StarTalk Radio

Space archaeologist Sarah Parcak discusses using NASA satellites and LIDAR to unearth hidden structures like pyramids and tombs. They debunk alien theories, highlight citizen archaeology, and explore collaborations with planetary scientists on celestial bodies. The episode also touches on the role of experts, human resilience throughout history, and the democratization of high-resolution satellite imagery.

Expert physicist Charles Liu joins Neil deGrasse Tyson to explore the physics behind breakdancing and BMX at the Olympics. They dive into the evolution of breakdancing, unique traits of breakdancers, rotational innovation in competition dynamics, and the complexity of athletic movements in various sports. The discussion also touches on the cultural influence and aspirational goals on a global stage.

Theoretical physicist Sean Carroll discusses quantum physics, Schrodinger's Cat, Hilbert Space, electrons, and big ideas. Topics include fields, particles, scientific disagreements, altering physical constants, entanglement, quantum interpretations, encryption, dark matter, free will, and decision-making.

Food scientist Arielle Johnson discusses flavor complexities, umami, terroir influence, and the science of taste perception with Neil deGrasse Tyson. They explore the evolution of flavor in food, artificial flavors, and the multi-billion dollar flavor industry. Topics also include the psychology of taste, breeding practices for flavorful fruits, challenges of microgravity agriculture, and future collaborations in taste tests and a forthcoming book.

Theoretical physicist Katherine Freese discusses dark matter, dark stars, and the potential link to JWST’s discoveries. They touch on the mysteries of dark matter particles, neutrino discovery, and the role of dark matter in shaping the universe. Also explored are dark stars fueled by dark matter and the idea of black holes creating dark matter themselves.

Astrophysicist Lisa Kaltenegger discusses potential alien worlds and exoplanet discovery with Neil deGrasse Tyson. Topics include higher oxygen leading to dinosaurs, the search for signs of life on exoplanets, and the debate on the origins of amino acids in space or on Earth.

Astrophysicist Janna Levin and comedian Matt Kirshen discuss interstellar travel, black holes, time loops, and the possibility of life on exoplanets. They explore the dynamics of falling into a black hole, wormholes, event horizons, and dark energy, with a touch of humor and scientific exploration.

Theoretical physicist Brian Greene joins Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice to discuss particles getting mass, Higgs boson, dark matter, and theories of particle physics. They explore supersymmetry, shadow particles, and the vacuum of space, touching on higher dimensions, dark energy, and the cosmological constant.

Neuroscientist Brett Kagan discusses creating brain cells to integrate with technology, curing diseases like Parkinson's, and ethical implications. They explore the transfer of real-world knowledge into neurons, potential for artificial intelligence, and measuring intelligence in biological systems. The conversation touches on consciousness, collaboration in science, and combining biological and silicon processing for specialized tasks.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice discuss stillness in the universe, humans on Mars, and selecting music for the Voyager Golden Record. Topics include strength differences on Mars, 3D printing in space travel, absolute stillness in quantum physics, and the behaviors of particles in black holes.