Dr Chris Earl (MOL-BIO)
@drcsearl.bsky.social
Science communicator and writer interested in the nature of life from a molecular biology and philosophy perspective.
https://linktr.ee/mol_bio
Find me on SubStack: https://substack.com/@drchrisearl?utm_source=user-menu
https://linktr.ee/mol_bio
Find me on SubStack: https://substack.com/@drchrisearl?utm_source=user-menu
Pinned
Our modern, scientific pursuits have transformed our understanding of life. Yet these ideas have not permeated our society. In MolBio and the Meaning of Life, I examine how the philosophical implications of our newfound knowledge alter our perspective on ourselves and our place in the Universe.
Do you know actor Brian Cox who played Logan Roy in the series Succession? Well he also played a part for our student project many years ago.
He was the voice behind a bacterial Mayor of a fictional city in the Toximop comic book made by artist, Avril Smart.
It’s uncanny what do you think?
He was the voice behind a bacterial Mayor of a fictional city in the Toximop comic book made by artist, Avril Smart.
It’s uncanny what do you think?
November 10, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Do you know actor Brian Cox who played Logan Roy in the series Succession? Well he also played a part for our student project many years ago.
He was the voice behind a bacterial Mayor of a fictional city in the Toximop comic book made by artist, Avril Smart.
It’s uncanny what do you think?
He was the voice behind a bacterial Mayor of a fictional city in the Toximop comic book made by artist, Avril Smart.
It’s uncanny what do you think?
🧪My first article was accepted for a Medium publication: "Science Spectrum"
If you use Medium, please clap and follow 🙏
It's about the Molecular Revolution and how it reshaped our understanding of life — and why its next phase could decide our fate.
medium.com/science-spec...
#science #philsky
If you use Medium, please clap and follow 🙏
It's about the Molecular Revolution and how it reshaped our understanding of life — and why its next phase could decide our fate.
medium.com/science-spec...
#science #philsky
The Molecular Revolution in Biology
How molecular biology reshaped our understanding of life — and why its next phase could decide our fate.
medium.com
November 8, 2025 at 4:40 PM
🧪My first article was accepted for a Medium publication: "Science Spectrum"
If you use Medium, please clap and follow 🙏
It's about the Molecular Revolution and how it reshaped our understanding of life — and why its next phase could decide our fate.
medium.com/science-spec...
#science #philsky
If you use Medium, please clap and follow 🙏
It's about the Molecular Revolution and how it reshaped our understanding of life — and why its next phase could decide our fate.
medium.com/science-spec...
#science #philsky
If you've enjoyed any of my articles, you might like the talk I’ll be giving tonight.
Existential Philosophy and Molecular Biology:
Why science matters when exploring the meaning of life
Thursday 6th November 2025 6 pm UK Time | Online
Free & Donation Tickets:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-existe...
Existential Philosophy and Molecular Biology:
Why science matters when exploring the meaning of life
Thursday 6th November 2025 6 pm UK Time | Online
Free & Donation Tickets:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-existe...
The Existential Tribe featuring Chris Earl
A convincing case for why molecular biology really matters when exploring the meaning of life.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 1:50 PM
If you've enjoyed any of my articles, you might like the talk I’ll be giving tonight.
Existential Philosophy and Molecular Biology:
Why science matters when exploring the meaning of life
Thursday 6th November 2025 6 pm UK Time | Online
Free & Donation Tickets:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-existe...
Existential Philosophy and Molecular Biology:
Why science matters when exploring the meaning of life
Thursday 6th November 2025 6 pm UK Time | Online
Free & Donation Tickets:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-existe...
🧪"God, the Science, the Evidence" is a best-selling book by Michel-Yves Bolloré and Olivier Bonnassies.
Join me as I share my insights into this new book, and I'll be reading all 600 pages!
#atheism #science #religion #bookreviews #cosmology #theology #philosophy
Join me as I share my insights into this new book, and I'll be reading all 600 pages!
