What We Got Wrong About Aliens & AI: How To Change The Way We Think About Life

Are aliens already among us? Are we even looking in the right way to find them?

Renowned chemist, molecular visionary, and University of Glasgow Regis professor Lee Cronin joins Mayim and Jonathan to explore the science behind alien life, consciousness, and the very definition of biology itself. Known for his groundbreaking work in assembly theory and abiogenesis, Dr. Cronin dives deep into the possibility of non-carbon-based life, why the Fermi Paradox might be misleading, and how we could soon detect extraterrestrial civilizations through the mathematics of complexity.

As one of the world’s leading voices in origin of life research, Dr. Cronin offers bold counterpoints to other guests on alien intelligence and reveals why he believes some exoplanets may already harbor advanced technology. He explains how chemical complexity could be the key to recognizing life in the universe, and why traditional astrobiology might be looking in the wrong place.

The conversation also takes a turn toward the dark side of AI: how artificial intelligence may already be used by powerful institutions for dangerous, even covert purposes and why Cronin thinks we should rethink our fear of it. From the dream of building living machines to redefining what counts as life or consciousness, this episode is a mind-bending journey into the future of science, philosophy, and alien discovery.

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CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
09:44 - Silicon-Based Life Possibilities
16:31 - Unique Properties of Carbon
17:44 - Why Lee has a Problem with the Fermi Paradox
23:38 - Understanding Selection
25:55 - Origin of Life on Earth
31:46 - Searching for Life on Other Planets
37:00 - Dead Planets & Technological Life
43:38 - Non-Carbon-Based Life Forms
46:15 - Are We the First Intelligent Species?
53:20 - The Truth About AI: Why Fear Might Be the Biggest Mistake of All
1:15:24 - The Nature of Love
1:32:03 - Practical Applications of Life Origin Research
1:43:10 - Hope for the Future

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Find Lee Cronin:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/leecronin
www.twitter.com/CroninLab
Instagram: www.instagram.com/croningroup

Learn more about The Cronin Group: www.chem.gla.ac.uk/cronin/

Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.

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