American Scientist Podcast

Global Discourse on Science Communication Apr 30, 2024

An interview with the president and founder of African Gong, Elizabeth Rasekoala. Her current book "Race and Sociocultaral Inclusion in Science Communication" brings together perspectives from science communicators from the global south. Host, Katie L. Burke, Digital Features Editor at American Scientist. Edited by Nwabata Nnani.

Changing Policies on COVID-19 Transmission Sep 05, 2023

An interview with Virginia Tech environmental engineer, Linsey Marr. Her expertise in aerosols came to center stage as she and her colleagues worked for years to change policies based on faulty ideas about the transmission of the coronavirus. Host, Katie L. Burke, Digital Features Editor at American Scientist. Edited by Nwabata Nnani.

Why We Podcast: Sharing Your Voice in Science Jul 27, 2023

We'll hear from science communication leaders and podcasters on why podcasting is an important platform for Science. Interviews from Samir Honwad—professor at the University of Buffalo, Wendy Zuckerman—host of Science VS and 2022 Sigma Xi IFORE award winner, and Aaron Scott and Emily Kwong from NPR Short Wave as well as one of their guests Dr. Tiana Williams-Claussen from the Yurok Tribe. Host, Jordan Anderson.

How to Start a Fusion Fire Jul 20, 2023

Andrea "Annie" Kritcher discusses her and her team's achieved ignition, raising new hopes for fusion as a practical energy source. Host Corey S. Powell and American Scientist Magazine.

The Early Human Social Network Jul 20, 2023

Cecilia Padilla-Iglesias is melding enviromental data and how these early populations interacted. Host Corey S. Powell and American Scientist Magazine.

Physicians Need Caregiving Support Policies Jul 10, 2023

The collision of the Great Resignation and long-standing gender inequities in medicine is heightening calls for improved family leave policies at American health care institutions. Host Jordan Anderson and American Scientist editor Katie L. Burke discuss caregiving support policies, bringing in perspectives from interviewees Christina Mangurian of UCSC, Jessica Lee of UCSC, and Neda Laiteerapong of University of Chicago.

Synthesizing Engineering and Biology Mar 01, 2023

On using synthetic biology to create next-generation diagnostics and therapeutics -- an interview with James J. Collins of Harvard and MIT, one of founders of the field.

Science Curious Through Science Fiction Sep 06, 2022

How science fiction promotes science curiosity and why that matters. Hear from science communication practitioners and scholars Reyhaneh Maktoufi, Thomas DeFrantz, and Stephanie Castillo.

Pulling Back the Cosmic Veil Aug 01, 2022

The first images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) are already transforming our view of the universe. Hear from John Mather, Nobel Laureate and senior project scientist for JWST at NASA.

The Genes Behind Ecosystems Jul 01, 2022

There are many ways organisms adapt to their environments, which can be seen both with the eye and in an organism's genetic sequence.

The Brain Cartographer May 02, 2022

Researchers are working to understand the cellular composition and diversity of the brain, creating a catalog of cell types as well as seeking to plot the relationships, structures, and functions of those cell types.

3D Printing Medical Devices Apr 01, 2022

Arrays of microneedles that could replace injections have been the subject of research for some 50 years, but have not yet been commercially successful. A new type of high-resolution 3D printing could change that.

Beyond the Honeybee Mar 01, 2022

As entomologist Suzanne W.T. Batra has long argued, there are far better pollinator bees than they honeybee. Hear an interview with the researcher whose colleagues at the USDA named a research conference "Batrafest" to honor her.

Open Flow Feb 01, 2022

Liquid-filled scaffolds that are not enclosed, but don’t leak? A team at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory came with a 3D-printed unit with an internal structure that water clings to and flows into... even though it has holes.

Platforms, Echo Chambers, and Misinformation Dec 01, 2021

Rewards and pitfalls to communicating science on social media: a discussion with Michael Xenos at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, BlackInNeuro and SciComm Collective's Danielle Nadin, and Samantha Yammine, also known on the internet as Science Sam.

Entanglement and Choice Nov 01, 2021

Astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi discusses his memoir, A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Streets to the Stars.

