Why Evolution is True is a blog written by Jerry Coyne, centered on evolution and biology but also dealing with diverse topics like politics, culture, and cats.
Here’s a virtual lecture on genetics and evolution that Matthew gave the other day to the Cardiff University’s School of Medicine. It was intended for the general public, was just posted on YouTube, and I’ve listened to it. I have been most enlightened, and unless you already know this stuff you will be, too—it’s an … Continue reading A nice lecture from Matthew on genetics and human evolution
This article about conflicts in anthropology involving gender and ethnicity comes from the website of Jonathan Turley, whose name I’d heard before but whose work and politics I didn’t know. His Wikipedia bio doesn’t give much clue into his politics (to be truthful, I didn’t look hard for it, since it seemed irrelevant to the … Continue reading Anthropological Wokeism tries to stymie research
This is one of the most bizarre book reviews I’ve read in Science (or Nature). It’s a long (a full page) review of theologian William Lane Craig’s new book on Adam and Eve, supposedly a “Biblical and scientific exploration,” according to the book’s title (see picture of book below). The reviewer, Stephen Shaffner, is a … Continue reading William Lane Craig’s new book on Adam and Eve given semi-laudatory review—in Science!
Good morning on Thursday, May 18, 2023: National Cheese Soufflé Day. It’s also Ascension, Hummus Day, International Museum Day, National Visit Your Relatives Day, World AIDS Vaccine Day, Independence Day (Somaliland) (unrecognized; click the link to see why), and National Speech Pathologist Day, and Ascension Day, the day Jesus is supposed to have gone up to … Continue reading Thursday: Hili dialogue
by Matthew Cobb This post is an unashamed plug/PSA. RATIO is a regular popular science festival held in Sofia, Bulgaria. I have spoken there a couple of times, as has Jerry. The event attracts hundreds of attendees, and is a major event. Now they are opening their doors to everyone, all over the planet – … Continue reading This Sunday: Cosmic volcanoes, future humans and Neanderthals!
Welcome to Saturday, June 26, 2021: National Chocolate Pudding Day. It’s also Bartender and Mixologist Day, Tropical Cocktails Day, Great American Picnic Day (too rainy in Chicago), International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Ratcatcher’s Day in Hamelin, Germany, and World Refrigeration Day. News of the Day: As … Continue reading Saturday: Hili dialogue
Well, I’ll learn it at least insofar as the 23andMe tests are accurate. I guess they did get usable DNA out of my second sample, and so the genetic analysis will be coming very shortly, probably when I’m in Antarctica. (I opted out of the genetic health information as I’m neurotic.) My prediction: 96% Ashkenazi … Continue reading Soon I’ll learn my ancestry: is there any Irish in there?
Yesterday we discussed the possibility of cultural evolution (dissemination of a behavior or skill through imitation and learning) in cockatoos, which attracted a lot of attention, probably because of its parallel with human cultural evolution. (The cockatoos seem to have learned to open garbage bins by watching each other.) And in our species there are … Continue reading Fire use by hominins: an example of rapid cultural evolution?
