The New York Academy of Sciences

Latest Episodes:

Improv for Scientists Jun 10, 2011

Show notes

Actor/director Alan Alda talks to us about problems in science communication today and why improv yes, improv can help scientists connect better with their audience. Physicist and World Science Festival co-founder Brian Greene joins in the conversation as Science

On the Cutting Edge of Autism Research May 27, 2011

Show notes

Two autism researchers offer a behind-the-scenes look at novel technologies and treatments that could redefine how we understand this developmental disorder. This podcast is produced in conjunction with the New York Academy of Sciences symposium "Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Genes to Targets to Treatments." It is made possible through the generous funding of Autism Speaks.

Behind the Scenes with Cancer's Biographer May 02, 2011

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Oncologist and acclaimed author Siddhartha Mukherjee takes us on a journey through the long and complex history of cancer, and discusses what it took to bring his Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer, to life. Mukherjee spoke at the Academy on April 14, 2011 as part of the Science the City speakers series. The event was co-sponsored by the Farber Center for Radiation Oncology.

The Diabetes-Gum Disease Connection Apr 14, 2011

Show notes

Good oral hygiene helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but the health of your mouth may have a big impact on the rest of your body too especially if you have diabetes. Find out more in this special edition podcast from The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science. Ira Lamster of Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, George W. Taylor of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and endocrinologist Pamela Allweiss of the Centers for Disease Control discuss why diabetes increases the risk for gum disease and how gum disease makes it difficult to control diabetes in this special edition podcast, presented by The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science at the New York Academy of Sciences. This podcast is produced in conjunction with Diabetes and Oral Disease: Implications for Health Professionals, a conference being held on May 4, 2011 at the New York Academy of Sciences. This podcast is also part of the Academy's Translational Medicine Initiative, sponsored by the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation and the Mushett Family Foundation.

The Sci/Tech Kitchen Apr 05, 2011

Show notes

Scientist and award-winning chef Nathan Myhrvold came to the Academy this March as part of a whirlwind tour for his much anticipated new cookbook Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking. Find out what it took to bring this extraordinary work all six volumes and 2,400 pages of it to the public, and a pick up a few other tasty tid-bits from his conversation at NYAS with Top Chef's Padma Lakshmi. It may change the way you think about food, inside and out. Check out some of the stunning images from the book in this special slideshow.

Tales from the Brain Mar 18, 2011

Show notes

Drawing on strange and thought-provoking case studies, eminent neurologist V. S. Ramachandran offers unprecedented insight into the evolution of the uniquely human brain in his new book, The Tell-Tale Brain. Ramachandran spoke at the Academy in February 2011, and now we're bringing you some of his most telling tales of the abnormal brain in this edition of our monthly podcast. Download the full lecture here.

Are You What You Eat? Feb 18, 2011

Show notes

Harvard science historian Steven Shapin discusses the history of food science and the human view of nutrition from dietetics to modern moderation in this podcast presented by The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science at the New York Academy of Sciences.

Your Brain, Now in Technicolor Jan 18, 2011

Show notes

Carl Schoonover’s book Portraits of the Mind provides a stunning visual history of neuroscience through the ages, from the earliest, abstract concepts of the mind to modern-day, full-color imagery. He spoke at the Academy on December 15, 2010. We caught up with him for a brief interview, but you can download the full lecture and slides .

This is Your Brain on Tech Dec 03, 2010

Show notes

Nicholas Carr, author of The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains, presents a case for stepping away from your computer, now and then, if you can.

Science as a Modern Creation Story Oct 29, 2010

Show notes

History professor David Christian's riveting account of the known world is acclaimed for synthesizing the history of everything, including the sciences, into one framework. So says Bill Gates. See accompanying slides.