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Episode Notes for
Horrifying Hybrids

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Dr. Steven Jones

In this episode, MonsterTalk examines monsters that genetically blend humans with the other. Hosts Blake Smith, Ben Radford, and Dr. Karen Stollznow explore the plausibility of alien-human hybridizations, dig into the real science of genetics — and consider the ethical questions involved.

Weighing in on these issues is Dr. Steven Jones — noted geneticist, teacher, and television presenter. (He is also the author of many books including Darwin’s Ghost, Introducing Genetics, Coral: A Pessimist in Paradise.)

Did Stalin really want to build an army of gorilla-human hybrids? Is the upright-walking chimp called Oliver really some kind of chimpanzee-human mix? The plausibility of such creatures may surprise you…

In this episode

  • Some basic elements of genetics: What is a gene? What is a species?
  • Why have sex? Why have males? And what happens if your hermaphrodite sex-partner bites off your penis?
  • The role of fiction in driving the public perception of science?
  • What are the positive results of genetics research?
  • How much do chimpanzees and humans share genetically?
  • Is chimpanzee/human hybridization possible?
  • What about alien/human hybridization?
  • What are epigenetics?
  • How plausible is a dino-chicken from embryonic manipulation?
  • What ethical issues constrain genetic research?
  • Could a mammoth or thylacine be reconstructed from corpse DNA?
  • Is creationism a problem in the UK?
  • Is technology going to change human evolution?

Music

Episode Transcript

Read a complete transcript of this episode

The views expressed on this program are not necessarily the views of the Skeptics Society or Skeptic magazine.

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