From virgin births in California condors to all-female lizards that still have to go through the motions of mating, they explore why sex evolved, why it persists despite its enormous costs and how it freed genes to act in their own interests.
Along the way, they encounter fungi with more than 23,000 mating types, female birds that fight over males and selfish genes that poison rival sperm to boost their own chances of being inherited. They also discover why male bees have no fathers, how worker insects police one another’s reproduction and learn about the largest organism on Earth (which Lixing has actually tasted).
The podcast series Leafing Through Science brings together host Hedi Young, Champalimaud Foundation’s neuroscientist and science communicator, with the authors behind some of the most fascinating non-fiction books in the life sciences. From new releases to timeless classics, we explore everything from the mysteries of consciousness and free will, to alien hands and minds under siege. Expect page-turning ideas, head-spinning science, and stories that might just change how you see the world – and yourself.
Credits
Creator & Series Producer: Hedi Young
Concept Development & Curation: Ana Rita Mendes, Andreia Pinho, António Monteiro, Carla Emilie Pereira, Catarina Ramos, Diana Cadete, Hedi Young, João Van Zelst, John Lee and Teresa Fernandes
Host: Hedi Young
Guest: Lixing Sun
Graphic Design: Gil Costa
Sound Design: João Van Zelst
Dissemination: Ana Rita Mendes, Diana Cadete and Andreia Pinho
