: many people feel trapped in “either/or thinking” about personal choices and structural change, as though they must choose between the two. The authors describe the book as a way to help readers “get unstuck,” and we explore what this means in practice.

We then examine the book’s two central themes: the climate crisis and racism. We discuss why the authors focus on these issues rather than others. We also discuss the book’s writing style, including its use of humour, and consider the value of humour when addressing serious and complex topics.

The discussion then turns to pluralistic ignorance, particularly the problem of people not knowing how much others care about social issues. We examine this concept in depth. We also consider several real-world examples, including Chris Smalls’s unionization campaign at Amazon.

Finally, we discuss the differences between face-to-face and online activism. We reflect on whether activists should observe certain limits when their actions affect the daily lives of ordinary people. We also touch on research showing how small actions can create wider social effects, and how movements that appear to fail in the short term may still lay the groundwork for future victories.

Overall, this has been an enlightening discussion.

Complement this discussion with “The Painful Truth about Hunger in America” with Professor Mariana Chilton and then listen to “A Passion for Ignorance” and for Denials and Negations with Professor Renata Salecl.

By |May 27th, 2026|Philosophy, Podcasts, Research, Social Science|
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