Science Talk

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Nobel Laureate Frank Wilczek and Betsy Devine. May 03, 2006

Show notes

In this episode, Nobel Prize winning physicist Frank Wilczek talks about his new book, Fantastic Realities, as well as his research and the current and future state of physics. His wife, Betsy Devine, talks about taking the phone call from Stockholm informing Professor Wilczek that he had been awarded the 2004 Nobel Prize in physics. Plus, test your knowledge about some recent science in the news.

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Early Universe, Benjamin Franklin Science, Evolution Education. Apr 26, 2006

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In this episode, physicist William Zajc talks about how the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at the Brookhaven National Laboratory is giving scientists a glimpse into what the universe was like in its first microseconds of existence; historian Joyce Chaplin discusses Benjamin Franklin the scientist and her book The First Scientific American: Benjamin Franklin and the Pursuit of Genius; and Steve Mirsky talks about the recent "Teaching Evolution and the Nature of Science" conference in New York City, where he interviewed Jennifer Miller, biology teacher involved in the Dover intelligent design trial. Plus, test your knowledge about some recent science in the news.

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Hybrid Cars, Drosophila Maggots, the Tribal Mind. Apr 19, 2006

Show notes

In this episode, physicist and energy consultant Joseph Romm talks about the next generation of hybrid cars and his Scientific American article on that subject; biologist Matthew Cobb discusses a recently concluded science conference devoted to fruit fly maggots as models for genetics research; and journalist David Berreby talks about his book Us and Them: Understanding Your Tribal Mind. Plus, test your knowledge about some recent science in the news.

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Animal intelligence, Mars Rovers, Alcohol and Cardiovascular Health. Apr 12, 2006

Show notes

In this episode, the conclusion of a two-part interview with anthropologist Carel Van Schaik about intelligence in animals; astronomer Steven Squyres talks about the current state of the Mars Rovers Spirit and Opportunity; and cardiologist Arthur Klatsky rebuts a recent meta-study that claims that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption confers no cardiovascular health benefits. Plus, test your knowledge about some recent science in the news.

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Animal intelligence, Einstein, Szilard and the bomb, sustainable development. Apr 05, 2006

Show notes

In this episode, the first of a two-part interview with anthropologist Carel Van Schaik about the role of culture in boosting intelligence in animals; historian and writer William Lanouette discusses an upcoming History Channel program about the roles of Einstein and Leo Szilard in the beginning of the nuclear age; and Scientific American editor-in-chief John Rennie reports on a recent sustainable development conference. Plus, test your knowledge about some recent science in the news.

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Attacking antibiotic resistance; William Shockley biography; flu data policy. Mar 29, 2006

Show notes

In this episode, Scientific American writer Gary Stix talks about the ingenious way researcher Floyd Romesberg is attacking the problem of antibiotic resistance; award-winning journalist Joel Shurkin discusses his new biography of controversial physics Nobel Laureate William Shockley; and genomics researcher Steven Salzberg raises questions about the way flu data is currently shared and disseminated among scientists and the effects on public health. Also, test your knowledge about current events in science with our quiz.

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Combat stress, Intel high school science competition, GLOBE At Night astronomy project Mar 22, 2006

Show notes

In this episode, clinical psychologist and U.S. Army Captain Bret Moore discusses combat stress in Iraq and his article on combat stress in the February/March issue of Scientific American Mind; Intel Science Talent Search winner Shannon Babb talks about her winning project; and astronomer Stephen Pompea speaks about the GLOBE At Night worldwide science project taking place the week of March 22. Also, beer with us while you listen to our current events quiz.

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Flores hobbit update, chemistry in art, environmental impostors. Mar 15, 2006

Show notes

In this episode, Scientific American.com editorial director Kate Wong talks about the anthropology community's latest take on the remains of tiny humans from Flores; chemist Jennifer Mass discusses how she uses her science background artistically; and journalist Paul D. Thacker reveals how what appear to be environmental groups may be wolves in sheep's clothing. Also, test your science knowledge with our current events quiz.

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Genetics of longevity, diaper-free movement, possible plane problems from personal electronics Mar 08, 2006

Show notes

In this episode, biologist Lenny Guarente talks about his Scientific American article on the genetics of aging; anthropologist Meredith Small discusses the "diaper-free movement"; and computer engineer M. Granger Morgan talks about the possible dangers to aircraft navigation posed by electronic devices used by passengers. Also: see if you can spot the fake science story in the batch we'll throw your way.

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Cosmic ray threat, sasquatch DNA, geochemist cook Mar 01, 2006

Show notes

In this episode, astrophysicist Eugene Parker talks about his Scientific American article on the threat that cosmic rays pose to astronauts; geneticist Dave Coltman discusses testing the DNA of an alleged sasquatch; and geochemist Don Siegel discusses how he became the author of a Chinese cookbook. Also: test your science smarts with our quiz.

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