007 – Horrifying Hybrids
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 hybridization, 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
- Whale Monkeys by Chimpy
- Background music for podcasts / art galleries by Robjn
- Shimmer by Steve Doctor
Episode Transcript
Read a complete transcript of this episode