Episode 28: The Evolution of Imperfection with Dr Laurence Hurst

In this episode of MEF2Cast, we sit down with Dr. Laurence Hurst, Professor of Evolutionary Genetics at the University of Bath, to explore how imperfection drives evolution. Dr. Hurst breaks down the fundamentals of Darwinian natural selection, the surprising role of mutations, and what these forces reveal about the human genome. He explains why evolution is not a process of perfect design—but one shaped by inefficiency, chance, and constraint.

The conversation sheds light on how high mutation rates in humans contribute to rare genetic diseases, and how medicine serves as a powerful counterbalance to natural selection by allowing individuals with genetic differences to thrive. Dr. Hurst also discusses the importance of viewing neurodiversity through a compassionate, scientific lens—reminding us that variation is not failure, but a natural outcome of our evolutionary story.

Subjects covered include:

• The core principles of Darwinian natural selection

• Why evolution is inherently imperfect

• How mutation and population size shape genetic diversity

• The concept of mutation–selection equilibrium

• Medicine as a form of “anti-selection” in modern society

• The role of transposable elements in genome inefficiency

• Understanding non-functional DNA in the human genome

• The evolutionary perspective on neurodiversity and compassion

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