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StarTalk Radio

Latest episodes

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Apr 8, 2025 • 45min

Things You Thought You Knew – Head in the Clouds

Get ready to drift through the whimsical world of twilight, where Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice unveil the true nature of civil, nautical, and astronomical phases. They'll debunk common myths and reveal how locations like Alaska bask in perpetual twilight. Then, dive into the science behind cloud formation and explore how temperature and humidity influence weather phenomena. Finally, uncover the chilling implications of climate change on coastlines and ponder the quest for extraterrestrial life in the watery depths of Mars and Europa.
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14 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 55min

Astrobotany & Plant Intelligence with Simon Gilroy

In this engaging discussion, Simon Gilroy, a professor of botany and head of the Gilroy Science Lab, shares his expertise on plant intelligence and astrobotany. The conversation unveils the remarkable capabilities of plants, including their ability to communicate and exhibit memory. They explore the Venus flytrap's counting mechanism and ponder plant awareness. Gilroy also highlights the future of space farming, emphasizing how plants can adapt to extraterrestrial conditions, a vital consideration for long-duration space missions.
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26 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 46min

When Black Holes Collide with Nergis Mavalvala

Nergis Mavalvala, an MIT physicist and LIGO researcher, dives into the captivating world of black holes and gravitational waves. She explains how we detect ripples in spacetime and shares humorous insights about her journey in science, including her experiences at the Nobel Prize ceremony. The conversation highlights the dynamism of space, the significance of Hawking radiation, and the evolution of gravitational theories. Mavalvala also discusses the challenges and innovations in the LIGO project, showcasing the groundbreaking field of astrophysics.
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38 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 47min

Asteroids Headed Towards Earth with Rick Binzel

In this engaging conversation, Rick Binzel, a planetary science professor from MIT and creator of the Torino Scale, joins Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice. They delve into the likelihood of asteroid impacts on Earth, explaining how the Torino Scale assesses these hazards. Rick shares insights from recent asteroid sample returns and discusses the ongoing search for Planet 9. The trio also explores the NASA mission OSIRIS-APEX and the urgent implications of asteroids like Apophis, blending humor with vital scientific discoveries.
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68 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 51min

The Gut-Brain Connection with Emeran Mayer

Emeran Mayer, a gastroenterologist and neuroscientist from UCLA, explores the fascinating gut-brain connection. He discusses how our gut influences mental health, particularly the roles of GLP-1 and gut microbiota. The conversation dives into the implications for anxiety and neurological conditions, alongside the importance of holistic approaches in Western medicine. Mayer also unpacks the myths around colonic cleanses, emphasizing our fascination with gut health. It’s a compelling look at how our digestive system is connected to our emotions and overall well-being.
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15 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 58min

Risk is Our Business with William Shatner & Scott Kelly

William Shatner, famed for his role as Captain Kirk, joins NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, who holds the record for the longest continuous time in space for an American. They share thrilling tales from the treacherous Drake Passage and reflect on the intersection of exploration and pop culture. The duo discusses the physical and psychological challenges of space travel, the enduring spirit of adventure, and even nostalgic memories of Star Trek. Their light-hearted banter reveals the delicate balance between risk and the drive to explore the unknown.
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51 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 47min

Cosmic Queries– Multiverse Madness with Max Tegmark

Max Tegmark, a physicist at MIT and multiverse expert, joins the discussion. They delve into whether we inhabit just one of countless universes. The conversation unpacks evolving acceptance of multiverse theories in academia, thrilling anecdotes, and how they inspire creativity in pop culture, like 'Rick and Morty.' The group also explores the intriguing connections between dark energy and the multiverse, the philosophical implications of time, and the interplay between abstract theories and real-world measurement.
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21 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 43min

Cosmic Queries – Before the Big Bang

Dive into the cosmic wonders of what existed before the Big Bang and the nature of time travel. Explore the significance of being made of stardust and how it connects us to the universe. Enjoy a humorous take on Captain Kirk's wardrobe dilemmas while contrasting leadership styles in Star Trek. Discover the importance of international collaboration in scientific ventures like the Large Hadron Collider and ponder the mysteries of infinity and the multiverse, all while enjoying playful banter and wit.
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13 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 54min

Can We Predict the Future? with Charles Liu

Astrophysicist Charles Liu, a professor at CUNY Staten Island and host of The Luniverse, joins Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts to explore the unpredictability of the future. They humorously compare sci-fi visions of 2050 with today's advancements, highlighting the contributions of young scientists. The discussion critiques dystopian portrayals in films like 'Blade Runner' and traces technological shifts from 1995 to 2025, urging a reevaluation of cultural influences on progress. Moreover, they tackle the future of space and transportation, including space tourism and climate change implications.
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Mar 4, 2025 • 48min

Hubble Trouble with Hakeem Oluseyi

Hakeem Oluseyi, an accomplished astrophysicist and CEO of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, dives into cosmic questions with infectious enthusiasm. He discusses the intriguing concept of 'Hubble tension' and the latest from the James Webb Space Telescope. Oluseyi unpacks dark matter's mysteries and its impact on physics, while letting slip insights into Dyson spheres and their potential in harnessing stellar energy. Expect a blend of humor and deep scientific inquiry, making complex ideas accessible and engaging!

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