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.
🧪Histones are the PDB Molecule of the Month for Feb. These beautiful schematics show how an incredible 2 meters of DNA inside our cells can fit into a nucleus just 6 micrometres across (a micrometre is 1 million times smaller than a meter!)
#science #biology #genetics
pdb101.rcsb.org/motm/314
#science #biology #genetics
pdb101.rcsb.org/motm/314
PDB101: Molecule of the Month: Histones Across the Tree of Life
Uncovering the evolutionary diversity of histones
pdb101.rcsb.org
February 2, 2026 at 1:26 PM
🧪Histones are the PDB Molecule of the Month for Feb. These beautiful schematics show how an incredible 2 meters of DNA inside our cells can fit into a nucleus just 6 micrometres across (a micrometre is 1 million times smaller than a meter!)
#science #biology #genetics
pdb101.rcsb.org/motm/314
#science #biology #genetics
pdb101.rcsb.org/motm/314
🧪Can you name the Most Successful Family in Nobel History? (T&Cs: All Nobel prizes are non-transferable)
4 Nobel prizes in the fields of chemistry, physics, and peace. I give clues throughout the video. Let me know in the comments if you got it
#science #NobelPeacePrize #Nobel #Norway #Sweden
4 Nobel prizes in the fields of chemistry, physics, and peace. I give clues throughout the video. Let me know in the comments if you got it
#science #NobelPeacePrize #Nobel #Norway #Sweden
January 29, 2026 at 7:02 PM
🧪Can you name the Most Successful Family in Nobel History? (T&Cs: All Nobel prizes are non-transferable)
4 Nobel prizes in the fields of chemistry, physics, and peace. I give clues throughout the video. Let me know in the comments if you got it
#science #NobelPeacePrize #Nobel #Norway #Sweden
4 Nobel prizes in the fields of chemistry, physics, and peace. I give clues throughout the video. Let me know in the comments if you got it
#science #NobelPeacePrize #Nobel #Norway #Sweden
I loved this quote from author Haruki Murakami so much, I had to write a Substack article about it, called “Impermanence”. It examines the transience of life from both scientific and Buddhist perspectives.
drchrisearl.substack.com/p/impermanence
#science #buddhism #cosmology #booksky #writing
drchrisearl.substack.com/p/impermanence
#science #buddhism #cosmology #booksky #writing
January 28, 2026 at 2:22 AM
I loved this quote from author Haruki Murakami so much, I had to write a Substack article about it, called “Impermanence”. It examines the transience of life from both scientific and Buddhist perspectives.
drchrisearl.substack.com/p/impermanence
#science #buddhism #cosmology #booksky #writing
drchrisearl.substack.com/p/impermanence
#science #buddhism #cosmology #booksky #writing
🧪“Living Matter” a new #Biophysics book by Alex J. Levine. Sadly, Prof. Levine passed away before the book was ready.
This quote of his, beautifully captures the way a physicist views living systems. It is particularly poignant in how it captures the transience of human life. For us all.
#science
This quote of his, beautifully captures the way a physicist views living systems. It is particularly poignant in how it captures the transience of human life. For us all.
#science
January 24, 2026 at 1:12 AM
🧪“Living Matter” a new #Biophysics book by Alex J. Levine. Sadly, Prof. Levine passed away before the book was ready.
This quote of his, beautifully captures the way a physicist views living systems. It is particularly poignant in how it captures the transience of human life. For us all.
#science
This quote of his, beautifully captures the way a physicist views living systems. It is particularly poignant in how it captures the transience of human life. For us all.
#science
🧪I've reviewed Living Matter: Seeking New Physics in the Biological World by Alex J. Levine. Sadly, Prof. Levine passed away in 2022 before the book was finished, but it is now complete and out from @princetonupress.bsky.social
#science #biophysics
drchrisearl.substack.com/p/book-revie...
#science #biophysics
drchrisearl.substack.com/p/book-revie...
