StarTalk Radio

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.