Latest news with #EllaAl-Shamahi
Spectator
2 days ago
- Politics
- Spectator
How political ideology corrupted science
Science is no longer regarded or respected as an objective pursuit, one in which the principle of impartiality is sought with due diligence. This is the inference we can make from comments made by Ella Al-Shamahi, presenter of the new BBC science series, Human. 'We do have to be a little honest,' she says, 'to many, it seems like left-leaning atheists have a monopoly on science.' Science as presented to the public has taken a decidedly left-wing turn in recent years, and in many cases has been contaminated by hyper-liberal ideology Her remarks, reported in the Sunday Times, echo those made earlier this month by the Wellcome Trust chief executive, John-Arne Røttingen, who said that scientists now had a 'responsibility' to demonstrate why research from across the political spectrum matters, in light of the fact that the 'research community overall is more on the progressive/left-wing side.' Al-Shami's words are a rare admission of a well-known development. They confirm what many have come to recognise: science as presented to the public has taken a decidedly left-wing turn in recent years, and in many cases has been contaminated by hyper-liberal ideology. This became evident to many after the death of the biologist, entomologist and polymath E.O. Wilson in December 2021, when Scientific American published a scolding obituary of this titan of our times. 'With the death of biologist E.O. Wilson on Sunday, I find myself again reflecting on the complicated legacies of scientists whose works are built on racist ideas', began the article. It damned his 'problematic' work and legacy, chiefly because his 1975 masterpiece, Sociobiology: The New Synthesis, suggested that human societies in many ways reflect innate human characteristics. While this notion has always been largely objectionable to the traditional left, it is utterly intolerable to modern-day hyper-liberals. Scientific American was one of the greatest casualties of the Great Awokening of ten years ago. It abandoned all pretence at impartiality last September by endorsing Kamala Harris to be US president, having previously jettisoned most claims to seriousness in 2021, when it published an article urging readers to reject the Jedi religion, based on the Star Wars franchise, on the basis that this quasi-faith was 'prone to (white) saviorism and toxically masculine approaches to conflict resolution.' That article was merely an egregious warning that a global scientific establishment had become captured and compromised. A far more serious symptom of this development was how health institutions worldwide came to accept and then propagate the non-scientific, non-empirical trans ideology of 'gender self-identification'. While the NHS today still states that, 'Gender identity is a way to describe a person's innate sense of their own gender', the World Health Organisation's guidelines parrot the same subjective mantra: 'Gender identity refers to a person's deeply felt, internal and individual experience of gender'. In 2023 John Hopkins University took trans ideology to its ultimate, absurd yet inevitable conclusion, when in releasing a new glossary of terms for clinicians and the general public, it defined a lesbian as 'a non-man attracted to non-men'. The corruption of scientific discourse and public instruction when it comes to the fact that human beings are divided into two sexes is one of the alarming signs of a global scientific and academic community that has become degraded by politics. The profusion and contamination of wokery, with its other obsessions of race and hurtful words, has been equally as conspicuous. In 2017 Professor Rochelle Gutierrez from the University of Illinois made the claim that 'on many levels, mathematics operates as whiteness.' In 2020 the Journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry produced new guidelines to 'minimise the risk of publishing inappropriate or otherwise offensive content'. This language shows how postmodernist relativism has spread into the scientific field – the very last place it deserves to belong. It's something Richard Dawkins has long-been attuned to and exasperated by, having written in River Out of Eden of those who insisted that science was merely a Western origin myth: 'Show me a cultural relativist at 30,000 feet and I'll show you a hypocrite.' One of Dawkins's most recent interventions has been against attempts to include Maori 'ways of knowing' into science classes in New Zealand. Science can't but help be influenced by the politics of its time. It's why 'scientific racism' flourished in the 19th century. It's why a previous generation of deranged leftists, those in charge of the Soviet Union, denied the mainstream theory of evolution, becoming beholden instead to the Lamarckian delusion that organisms could pass to their offspring traits acquired in their own lifetimes. Even if science can never attain a purely God-like perspective on the world, we should always strive for objectivity. Examples from history should remind us to forever be on guard against our own unconscious bias.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
How to watch 'Human' online for free — stream documentary series from anywhere
Brave, lucky or resourceful — just how did the human race develop from its origins 300 millennia ago? A new five-part documentary series from the BBC reveals all and here's how you can watch "Human" online around the world and from anywhere with a VPN, together with free streaming options. All five episodes of "Human" will be available to stream from Monday, July 14 at 9 p.m. BST.• FREE STREAM — BBC iPlayer (U.K.)• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN risk-free Paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi is at the helm to guide us through a historical journey of discovery, tracing humankind all of the way back to the very start to better understand how Homo sapiens evolved and became the superior species. Thanks to breakthroughs in research technology, we've never known more about our ancient ancestry. This documentary uses a combination of modern DNA tracking and fossil evidence to build a detailed picture of our very origins across continents, with stories spanning tens of thousands of years. "For millennia we have been the most dominant form of life on this planet, so it is easy to think that we were always destined for greatness," says Al-Shamahi. "But a revolution in ancient DNA technology and the latest fossil finds from dig sites across the world are forcing us to accept that our species' story is far more extraordinary than we could ever imagine." Read on and discover how you can watch "Human" online and from anywhere in the world, potentially for free. The first episode of "Human" hits U.K. screens on BBC Two at 9 p.m. BST on Monday, July 14. Further episodes go out every Monday at the same time. All five episodes of "Human" will land at the same time on the Beeb's FREE streaming platform, BBC iPlayer, on Monday, July 14. Just note that you need to have a valid TV licence to stream them. Traveling outside the U.K? Don't worry — as we explain below, you can unblock BBC iPlayer and watch from anywhere when you download a VPN. Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching "Human" on your usual service? You can still watch the documentary series thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best VPN on the market. NordVPN deal: 76% Off Boasting lightning fast speeds, great features, streaming power, and class-leading security, NordVPN is our #1 VPN. ✅ Money back guarantee✅ 4 months extra FREE!✅ 76% off usual price Use Nord to unblock BBC iPlayer and watch "Human" live online with our exclusive deal. Using a VPN is incredibly simple: 1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite. 2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're a Brit abroad and want to view the BBC stream, you'd select a U.K. server from the location list. 3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to BBC iPlayer and stream new and old episodes of "Human" online just as you would at home. Although "Human" this is a co-production between the BBC and PBS, there is no sign yet of the series in the PBS schedule for the next few weeks. We've also scoured the schedules of services like BBC America and BritBox to see whether "Human" will be showing outside the U.K. Unfortunately, we can't see anywhere that it's listed in countries such as the U.S., Canada or Australia. Remember that if you're traveling to any of those territories from the U.K. you can download one of the best VPN services and tap into your FREE home stream of "Human" through the BBC iPlayer. We recommend NordVPN. Below is the BBC Two broadcast schedule for "Human" in the U.K. Note that all episodes will land on the BBC iPlayer streaming service on Monday, July 14. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Newly Released Images Show 3 Early Human Species
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The BBC has released new images showcasing early human species as part of its upcoming science series, Human. Why It Matters This release is significant for both scientists and the public, providing historically accurate reconstructions that bring to life key moments in our ancestry. What To Know The series, presented by paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi, will explore the story of human evolution over the past 300,000 years. The series explores how human beings went from being one of many life forms to being the dominant life form on the planet. Al-Shamahi has been able to tell the story thanks to breakthroughs in DNA technology and fossil evidence. The reconstructions offer both educational value and a window into the evolutionary journey that shaped modern humans' origins and survival strategies. The 3D models revealed depict Homo floresiensis, Homo erectus, Homo neanderthalensis (Neanderthals), and the earliest known Homo sapiens. New images show scientific reconstructions of, on the left, Homo erectus, and, on the right, Homo floresiensis. New images show scientific reconstructions of, on the left, Homo erectus, and, on the right, Homo floresiensis. BBC Studios Early Human Species Brought to Life: Homo erectus lived between 1.89 million and 110,000 years ago, was the first to walk with a modern gait, and likely used fire. Originally native to Africa, they later migrated into Asia and possibly Europe. lived between 1.89 million and 110,000 years ago, was the first to walk with a modern gait, and likely used fire. Originally native to Africa, they later migrated into Asia and possibly Europe. Homo floresiensis , dubbed "the Hobbit" for its small stature, existed from around 700,000 to 50,000 years ago. Their remains have been found only on the Indonesian island of Flores. , dubbed "the Hobbit" for its small stature, existed from around 700,000 to 50,000 years ago. Their remains have been found only on the Indonesian island of Flores. Homo neanderthalensis (Neanderthals) emerged about 430,000 years ago and survived until roughly 40,000 years ago. They adapted to cold Eurasian environments and interbred with Homo sapiens. (Neanderthals) emerged about 430,000 years ago and survived until roughly 40,000 years ago. They adapted to cold Eurasian environments and interbred with Homo sapiens. Earliest Homo sapiens fossils originate from Jebel Irhoud in Morocco, dating to about 300,000 years ago, showing features that bridge earlier hominins and modern humans. On the left, an image of an early Homo sapien, while on the right, an image shows a Neanderthal. On the left, an image of an early Homo sapien, while on the right, an image shows a Neanderthal. BBC Studios The models were crafted using photogrammetry, fossil data, and the latest advances in archaeological science to depict what these species may have looked like tens of thousands of years ago. The series will feature five episodes: The First of Us, Into the Unknown, Last Humans Standing, Discovering the Americas and A Great Gamble. What People Are Saying Paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi told the BBC: "For millennia we have been the most dominant form of life on this planet, so it is easy to think that we were always destined for greatness. But a revolution in ancient DNA technology and the latest fossil finds from dig sites across the world are forcing us to accept that our species' story is far more extraordinary than we could ever imagine." What's Next The series will debut on July 14.