Book Review: Living Matter- Seeking New Physics in the Biological World
I review this exciting new book from Alex J. Levine and Princeton University Press
drchrisearl.substack.com
January 21, 2026 at 6:17 PM
🧪I've reviewed Living Matter: Seeking New Physics in the Biological World by Alex J. Levine. Sadly, Prof. Levine passed away in 2022 before the book was finished, but it is now complete and out from @princetonupress.bsky.social
#science #biophysics
drchrisearl.substack.com/p/book-revie...
#science #biophysics
drchrisearl.substack.com/p/book-revie...
The 1951 Defence of Greenland agreement means that the U.S. has widespread military access to the island including the Pituffik military base. What the current U.S. regime is looking to obtain is access to Greenland's oil and gas reserves.
#climate #environment #geopolitics #imperialism
#climate #environment #geopolitics #imperialism
January 17, 2026 at 9:12 PM
The 1951 Defence of Greenland agreement means that the U.S. has widespread military access to the island including the Pituffik military base. What the current U.S. regime is looking to obtain is access to Greenland's oil and gas reserves.
#climate #environment #geopolitics #imperialism
#climate #environment #geopolitics #imperialism
Celebration 🎉
My #BookRecommendations video won 3rd place in the TikTok Creator Awards. This is alongside a 3rd-place award for my #Astronomy video from before, which was also part of the #LearnOnTikTok campaign.
It's nice to have the formal recognition for them.
Links to the videos below
My #BookRecommendations video won 3rd place in the TikTok Creator Awards. This is alongside a 3rd-place award for my #Astronomy video from before, which was also part of the #LearnOnTikTok campaign.
It's nice to have the formal recognition for them.
Links to the videos below
January 14, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Celebration 🎉
My #BookRecommendations video won 3rd place in the TikTok Creator Awards. This is alongside a 3rd-place award for my #Astronomy video from before, which was also part of the #LearnOnTikTok campaign.
It's nice to have the formal recognition for them.
Links to the videos below
My #BookRecommendations video won 3rd place in the TikTok Creator Awards. This is alongside a 3rd-place award for my #Astronomy video from before, which was also part of the #LearnOnTikTok campaign.
It's nice to have the formal recognition for them.
Links to the videos below
I enjoyed this conversation with Natalie Fraser immensely! Check it out if you like science and existential philosophy. It is really cool that the interview with Todd May is in the same session as his book "A Significant Life:
Human Meaning in a Silent Universe" has been a source of inspiration.
Human Meaning in a Silent Universe" has been a source of inspiration.
The Global Existential Summit #5 | January 2026
Pioneering existential thinkers share wisdom, meaning, and hope for humanity.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 6:13 PM
I enjoyed this conversation with Natalie Fraser immensely! Check it out if you like science and existential philosophy. It is really cool that the interview with Todd May is in the same session as his book "A Significant Life:
Human Meaning in a Silent Universe" has been a source of inspiration.
Human Meaning in a Silent Universe" has been a source of inspiration.
🧪Danger of Machine Metaphors in Science
I share a personal story of my first formal confrontation with an apparently meaningless, mechanical Universe. I go on to examine how machine metaphors influence nihilism
Article free on Substack
substack.com/home/post/p-...
#philsky #science #existentialism
I share a personal story of my first formal confrontation with an apparently meaningless, mechanical Universe. I go on to examine how machine metaphors influence nihilism
Article free on Substack
substack.com/home/post/p-...
#philsky #science #existentialism
The Selfish Gene and the Problem with Machine Metaphors in Biology
How language can obscure understanding and reinforce nihilism
substack.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:01 PM
🧪Danger of Machine Metaphors in Science
I share a personal story of my first formal confrontation with an apparently meaningless, mechanical Universe. I go on to examine how machine metaphors influence nihilism
Article free on Substack
substack.com/home/post/p-...
