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Currently Playing: Alan Turing’s Final Theory Was About Leopards

How does a perfectly symmetrical ball of cells become an animal, with a head, a tail, and complex zebra or leopard like patterns? In this episode, we dive into the mind bending science of how order emerges from chaos, guided by an unexpected genius: Alan Turing. From leopard spots and human embryos to crime hotbeds, Hannah and Michael discover the hidden mathematical rules shaping life itself…and the ethical dilemmas that come with them. ------------------- For more information about Cancer Research UK, their research, breakthroughs and how you can support them, visit ⁠⁠https://cancerresearchuk.org/restisscience⁠⁠ Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ. ------------------- Video Editor: Oli Oakley Animator: Sam Benson Video & Social: Bex Tyrrell Assistant Producer: Lucy Lipscombe Producer: Simona Rata Senior Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter Head Of Digital: Samuel Oakley Exec Producer: Neil Fearn ------------------- 00:00 Intro 02:25 Cancer Research UK 05:00 The Theoretical Ink: Turing's Mathematical Approach 10:00 Computational Biology and Early Analogies 15:00 Historical Context: Biologists' Reaction and Turing's Tragedy 20:00 The Tragic Intersection of Personal and Professional Life 25:00 Modern Scientific Confirmation 30:00 Symmetry Breaking and Sperm Entry 35:00 Turing Patterns in Urban Planning and Slums 40:00 Predictive Policing: The Math of Crime Hotspots 45:00 The Ethical Conundrum of Predictive Algorithms 50:00 Lessons from the Berlin Q&A: Reflecting on Ethics 55:00 Conclusion: Wisdom, Ethics, and the Future of Science