Fixing Broken Biological Clocks Oct 01, 2021

Structural problems in STEM workplaces, and the importance of inclusivity in institutions -- a conversation with Shirley Malcom.

A Sea Change in STEM Sep 01, 2021

Structural problems in STEM workplaces, and the importance of inclusivity in institutions -- a conversation with Shirley Malcom.

Guardrails for Biotech Aug 02, 2021

Lessons from past biotechnology controversies and the potentials and concerns that lie ahead -- a conversation with Insoo Hyun.

(Re)building trust in public health campaigns Jul 01, 2021

Approaches to engage marginalized communities -- a conversation with Stephaun Elite Wallace.

Data Communication Jun 01, 2021

Exploring all things data visualization.

Art and Environmental Education May 03, 2021

Using art as a tool for environmental education.

Science and Hip Hop: Using Music to Communicate Science Jan 04, 2021

How science communicators are using music to make science more reflexive, equitable, and engaging to audiences.

The Crazy Anatomy of Horned Dinosaurs Nov 02, 2020

This remarkably diverse group of dinosaurs went far beyond Triceratops.

A More Universal Language Oct 01, 2020

Seeking to better describe the world, researchers are attempting to blend the languages of science and art.

Developing New Vaccines Sep 01, 2020

An interview with virologist Peter Jay Hotez on the anti-vaccine movement and other challenges to vaccine development, including poverty, war and conflict, urbanization, and climate change.

Synesthesia’s Altered Senses Aug 03, 2020

An interview with Anina Rich, who heads the Perception in Action Research Centre at Macquarie University and the Synaesthesia at Macquarie research group. She investigates synesthesia to learn about how the brain integrates information.

The Human Need for Visible Data Jul 01, 2020

An interview with Manuel Lima, Senior UX Design Leader for Google, avid historian, and author of books exploring how certain visual themes, such as circles, go back to the beginnings of human understanding.

Channeling Lasers Jun 01, 2020

New computing applications are ahead for soft materials that can guide light.

Climate Modeler May 01, 2020

An interview with atmospheric scientist Ben Santer, who helped to author the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's famous conclusion in 1995 of the “discernible human influence on global climate” and who has continued his research through to the present day at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the United States.

Family-Friendly Science Communication Apr 01, 2020

All-ages programming is a challenge, but Tinkercast's "WOW in the World" is popular among both parents and children.

Detecting Gerrymandering Mar 02, 2020

Detecting gerrymandering is an active research field, particularly given new voting methods such as ranked-choice voting, but ending the practice takes more than mathematical know-how.

The Hardest Tissue Feb 03, 2020

New imaging reveals the hidden structure that makes enamel in human teeth so tough, inspiring researchers to use the knowledge to create tougher synthetic materials.

Using Pop Culture to Teach Science Jan 02, 2020

An interview with high school teacher Matt Brady -- author of "The Science of Rick and Morty: The Unofficial Guide to Earth's Stupidest Show" -- on his use of pop culture in the science classroom.

Microsized Architecture Dec 02, 2019

An interview with University of Maryland engineer Ryan Sochol, whose team has developed a technique to do three-dimensional printing at capillary sizes, for better modeling of living systems.

Laser Pulses Examine Water Surface Chemistry Nov 01, 2019

An interview with Geraldine L. Richmond, Presidential Chair in Science and professor of chemistry at the University of Oregon, and the current President of Sigma Xi, the organization that publishes American Scientist magazine.

Water Quality versus Water Quantity Oct 01, 2019

Coal-ash spills and water quality: an interview with Avner Vengosh, a geochemist at Duke University, on his latest research.

Dying for a Drink Sep 03, 2019

Overuse, population growth, and climate change are turning water into a powerful tool for conflict in many parts of the world.

Air Quality Trade-Offs Aug 01, 2019

Modern life is costing us months of our lives.

Seeing the Sixth Sense Jul 01, 2019

Live imaging of body-sensing neurons required both new techniques and new technology.

The Future of Artificial Intelligence Jun 03, 2019

An interview with Jeff Dean, head of artificial intelligence at Google, about the major advances and concerns facing current artificial intelligence research, and how it interfaces with human society.