#philsky #science #existentialism
I share a personal story of my first formal confrontation with an apparently meaningless, mechanical Universe. I go on to examine how machine metaphors influence nihilism
Article free on Substack
substack.com/home/post/p-...
#philsky #science #existentialism
My 2026 Bookanuary self-improvement books recommendations:
Molecular Storms- Liam Graham
Being Mortal- Atul Gawande
Drystone Kristie- De Garis
Buddhism Pain and Simple- Steve Hagen
#booksky #writing #bookanuary
Molecular Storms- Liam Graham
Being Mortal- Atul Gawande
Drystone Kristie- De Garis
Buddhism Pain and Simple- Steve Hagen
#booksky #writing #bookanuary
January 6, 2026 at 8:16 PM
My 2026 Bookanuary self-improvement books recommendations:
Molecular Storms- Liam Graham
Being Mortal- Atul Gawande
Drystone Kristie- De Garis
Buddhism Pain and Simple- Steve Hagen
#booksky #writing #bookanuary
Molecular Storms- Liam Graham
Being Mortal- Atul Gawande
Drystone Kristie- De Garis
Buddhism Pain and Simple- Steve Hagen
#booksky #writing #bookanuary
🧪In 2025, I started my career as a science writer. Something I had intended for about 15 years. Thanks to everyone who has supported this dream. If there is anything I can do in 2026 to help your own science writing let me know. Keep writing, keep turning up. Good luck.
#writing #science #philsky
#writing #science #philsky
January 1, 2026 at 3:45 PM
🧪Free audio article “Toward a Biological Theory of Everything” is out. If anyone is out there listening, please let me know. I may be reading into the void, and I’ll keep doing it, but it would be awesome to know if there's anyone out there.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
#science #philsky #writing
substack.com/home/post/p-...
#science #philsky #writing
December 30, 2025 at 4:28 PM
🧪Free audio article “Toward a Biological Theory of Everything” is out. If anyone is out there listening, please let me know. I may be reading into the void, and I’ll keep doing it, but it would be awesome to know if there's anyone out there.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
#science #philsky #writing
substack.com/home/post/p-...
#science #philsky #writing
🧪My new article explores the nature of life, an existential crisis, and the dangers of comparing life to machines.
The Selfish Gene and the Problem with Machine Metaphors in Biology: How language can obscure understanding and reinforce nihilism
medium.com/@molbioandth...
#writing #booksky #science
The Selfish Gene and the Problem with Machine Metaphors in Biology: How language can obscure understanding and reinforce nihilism
medium.com/@molbioandth...
#writing #booksky #science
The Selfish Gene and the Problem with Machine Metaphors in Biology
How language can obscure understanding and reinforce nihilism
medium.com
December 22, 2025 at 1:24 PM
🧪My new article explores the nature of life, an existential crisis, and the dangers of comparing life to machines.
The Selfish Gene and the Problem with Machine Metaphors in Biology: How language can obscure understanding and reinforce nihilism
medium.com/@molbioandth...
#writing #booksky #science
The Selfish Gene and the Problem with Machine Metaphors in Biology: How language can obscure understanding and reinforce nihilism
medium.com/@molbioandth...
#writing #booksky #science
🧪I entered a TikTok #astronomy competition, part of their learn on TikTok campaign, with a video about how different types of stars forge the various chemical elements needed for life. I am pleased to say the video received a Third Place prize!
Video link: www.tiktok.com/@molbio7/vid...
#science
Video link: www.tiktok.com/@molbio7/vid...
#science
We are star stuff: the science behind this incredible fact. #Astronomy #LearnOnTiktok Carl Sagan was a famous astronomer and populariser of science who inspired generations of scientists with his exce...
TikTok video by MOL-BIO
www.tiktok.com
December 22, 2025 at 10:47 AM
🧪I entered a TikTok #astronomy competition, part of their learn on TikTok campaign, with a video about how different types of stars forge the various chemical elements needed for life. I am pleased to say the video received a Third Place prize!
