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John Parrington Ph.D.

About

John Parrington, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology at the University of Oxford, and a Tutorial Fellow in Medicine at Worcester College, Oxford. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles in science journals including Nature, Current Biology, Journal of Cell Biology, Journal of Clinical Investigation, The EMBO Journal, Development, Developmental Biology, and Human Reproduction. He has extensive experience writing popular science, having published articles in The Guardian, New Scientist, Chemistry World, The Biologist, and Aeon. He has also written science reports for the Wellcome Trust, British Council, and Royal Society. He is the author of The Deeper Genome, (OUP, 2015), Redesigning Life (OUP, 2016), and Mind Shift (OUP, 2021).

Books by John Parrington Ph.D.
Recent Posts
Will Computers Soon Out-Think Humans?
Some predict that ‘artificial intelligence’ (AI) will soon surpass human mental capabilities. Such predictions ignore fundamental differences between AI and human consciousness.
Are Pedophiles Born or Made?
Few things are as likely to generate revulsion in society as pedophilia. But in order to protect children, we need a better scientific understanding of what causes this disorder.
The Role of the Cerebellum in Creativity and Imagination

New findings about the role of the cerebellum in creativity suggest that teaching approaches based on making the student consciously ‘work’ at learning may be counter-productive.

New findings about the role of the cerebellum in creativity suggest that teaching approaches based on making the student consciously ‘work’ at learning may be counter-productive.

Could Events in Our Parents’ Lives Affect Our Genome?

Can anxiety and post-traumatic stress be inherited from parents? Animal experiments suggest so, but the evidence from human studies is controversial.

Can anxiety and post-traumatic stress be inherited from parents? Animal experiments suggest so, but the evidence from human studies is controversial.

Glial Cells Are as Vital as Neurons for Brain Function

Glial cells are the main type of brain cell besides neurons. Formerly thought to only play a supporting role, they are increasingly recognized as highly dynamic and interactive.

Glial cells are the main type of brain cell besides neurons. Formerly thought to only play a supporting role, they are increasingly recognized as highly dynamic and interactive.

Is Optimism Something We're Born With?

Some people have genetic differences that make them naturally optimistic and resistant to depression. But changes in behavior, like daily exercise, can also help foster optimism.

Some people have genetic differences that make them naturally optimistic and resistant to depression. But changes in behavior, like daily exercise, can also help foster optimism.

What Is the Relationship Between Human Thought and Language?

Trying to explain the inner workings of human consciousness is one of the most difficult unsolved issues in science. An important first step is recognizing the role of language.

Trying to explain the inner workings of human consciousness is one of the most difficult unsolved issues in science. An important first step is recognizing the role of language.

Systematic Tool Use and Language Are Key to Human Uniqueness

Our consciousness differs qualitatively from that of other species because our interactions with the world and each other through tools and language are also qualitatively unique.

Our consciousness differs qualitatively from that of other species because our interactions with the world and each other through tools and language are also qualitatively unique.