Stay ConnectedDr Karl’s a curious optimist. Join him as he explores the latest developments in science with leading researchers and communicators.
And remember, it’s never too late for a happy childhood.
Series Producer: Isabelle Benton
Technical Producer: Maya Cook
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Extraordinary discoveries are being made in the galactic darkness. Dr. Jessica Bloom assembles the historical, theoretical and observational data that are causing a rethink of black holes. Why are they at the astrophysical crossroads ? And Dr Karl estimates our civilization's Kardashev ranking - how advanced are we ? Part 1 of a double black hole podcast. https://drkarl.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kardashev_scale
Entropy comes from the Greek word for transformation. It is often used to describe the irreversible evening-out of stuff. In astronomy it is often called "the Heat death of the Universe". Entropy originated with the centuries-old laws of thermodynamics. So how is Entropy holding up? Dr Karl and professor Geraint Lewis put it to the test.
2020 is a milestone in space travel. The International Space Station received astronauts from a privately owned mission. So how do the USA's shuttle, Russia's Soyuz and Musk's Dragon stack up ? Doctor Karl and Professor Geraint Lewis review the modern history of human space flight.
http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/~gfl/ http://drkarl.com
Ninety years ago we first measured the rate of our expanding Universe. Today our accuracy is better but the new techniques are producing different numbers. Are there gremlins in our measurements or is it the Universe travelling in unexpected ways ? Dr Karl and Prof Geraint Lewis discuss this huge question. http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/~gfl/ http://drkarl.com
First observed in 2007, FRBs are becoming a very useful astronomical tool. In 2020, flashes were analysed and suggested an answer to that age-old question about the Universe. Most of it is unobserved - so where is it hiding ? Dr Karl and Prof Lewis take a walk through the FRBs and Magnetars, the new phenomena making headlines .
What does "proving" a theory really mean ? Is there a difference between Scientifically proving or proving it Mathematically ? Dr Karl and Prof Geraint Lewis discuss the meanings of these ideas and how they are applied today. From pandemics to climate change, we depend on solid science - so how do you tell if something has been proved? http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/~gfl/ http://drkarl.com
Solar PV Panels have transformed our energy mix in the 21st century. Efficiency is up and costs and carbon emissions are lower. What next ? Imagine a solar film that squeezes 10% more out of the sun ? Professor Anita Ho-Baillie walks Dr Karl through solar PV and this phenomenal new approach. Barely 10 years in development, is there a Perovskite Solar efficiency race already ?
They're Cosmic ... but are they Rays ? Dr Karl gets the briefing from a recent University of Sydney astrophysics graduate, Dr Jessica Bloom. Cosmic Rays were found ages ago and still baffling us with more questions. Dr Jessica and Dr Karl go to the ends of the earth on this cosmic quest. https://drkarl.com/ https://www.facebook.com/astrokitten/photos/
Lockdowns are a rational first response to a pandemic but what happens while we wait for a vaccine or treatment to be developed ? Dr Karl joins Prof Holmes in Part 3 of this series looking at Covid-19 tests. What is the difference between them ? Professor of Virology, Eddie Holmes also explains how our immune system fights a virus and why this one has been so hard to beat - so far. @EdwardCHolmes https://drkarl.com/
Note: episode recorded in late May 2020 using data available at the time
Pandemics are complex so we rely on statistics to manage them. So how come the numbers vary so much around the world? Dr Karl asks Virology Professor Holmes why and also discovers which local factors also affect Covid-19 statistics. Australia's secret national chook stockpile is revealed and Professor Holmes estimates the rubbery-ness of some well known figures. Note: episode recorded in late May 2020 using data available at the time. @EdwardCHolmes https://drkarl.com/
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