Afleveringen
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Join biochemist Fazale âFuzâ Rana and astrophysicist Jeff Zweerink as they discuss new discoveries with theological and philosophical implications that point to the reality of Godâs existence.
Scientists used CRISPR gene editing and modified in vitro fertilization techniques to create mice with two dads and no mother. How should Christians respond to these types of studies? Biochemist Fuz Rana discusses how this research team accomplished this feat and why scientists would do this work.
As scientists design new telescopes to search for habitable, or even inhabited, exoplanets, they also recognize that our searches may not find any signs of life. As they try to quantify what a lack of life measurements means, it benefits Christians to think about how we use the scientific data to argue for the truth of Christianity. Astrophysicist Jeff Zweerink examines what the science shows and how to use the current scientific data to argue for Godâs robust design of Earth.
Links and Resources:
Adult Bi-Paternal Offspring Generated Through Direct Modification of Imprinted Genes in Mammals
What If We Find Nothing in Our Search for Life Beyond Earth?
What If We Find Nothing? Bayesian Analysis of the Statistical Information of Null Results in Future Exoplanet Habitability and Biosignature Surveys
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Join biochemist Fazale âFuzâ Rana and astrophysicist Hugh Ross as they discuss discoveries with theological and philosophical implications that point to the reality of Godâs existence.
Is it possible to mount a scientific defense showing that humans uniquely bear Godâs image as Scripture teaches? In this episode, biochemist Fuz Rana discusses recent research from MIT that estimates the timing of the origin of human language and demonstrates that these results support the biblical account of humanityâs beginning.
Astrophysicist Hugh Ross discusses the feasibility of obtaining solar power from space. Researchers have devised a system where large satellites collect and convert solar power to electricity and transmit the electricity to Earth wirelessly. Previously, the system costs were prohibitive. Technological advancesâlightweight collectors that can be folded and unraveled robotically and dynamically controlled for high precision and stabilityânow make space solar power an economically viable, fossil-fuel-free, continuously available solution for humanityâs energy needs.
Links and Resources:
Linguistic Capacity Was Present in the Homo sapiens Population 135 Thousand Years Ago
Rigid-Flexible Coupling Dynamics Modeling and Fractional-Order Sliding Mode Control for Large Space Solar Power Stations
Wireless Power Transfer in Space Using Flexible, Lightweight, Coherent Arrays
A Comprehensive Review on Space Solar Power Satellite: An Idiosyncratic Approach
Weathering Climate Change: A Fresh Approach
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Join astrophysicists Hugh Ross and Jeff Zweerink as they discuss new discoveries with theological and philosophical implications pointing to the reality of Godâs existence.
Astrophysicist Hugh Ross discusses the James Webb Space Telescopeâs confirmation that a galaxy called JADES-GS-z14-0 is the farthest one ever found. Weâre seeing it as it looked just 291 million years after the big bangâ13.48 billion light-years from us. By analyzing light from the galaxy, scientists found signs of a specific type of oxygen (called OIII), and hints of dust. The presence of heavy elements in the galaxy means that many massive stars must have formed just 200 to 290 million years after the universe began. Does the presence of these metals challenge the big bang?
Without Earthâs magnetic field, cosmic rays would sputter our atmosphere into space. Yet, scientists recently found that the magnetic field virtually collapsed for more than 20 million years as life transitioned from single-celled to complex, multicellular creatures. Astrophysicist Jeff Zweerink explains how detailed studies of Earthâs magnetic field direction and strength, coupled with measurements of the Earthâs core and the history of life, provide compelling evidence that Earthâs capacity to support life requires critical events occurring at precisely the right time. Such evidence points to a God who fashioned and developed our planet so life can thriveâparticularly human life.
Links and Resources:
Photometric Detection at 7.7 ”m of a Galaxy Beyond Redshift 14 with JWST/MIRI
Spectroscopic Confirmation of Two Luminous Galaxies at a Redshift of 14
Earthâs Magnetic Dipole Collapses, and Life Explodes
Is the Big Bang Theory in Trouble?
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Join astrophysicists Hugh Ross and Jeff Zweerink as they discuss new discoveries with theological and philosophical implications pointing to the reality of Godâs existence.
