Science Talk

Latest Episodes:

Putting Food on the Table: What to Eat Sep 05, 2007

Show notes

In this episode New York University's Marion Nestle talks about her article in the September issue of Scientific American, called "Eating Made Simple." Plus, we'll test your knowledge of some recent science in the news. Web sites related to this episode include www.sciam.com/issue.cfm; www.whattoeatbook.com; www.foodpolitics.com

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Another Look at The World Without Us; and What's New At Scientific American Aug 29, 2007

Show notes

In this episode, journalist Alan Weisman continues his discussion (started on the June 27th podcast) about his bestselling book "The World Without Us," a massive thought experiment about the aftermath of humanity's sudden disappearance. And Scientific American editor-in-chief John Rennie discusses what's up at the magazine. Plus we'll test your knowledge of some recent science in the news.

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The World Is Fat: Obesity Now Outweighs Hunger WorldWide Aug 22, 2007

Show notes

In this episode University of North Carolina Chapel Hill nutrition epidemiologist Barry Popkin discusses the growing problem of obesity, even in developing countries that only recently faced hunger as their primary diet challenge. Popkin is the author of the article The World Is Fat in the September Scientific American. Plus we'll test your knowledge of some recent science in the news. Websites mentioned on this episode include: www.nutrans.org; wwwtheskepticsguide.org

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Is Your Food Contaminated; New Orleans Now; And the Science of Dogs Aug 15, 2007

Show notes

In this episode Scientific American editor Mark Fischetti talks about the challenges of keeping the food supply safe and about the state of New Orleans hurricane preparedness. And journalist Jackie Mow discusses her new TV show about the science of dogs. Plus we'll test your knowledge of some recent science in the news. Websites mentioned on this episode include: channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/explorer; www.theskepticsguide.org

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Better Brains: The Revolution in Brain Science Aug 08, 2007

Show notes

In this episode Scientific American correspondent Christie Nicholson talks to journalist Sharon Begley about the changing landscape of brain science. Begley is the author of the book "Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain." Plus we'll test your knowledge of some recent science in the news.

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Is Privacy Dead? Technological Approaches to the Technological Threat Aug 01, 2007

Show notes

In this episode Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist Latanya Sweeney talks about the changes in privacy due to data collection and approaches to protect privacy in the future, with Scientific American contributor Chip Walter. Plus we'll test your knowledge of some recent science in the news. Websites mentioned in this episode include privacy.cs.cmu.edu; www.chipwalter.com

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Saddle Up That Stegosaurus--A Visit to the Creation Museum Jul 25, 2007

Show notes

In this episode Columbia College Chicago's Stephen Asma discusses the new antievolution Creation Museum in Petersburg, Ky., as well as his books on natural history museums and monsters, both mythological and teratological. Plus, we'll test your knowledge of some recent science in the news. Web sites mentioned in this episode include www.skeptic.com, www.stephenasma.com

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Space For Both?--Human Vs. Robotic Space Missions Jul 18, 2007

Show notes

In this episode Cornell University astronomer Jim Bell talks about future space missions and why people need to be part of them. Bell is the leader of the team operating the color cameras on the Mars rovers, and the author of the book Postcards From Mars and of an opinion piece in the August issue of Scientific American on humans in space. Plus we'll test your knowledge of some recent science in the news. Websites mentioned in this episode include www.itswild.org; http://marsrovers.nasa.gov

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Systems Biology: The Future of Biomedical Science? Jul 11, 2007

Show notes

In this episode eminent biologist Leroy Hood, founder of the Institute for Systems Biology, talks about systems biology, an approach to understanding complex biological systems in their entirety, with major implications for the future of medicine. Plus we'll test your knowledge of some recent science in the news. Websites mentioned in this episode include www.systemsbiology.org

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Benjamin Franklin the Scientist Jul 04, 2007

Show notes

In this Fourth of July episode, historian Joyce Chaplin discusses Benjamin Franklin the scientist, and how his science paved the way for his future career as a diplomat and elder statesman of the Revolution. She is the author of the book "The First Scientific American: Benjamin Franklin and the Pursuit of Genius." Plus we'll test your knowledge of some recent science in the news.

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