#atheism #science #religion #bookreviews #cosmology #theology #philosophy
November 4, 2025 at 10:31 AM
🧪"God, the Science, the Evidence" is a best-selling book by Michel-Yves Bolloré and Olivier Bonnassies.
Join me as I share my insights into this new book, and I'll be reading all 600 pages!
#atheism #science #religion #bookreviews #cosmology #theology #philosophy
Join me as I share my insights into this new book, and I'll be reading all 600 pages!
#atheism #science #religion #bookreviews #cosmology #theology #philosophy
🧪Love science? Subscribe to Molecule of the Month.
The latest article shows beautiful, molecular structures of how GLP-1 (weight-loss) drugs work. Dr Janet Iwasa puts it together, and it is an absolute joy (I subscribe by e-mail).
pdb101.rcsb.org/motm/311
@rcsbpdb.bsky.social #science #medicine
The latest article shows beautiful, molecular structures of how GLP-1 (weight-loss) drugs work. Dr Janet Iwasa puts it together, and it is an absolute joy (I subscribe by e-mail).
pdb101.rcsb.org/motm/311
@rcsbpdb.bsky.social #science #medicine
PDB101: Molecule of the Month: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Popular and effective drugs for the treatment of obesity and diabetes
pdb101.rcsb.org
November 3, 2025 at 1:46 PM
🧪Love science? Subscribe to Molecule of the Month.
The latest article shows beautiful, molecular structures of how GLP-1 (weight-loss) drugs work. Dr Janet Iwasa puts it together, and it is an absolute joy (I subscribe by e-mail).
pdb101.rcsb.org/motm/311
@rcsbpdb.bsky.social #science #medicine
The latest article shows beautiful, molecular structures of how GLP-1 (weight-loss) drugs work. Dr Janet Iwasa puts it together, and it is an absolute joy (I subscribe by e-mail).
pdb101.rcsb.org/motm/311
@rcsbpdb.bsky.social #science #medicine
I've come to believe that expertise is not a sort of untouchable greatness, or an insight into guarded secrets that us mere mortals wouldn’t be able to comprehend. Instead, we should think of proficiency as the more democratic and accessible- mastery of basics
#science #philsky #mastery #motivation
#science #philsky #mastery #motivation
November 2, 2025 at 9:22 AM
I've come to believe that expertise is not a sort of untouchable greatness, or an insight into guarded secrets that us mere mortals wouldn’t be able to comprehend. Instead, we should think of proficiency as the more democratic and accessible- mastery of basics
#science #philsky #mastery #motivation
#science #philsky #mastery #motivation
“God is real and science proves it, according to controversial new book” Daily Mail
I’m an atheist but couldn’t resist this book “God: The Science The Evidence.” Released in French, it sold over 440,000 copies! Now there's an English translation.
I'll read with an open mind and share my journey.
I’m an atheist but couldn’t resist this book “God: The Science The Evidence.” Released in French, it sold over 440,000 copies! Now there's an English translation.
I'll read with an open mind and share my journey.
October 31, 2025 at 11:20 AM
“God is real and science proves it, according to controversial new book” Daily Mail
I’m an atheist but couldn’t resist this book “God: The Science The Evidence.” Released in French, it sold over 440,000 copies! Now there's an English translation.
I'll read with an open mind and share my journey.
I’m an atheist but couldn’t resist this book “God: The Science The Evidence.” Released in French, it sold over 440,000 copies! Now there's an English translation.
I'll read with an open mind and share my journey.
🧪Can reality/all phenomena in the Universe (incl. life) be reduced to physical laws (Reductionism)?
Or, do we need a different set of descriptions to understand reality in all of it’s complexity, especially complex systems in particular life (Holism)?
What should I read?
#philsky #science #booksky
Or, do we need a different set of descriptions to understand reality in all of it’s complexity, especially complex systems in particular life (Holism)?
What should I read?
#philsky #science #booksky
October 30, 2025 at 11:24 PM
🧪Why I have abandoned Richard Dawkins' Selfish Gene (as a molecular biologist). The super short version.