For decades, young-earth creationists have used the existence of comets to argue that the earth canât be a few billion years old. At first glance, this argument appears to have merit because comets are relatively short-lived phenomena. However, a closer examination of how comets formed and acquired orbits that bring them close to the Sun supports an old Earth. Even more importantly, cometary research provides strong evidence of Godâs design in preparing Earth to support human life.
Links and Resources:
What 2024âs Bright Comet May Reveal About the Age of the Solar System
Size and Albedo of the Largest Detected Oort-Cloud Object: Comet C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein)
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Join biochemist Fazale âFuzâ Rana and astrophysicist Jeff Zweerink as they discuss new discoveries with theological and philosophical implications pointing to the reality of Godâs existence.
Can biotechnologists resurrect animals from extinction? Researchers from Colossal Bioscience have moved one step closer to making the woolly mammothâs de-extinction a reality by gene-editing mice to exhibit woolly mammoth features. In this episode, biochemist Fuz Rana discusses this work and offers a Christian perspective on de-extinctions.
In the late 1960s, scientists theoretically worked out how to build a new class of materials that use the structure of the material (rather than the substance) to manipulate sound waves. It took another three decades to develop the technology to design and build them. Yet we find numerous examples of animals utilizing these novel-to-human materials. In this episode, weâll discuss the science behind the durability of the mantis shrimpâs dactyl club (punching fist), which it uses to deliver blows without harming itself, and highlight the apologetic significance of these well-designed features found in nature.
LINKS & RESOURCES:
Rui Chen et al., âMultiplex-Edited Mice Recapitulate Woolly Mammoth Hair Phenotypes,â https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.03.641227v1Pablo D. Zavattieri, âNaturally Twisted to Sieve Stress,â https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adv3100A. Alderete et al., âDoes the Mantis Shrimp Pack a Phononic Shield?,â https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq7100 -
Join biochemist Fazale âFuzâ Rana and astrophysicist Hugh Ross as they discuss discoveries with theological and philosophical implications pointing to the reality of Godâs existence.
In this episode, biochemist Fuz Rana describes recent work from researchers at Rockefeller University. The researchers edited specific mouse genes to express the human version of the protein NOVA1, and they believe their research explains human language capability. Their findings add evidence for the exceptional nature of human beings and, consequently, the image of God.
Hugh discusses how four astrobiologists assert that intelligent life is the natural outcome of a hospitable environment. They note that the origin of life and every advance in Earthâs life occurred when physical and chemical conditions first permitted their appearance. Hence, they conclude that these appearances of life must be naturalistically straightforward and rapid. The team proposed a test of their hypothesis: exoplanets with the necessary physical and chemical conditions for each âhard stepâ in the origin and history of life will prove to be common and, in each case, chemical signatures for that life step will be found. Do the findings support their hypothesis?
Links & Resources:
A Humanized NOVA1 Splicing Factor Alters Mouse Vocal CommunicationsA Reassessment of the âHard-Stepsâ Model for the Evolution of Intelligent LifeWho Was Adam? A Creation Model Approach to the Origin of Humanity -
Join biochemist Fazale âFuzâ Rana and physician Steve Willing as they discuss discoveries with theological and philosophical implications pointing to the reality of Godâs existence.
In this episode, Fuz and Steve critique a recent Nature Human Behaviour article published by researchers at The Trevor Project claiming that anti-transgender laws increase suicides in young people with gender dysphoria. Is this claim valid? What is the relationship between suicide and gender dysphoria, and how does this discussion relate to the gospel?
Links and Resources:
State-Level Anti-Transgender Laws Increase Past-Year Suicide Attempts Among Transgender and Non-Binary Young People in the USA
Gender Identity White Papers
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Join astrophysicists Hugh Ross and Jeff Zweerink as they discuss discoveries with theological and philosophical implications pointing to the reality of Godâs existence.
