Have you ever wondered why most alien life depicted on Star Trek strongly resembles us Earthlings? Come explore the possibility of humanoid or other forms of life on other planets with Mohamed Noor, a professor of biology at Duke University, editor-in-chief of the research journal Evolution, and lifelong Trekkie.

Drawing on relevant scenes from the series, Noor presents evidence for the existence of a common ancestor for life on Earth, and clarifies misconceptions about evolutionary biology. He discusses the science of evolution and how we might use modern evolutionary approaches to understand the origins of extraterrestrial life— if and when such life is found.

A major in biology isn’t required to enjoy Noor’s presentation. But you might leave with a greater understanding of evolution, and, perhaps, a greater appreciation for Star Trek. It’s only logical.

Noor’s book, Live Long and Evolve: What Star Trek Can Teach Us about Evolution, Genetics, and Life on Other Worlds (Princeton University Press), is available for sale and signing.