First published in The Conversation 24 February 2012 We evolutionary biologists over-enthuse at times about the competitive nature of selection. Observing animals in the wild often compels one to agree with the 17th-century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes that for most of history human…
A shorter version of this article first appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald and other Fairfax publications on 14 February 2012 under the headline “The true course of love was never about profit“. Valentine’s day. What’s not to love about…
It’s Valentine’s Day, which means that Sex Lab researchers get their annual airing to talk all things sex and attractiveness. Rob Brooks had a great chat with linda Mottram on 702 ABC Sydney yesterday morning, and they have very kindly…
Humans are incredibly successful collaborators, but we all know from experience that some people work better in teams than others. Anybody who has sought or given a reference for an employee knows that the ability to work collaboratively is probably…
I’m always excited when scientists try to explain large, complex areas of human endeavour in evolutionary terms. I’m doubly excited when those areas are infused with cultural, social and economic influences because there is no danger of getting into the…
Rob Brooks has several talks coming up – all related to Sex, Genes & Rock ‘n’ Roll and the relevance of evolution to modern life. 9 February 10am – Grand Rounds at Sydney Children’s Hospital 13 February 2pm – Weight…
The Week magazine rated Sex, Genes & Rock ‘n’ Roll one of its two best non-fiction books of 2011. Here is what they had to say: “This is a sublime piece of popular science,” said Bruce Elder in The Sydney…
This article first appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday 20 December 2011 under the heading “Praying for a real silent night this Christmas“. Thanks to the sentimental Charles Dickens and the fabulous Dr Seuss, we have words in…
First published in The Conversation on 20 December 2011 We all know somebody like Dick: a bloke who rates himself for no apparent reason and who optimistically reckons every woman – especially every attractive woman – is interested in him.…
Like many of you, I’ve been doing a bit of Christmas shopping. I forgot how depressing the obnoxious crowds, the artless carols and the sheer tedium of shops tends to get me down. But worst of all, there seems to…