Indian Genes

Indian Genes speaks to Michael about the brain basis of consciousness. Brains arrive at the conclusion that they have an internal, subjective experience of things — an experience that is non-physical and inexplicable. How can such a thing be studied scientifically? When an information-processing device such as the brain introspects, or accesses internal data, and on that basis arrives at the conclusion that it has a magic property inside of it, the first question for a scientist is probably not: how did that device produce magic? Or even: what is the magic? Such questions are probably not coherent. Instead, in my lab we are asking: how does a brain arrive at that kind of self-description? What is the adaptive advantage of that style of self-description? What systems in the brain compute that information? What happens when those systems are damaged? When and how did they evolve? All of these questions are scientifically approachable. My lab is currently testing a specific, mechanistic theory of awareness described in my recent book, Consciousness and the Social Brain.

Aliens! Ghosts! Paranormal Activity....lets take a Skeptical look as all this and then make informed decisions !Indian Genes speaks to Professor Chris French who is the Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit in the Psychology Department at Goldsmiths, University of London. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and a Patron of the British Humanist Association. He has published over 150 articles and chapters covering a wide range of topics. His main current area of research is the psychology of paranormal beliefs and anomalous experiences. He frequently appears on radio and television casting a sceptical eye over paranormal claims. His most recent book is Anomalistic Psychology: Exploring Paranormal Belief and Experience.

Darsh Kodwani, a seasoned data scientist at Microsoft, discusses the power of Chat GPT in AI. Topics include the evolution of AI, understanding algorithms, context in language models, generative AI for art creation, AI in social media, privacy concerns with listening devices, and the integration of human intelligence with AI.

Roma Agrawal, an engineer and advocate for engineering, discusses her involvement in building the Shard, explores the evolution of skyscrapers, shares the fundamental components of objects, highlights the power of springs, explores the impact of pumps on society, and discusses favorite structures and inspiring messages.

Dr. Robert Schoch, renowned geologist, discusses his groundbreaking research on the Sphinx's true age, challenging conventional beliefs. He reveals evidence of advanced technologies in ancient civilizations, explores the synergy between geology and archaeology, and uncovers the concept of Atlantis as a primordial civilization. The chapter also dives into the end of the last ice age, catastrophic events, the connection between myths and science, and the discovery of a hidden chamber under the Sphinx's paw.

In this episode, we have the distinct honor of getting deeper into the world of innovation and Entrepreneurship with a true visionary in the field.Our guest is, a dynamic force of innovation and Chief Innovation Officer at NSU (Nova Southeastern University, he also holds the esteemed position of Executive Director of the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation and spearheads a multimillion-dollar P3 (public private partnership) that stands as a shining beacon, attracting and nurturing the most brilliant entrepreneurial minds, cutting-edge technology, and vital sources of investment capital to create an unparalleled innovation center.In this episode he gets into Innovation & Entrepreneurship.Indeed, his academic journey is a remarkable tapestry, having been a distinguished professor and head of the School of Aviation & Transportation Technology at Perjue University, Dean of the School of Aviation at Dowling College, and a respected professor of airline management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University..His accomplishments reach beyond corporate boardrooms and into the realm of education, where he imparts his vast knowledge as an external instructor at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and a certified instructor at the Turkish Aviation Academy (Turkish Airlines).A sought-after expert in the media, he has also provided expert witness testimony and authored two seminal industry books, including the "best-seller" Air Transportation: A Management Perspective and Wheels Up: Airline Business Plan Development.Join us as we explore the depths of Dr. Wensveen's experience, wisdom, and groundbreaking contributions to the aviation industry, academia, and innovation. His journey from Canada's University of Victoria to earning Masters and Ph.D. degrees in International Air Transport and Business from Cardiff University (United Kingdom) will surely inspire and enlighten us.So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a thought-provoking and inspiring conversation as we sit down with the brilliant mind of Dr. John Wensveeen 

Les Johnson speaks exclusively to Indian Genes in his private capacity as an author & futurist as we have the pleasure of immersing ourselves into the awe-inspiring world of science, fiction, and space exploration with a true luminary in the fieldLes wears many hats, as an accomplished author, he paints vivid landscapes of imagination, crafting compelling science fiction novels that transport readers to distant realms of possibility. But he doesn't stop there. He also weaves his literary talents into popular science works, enlightening us about the wonders that lie at the cutting edge of human understanding through his books published by Springer Books.However, his expertise extends far beyond the realm of the written word. As the Principal Investigator for the NEA Scout and Solar Cruiser solar sail projects at the esteemed NASA George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, he spearheads the exploration of revolutionary propulsion technologies. Harnessing the power of sunlight, Les and his team propel our dreams of interstellar travel forward, pushing the boundaries of human achievement.Les Johnson's accomplishments have earned him well-deserved recognition and admiration within scientific circles. He holds esteemed positions such as an elected member of the International Academy of Astronautics, a Fellow of the British Interplanetary Society, and memberships in the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the National Space Society, and MENSA. His contributions to the scientific and literary communities have left an indelible mark on both.When Les puts pen to paper, he captures the spirit of visionaries like Arthur C. Clarke and his contemporaries, as highlighted by Publisher's Weekly. Take, for instance, his gripping novel, "Mission to Methone," a work that transports readers to worlds unimagined, while paying homage to the giants of science fiction who came before him. Not confined to the realms of fiction, Les's non-fiction book, "Graphene: The Superstrong, Superthin, and Superversatile Material That Will Revolutionize the World," co-authored with Joe Meany, has garnered acclaim from prestigious journals such as Nature, American Scientist, and Salon.com.So, join us as we embark on an intellectual odyssey, exploring the realms where science, imagination, and the cosmos converge. Prepare to be captivated, inspired, and enlightened by the brilliant mind of Les Johnson, a physicist, author, and NASA technologist whose impact resonates far beyond our earthly realm.