Drains on the Heart May 01, 2019

Young women have a low risk of heart disease, and sex differences in this bodily system could help explain why.

Precision Psychiatry Mar 29, 2019

A new pharmaceutical specifically for postpartum depression is approved and a large, ongoing study may yield insight into depression generally, informing future treatment.

Heart Waves Mar 01, 2019

An interview with Ulrich Parlitz, a biomedical physicist, on using artificial intelligence to predict the propagation of the heart's electrical signals in order to make defibrillation safer.

Viral Interpreter Feb 01, 2019

An interview with Anna Marie Skalka, whose primary research focus has been understanding viruses’ many functions -- both harmful and helpful.

Nerves of an Escape Artist Jan 02, 2019

Studying the neurons of a most elusive and delicate animal, hydra, required a new trap, which worked... at least for a little while. Here's our interview with Jacob Robinson, a neuroengineer at Rice University, whose team developed that trap.

Parker, Meet Parker Dec 03, 2018

At age 31, astrophysicist Gene Parker, now 91, mathematically described what we now call the "solar wind." This August, NASA launched the Parker Solar Probe -- the first mission named after a living person -- to study the Sun and solar wind, seeking to solve a sixty-year-old mystery.

The People Vs Tech Nov 01, 2018

Reading from "The People Vs Tech: How the Internet Is Killing Democracy (and How We Save It)," author Jamie Bartlett tells one story of Donald Trump's campaign's digital strategy and their collaboration with Facebook in the 2016 U.S. Presidential election.

A Chemical History of the Universe Oct 01, 2018

Mapping "star stuff" onto the periodic table -- an interview with Jennifer Johnson, a professor of astronomy at the Ohio State University who studies the history of the Milky Way and its stars.

What's Next for Finding Other Earth-like Worlds? Sep 04, 2018

An interview with the TESS mission's Sara Seager, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at MIT who focuses on theoretical models of atmospheres and interiors of all kinds of exoplanets as well as novel space science missions.

Big Data and Democracy Aug 01, 2018

An interview with Jamie Bartlett on his new book, "The People Vs. Tech: How the Internet is Killing Democracy (and How We Save It)."

Gendered Communication Jul 02, 2018

Our voices reveal many cues about sex, gender, and sexual orientation, but science doesn't support the stereotypes.

Gutsy Engineering Jun 01, 2018

The bioinspired engineering it takes just to study the cells lining the human gut

Setting a Scientific Talk to a Soundtrack? Mar 01, 2018

A zoologist and a composer combine efforts, setting a scientific talk about the eastern coyote to a soundtrack.

The Gut-Brain Connection Feb 01, 2018

Your sensory experience of food doesn't end when you swallow.

Progress Against Viruses in Animal Reservoirs Dec 01, 2017

New developments in anti-viral therapies may be able to prevent some future pandemics.

Imaging the Heart's Power Oct 02, 2017

The first 3D imaging of the intricate cardiac conduction system provides new detail for researchers and surgeons.

Computing the Moment of Totality Aug 31, 2017

For thousands of years, humanity has been computing the exact timing of eclipses. We're close. But with a little more data, we could be even closer still.

Computational Propaganda Jul 01, 2017

How all that fake news -- designed to sway public opinion, sway your vote, pile on insults -- gets around.

How Hormones Make Birds Better Dancers Jun 02, 2017

An interview with a biologist who studies physiological mechanisms of complex social behavior about new research on the hormones that affect bird behavior.

Next Steps After the March for Science May 05, 2017

A discussion of three different experiences at three different Marches for Science, as well as some lessons learned in taking the next steps in advocating for science-based policy.

Lactose Intolerance and the Gut's Microbiome Apr 03, 2017

An interview with a microbiologist about research on using the belly's bacteria to avoid the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Defending Science and Scientific Integrity in the Age of Trump Mar 01, 2017

A discussion about how to address the uncertainty about science's role in our federal government and the consequences of political interference.

Harder-Than-Diamond Carbon Jan 31, 2017

A new form of carbon is harder than diamond and can be used to make diamonds, too.

Electron Microscopy: Now In Color Dec 30, 2016

Even though they are far smaller than the shortest wavelength of visible light, tiny biological objects can finally be imaged in multiple hues.