Video link: www.tiktok.com/@molbio7/vid...
#science
Video link: www.tiktok.com/@molbio7/vid...
#science
🧪I'm really excited to be reviewing:
Living Matter- New Physics in the Biological World by Alex Levine
+
Earth and Life- A 4 billion year conversation by Andrew Knoll, both from @princetonupress.bsky.social
#science #biology #geology #physics
Living Matter- New Physics in the Biological World by Alex Levine
+
Earth and Life- A 4 billion year conversation by Andrew Knoll, both from @princetonupress.bsky.social
#science #biology #geology #physics
December 19, 2025 at 12:36 PM
🧪I'm really excited to be reviewing:
Living Matter- New Physics in the Biological World by Alex Levine
+
Earth and Life- A 4 billion year conversation by Andrew Knoll, both from @princetonupress.bsky.social
#science #biology #geology #physics
Living Matter- New Physics in the Biological World by Alex Levine
+
Earth and Life- A 4 billion year conversation by Andrew Knoll, both from @princetonupress.bsky.social
#science #biology #geology #physics
🧪I started using social media because it became apparent that to pitch a non-fiction book to a publisher successfully, you need a substantial online presence. It seemed unfair. But I have now had more engagement with my work than I might ever have had by traditional publishing.
#writing #booksky
#writing #booksky
December 18, 2025 at 8:14 AM
🧪If you like science, philosophy, and existential exploration into the meaning of life, you may like these articles of mine, something for everyone!
Join me (a real human, not an AI!) on Substack, it's all free (audio narration too): drchrisearl.substack.com
#science #philsky #philosophy #biology
Join me (a real human, not an AI!) on Substack, it's all free (audio narration too): drchrisearl.substack.com
#science #philsky #philosophy #biology
December 15, 2025 at 7:19 AM
🧪If you like science, philosophy, and existential exploration into the meaning of life, you may like these articles of mine, something for everyone!
Join me (a real human, not an AI!) on Substack, it's all free (audio narration too): drchrisearl.substack.com
#science #philsky #philosophy #biology
Join me (a real human, not an AI!) on Substack, it's all free (audio narration too): drchrisearl.substack.com
#science #philsky #philosophy #biology
🧪I’ve just posted my new article on Substack (free, but subscribe/like). Can we ever have a biological theory of everything? Information theory might explain our purpose (to propagate our genes). Simultaneously, an energetic vision of life has emerged.
#philsky #science
substack.com/home/post/p-...
#philsky #science
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Toward a Biological Theory of Everything
Understanding the Nature of Life: The Battle for Supremacy Between Information and Energy
substack.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:49 PM
🧪I’ve just posted my new article on Substack (free, but subscribe/like). Can we ever have a biological theory of everything? Information theory might explain our purpose (to propagate our genes). Simultaneously, an energetic vision of life has emerged.
#philsky #science
substack.com/home/post/p-...
#philsky #science
substack.com/home/post/p-...
I wouldn't normally post this, but I'd like to proudly say that I am the proud recipient of the inaugural FIFA Science Communication Prize. For the haters that say, "What does FIFA have to do with Science communication?" That's not my problem.
#FIFA #philsky #science #WorldCup
#FIFA #philsky #science #WorldCup
December 6, 2025 at 12:17 AM
🧪If you're on Medium, please check out my new article: Toward a Biological Theory of Everything
If you aren't a Medium member it is genuinely worth the $5 per month, one of the few good deals left in the world!
medium.com/@molbioandth...
#philsky #science #physics #biology #chemistry #information
If you aren't a Medium member it is genuinely worth the $5 per month, one of the few good deals left in the world!
medium.com/@molbioandth...
#philsky #science #physics #biology #chemistry #information
A Biological Theory of Everything
Understanding the Nature of Life- The Battle between Information and Energy
medium.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:14 PM
🧪If you're on Medium, please check out my new article: Toward a Biological Theory of Everything
If you aren't a Medium member it is genuinely worth the $5 per month, one of the few good deals left in the world!
medium.com/@molbioandth...
