The New York Academy of Sciences

Latest Episodes:

Wrath Goes Viral: Part 2 Dec 05, 2012

Show notes

In Part 2 of our podcast coverage of Wrath Goes Viral, the panelists discuss factors involved in preventing outbreaks from reaching pandemic scales. The SARS virus and SARS-like virus that appeared earlier this year in Saudi Arabia provide interesting case studies for considering containment policy. In the section, the panelists discuss factors involved in preventing outbreaks from reaching pandemic scales. The SARS virus and SARS-like virus that appeared earlier this year in Saudi Arabia provide interesting case studies for considering containment policy.

Wrath Goes Viral: Part 1 Nov 28, 2012

Show notes

This is Part 1 of our podcast coverage of the event Wrath Goes Viral, the first in our Science and the Seven Deadly Sins series. In this first section, the panel considers the evolution of viruses, the spillover of pathogens from animals to humans, and some cultural practices that increase the rate of this phenomenon. The discussion is moderated by award-winning author David Quammen. The panelists are Dr. Ian Lipkin, Captain Daniel B. Jernigan, and author Maryn McKenna. In this first section, the panel considers the evolution of viruses, the spillover of pathogens from animals to humans, and some cultural practices that increase the rate of this phenomenon. The discussion is moderated by award-winning author David Quammen. The panelists are Dr. Ian Lipkin, Captain Daniel B. Jernigan, and author Maryn McKenna.

Dustyn's Robots Nov 13, 2012

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In this podcast, Dustyn Roberts discusses her work on the cutting edge of engineering. Her Sample Manipulation System, part of the Curiosity Mars Science Laboratory, is now helping to analyze soil samples on Mars, and her current projects range from DIY biomechanics to opening up and supporting a world of educational resources.

Fractals: Art, Science, Math and Culture Oct 19, 2012

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In this podcast, art historian Nina Samuel, biologists Brian Enquist and James Brown, and ethnomathematician Ron Eglash discuss the prevalence and power of fractals from the perspectives of their various disciplines.

Learning By Play Aug 19, 2012

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What does play have to do with learning? More than you may think. Today's kids are getting less playtime than previous generations, and that may have an impact on later learning development. Dr. Karen Adolph, Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, and Dr. David Kanter help us explore the playful side of education. This podcast is produced in complement to an Academy workshop held earlier this summer on the relationship between early childhood play, the development of attention, and subsequent classroom learning abilities. Sponsored by the Dana Foundation

A Thought for Food: How Do We Know What We Know? Aug 07, 2012

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Nutrition is notoriously tricky to get a handle on, with conflicting reports and unsubstantiated fads all over the place. So why can't science get to the bottom of what's right and right for you? For one, it has a lot to do with things called biomarkers. The experts featured in this podcast were recorded at the symposium "Biomarkers in Nutrition: New Frontiers in Research and Application," held on April 18, 2012 at the Academy. The experts featured in this podcast were recorded at the symposium "Biomarkers in Nutrition: New Frontiers in Research and Application," held on April 18, 2012 at the Academy. This podcast is a co-production of the Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science and Science the City.

A Thought for Food: Rock Steady Jul 23, 2012

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Salt is one of the most important and versatile ingredients in foods around the world. We like it, we need it, but are we getting too much of it these days? Get the big picture on this unique compound in episode six of our nutrition series. The "A Thought for Food" podcast series is brought to you by Science the City and the Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science.

The Science of Local Food Jul 12, 2012

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Locavorism is all the rage these days, but does science back it up? Is local food more nutritious? Can it improve our environment? And does it even taste better? This June, we invited a panel of experts from the New York area to find out. This podcast was recorded live at "The Science of Local Food" event on June 26, 2012, a part of the River to River Festival. A big thanks goes out to the South Street Seaport Museum for hosting. Brought to you by Science the City and the Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science.

A Thought for Food: Sugar in the Morning... Jun 27, 2012

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The battle of wills to resist the last cupcake isn't the only one being waged over sugar. In fact, sugar or fructose to be more precise is one of the most hotly contested subjects in the world of nutrition. Find out why in the fifth edition of our nutrition series. The "A Thought for Food" podcast series is brought to you by Science the City and the Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science.

Getting Behind the Resveratrol Hype Jun 12, 2012

Show notes

A few years ago, Resveratrol a compound found in red wine and dark chocolate, among other foods made a splash in the news as an anti-aging wonder and was soon after seized upon by marketers. But the truth is that research is still in its early stages. Dr. Joseph Baur leads us through the science behind the hype. The bulk of this podcast was recorded live at the June 5, 2012 event "The Science Behind the Hype: Resveratrol in Red Wine and Chocolate," a part of the Locavore's Dilemma series. You can download the slides to accompany the lecture here. Brought to you by Science the City and the Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science.