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StarTalk Radio

Latest episodes

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Sep 6, 2024 • 50min

Epigenetics & The Full Story of Inheritance with Bianca Jones Marlin

Bianca Jones Marlin, a leading neuroscientist and epigeneticist, unpacks the fascinating world of epigenetics and its implications for inheritance. The discussion reveals how ancestral traumas can be genetically passed down to future generations, influencing traits and health. They delve into the lasting effects of historical famines on diseases like diabetes and schizophrenia. Marlin emphasizes the interplay between trauma and heritability, exploring how sensory experiences shape genetic information. It's a thought-provoking dive into how our past impacts our biology.
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Sep 3, 2024 • 45min

Cosmic Queries – In a Zeptosecond

Neil deGrasse Tyson, a celebrated astrophysicist and science communicator, dives into the cosmos with co-host Chuck Nice. They tackle fascinating questions about the potential of nuclear fusion as a renewable energy source, blend humor with discussions on bizarre concepts like Star Trek's transporters, and explore the cosmic expansion and relativity. Tyson also breaks down time’s tiniest intervals, like zeptoseconds, and discusses cosmic microwave background radiation, all while keeping the conversation lively and accessible.
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Aug 30, 2024 • 46min

Cosmic Queries – Back to School Edition

Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist renowned for making science accessible, and comedian Chuck Nice blend humor with cosmic inquiry. They tackle fascinating questions about simulation theory and time dilation and ponder the sounds of space versus the human body's noises. They explore the fragility of Earth's atmosphere, humorous takes on time travel paradoxes, and engage in playful banter about the mysteries of white holes and the Big Bang. Their discussion is both enlightening and entertaining, making complex concepts relatable.
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Aug 27, 2024 • 44min

Searching for Habitable Worlds with David Kipping

David Kipping, a prominent astronomer and head of Cool Worlds Lab, joins Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice to dive into the fascinating world of exoplanets and exomoons. They discuss the groundbreaking Kepler mission and innovative techniques for detecting habitable worlds. Insights into the Sun’s stellar nursery and the critical role of advanced telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope are unveiled. Kipping humorously explores recent cosmic discoveries, linking us to the stars while emphasizing the challenges of probing distant worlds.
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Aug 20, 2024 • 36min

Robots Searching for Life on Saturn’s Moon with Matt Travers

Joining Neil deGrasse Tyson is Matt Travers, a roboticist at Carnegie Mellon University’s Biorobotics Lab. They explore the potential of robots, particularly a snake-like design, to probe the icy oceans of Saturn’s moon, Enceladus. Travers discusses the balance between specialized robotic functions and broader capabilities, comparing robots to dogs. The duo dives into robotics ethics and the autonomy required for exploring distant worlds. Expect insights on innovative designs and the future of autonomous exploration in our quest for extraterrestrial life.
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Aug 16, 2024 • 51min

Engineering Humans for Deep Space with Ronke Olabisi

In this engaging discussion, biomedical engineer Ronke Olabisi delves into the fascinating world of tissue engineering for space travel. She highlights how human physiology needs to adapt for long-term journeys in microgravity. The conversation touches on the ambitious Hundred Year Starship project and the ethical implications of genetic engineering. Using iconic characters like Wolverine and Deadpool, they explore groundbreaking advancements in wound healing and the potential for transforming medicine on Earth and beyond. A thrilling blend of science and imagination!
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Aug 13, 2024 • 46min

The Updated Physics of Black Holes with Steve Balbus & Andrew Mummery

Steve Balbus, an acclaimed astrophysicist, and Andrew Mummery, a theoretical physicist specializing in black holes, delve into the enigmatic world of these cosmic giants. They discuss the fascinating dynamics of black holes, including accretion disks, magnetic fields, and the perplexing concept of time dilation. The duo also reflects on recent research advancements and ongoing challenges in the field. With humor and insight, they emphasize the importance of observational data and the continuous journey of scientific discovery, making complex ideas accessible and engaging.
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Aug 9, 2024 • 46min

Planetary Defense with Bill Nye

Bill Nye, a well-known science educator, joins comedian Chuck Nice to explore the fascinating world of planetary defense. They discuss the existential threat posed by asteroids and the innovative technologies we could use to deflect them. With humor, they explore the historical impact events that wiped out the dinosaurs and consider the importance of international cooperation in tracking and altering asteroid trajectories. They also highlight how science education can inspire future generations to take an interest in space and planetary science.
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Aug 6, 2024 • 36min

Things You Thought You Knew – Planet X

Neil deGrasse Tyson, a celebrated astrophysicist, and Chuck Nice, a witty comedian, discuss the tantalizing concept of Planet X. They break down the complexities of the three-body problem in celestial mechanics, pointing out its unsolvable nature. The conversation touches on the universe's potential endings, including the chilling theory of 'heat death.' Amidst the scientific analysis, they also explore humanity's responsibility toward Earth, blending deep insights with humor and curiosity for the cosmos.
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Jul 30, 2024 • 43min

Cosmic Queries – Strange Matter

Neil deGrasse Tyson, the renowned astrophysicist, and comedian Chuck Nice share a lively discussion on the universe's most intriguing mysteries. They tackle fan questions about hiding from aliens and the nature of our radio signals. The duo dives into the mind-bending concept of multiple universes hidden in black holes and the strange matter causing them. They also explore how Earth's signals could be perceived by extraterrestrials, combining humor with deep scientific insights into the cosmos.

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