#science #philosophy #philsky #evolution #atheism #biology
#science #philosophy #philsky #evolution #atheism #biology
October 27, 2025 at 6:51 PM
🧪Why I have abandoned Richard Dawkins' Selfish Gene (as a molecular biologist). The super short version.
#science #philosophy #philsky #evolution #atheism #biology
#science #philosophy #philsky #evolution #atheism #biology
"the largest single seizure of trafficked weight loss drugs ever recorded by a law enforcement agency worldwide"
Unsafe, unregulated weight-loss drugs are a serious threat to public health.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Unsafe, unregulated weight-loss drugs are a serious threat to public health.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
First UK illegal weight loss drug factory found in Northampton
The first illicit production facility for weight loss medicine found in the UK is dismantled.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 25, 2025 at 12:38 PM
"the largest single seizure of trafficked weight loss drugs ever recorded by a law enforcement agency worldwide"
Unsafe, unregulated weight-loss drugs are a serious threat to public health.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Unsafe, unregulated weight-loss drugs are a serious threat to public health.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
🧪My recent article- Is Richard Dawkins wrong about the nature of life? Generated a lot of feedback, questions, and (at times heated) challenges.
I have put together an extended video response on YouTube:
youtu.be/LL_dYIQcNsk
#science #philosophy #evolution #philsky #biology #philosophyofscience
I have put together an extended video response on YouTube:
youtu.be/LL_dYIQcNsk
#science #philosophy #evolution #philsky #biology #philosophyofscience
Is Richard Dawkins wrong about the nature of life?
YouTube video by Dr. Chris Earl (MOL-BIO)
youtu.be
October 22, 2025 at 2:07 PM
🧪My recent article- Is Richard Dawkins wrong about the nature of life? Generated a lot of feedback, questions, and (at times heated) challenges.
I have put together an extended video response on YouTube:
youtu.be/LL_dYIQcNsk
#science #philosophy #evolution #philsky #biology #philosophyofscience
I have put together an extended video response on YouTube:
youtu.be/LL_dYIQcNsk
#science #philosophy #evolution #philsky #biology #philosophyofscience
🧪Is Richard Dawkins wrong about the nature of life? And is it time to abandon the metaphor of "The Selfish Gene"? That's what's in my new article. It's free to read and subscribe, and it features audio narration (read by me) for those who prefer it.
#science #philsky #evolution #biology #philosophy
#science #philsky #evolution #biology #philosophy
Is Richard Dawkins wrong about the nature of life?
Is it time to abandon the metaphor of "The Selfish Gene"?
drchrisearl.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 4:48 PM
🧪Is Richard Dawkins wrong about the nature of life? And is it time to abandon the metaphor of "The Selfish Gene"? That's what's in my new article. It's free to read and subscribe, and it features audio narration (read by me) for those who prefer it.
#science #philsky #evolution #biology #philosophy
#science #philsky #evolution #biology #philosophy
🧪Has NASA found the first example of extraterrestrial life?
NASA published new work on September 10, based on a sample taken on Mars. Mars once had water on its surface, which is crucial for considering how lifeless rocks can transform into living systems, such as bacterial cells.
#science #philsky
NASA published new work on September 10, based on a sample taken on Mars. Mars once had water on its surface, which is crucial for considering how lifeless rocks can transform into living systems, such as bacterial cells.
#science #philsky
September 24, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Life is THE most special/interesting "thing" that can exist in the Universe. The life affirming premise here: Life in all of its forms is the most interesting property displayed by matter/energy. Do you agree?
I present a thought experiment to explore this
Watch full video youtu.be/fKuoPKqLHNI
I present a thought experiment to explore this
Watch full video youtu.be/fKuoPKqLHNI
September 16, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Life is THE most special/interesting "thing" that can exist in the Universe. The life affirming premise here: Life in all of its forms is the most interesting property displayed by matter/energy. Do you agree?
