Adventures in Physics, Trump, and more, with the Information Theory podcast — #75
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Dec 19, 2024
Dive into the world of theoretical physics and computational genomics, uncovering unique educational journeys and cognitive differences in learning. Explore the intriguing debate around the Great Stagnation and the nuances of scientific progress. Delve into the complexities of research funding, highlighting the need for improved practices in reproducibility and the challenges within NIH funding. Finally, gain insights on the intersection of technology and politics, with personal reflections on Trump's impact from a scientific perspective.
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Early Caltech Graduation
Steve Hsu graduated Caltech at 19, having studied advanced physics in high school.
Despite academic acceleration, he had a typical American childhood, participating in sports and social activities.
insights INSIGHT
Learning Styles
Not all academically gifted children thrive with accelerated learning.
Some benefit from structured learning environments and professor guidance.
insights INSIGHT
Genomics Interest
Steve Hsu's interest in genomics stemmed from a fascination with theoretical problems in natural systems and science fiction.
He recognized the potential for technological advancements to make these theoretical questions approachable.
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The Feynman Lectures on Physics is a three-volume textbook based on lectures given by Richard Feynman to undergraduate students at the California Institute of Technology from 1961 to 1964. The lectures range from the basic principles of Newtonian physics to advanced theories such as general relativity and quantum mechanics. The book is known for its clarity, simplicity, and deep insight, making it essential reading not just for students of physics but for anyone interested in the subject. The first volume focuses on mechanics, radiation, and heat, while the second volume covers electromagnetism and matter, and the third volume delves into quantum mechanics.
This episode is an interview I did with the new podcast Information Theory. The host of Information Theory is an anonymous technologist trained in physics and machine learning.
(00:00) - Introduction to Information Theory podcast
(01:19) - The education of a physicist
(10:53) - Computational genomics
(19:40) - Thinking styles and collaboration in theoretical physics
(26:08) - Scientific progress and the Great Stagnation
(40:39) - University research administration
(45:05) - Reproducibility crisis
(57:58) - Impact of basic research
(01:03:16) - Critique of NIH and biomedical research
(01:06:48) - Personal reflections on Trump's re-election and an inside view of the 47 transition
(01:12:37) - Silicon Valley and US politics
(01:15:30) - Concerns and hope for America's future
Music used with permission from Blade Runner Blues Livestream improvisation by State Azure.
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Steve Hsu is Professor of Theoretical Physics and of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University. Previously, he was Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation at MSU and Director of the Institute of Theoretical Science at the University of Oregon. Hsu is a startup founder (SuperFocus, SafeWeb, Genomic Prediction, Othram) and advisor to venture capital and other investment firms. He was educated at Caltech and Berkeley, was a Harvard Junior Fellow, and has held faculty positions at Yale, the University of Oregon, and MSU. Please send any questions or suggestions to manifold1podcast@gmail.com or Steve on X @hsu_steve.
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