A team of biologists and geneticists collected over 500 samples from the leaves, roots, and bark of a single quaking aspen tree in Utah called Pando. This tree consists of 47,000 stems that cover 106 acres and itâs the worldâs largest known organism. The team identified 4,000 genetic variations. They found that Pandoâs triploid nature enhanced somatic mutations (noninherited DNA changes) gave Pando the just-right genetic diversity and resilience to thrive in a changing environment while maintaining genetic integrity. The team estimated that Pando is at least 16,000 years old and could be as old as 81,000 years old. The treeâs genetic designs enabled aspens and animals dependent on them to survive the radical climate changes that occurred during the last ice age. For almost three decades, astronomers have recognized that the amount of dark energy in our universe falls exceedingly short of the amount expected in our best models of the universe (for example, the big bang). One possible explanation for this enormous discrepancy is that human existence demands that we see the observed level because any larger amount would preclude human life. Although initial research showed promise for this explanation, a recent paper using more realistic models of star formation reveals some significant challenges.
Links and Resources:
Mosaic of Somatic Mutations in Earthâs Oldest Living Organism, Pando Many Physicists Argue the Universe Is Fine-Tuned for Life. Our Findings Question This Idea. The Impact of the Cosmological Constant on Past and Future Star Formation
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Join biochemists Fazale âFuzâ Rana and Robert DiSilvestro as they discuss discoveries with theological and philosophical implications pointing to the reality of Godâs existence.
Did life originate through evolutionary processes on the primordial Earth or through the handiwork of a Creator? In this episode Fuz and Robert critique one of the latest proposals from origin-of-life researchers for how proteins originated in the prebiotic world. In their analysis, Fuz and Robert show that a creation model best explains lifeâs origin.
Links and Resources:
Origins of Life: The Protein Folding Problem All Over Again?
Origins of Life: Biblical and Evolutionary Models Face Off by Fazale Rana and Hugh Ross
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Join biochemist Fazale âFuzâ Rana and astrophysicist Hugh Ross as they discuss new discoveries with theological and philosophical implications pointing to the reality of Godâs existence.
Young-earth creationists argue that the buildup of mutations quickly causes genomes to deteriorate, driving organisms to extinction. This process of genetic entropy occurs on a timescale of 6,000â10,000 years, indicating that Earth and life on Earth cannot be billions of years old. Drawing from recent work in genetics, biochemist Fuz Rana explains why this young-earth argument fails.
Little Red Dots (LRDs) are compact objects that are the emerging cores of large galaxies seen during the cosmic dawn (early stages of the universe). They were thought to challenge several big bang creation models because they were too bright. This challenge was based on the assumption that all their light came from stars. Spectra of LRDs show much of the light comes from gas spiraling into growing supermassive black holes at LRDsâ centers. This conclusion well fits big bang models where many first-to-form stars are hundreds of times the Sunâs mass.
Links and Resources:
Estimating the Proportion of Beneficial Mutations That Are Not Adaptive in Mammals
The Rise of Faint, Red AGN at z > 4: A Sample of Little Red Dots in the JWST Extragalactic Legacy Fields
Is the Big Bang Theory in Trouble?
A Matter of Days
Dinosaur Blood and the Age of the Earth
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Join astrophysicists Hugh Ross and Jeff Zweerink as they discuss new discoveries with theological and philosophical implications pointing to the reality of Godâs existence.
Dimethyl sulfide in a planetâs atmosphere has been widely cited as an unambiguous signature of life on the planet. However, the discovery of dimethyl sulfide in a comet, in the interstellar medium, and in laboratory photochemical experiments shows nonbiological pathways for the manufacture of dimethyl sulfide and other organosulfurs. Thus, the James Webb Space Telescopeâs discovery of such organic compounds on exoplanets canât prove life exists on another planet.
The seeds of big bang cosmology were planted nearly 100 years ago, and it stands as the reigning cosmology model for the last 60â70 years. What many people may not realize is that the mathematical foundation for the big bang rests on an approximation needed to solve Einsteinâs equations of general relativity. Over the last 20 years, a growing group of scientists have argued that more accurate solutions that donât utilize the approximation provide a better model of the universe while simultaneously removing the need for dark energy. We describe the basics of this new model and discuss the apologetics implications.
Links and Resources:
Carbon-Bearing Molecules in a Possible Hycean Atmosphere
Abiotic Production of Dimethyl Sulfide, Carbonyl Sulfide, and Other Organosulfur Gases Via Photochemistry: Implications for Biosignatures and Metabolic Potential
Evidence for Abiotic Dimethyl Sulfide in Cometary Matter
On the Abiotic Origin of Dimethyl Sulfide: Discovery of DMS in the Interstellar Medium
Dark Energy May Not Exist: Something Stranger Might Explain the Universe
Supernovae Evidence for Foundational Change to Cosmological Models
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Join biochemist Fazale âFuzâ Rana and astrophysicist Jeff Zweerink as they discuss new discoveries with theological and philosophical implications pointing to the reality of Godâs existence.