I present a thought experiment to explore this
Watch full video youtu.be/fKuoPKqLHNI
I present a thought experiment to explore this
Watch full video youtu.be/fKuoPKqLHNI
I made a short video on the subject of impermanence. For a deeper dive please see my full article with audio narration here: substack.com/home/post/p-...
Thanks to Erin for the footage over the years. I (Chris Earl) made and played the guitar part/narration.
#science #philosophy #meaning #philsky
Thanks to Erin for the footage over the years. I (Chris Earl) made and played the guitar part/narration.
#science #philosophy #meaning #philsky
September 9, 2025 at 7:33 PM
I made a short video on the subject of impermanence. For a deeper dive please see my full article with audio narration here: substack.com/home/post/p-...
Thanks to Erin for the footage over the years. I (Chris Earl) made and played the guitar part/narration.
#science #philosophy #meaning #philsky
Thanks to Erin for the footage over the years. I (Chris Earl) made and played the guitar part/narration.
#science #philosophy #meaning #philsky
🧪Check out my new post. I explain how Ozempic and Mounjaro work (in molecular detail). Why is there a picture of a cool orange and black lizard? Have a read to find out! If you don’t fancy reading the whole thing, a short video is available (scroll to the bottom).
#science #sciencecommunication
#science #sciencecommunication
The science behind Ozempic and Mounjaro
The everyday MOL-BIO series: How do Ozempic and Mounjaro work?
substack.com
September 5, 2025 at 4:50 PM
🧪Check out my new post. I explain how Ozempic and Mounjaro work (in molecular detail). Why is there a picture of a cool orange and black lizard? Have a read to find out! If you don’t fancy reading the whole thing, a short video is available (scroll to the bottom).
#science #sciencecommunication
#science #sciencecommunication
There is so much bullsh*t in the performance space. Inspired by reading the book "Peak Performance (PP)" in 2017, I try to foster sustainable success, integrity, and most of all enjoyment. Isn’t that the whole point of life?!
Check out the article by author B. Stulberg:
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Check out the article by author B. Stulberg:
substack.com/home/post/p-...
September 3, 2025 at 5:02 PM
There is so much bullsh*t in the performance space. Inspired by reading the book "Peak Performance (PP)" in 2017, I try to foster sustainable success, integrity, and most of all enjoyment. Isn’t that the whole point of life?!
Check out the article by author B. Stulberg:
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Check out the article by author B. Stulberg:
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Does philosophy still matter? This podcast is fascinating! It explores Todd May's work on "narrative values" and how it relates to performance (sport/professional/family) and creating a meaningful life. Love the chat on how to balance meaningful work vs the bullshit
#philsky #edusky #performance
#philsky #edusky #performance
How "Narrative Values" Can Change Your Psychology & Biology
open.spotify.com
August 30, 2025 at 6:22 AM
Does philosophy still matter? This podcast is fascinating! It explores Todd May's work on "narrative values" and how it relates to performance (sport/professional/family) and creating a meaningful life. Love the chat on how to balance meaningful work vs the bullshit
#philsky #edusky #performance
#philsky #edusky #performance
It was a boost to see that Clay Skipper from the "Excellence, Actually" podcast shared a quote from my article: Impermanence. Clay, Steve Magness, and Brad Stulberg run "The Growth Equation", writing articles/books about performance. They offer the best no-nonsense science-backed advice you'll find.
August 16, 2025 at 1:43 PM
It was a boost to see that Clay Skipper from the "Excellence, Actually" podcast shared a quote from my article: Impermanence. Clay, Steve Magness, and Brad Stulberg run "The Growth Equation", writing articles/books about performance. They offer the best no-nonsense science-backed advice you'll find.
🧪Impermanence is my new article exploring the concept of change from a scientific perspective, with insight from Eastern philosophy and running!
🧪"I’m just a replaceable natural phenomenon, like the water in the river that flows under the bridge.” Haruki Murakami running the Charles River, Boston.
🧪"I’m just a replaceable natural phenomenon, like the water in the river that flows under the bridge.” Haruki Murakami running the Charles River, Boston.