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Mirror
BBC series shows tiny 'Hobbit' humans who lived with giant rats
The hip-height humans lived on an island where elephants were small but lizards and storks were super-sized As paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi reveals the incredible story of human evolution across 300,000 years on BBC1, viewers may come away feeling that Lord of the Rings was actually inspired by reality. The five-part series examines how we, as Homo sapiens, went from being just one of many types of human to becoming the dominant form of life on the planet. And she finds a tiny species, nicknamed 'the Hobbits', were only three feet tall but lived on an island packed with giant rats, storks and lizards, plus pint-sized elephants. On the Hobbit -like humans, who lived on an 'absolutely incredible' island in Indonesia, Ella said: 'We really wanted to portray the idea of this fantastical Lord of the Rings-like world, except it was real. So most of us have heard of the Neanderthals, but a lot of people won't be familiar with the species that we visit in episode two, which we colloquially call the Hobbit. It literally came up to my hip and lived on an island with giant extinct marabou storks. I want the audience to be so amazed by them that they think, 'Gosh, what a shame that they're not with us anymore.' 'They lived on this one island called Flores in Indonesia, and we've got no evidence for them anywhere else. There's this theory called island dwarfism, and that means that large species on an island get small and small species on an island get large. So it just happened that these miniature humans were also on this island with giant rats, Komodo dragons - which we already know are giant - and the marabou storks I was talking about, which were taller than me. And also these miniature elephant-like mammals as well.' She said that many experts feel that the six human species we know about, originating from 300,000 years ago, is just 'the tip of the iceberg'. Human, which starts later this month, features four accurate 3D models which show some of the different species which co-existed. These include the small-sized Homo floresiensi s – known as 'hobbits' after the diminutive characters in J.R.R. Tolkien 's famous novel set in Middle-earth - Homo neanderthalensis or Neanderthals, Homo erectus - the first species of human to walk upright - and the earliest known Homo sapiens. Ella said the 3D models were 'the most scientifically accurate' collection of human species ever shown on television. "They haven't been seen in the flesh for hundreds of thousands of years and no TV show has ever brought this many human species to life quite like this.' The series will shows that when Homo sapiens first emerged in Africa we were not alone: there were at least six other human species in the world at the time. Ella investigates why we are the only ones who survived - and what role we played in the demise of the others. 'We had a hell of a lot of competition, and yet somehow we are the only ones left - how did we do that? Because it wasn't that we were destined for greatness from the beginning. How did we achieve that? Because we were the underdog. I think just in terms of storytelling, that's incredible.' Viewers will follow their ancestors as humans first left Africa and ventured into the wider world to interbreed with other human species. One small group, 60,000 years ago, migrated into the Middle East and recent DNA discoveries have found that, with the exception of those with African origins, every human alive today is a descendant of this group. Ella, a Neanderthal specialist, says we all have around 2% Neanderthal DNA inside us. 'Every single person will have an ancestor, at least one, who is half-Neanderthal, half-Homo sapien, and knowing what we know about humans, do you think that would've been easy or hard?' she said. 'I just think as somebody of mixed heritage, I'm English and I'm Arab, it would be wild for me to just brush over that scene. I feel like I have to say, 'No. How would that individual had felt?'' Exploring what wiped out the Neanderthals, who had lived in Europe for 400,000 years, Ella visits a cave in Spain where archaeologists have discovered the remains of thirteen Neanderthal family members - who have been murdered and cannibalised. In contrast to this brutal behaviour, Homo erectus is believed to have become extinct because of climate change after around 2million years on the planet, when humidity turned their woodland habitat into inhospitable rainforest. Travelling to different dig sites around the globe to find out more about recent discoveries, Ella will present 'mind-boggling' evidence which shows Homo sapiens have been around for 100,000 years longer than previously thought. The audience will discover how our ancestors first left Africa and ventured into the wider world to interbreed with other human species. One small group, 60,000 years ago, migrated into the Middle East and recent DNA discoveries have found that, with the exception of those with African origins, every human alive today is a descendant of this group. Ella says she finds the Dawn of Man theory - which is how we went from being monkeys into humans - unconvincing. 