Modern Wisdom #1065 - Scott Solomon - The Insane Biological Cost of Living on Mars
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Feb 28, 2026 
Scott Solomon, an evolutionary biologist and author of Becoming Martian, explains the biological and ethical costs of settling Mars. He covers analog habitats, microgravity and radiation effects, reproductive unknowns, and how isolation could drive rapid evolutionary and cultural divergence. He also explores governance, team psychology, microbial risks, and the tough ethics of creating Martian lineages.
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The Contraband Onion That Mattered More Than Supplies
- Russian cosmonauts once smuggled an onion to celebrate a birthday on a long mission, highlighting craving for fresh food.
- Small plant experiments on the ISS become psychologically important to crew members.
Radiation Could Speed Evolution But Increase Suffering
- Higher mutation rates from increased radiation will accelerate evolution but at the cost of greater suffering, sickness, and death during adaptation.
- Solomon warns accelerated evolution is messy with many deleterious mutations produced.
Founder Effects Will Strongly Shape New Populations
- Founder effects and population bottlenecks will cause rapid genetic divergence when small groups found off‑Earth populations.
- The initial founders' genotypes disproportionately shape future diversity and adaptive paths.
