Alan Turing’s Final Theory Was About Leopards

Alan Turing’s Final Theory Was About Leopards

From The Rest Is Science by Goalhanger

April 27, 2026 · 1h 1m · Season 1 · Episode 46

About this episode

This episode explores how order emerges from chaos in biological development, guided by the insights of Alan Turing.

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. ------------------- Find The Rest Is Science all over the internet by ⁠⁠clicking here.⁠⁠ ------------------- Video Producer: Adam Thornton + Oli Oakley + Jack Meek Animator: Sam Benson Video & Social: Bex Tyrrell Assistant Producer: Lucy Lipscombe Producer: Simona Rata…

People in this episode

Hosts: Hannah, Michael

Topics covered

  • morphogenesis
  • mathematics
  • biology
  • ethics
  • patterns
  • developmental science

Keywords

  • morphogenesis
  • Alan Turing
  • biological patterns
  • development
  • chaos theory
  • zebra patterns
  • leopard spots

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Cancer Research UK

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