Fuz discusses the work of Chinese scientists who have identified the functional significance of the [genetic?] fusion event that seemingly generated human chromosome 2. This insight validates a key prediction of the RTB human origins model and adds credibility to the Bibleâs description of humanityâs creation.
Jeff explains why scientists and engineers increasingly look to nature for inspiration to âbuild a better mousetrap.â Virtually every airplane in existence has a vertical tail that keeps the airplane on a straight line without rolling or spinning on its vertical axis. A recent study of how birds fly without a vertical tail reveals the sophisticated system of sensors, reflexes, and materials used to achieve ârudderlessâ flight. Far from a kludge job, such sophistication points to the work of a Creator who designed birds with this remarkable ability.
Links and Resources:
Incomplete Lineage Sorting of Segmental Duplications Defines the Human Chromosome 2 Fusion Site Early During African Great Ape Speciation
Bird-Inspired Reflexive Morphing Enables Rudderless Flight
Birdlike Robot Flies Steady Without a Vertical Tail
Thinking About Evolution, chapter 22, âIs the Watchmaker Really Blind?â by Fazale Rana
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Join astrophysicists Hugh Ross and Jeff Zweerink as they discuss new discoveries with theological and philosophical implications pointing to the existence of God.
Hugh explains that the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) Collaboration has released redshift and position measurements on 3,855,000 galaxies and 857,000 quasars in the redshift range 0.1â2.1. Analysis of this database shows that gravity alternatives to general relativity on large cosmic size scales are negligible and provides stronger evidence for a time-varying dark energy equation of state. The analysis also yields the best measure to date of the cosmic matter density, thereby affirming a feature of cosmic creation. Jeff discusses how scientists over the past 10â15 years have discovered a tension between measurements of the Hubble constant from the early universe compared to the late universe. If found to be a real discrepancy, such a tension could point to new physics and a greater understanding of the development of the universe. A new study with data from James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) affirms the validity of the late Hubble constant measurement, strengthening the case for a legitimate discrepancy.
Links and Resources:
DESI 2024 VII: Cosmological Constraints from the Full-Shape Modeling of Clustering Measurements
Modified Gravity Constraints from the Full Shape Modeling of Clustering Measurements from DESI 2024
Hubble Constant Tension Resolution
Resolving Hubble Constant and Creation Tension
Universe Expansion Study Confirms Challenge to Cosmic Theory
JWST Validates HST Distance Measurements: Selection of Supernova Subsample Explains Differences in JWST Estimates of Local H0
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Join biochemist Fazale âFuzâ Rana and OB/GYN Christina Cirucci as they discuss regret, desisting, and detransitioning among people who receive gender-affirming care.
How often do people change their minds after they transition to the opposite gender? What motivates that change of mind?
Can gender transitioning be fully reversed?
Warning: This content may include explicit material. Viewer discretion is advised. The intention is not to offend but to provide information. Proceed only if you are comfortable with conversations regarding gender-affirming care, gender reassignment surgeries, and detransitioning.
Disclaimer: Reasons to Believe is expressing our Christian beliefs on the issues of gender identity in the intersection of science and faith, as itâs an important discussion and many people have valid questions.
This research showcases the expertise of select members of the RTB Scholar Community on matters of gender identity. RTB is not offering medical or other professional advice. People need to consult with their own physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, etc. We want to see everyone make informed, educated decisions.
Links and Resources:
Gender Identity White Papers: Learn to Defend Biblical Sexuality with Gentleness and Respect
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Join biochemist Fazale âFuzâ Rana and astrophysicist Hugh Ross as they discuss DNA survival in fossils and how mussels could help civilization. These new discoveries suggest theological and philosophical implications alluding to the reality of Godâs existence.
