Stars, Cells, and God | Neanderthal Brains and First Exoplanet

#scienceandfaith #christianity #apologetics
Join Fazale “Fuz” Rana and Jeff Zweerink as they discuss new discoveries taking place at the frontiers of science that have theological and philosophical implications, as well as new discoveries that point to the reality of God’s existence.

Neanderthal Brains

Are human beings unique and exceptional? A large collaborative team from Germany recently explored this question by examining the behavior of three proteins that play a role in cell division and are expressed at high levels in the developing cells of the brain’s neocortex. As it turns out, the modern human versions of these proteins have small but significant differences in their amino acid sequences compared to the mouse, Neanderthal, and Denisovan versions. The research team determined that, because of these differences, the cell division process in human brain cells occurs much more reliably than in the corresponding cells in mice, Neanderthals, and Denisovans. This discovery points to differences in brain development in modern humans and Neanderthals, suggesting cognitive differences between the two.

First Exoplanet

The James Webb Space Telescope recently imaged its first exoplanet, and researchers found that the telescope was ten times more sensitive than expected. What have we learned about this exoplanet, and how will those learnings inform the search for extraterrestrial life?
Fuz and Jeff discuss these important topics in this episode of Stars, Cells, and God.

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[tonyengli]

Love the discussion. Both topics are my realm of interest. I would love to hear Fuz talk about the efforts of the top Neanderthal so called experts attempt to assign Jeweler abilities and musical abilities to the Neanderthals. It seems to me the general science communit is so biased. If you list the known facts. (Inability to run, voice challenges, inability to throw, cannibalism, lacking frontal lobe, no advancing technology over thousands of years) against the speculations like burials and art and music. It seems the bias is so difficult to not see. Thoughts? And the Webb telescope. What an amazing feat. I saw an article saying 20 expected features of the Big Bang have been found to be off by 10 times. Only 2 were confirmed. Thoughts?

[lipingzhang]

Thank you for the interesting information. Exceptionalism of humans and of our planet are fascinating topics. These show God's creative activity and care for us. Tom Oey, Wake Forest, North Carolina

[CytherX]

Has anyone considered how tectonic plates have an essential role in providing life to a planet. Plus the moon is another essential part of our planet having stability.

[jedphillips]

Isn’t it possible that there was a genetic mutation within Neanderthals or a homo. relative that allowed the frontal lobes to grow larger leading to Homo sapiens? Or that the 3 amino acids were a result of a mutation? Is it possible that Neanderthal was simply assimilated into the Homo Sapien species? What meaningful mutation could happen within our own species to advance our cognitive abilities even further then they are now? I’m intrigued by all this but have no formal teaching in genetics. Maybe Fuz can make a video answering some of these questions? BTW, great video!