We’re joined by Dr. Denis Noble, Professor Emeritus of Cardiovascular Physiology at the University of Oxford, and the father of ‘systems biology’. He is known for his groundbreaking creation of the first mathematical model of the heart’s electrical activity in the 1960s which radically transformed our understanding of the heart.
Dr. Noble’s contributions have revolutionized our understanding of cardiac function and the broader field of biology. His work continues to challenge long-standing biological concepts, including gene-centric views like Neo-Darwinism.
In this episode, Dr. Noble discusses his critiques of fundamental biological theories that have shaped science for over 80 years, such as the gene self-replication model and the Weissmann barrier. He advocates for a more holistic, systems-based approach to biology, where genes, cells, and their environments interact in complex networks rather than a one-way deterministic process.
We dive deep into Dr. Noble’s argument that biology needs to move beyond reductionist views, emphasizing that life is more than just the sum of its genetic code. He explains how AI struggles to replicate even simple biological systems, and how biology’s complexity suggests that life’s logic lies not in DNA alone but in the entire organism.
The conversation covers his thoughts on the flaws of Neo-Darwinism, the influence of environmental factors on evolution, and the future of biology as a field that recognizes the interaction between nature and nurture. We also explore the implications of his work for health and longevity, and how common perspectives on genetics might need rethinking.
All the topics we covered in the episode:
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