Cancer Chemotherapy During Pregnancy Nov 30, 2016

On the tough decision of whether to use chemotherapy to treat cancer while pregnant, and the resources available to help patients and their doctors make that decision.

Blue Whirls: Hungry Little Beasts Oct 31, 2016

A low-emission method of combustion is full of puzzles and potential.

Graphene Takes Flight Sep 30, 2016

Prospero, the world's first graphene-coated airplane, took flight this year. Hear a short conversation with University of Central Lancashire's Billy Beggs, the leader of the team who created it.

Surveillance, Privacy, and Security on the Internet Aug 31, 2016

A short conversation with--and reading by--Jamie Bartlett, author of The Dark Net.

Testing the Toxicity of Black Cohosh Jul 28, 2016

Initial studies from the U.S. National Toxicology Program indicate that black cohosh extract -- widely marketed to treat women's health issues -- is genotoxic.

Moving Forward After Flint Jun 30, 2016

A discussion with Virginia Tech graduate student Siddharta Roy on his experiences uncovering the Flint water crisis and how it has affected his outlook on science and his career.

Using Computing to Advance Toxicology May 25, 2016

A discussion on the use of computer models to screen chemicals for their toxicity--virtually--and so avoid time-intensive and expensive toxicology screenings, including animal testing.

Exploring The Dark Net with Author Jamie Bartlett Apr 28, 2016

A discussion about the what happens in the part of the Internet that's anonymous but where market mechanisms, technology, ethics, and human behavior still mix.

Evolution of Sleep and Sleep Disorders Mar 30, 2016

An evolutionary anthropologist thinks there are three particular ways that natural selection has made our sleep different from that of other great apes.

Dance: It's Only Human Feb 29, 2016

How and why did we evolve to dance? It's only human, but the benefits are like what chimps get from grooming one another.

An Interview with Fracking Expert Avner Vengosh Sep 18, 2015

Geochemist Avner Vengosh of Duke University describes the water issues posed by fracking that he thinks should be of top concern and discusses the politically charged environment surrounding this practice of shale gas extraction.

3D Printing Replacement Body Parts Jul 17, 2015

Right now, if one of your body parts fails, the only option for replacement is a transplant. Enter regenerative medicine, a fledgling field with the aim of regrowing parts from a person’s own cells. Researchers in that field are now amplifying their efforts with 3D printing technology, to create scaffolds from organic materials that cells need to grow into their final forms. Richard Wysk, a professor of industrial and systems engineering at North Carolina State University, discusses the latest successes with this research, and the timeline for creating more complicated structures.

The Living World in Eight Mandalas Jul 17, 2015

Caryn Babaian, an artist and a biology instructor at Bucks County Community College, in Newtown, Pennsylvania, has found a visual format that encourages her students to see and think about these all-important interactions. Here she explains why the mandala, a Buddhist or Hindu graphic symbol of the universe, lends itself so well to the teaching of biology.

The Heart's New Beat: Evolution Jun 12, 2015

Biologist Rob Dunn of North Carolina State University sat down to discuss the evolution of the heart, including why dog years are different than people years and the fascinating overlooked research of cardiologist Helen Taussig. At the end of the interview, Dunn divulges how he finds obscure science stories and his advice for students looking to do novel research like his.

Engineering Around Extreme Events May 13, 2015

Ana Barros, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Duke University and a Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer, discusses how engineering can prepare us for extreme weather events, but also how changing climate and population conditions can affect the ability of infrastructure to hold up over time. She suggests that more investment needs to be in place for ensuring infrastructure is maintained, as well as adapting to and mitigating our role in climate change.

Moving Toward Open Access May 12, 2015

Biologist Michael Eisen, who is also one of the founders of the open-access publisher Public Library of Science (PLOS), discussed how the idea for PLOS and the open-access movement began.

An Inside View: Tales Told by a Doctor May 12, 2015

Terrence Holt, PhD, is a research associate professor in the Department of Social Medicine and a clinical assistant professor of geriatric medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). Alongside his medical background, he is also an adjunct assistant professor of English and comparative literature also at UNC, where he teaches courses on medicine and society and on the writing of autobiographical narrative. Dr. Holt is an award-winning author who has published numerous articles and two books, the most recent one titled, Internal Medicine. Sandra J. Ackerman, senior editor at American Scientist magazine interviewed Dr. Holt about his most recent book and how he sees the intersection of medicine and narrative.

