StarTalk Radio

Laurie Winkless, a physicist and author of "Sticky: The Science of Surfaces," joins the hosts for a playful dive into the world of surfaces. They discuss the fascinating Van der Waals forces and how gecko feet inspire innovative adhesion technologies, like gecko tape. The conversation takes a thrilling turn to Formula 1, connecting gecko mechanics to tire design. Winkless also highlights cutting-edge marine technology that enhances vessel efficiency and sustainability, all while blending humor with scientific exploration.

Join neuroscientist Heather Berlin, an expert in neurocinematics, as she delves into how our brains respond to films. Discover how cinema influences our emotions and thoughts, from emotional manipulation to the role of the prefrontal cortex. The conversation tackles brain myths portrayed in movies like 'Lucy,' the impact of media on mental health, and the ethics of AI perceptions. With humor, they analyze the complexities of depicting mental illness in films and the surprising therapeutic potential of cinema. This engaging chat will change how you watch movies!

Danni Washington, a passionate science communicator and founder of the ocean conservation nonprofit Big Blue and You, shares her insights on the importance of acknowledging overlooked scientific pioneers. She discusses the contributions of trailblazers like Vera Rubin in astronomy and Alice Ball in medicine, highlighting their triumphs over adversity. The conversation also covers the urgency of ocean conservation, how art can merge with science, and the significance of educating youth for a sustainable marine future.

Join physicist Dr. Dave Alciatore, a bowling expert and Professor Emeritus at Colorado State University, as he explains how to bowl a perfect 300. Discover the physics behind strikes and oil patterns, which are crucial for mastering the lanes. With humor and personal anecdotes, Alciatore shares insights into the blend of passion and scientific principles in bowling. He also delves into the quirky world of bowling shoes and the importance of adapting techniques based on lane conditions.

Can anything really be found at the end of a rainbow? Dive into the science behind rainbows and discover how individual perceptions shape our understanding. Unravel the mystique of zero and its revolutionary impact on mathematics, along with its fascinating historical journey. Explore the quirky connections between Einstein's Theory of Relativity, time, space, and our modern-day Zoom interactions, all packed with humor and insightful revelations. It's a colorful blend of science and life that challenges what you thought you knew!

Janna Levin, a physics and astronomy professor at Barnard College, dives deep into the cosmic mysteries of black holes and the nature of time. She explores whether time is merely a human construct, unraveling concepts like time dilation and its effects on aging and technology. The conversation takes a philosophical turn as they question the reality of existence while mixing humor with profound insights. Plus, hear about the emotional connections we have with black holes and the potential of time travel through wormholes—an engaging blend of science and imagination!

In this discussion, AI expert Matt Ginsberg shares insights into the role of artificial intelligence in predicting outcomes, particularly during the NCAA March Madness tournament. He reveals the complexities of crafting effective algorithms and the importance of data quality in sports betting. The conversation also touches on ethical dilemmas, the psychological factors in athlete performance, and the potential of AI to tackle global challenges like decarbonization. Ginsberg humorously links sports predictions to broader events, blending analytical rigor with lighthearted banter.

Katherine Calvin, NASA's Chief Scientist and senior climate advisor, shares her expertise on climate change and its impact on humanity. The conversation covers innovative NASA initiatives, including carbon removal technologies and the role of ecosystems in mitigation. They explore nuclear energy's potential and the intricacies of geoengineering, all while addressing the urgency of climate action. Listeners will gain insights into NASA's extensive climate data and the importance of individual contributions to combat climate change.

Astrobiologist Kennda Lynch, known for her work on extremophiles and her appearance in Netflix's Alien Worlds, joins the discussion. She dives into the adaptability of life on Earth, emphasizing how extremophiles inform the search for extraterrestrial life. Topics include the challenges of growing food on Mars, resilience of life forms, and ethical considerations in studying extraterrestrial organisms. The conversation also touches on upcoming missions to moons like Europa and Enceladus, exploring the potential for finding life in subsurface oceans.

Is a comet coming to destroy Earth? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Chuck Nice talk about the science behind Netflix’s comet apocalypse movie Don’t Look Up with director Adam McKay and astronomer Amy Mainzer. Are we all gonna die?NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free.Thanks to our Patrons Jay Merrifield, Ryan Gurrentz, Kyra Smith, Lyle Baillargeon, Robert Bratcher, Justin Arnold, Rebecca Murphy, Ben Moore, Shanna Reed, and DoujinSimple for supporting us this week.Photo Credit: Otemiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.