StarTalk Radio

Morgan McSweeny, known as Dr. Noc, is a pharmaceutical scientist and social media influencer dedicated to debunking medical myths online. He teams up with Scott Hamilton Kennedy, an Academy-nominated filmmaker renowned for his work on vaccine narratives. They delve into the pervasive issue of medical misinformation, highlighting the dangers of social media algorithms and their impact on public health perceptions. The conversation also addresses vaccine hesitancy through storytelling, emphasizing the need for critical evaluation and transparent health communication.

What happens when matter turns into energy? Dive into the engaging world of gravity and its curious behavior with Neil deGrasse Tyson and Paul Mecurio. From time travel theories to the stellar origins of our solar system, they tackle audience questions with humor. Explore the cosmic dance between stars and black holes, plus whimsical discussions on alien perspectives. With a blend of science and pop culture, the mysteries of the universe never felt so entertaining!

Sara Seager, an MIT professor and expert in exoplanets, dives into the thrilling quest for extraterrestrial life. She discusses the peculiar characteristics of hot Jupiters and the groundbreaking advancements from the James Webb Space Telescope. The challenges of detecting life signatures, like oxygen, spark intriguing talks about the Fermi paradox. Seager highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration while exploring the prospects of life forms vastly different from Earth's. The conversation is a mix of scientific insights and philosophical reflections on humanity's place in the cosmos.

Brian Keating, a renowned cosmologist and professor at UC San Diego, dives into the fascinating world of cosmology and the universe's origins. He discusses the implications of the BICEP2 experiment and the complexities of detecting gravitational waves. The conversation touches on the mysterious Higgs field and dark matter, and how they relate to our existence. Humorous exchanges with Neil deGrasse Tyson add flair, while deep philosophical questions about the multiverse leave listeners pondering the unknown.

Sergiu Pașca, a Stanford neuroscientist and stem cell biologist, explores groundbreaking concepts in neuroscience. He discusses assembloids—self-organizing brain circuits that offer insights into brain function and conditions like autism. The conversation dives into the development of cultured brain cells and their unique 'brain clock.' Ethical considerations in psychiatric research and the potential for CRISPR technology are also examined. Pașca emphasizes the importance of these innovations in understanding mental health and advancing treatments.

Janna Levin, a renowned theoretical cosmologist, and Director of Sciences at Pioneer Works, joins Neil deGrasse Tyson and Harrison Greenbaum to discuss the profound impact of Einstein's work. They explore how his theories laid the groundwork for our understanding of black holes, gravitational waves, and the expanding universe. The conversation highlights the creative intersections of science at Pioneer Works and delves into the mysteries of dark energy and the ongoing quest for a Grand Unified Theory, making complex concepts accessible and engaging.

Kate Biberdorf, known as Kate the Chemist, is a professor at Notre Dame and a passionate science communicator. She joins Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice to explore cosmic chemistry, revealing how cesium tells time and the quest for new stable elements in the periodic table. The trio dives into the fascinating behavior of combustion in microgravity and shares the explosive fun of Mentos and Diet Coke. Kate emphasizes the importance of making science accessible, sprinkling in humor and engaging stories throughout their conversation.

Daniele Visioni, an assistant professor at Cornell specializing in climate intervention, and Holly Jean Buck, a sustainability expert from Harvard, join the discussion. They explore the concept of geoengineering, debating the feasibility of creating an atmospheric sun shield to combat global warming. The conversation dives into the science behind stratospheric aerosols, their environmental impacts, and ethical considerations. Visioni and Buck emphasize the need for global governance and collaboration in addressing climate change challenges while navigating the complex interplay of technology and society.

Dive into the cosmic chaos of merging black holes and what it really means when their event horizons overlap. Discover the humor behind gravitational and gravity waves while exploring NASA’s cosmic curiosity and its budgetary challenges. Unveil higher dimensions and their surreal impact on reality, alongside illuminating discussions on the internal structures of Mercury and Jupiter. Plus, ponder the nuances of magnetic poles and recent revelations from the James Webb Space Telescope that reshape our understanding of the universe.

Dive into cosmic curiosities as the hosts tackle questions about dark matter and the possibility of parallel universes. They ponder the consequences of an expanding universe and the unsettling thought of distant galaxies fading away. Imagining life on Venus sparks debates on how our environment shapes culture. The conversation turns to gravitational waves as a potential medium for communication between universes. Lastly, they explore the chilling scenarios surrounding the fate of our universe, prompting reflection on human connection amidst it all.