Welcome to Indian Genes, Im your host Joaquim Gonsalves and today we have a truly captivating guest who is a prolific author, renowned science writer, and an expert in his field. With an impressive fourteen books under his belt, including his latest work, "Life's Edge: The Search for What It Means to Be Alive," he delves into the depths of scientific exploration and invites us to question the very essence of life itself.As the writer of the acclaimed "Origins" column for the New York Times, he has earned numerous accolades throughout his career and His exceptional work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the esteemed Stephen Jay Gould Prize, presented by the Society for the Study of Evolution. His contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic were instrumental in securing the New York Times the well-deserved public service Pulitzer Prize in 2021.It comes as no surprise that his books have received widespread acclaim. Three of his literary creations have been named Notable Books of the Year by the New York Times Book Review, showcasing his remarkable ability to engage readers with his insightful and thought-provoking narratives. One particular gem, "She Has Her Mother's Laugh," went on to win the distinguished 2019 National Academies Communication Award and was hailed as the best science book of 2018 by The Guardian.his captivating voice extends beyond the written word, as he has become a familiar presence on radio programs like Radiolab, enriching our auditory exploration of the wonders of science. Additionally, as a professor at Yale University, he imparts his vast knowledge to the next generation of curious minds, nurturing the spirit of scientific inquiry.What truly sets him apart is the extraordinary honor of having both a species of tapeworm and an asteroid named after him. This singular distinction is a testament to his invaluable contributions to the world of science and the remarkable impact he has made throughout his career.So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for an intellectual journey as we get into the depths of his vast expertise. And It is an honor to have him on our show, and I am certain that his insights will leave an indelible mark on all our listners . Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome on the Indian Geenes exclusive Carl Zimmer!

Exclusive - Susan Blackmore, We have a block buster episode here where we explore the mysteries of the human mind and the depths of human experience. today we have the privilege of delving into the realms of neuroscience, consciousness, and the enigmatic nature of our own awareness.Our Exclusive and special guest is a true polymath, a freelance writer, lecturer, and broadcaster who has made significant contributions to our understanding of the mind. As a Visiting Professor at the esteemed University of Plymouth, she brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the forefront of our discussion.Having earned her degree in psychology and physiology from Oxford University in 1973, she embarked on a remarkable journey of exploration. Her pursuit of understanding the human mind led her to obtain a PhD in parapsychology from the University of Surrey, a field that once teemed with the allure of the paranormal.However, it was her insatiable curiosity and thirst for truth that redirected her focus toward captivating areas of study such as memes, evolutionary theory, consciousness, and meditation. her profound insights have captured the attention of diverse audiences, as she shares her wisdom through her writings for renowned magazines and newspapers, her thought-provoking blog for the Guardian newspaper, and her captivating presence as a frequent contributor and presenter on radio and television.With over sixty academic articles, about fifty book contributions, numerous book reviews, and a collection of captivating books to her name, Dr. Blackmore has firmly established herself as a leading authority in her field. Her work transcends boundaries and challenges conventional thinking, pushing the frontiers of our understanding.Today, we dive into the depths of neuroscience, exploring its intricate relationship with consciousness itself. We venture into the uncharted territories of out-of-body experiences, near-death experiences, and the very nature of our subjective reality. Brace yourselves for a mind-bending conversation that will challenge your assumptions and leave you with more questions than answers.So, without further ado, join us as we embark on this extraordinary intellectual journey with the brilliant Dr. Sue Blackmore.

Welcome to this episode and Indian Genes! Today, we will be diving into the fascinating world of Social Media, AI and Technology, exploring the ever-evolving landscape of online platforms, and discussing the ethics behind their use.Our exclusive guest, Luke Thorburn is is researching the intersection of AI ∩ epistemology ∩ conflict and tries to understand how technology can be used to reduce the risks of entrenched political polarisation and improve collective decision-making, as well as to better understand the extent to which these goals are important. His  background is in probability and statistics.His PHD research at Kings College London includes how spatial preference models such as the left-right political spectrum (and higher-dimensional variants) can be used in recommender systems to perform bridging-based ranking. We discuss the impact of coding on our daily lives, as well as the role that AI plays in shaping our future. We will also discuss ChatGPT, a cutting-edge language model that has revolutionized the field of conversational AI and try to understand it better.Join us as we explore the complex interplay between technology and ethics, and delve into the exciting possibilities of the digital age. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply curious about the world around us, this podcast is sure to offer a thought-provoking and engaging discussion on the cutting-edge issues of our time. Welcome again to Indian Genes "Bringing Ideas Home"