#philsky #science #physics #biology #chemistry #information
If you aren't a Medium member it is genuinely worth the $5 per month, one of the few good deals left in the world!
medium.com/@molbioandth...
#philsky #science #physics #biology #chemistry #information
🧪A question for scientists: Does anyone else use the inevitability of the second law of thermodynamics as an excuse to avoid cleaning the house to an acceptable level, or is it just me 🫣
December 3, 2025 at 3:57 AM
🧪A question for scientists: Does anyone else use the inevitability of the second law of thermodynamics as an excuse to avoid cleaning the house to an acceptable level, or is it just me 🫣
🧪Hey everyone, I submitted another video for a TikTok competition. This time, it is #BookRecommendation. If you have TikTok, please like/comment on the video and follow the page, if you can. It would be super helpful for my chances!
www.tiktok.com/@molbio7/vid...
#science #philsky #spirituality
www.tiktok.com/@molbio7/vid...
#science #philsky #spirituality
Four Non-Fiction books that might change your life! Here are the full details for each book: Molecular Storms by Liam Graham. This book is about how physics can help us understand the phenomenon of li...
TikTok video by MOL-BIO
www.tiktok.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:13 PM
🧪Hey everyone, I submitted another video for a TikTok competition. This time, it is #BookRecommendation. If you have TikTok, please like/comment on the video and follow the page, if you can. It would be super helpful for my chances!
www.tiktok.com/@molbio7/vid...
#science #philsky #spirituality
www.tiktok.com/@molbio7/vid...
#science #philsky #spirituality
🧪 I'm early in my journey as a science writer, I've been trying every way I can to connect with anyone interested in the big questions about life. I have been making short videos. I entered a #astronomy competition, if you use TikTok, please like my "Star stuff" video and follow me too, if you can.
We are star stuff: the science behind this incredible fact. #Astronomy #LearnOnTiktok Carl Sagan was a famous astronomer and populariser of science who inspired generations of scientists with his exce...
TikTok video by MOL-BIO
www.tiktok.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:38 AM
🧪 I'm early in my journey as a science writer, I've been trying every way I can to connect with anyone interested in the big questions about life. I have been making short videos. I entered a #astronomy competition, if you use TikTok, please like my "Star stuff" video and follow me too, if you can.
Incredible that we'll watch Scotland at a World Cup. Even if you aren't a football fan check out the highlights, the drama was unreal. We are so often on the wrong end of the drama... not tonight.
A generational achievement that will bring so much meaning to Scottish lives 💙🤍
#Scotland #football
A generational achievement that will bring so much meaning to Scottish lives 💙🤍
#Scotland #football
Scotland qualify for World Cup 2026 after win over Denmark at Hampden
The men’s team will play at a World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.
news.stv.tv
November 18, 2025 at 10:46 PM
🧪God versus Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia
Reading God the Science Part 3:Big Bang
This section really drills home the idea that the Universe is finite, and we read of the hideous injustices suffered by scientists who supported the Big Bang theory.
#science #atheism #theology #philosophy #cosmology
Reading God the Science Part 3:Big Bang
This section really drills home the idea that the Universe is finite, and we read of the hideous injustices suffered by scientists who supported the Big Bang theory.
#science #atheism #theology #philosophy #cosmology
November 17, 2025 at 7:54 PM
🧪God versus Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia
Reading God the Science Part 3:Big Bang
This section really drills home the idea that the Universe is finite, and we read of the hideous injustices suffered by scientists who supported the Big Bang theory.
#science #atheism #theology #philosophy #cosmology
Reading God the Science Part 3:Big Bang
This section really drills home the idea that the Universe is finite, and we read of the hideous injustices suffered by scientists who supported the Big Bang theory.
#science #atheism #theology #philosophy #cosmology