Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Professor Denis Noble gave a Lecture at the University of Oxford's Biochemistry Society.

Dane to the tune of life

The lecture was based largely around Professor Noble's latest book, Dance to the Tune of LIfe, where he argues for a more nuanced view of evolutionary biology than that offered by neo-Darwinism. Professor Noble's book is available to purchase from CUP (UK) and Amazon UK.

Following his short talk, he took part in a question and answer session chaired by Dr Tianyi Zhang, President of the Biochemistry Society, which created much debate. The event was co-organised by T-Talks and the Biochemistry Society, and introduced by T-Talks President Dr Sung Hee Kim.

The talk was recorded and can be viewed here.

Praise for Dance to the Tune of Life:

'In my view Dance to The Tune of Life is a 'must read'. In it Denis Noble lucidly deconstructs how and why reductionism came to prominence in biology and led to the current state of molecular Humpty-Dumptyism. His central idea that there is no privileged level of causation is the first conceptual step to putting Humpty Dumpty back together again.'
Michael J. Joyner, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota

"This is an amazing book that soon should become a must read for every biologist!" Amazon.com

'Denis Noble is renowned for his mission to reintegrate the physiological sciences with mainstream biology, including evolutionary theory. His new book combines clear exposition of basic principles with many valuable examples. He gives the reader, general or expert, a completely new view of life.'
Yung E Earm, Seoul National University, South Korea

Read more reviews here.

Similar stories

Professor Dame Frances Ashcroft to receive Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science

The Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science recognises women scientists with a stellar record of research accomplishments who also have made significant contributions to mentoring other women in science.

Annie Park to advance our understanding of how the brain encodes reward with new Wellcome Trust Award

Congratulations are in order for Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Annie Park who has been awarded a prestigious Wellcome Early-Career Award.

New insights into chemogenetic designer drugs to enhance our study of behaviour

A collaborative team of researchers in DPAG and Pharmacology led by Dr Lukas Krone have uncovered striking new data demonstrating that two widely used designer drugs used to turn populations of neurons on and off in the brain cause unexpected effects on sleep. These results demonstrate a critical need to improve chemogenetic approaches in behavioural studies.

Unlocking the Secrets of cAMP Signalling in the Heart: A Pathway to Targeted Therapeutics

A new Zaccolo group study has revealed key new insights into the role of cAMP signalling in both healthy and disease settings within the heart. They have identified new cAMP nanodomains in cardiac muscle cells that have far reaching implications for the treatment of heart disease.

Key exosome subtype in cancer progression identified

Collaborative work from DPAG and Oncology researchers has revealed a potential new pathway to block the production of a specific group of exosomes made in the cell’s recycling system that can promote the growth of cancerous tumours.