Fuz surveys three key scientific papers on DNA survival in fossils and explains why the recovery of DNA fragments from fossils canât be used to make the case that Earth is only 6,000 years old. Meanwhile, Hugh explains how mussels use adhesive properties to stick to almost any surface. Scientists from Rice University bioengineered bacteria, inspired by the musselâs adhesive properties, that could rid the worldâs oceans, rivers, lakes, and food stocks of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pollutants that threaten human health and civilization.
Links and Resources:
The Half-Life of DNA in Bone: Measuring Decay Kinetics in 158 Dated FossilsA New Model for Ancient DNA Decay Based on Paleogenomic Meta-AnalysisDeep-Time Paleogenomics and the Limits of DNA SurvivalHarnessing Nature-Inspired Catechol Amino Acid to Engineer Sticky Proteins and Bacteria -
DNA Data Storage
In this episode, biochemist Fazale Rana discusses one of the latest advances in DNA data storage technology and explains how this insight adds to the evidence that a Creator played a role in the origin and basic design of life.
Most Hunted Particle
The most sought-after particles in the universe are axions, the leading candidate to comprise most of the universeâs dark matter. A team of physicists led by Dion Noordhuis has shown that the best place to look for axions is around rapidly spinning neutron stars, where scientists believe axion clouds reside. Current radio telescopes may be able to detect the mystery particles, a discovery that would bolster the evidence for a big bang creation model.
Links and Resources:
Parallel Molecular Data Storage by Printing Epigenetic Bits on DNA
Axion Clouds Around Neutron Stars
Dark Matter Particles
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In this episode, biochemist Fazale Rana and OB/GYN Christina Cirucci discuss the safety of gender-affirming care, including gender reassignment surgeries.
âąWhat do these procedures entail?âąAre there benefits to these procedures?âąWhat are the complications?âąHow should Christians respond to someone who is considering these types of operations?
Warning: This content may include explicit material. Viewer discretion is advised. Theintention is not to offend but to provide information. Proceed only if you are comfortable with conversations regarding gender-affirming care and gender reassignment surgeries.
Disclaimer: Reasons to Believe is expressing our Christian beliefs on the issues of gender identity in the intersection of science and faith, as itâs an important discussion and many people have valid questions.
This research showcases the expertise of select members of the RTB Scholar Community on matters of gender identity. RTB is not offering medical or other professional advice. People need to consult with their own physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, etc. We want to see everyone make informed, educated decisions.
Reference:The Truth About TransgenderismâWhat Scripture, Science, and Medicine Say
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Fine-Tuning and the Multiverse
Join Jeff Zweerink and Rabbis Elie Feder and Aaron Zimmer as they discuss new discoveries taking place at the frontiers of science that have theological and philosophical implications, including the reality of Godâs existence.
Scientists have discovered that the fundamental constants needed to describe our universe provide evidence of an intelligent cause that made the universe. In recent years, many scientists have argued that the multiverse provides an alternative explanation of the fundamental constants. However, for a multiverse to fulfill this role, it must exhibit specific features. A close examination of those features shows that workable multiverse models also demonstrate the same evidence of an intelligent cause. In this episode, we discuss the fine-tuning argument and multiverse response with Rabbis Elie Feder and Aaron Zimmer.
Links and Resources:
3 Proofs of God from SciencePhysics to God EpisodesMultiverse Musings: An Updated Summary -
Join Hugh Ross in this breaking News of the Day episode of Stars, Cells, and God. Hugh interviews fellow RTB astrophysicist Jeff Zweerink while Jeff is in Antarctica. Jeff is part of a research team thatâs preparing to launch a balloon loaded with instruments that will either detect dark matter particles or impose more stringent constraints that will guide future efforts to find the universeâs elusive dark matter particles. The quest to find dark matter particles is considered the holy grail for astrophysicists, with a Nobel Prize in the waiting for the discovery team.
Links and Resources:
No Dark Matter Near the SunâOh Wait, We Found It
Designed to the Core
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Join Jeff Zweerink in a conversation with authors Krista Bontrager and Monique Duson as they discuss their theological and philosophical journey toward understanding what the Bible says about racial harmony.
How good and pleasant it is for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity! Yet conversations between people who hold different views on the topic of race rarely bring unity. Join Jeff, Krista, and Monique as they provide a shining example of how seeking biblical truth can bring true unity even while exploring a divisive topic.
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