From Balloons to Space Stations: Studying Cosmic Rays Feb 02, 2015

Cosmic rays have mysterious qualities about them that scientists continue to research in order to better understand their origins and composition. Dr. Eun-Suk Seo, a professor of physics at the University of Maryland, and her colleagues, fly enormous balloons as large as a football stadium and a volume of 40-million-cubic feet for extended periods over Antarctica to reach as close to the top of the atmosphere as possible. The instruments in the balloons can then record the particles coming from cosmic rays before they break up in the atmosphere. Dr. Seo further explains how her work can help humans understand the origins of cosmic rays and why they are so highly energetic.

The Many Personalities of Animals Feb 02, 2015

Have you ever wondered whether animals have personalities the way people do? Dr. Andy Sih, a professor of ecology at the University of California, Davis, researches animal personalities and shows that traits, such as an individuals level of aggressiveness versus passivity, can impact an individuals survival as well as the well-being of its surrounding group. Dr. Sih's work on insects even has implications for understanding how human behaviors are controlled by personality.

Compounds Treat Substance Abuse and Parkinson's Disease Nov 11, 2014

F. Ivy Carroll is a distinguished fellow for medicinal chemistry at the Research Triangle Institute, where he is the director of their Center for Organic and Medicinal Chemistry. Carroll has spent more than 30 years studying potential treatments for substance abuse. Among them are two compounds, RTI-336 and JDTic, that he and colleagues studied as potential treatments for cocaine abuse, as well as a potential diagnostic agent for Parkinson’s disease, called Iodine-123 RTI-55. Associate editor Katie L. Burke interviews Dr. Carroll beginning with how he became involved with this research.

Through the Theoretical Glass Nov 05, 2014

Its difficult to envision what dimensions beyond 3D are, and why physicists, chemists, and mathematicians want to study them. Duke University chemist Patrick Charbonneau studies the theory behind the formation of glass, tackling questions about an area of research called the glass problem. His research has helped progress this field to a new paradigm. American Scientist associate editor Katie L. Burke interviewed him in September 2013.

Ultrafast Animals: The Force Behind Trap-Jaw Ants Jun 13, 2014

When people think of the fastest animals, most consider running cheetahs, flitting hummingbirds, or jumping kangaroos. But there's a level above what we think of as fast: Ultrafast organisms conserve energy and move in nano- or even micro-seconds. Sheila Patek, PhD, an associate professor in the biology department at Duke University, discusses her research on ultrafast creatures, including the powerful punch of the mantis shrimp and the force behind trap-jaw ants. By using high-speed digital cameras, Dr. Patek and her colleagues are among the first in their field to successfully analyze in slow motion the biology and intention behind these movements.

Ultrafast Animals: The Powerful Punch of Mantis Shrimp Jun 13, 2014

When people think of the fastest animals, most consider running cheetahs, flitting hummingbirds, or jumping kangaroos. But there's a level above what we think of as fast: Ultrafast organisms conserve energy and move in nano- or even micro-seconds. Sheila Patek, PhD, an associate professor in the biology department at Duke University, discusses her research on ultrafast creatures, including the powerful punch of the mantis shrimp and the force behind trap-jaw ants. By using high-speed digital cameras, Dr. Patek and her colleagues are among the first in their field to successfully analyze in slow motion the biology and intention behind these movements.

Chasing Down Cosmic Dust Jun 13, 2014

There are major discrepancies between model predictions and observations on cosmic dust and the theories of dust nucleation and formation. New additions to the theory may improve its performance and its ability to predict the properties and formation of nanoparticles. Listen to Dr. Lazzati discuss his research on cosmic dust with managing editor Fenella Saunders in this podcast

Redesigning the Human Genome with DNA-Binding Proteins May 28, 2014

Gene therapy and genomic engineering are rapidly burgeoning areas of research. Dr. Charles Gersbach of Duke University sat down with associate editor Katie L. Burke to discuss the history of gene therapy and what we can do now that we couldn’t do even a few years ago.

