Technology Today

Latest Episodes:

Episode 35: Exploring Jupiter Sep 27, 2021

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NASA’s Juno mission, led by SwRI, is rewriting the textbooks on the gas giant Jupiter, the fifth planet from the sun. Launching in 2011, the spacecraft reached its target in 2016, jumping into Jupiter’s orbit and revealing never-before-seen data and images of the massive planet. From the planet’s moons to its poles and core, Juno is unlocking the mysteries of Jupiter, giving humankind clues to the origin of the solar system and life on Earth. Juno instrumentation and data are also allowing us to hear the sounds of Jupiter, rich, haunting tones, captured as radio emissions. Listen now as Juno Principal Investigator and SwRI Space Science and Engineering Associate Vice President Dr. Scott Bolton discusses the mission’s top discoveries, deep space surprises, how the spacecraft was pulled into Jupiter’s orbit, and the art and music inspired by Juno’s findings.

Episode 34: Preventing Structural Failure Aug 23, 2021

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Structures like bridges, dams, underwater vessels and aircraft are expected to hold up and remain safe under a range of forces. SwRI’s Structural Engineering Department is equipped to design and test structures, their components and materials to ensure high performance through the toughest conditions. Using sensors, software and robots, the team analyzes structure strength and predicts when repairs will be needed, information that, in many instances, can save lives. Listen now as SwRI Engineer and Director Tim Fey discusses recent structure collapses making headlines and the tools and techniques used to prevent a failure.

Episode 33: Atmospheric Water Harvesting Jul 19, 2021

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Drought and pollution jeopardize water sources around the world, leaving communities without clean, life-giving water. SwRI engineers and scientists are taking on those threats with atmospheric water harvesting, a method of pulling water from the air. The process occurs naturally with morning dew on grass or condensation on a cold soda can. The team is re-creating the process on a larger scale, and researching ways to decontaminate existing water sources. They envision technology that makes and cleans water for people in need, wherever they happen to be, from rural areas to the desert. Their research could be a lifeline for disaster victims, soldiers on the frontlines and families without running water. Listen now as SwRI Engineer and Program Manager Kevin Supak discusses atmospheric water harvesting, pulling water from air.

Episode 32: Rheology is Everywhere Jun 21, 2021

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Rheology is in action all around us, from asphalt that doesn’t melt on a hot day to perfectly melting chocolate. Foods, motor oils, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals depend on rheological data to perform as expected. This field of science examines the behavior of fluids and materials at different pressures and temperatures, specifically measuring how they flow. Rheology makes products we use every day better, easier to use and safer. You can thank rheology for ketchup that’s not runny and lotion that spreads smoothly on your skin. Listen now as SwRI Sr. Research Engineer Dr. Carlos Sanchez discusses rheology, the “go with the flow” science that’s everywhere.

Episode 31: Reducing Traffic Jams May 17, 2021

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For many drivers, traffic jams have become part of the daily routine. Accidents, construction, debris and flooding can cause roadway slow-downs and traffic snarls. SwRI’s Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) system provides a solution, offering a fast assessment of highways and roads to find detours, reduce traffic trouble spots and get drivers moving. An operator works with the system to determine the best way to get around traffic messes. Drivers get more green lights and save time. As our guest explains, ICM is just the beginning of more connected, smarter cities. Listen now as SwRI Manager Clay Weston discusses Integrated Corridor Management and how the system is mapping a new route for the future of driving.

Episode 30: Recycling Plastic for Fuel Apr 19, 2021

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Earth Day is April 22. This month, we’re learning about an Earth-friendly recycling technique turning piles of plastic into useful chemicals and fuels. Billions of tons of plastic are discarded in landfills. Much of it ends up in oceans in places like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Irresponsibly dumped plastics disrupt the environment and harm wildlife. A team at SwRI has a solution. They are fine tuning a process to turn mountains of plastics into an oil, which can then be turned back into plastic, other chemicals or fuels. They are also helping big companies enter a new era in plastics recycling. Listen now as SwRI Chemical Engineer Eloy Flores discusses pyrolysis for plastics, a new way to recycle and clean up the planet.

Episode 29: Floodlight™ and Searchlight™ Mar 22, 2021

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Machine learning is powering cutting-edge software tools, Floodlight™ and Searchlight™, helping chemists sift through an overflow of data. Chemists look for chemical signals in samples of food, drugs, personal care products, carpeting, upholstery and other items we use every day. Identifying these signals and studying these chemical fingerprints could improve health and safety by creating better products and better public policies. Floodlight and Searchlight are speeding up this process, churning out weeks of work in a fraction of the time and saving chemists from data overload. Listen now as SwRI Analytical Chemist Kristin Favela and SwRI Computer Scientist Michael Hartnett discuss how they combined their expertise to create these fast and precise machine learning tools.

Episode 28: Transformative, Powerful 5G Feb 22, 2021

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You may already have a phone or device equipped with fifth-generation mobile network technology — 5G. But 5G applications extend way beyond talk and text. 5G technology processes data at never-before-reached speeds, and we’ve only scratched the surface of what it can actually do. Our guest today is an SwRI 5G expert collaborating with the military to strengthen 5G security and explore its potential in health care. He tells us faster phone service, accessible virtual reality applications and high-intensity gaming are just the beginning. This powerful mobile network will eventually change lives and save lives. Listen now as SwRI 5G developer Jody Little discusses the capabilities and possibilities of 5G technology.

Episode 27: Finding a COVID Cure Jan 18, 2021

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SwRI scientists have pinpointed a potential drug therapy in the search for a COVID cure. After screening millions of drug compounds using SwRI’s Rhodium software, they have narrowed down the field to one strong hit with a family of related therapies. After testing is complete, their treatment could halt the virus and save lives. A scientist on the inside explains how they sifted through millions to find the one, what new virus strains mean for their research and what must happen before the therapy can be authorized to treat COVID patients. Listen now as SwRI Scientist Dr. Jonathan Bohmann explains the process of finding a COVID cure.

Episode 26: 2020 Top Listen and Learn Moments Dec 21, 2020

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2020 has been an unprecedented, unpredictable year. As many transitioned to working from home, we changed how we record our podcast, but our goal to bring you meaningful discussions on technology, science, engineering and research remained the same. This year, we covered hypersonic speed, COVID-19 research, mask testing, asteroid exploration, cybersecurity awareness and much more. Listen now as we review our year and highlight our top listen and learn moments of 2020.

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