Impermanence
You are a flowing, changing, natural phenomenon
substack.com
August 14, 2025 at 5:55 PM
🧪Impermanence is my new article exploring the concept of change from a scientific perspective, with insight from Eastern philosophy and running!
🧪"I’m just a replaceable natural phenomenon, like the water in the river that flows under the bridge.” Haruki Murakami running the Charles River, Boston.
🧪"I’m just a replaceable natural phenomenon, like the water in the river that flows under the bridge.” Haruki Murakami running the Charles River, Boston.
🧪Please check out my new article! It details the Molecular Revolution in Biology
🧪the oft over-looked, but I’d argue the most important development in the history of the life sciences
🧪It is fully narrated as well by the author.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Artwork by David Goodsell CC-BY-4.0license
🧪the oft over-looked, but I’d argue the most important development in the history of the life sciences
🧪It is fully narrated as well by the author.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Artwork by David Goodsell CC-BY-4.0license
The Molecular Revolution in Biology
The History, Structure, and Future of the Molecular Biology Revolution
substack.com
August 3, 2025 at 9:08 PM
🧪Please check out my new article! It details the Molecular Revolution in Biology
🧪the oft over-looked, but I’d argue the most important development in the history of the life sciences
🧪It is fully narrated as well by the author.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Artwork by David Goodsell CC-BY-4.0license
🧪the oft over-looked, but I’d argue the most important development in the history of the life sciences
🧪It is fully narrated as well by the author.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Artwork by David Goodsell CC-BY-4.0license
In a world constantly demanding our attention, it's hard to find the time to read long-form articles. To this end, I have recorded a narrated version of "The Illusion of Meaning" as a SubStack podcast.
link for audio below, enjoy 🙂:
substack.com/home/post/p-...
link for audio below, enjoy 🙂:
substack.com/home/post/p-...
The Illusion of Meaning
How evolutionary theory provides insight into existential philosophy and our sense of meaning
substack.com
July 8, 2025 at 4:36 PM
In a world constantly demanding our attention, it's hard to find the time to read long-form articles. To this end, I have recorded a narrated version of "The Illusion of Meaning" as a SubStack podcast.
link for audio below, enjoy 🙂:
substack.com/home/post/p-...
link for audio below, enjoy 🙂:
substack.com/home/post/p-...
One of the all-time great pieces of TV comes from comedy series “The Good Place”. Chidi (a main character) spoke to impermanence: “Picture a wave…And then it crashes on the shore and it's gone. But the water is still there. The wave was just a different way for the water to be, for a little while.”
July 1, 2025 at 12:48 PM
One of the all-time great pieces of TV comes from comedy series “The Good Place”. Chidi (a main character) spoke to impermanence: “Picture a wave…And then it crashes on the shore and it's gone. But the water is still there. The wave was just a different way for the water to be, for a little while.”
In this article, I present- The Illusion of Meaning. It is an extension of Camus' concept of The Absurd. It's how the need for meaning is an illusion created by chance circumstances in this corner of the Universe, it offers a positive framing for the pursuit of meaning in contrast with God Delusion
The Illusion of Meaning
“Humans need reasons; we need to know that there is some point to going on. The universe, however, is silent. It does not speak, or if it…
medium.com
June 25, 2025 at 2:13 PM
In this article, I present- The Illusion of Meaning. It is an extension of Camus' concept of The Absurd. It's how the need for meaning is an illusion created by chance circumstances in this corner of the Universe, it offers a positive framing for the pursuit of meaning in contrast with God Delusion
Our modern, scientific pursuits have transformed our understanding of life. Yet these ideas have not permeated our society. In MolBio and the Meaning of Life, I examine how the philosophical implications of our newfound knowledge alter our perspective on ourselves and our place in the Universe.
June 25, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Our modern, scientific pursuits have transformed our understanding of life. Yet these ideas have not permeated our society. In MolBio and the Meaning of Life, I examine how the philosophical implications of our newfound knowledge alter our perspective on ourselves and our place in the Universe.