Questionable Content: An MIT Fusion Scientist Was Shot & Conspiracies Followed Immediately
Questionable Content: An MIT Fusion Scientist Was Shot & Conspiracies Followed Immediately  
Podcast: Curiosity Theory
Published On: Fri Dec 19 2025
Description: On this episode of Questionable Content, Dr. Dakotah Tyler (@dr.starkid) and Justin Shaifer (@mr.fascinate) explore how science, violence, evolution, and culture intersect.The conversation begins with the killing of an MIT fusion scientist and why scientific tragedies so often spark conspiracy theories. They discuss nuclear fusion, corporate incentives, and rational explanations before widening the lens to gun violence, school shootings, media incentives, and personal perspectives on self-defense and parenting.The second half of the episode dives deep into evolutionary biology. From bower birds and sexual selection to polar bears, epigenetics, and The Selfish Gene, the hosts explore how attraction, culture, and intelligence evolve. The episode closes with a thought-provoking discussion about alien life, consciousness, and whether efficiency or extravagance drives evolution.Visit our Merch Store: https://www.curiositytheorypod.com/merchJoin our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/CuriosityTheory Follow the show on socials @curiositytheorypod Hosted by Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin ShaiferStay curious.