The world, the universe and us Neuroscience of reality; Quest for dark matter; Folklore of geoscience (New Scientist Live Special)
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Oct 20, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Anjana Khatwa, an Earth scientist and author, links Western geoscience with indigenous stories, revealing how Hawaiian volcanic folklore connects with geological processes. Chamkaur Ghag, a particle physicist, shares insights about the LZ Dark Matter Experiment and underground detection challenges for elusive dark matter particles. Daniel Yon, a neuroscientist, explores how our brain shapes perception, influencing beliefs and susceptibility to conspiracy theories, while discussing the implications of reduced trust in our mental frameworks.
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Pele's Journey Explains Hawaiian Volcanoes
- Anjana Khatwa recounts the Hawaiian creation story of Pele fleeing her sister and creating islands by digging with Pa'ao, tying it to mantle plume volcanism.
- Indigenous Hawaiians view Kilauea's eruptions as Pele's presence, linking folklore with observable geological processes.
Indigenous Knowledge Guides Modern Geoscience
- Anjana Khatwa describes indigenous knowledge advising geoscientists on living with hazards and ethical engagement.
- She says indigenous practice can guide Western science in hazard mitigation and community-centred approaches.
Deep Mines Host Ultra-Quiet Dark Matter Labs
- Chamkaur Ghag describes working in the LZ dark matter experiment a mile under the Black Hills in a former gold mine.
- He illustrates the extreme logistics and shielding needed to reduce cosmic-ray backgrounds for rare-event searches.