Uncovering the Complexity of Bartonellosis Apr 29, 2014

Over two decades of research, veterinarian and professor of medicine Ed Breitschwerdt of North Carolina State University has shown that these bacteria can infect humans and other mammals, causing a variety of perplexing symptoms.

Retracing the Evolution of African Penguins Apr 25, 2014

Because penguins have been around for over 60 million years, their fossil record is extensive. Fossils that Dr. Ksepka and his colleagues have discovered provide clues about migration patterns and the diversity of penguin species. Dr. Ksepka goes into more depth about how his research is piecing together the evolutionary puzzle of penguins and other related bird species.

Science Hangout: Dr. Gruss on Advancing Research Apr 24, 2014

In American Scientist 's first Google Hangout On Air, managing editor Fenella Saunders talks with Prof. Dr. Peter Gruss, president of the Max Planck Society, a nonprofit research organization that has promoted research at its own institutes since 1948, about growing basic research and the various ways to do so.

Smart Materials Used to Treat Uterine Fibroids Apr 01, 2014

Dr. Darlene Taylor uses molecular engineering to develop what she calls smart materials- substances that can sense and respond in some way to a change in their environment. Perhaps the most exciting use for smart materials is helping to deliver powerful drugs to specific target sites deep inside the body without affecting other tissues along the way.

Pancreatic Cancer and More Effective Treatments Mar 28, 2014

Dr. Antonio Baines is an associate professor in the Department of Biology at North Carolina Central University, an adjunct professor in the Department of Pharmacology in the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a cancer researcher. Dr. Baines research focuses on understanding a gene called Ras, and its role as a molecular target in pancreatic cancer. His research aim is to target certain points in the pathway of pancreatic cancer in order to increase the effectiveness of treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Dr. Baines goes into more depth about how his research could increase understanding of how to combat pancreatic cancer.

How to Better Communicate Your Science Feb 17, 2014

Most scientists will tell you that one of the inspirations for their work is to somehow benefit mankind, whether thats through new medicines or a better understanding of the formation of the universe. But how can scientists ensure that mankind knows about their work? Science author and journalist Dennis Meredith discusses how scientists can become better communicators of their research.

Robots in Clinical and Home Environments Jan 31, 2014

Dr. Ron Alterovitz, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, talks about current and future research and challenges involving robots used in clinical and home environments.

Rolling the Dice on Big Data Jan 23, 2014

Dr. Ilse Ipsen, a professor in the Department of Mathematics at North Carolina State University, goes in-depth about how mathematicians can use the Monte Carlo method, and other tools, to wrestle with the deluge of data emerging from the wide variety of scientific research areas.

Addressing Emergent Challenges with Wind Power Jan 14, 2014

Dr. Sukanta Basu, an associate professor at North Carolina State University, talks about the benefits and challenges of wind power and what it could mean for the future of renewable energy.

Earthquakes and Ancient Humans on the Island of Crete Feb 27, 2012

Karl Wegmann, a geologist at North Carolina State University, may change how people view earthquake risks in the eastern Mediterranean. He has also helped date the age of stone tools on Crete, artifacts that suggest that we Homo sapiens were not the first of our lineage to build or use boats.

Toward a Cure for AIDS Feb 27, 2012

Current therapies are very good at keeping HIV under control, but they never completely cure it. David Margolis, a physician and researcher at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, studies the molecular biology of HIV infections. In this podcast, Margolis speaks with associate editor Elsa Youngsteadt about what it will take to cure a person (or a mouse) of HIV.

Appalachian Coal Mining Dec 20, 2011

Southern Appalachian forests are a global biodiversity hotspot. But theyre also rich with coal. Duke University ecologist Emily Bernhardt led a recent study that documents the long-term, widespread effects of surface coal mining on the regions waterways.

Reflections on a Public Genome Dec 20, 2011

Duke University geneticist Misha Angrists genome is a public document, thanks to his participation in Harvard's Personal Genome Project. Angrist reflects on the medical and ethical implications of the project in his 2010 book, Here is a Human Being: At the Dawn of Personal Genomics.

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