'I personally have two problems with this image,' she explained. 'One is where are the women? I love men, I really do, but that's the one thing I'm pretty sure they weren't doing on their own. The second problem I have with this image is it gives the impression that evolution is somehow linear, that one species leads to another species - and that's just not the case.' She says that many new discoveries have been made since the last major series about our species aired in 2009. 'Lots of ancient DNA has come out that has told us things like we interbred with the Neanderthals and also so many new species of human have been discovered since then. So actually our family tree got a lot bigger - and it's the family tree of everybody who's ever lived.' - Human, BBC2, July 14 with all episodes available on iPlayer
Wales Online
30-04-2025
- Science
- Wales Online
BBC will showcase 'mind-boggling' truth about humanity in huge TV first
BBC will showcase 'mind-boggling' truth about humanity in huge TV first Evidence of a bombshell discovery about Homo sapiens is set to be shown on TV for the first time this summer Paleoanthropologist presenter Ella Al-Shamahi travels to a dig in Morocco for her upcoming BBC2 series Human (Image: BBC ) Groundbreaking evidence that proves a "mind-boggling" fact about humanity will be revealed on television for the first time this summer. The new discovery means Homo sapiens have been on earth for 300,000 years - a whole 100,000 years longer than previously believed. The astonishing revelation comes from paleoanthropologist presenter Ella Al-Shamahi during her upcoming BBC Two series Human. In the programme, she discusses how advancements in DNA technology have aided experts in dating this extraordinary new fossil evidence. Ella said: "With each new find the evidence grew - these were not some other species but Homo sapiens, with hints of an earlier ancestor. "It wasn't until archaeologists were able to more accurately date the remains that the final piece of the puzzle fell into place. That is mind-boggling, because we thought our species was only about 200,000 years old. Ella presents the skull, representing a huge scientific discovery (Image: BBC ) Article continues below "What these fossils tell us is that our species, Homo sapiens, is 100,000 years older than we thought. We are a third older than we realised." During the show, Ella is seen holding a skull. She explained: "This fossil went from being enigmatic to being one of the most important fossils in our whole field." At a BBC Science event this week, she revealed that these discoveries came after "a revolution in ancient DNA" over the past decade. She added: "There's been lots of breakthroughs - we think we've found a second hobbit species - and this fantastical world hasn't really been put on television in that time." The upcoming series, set to air this summer, challenges the traditional view that humanity originated solely from east Africa, reports the Mirror. Ella is one of the BBC's forefront science presenters, having worked on season 2 of Our Changing Planet with Ade Adepitan, Gordon Buchanan, Chris Packham, Steve Backshall and Liz Bonni (Image: BBC/PA Wire ) Ella continued: "This is in Morocco. They date it and realise it's on the journey to become Homo sapien - when you look at it, its face looks Homo sapien but its brain-case doesn't. "So what it suggests is that it wasn't east Africa that was the cradle of civilisation, it was the whole of Africa that was the mothership - and that these populations were interacting. They call it the pan-Africa theory and it's absolutely fascinating and very new, so it felt like just the right time to be doing this series." Jack Bootle, the BBC's head of factual, confirmed: "To a general viewer that is all new - we've certainly never put it in a British science show before." The five-episode series explores why we are the sole surviving human species, despite evidence of numerous others. Combining archaeology, travelogue, and reconstructions, the series depicts Ella delving into the disappearance of other human species, leaving us as the prime species on Earth. Article continues below Humans will be released on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer this summer.
