Particles of Thought

Join mineralogist Robert (Bob) Hazen and astrobiologist Mike Wong as they propose a groundbreaking Law of Increasing Functional Information. They dive into how complexity emerges in life and the universe, discussing the differences between scientific laws and theories. The duo explains the critical role of context and selection in evolving systems, illustrating their ideas with real-world examples from minerals to AI innovation. Their insights challenge traditional views and open new avenues for understanding complexity, life, and even cooking!

Black holes get a bad rap. They’ve been cast as the monsters of the cosmos — gobbling up stars and stretching anything that gets too close into cosmic spaghetti. But black hole expert Janna Levin thinks they’re just misunderstood. A theoretical physicist, author, and founding scientific director of Pioneer Works, Janna has spent her career decoding these mysterious objects. In this episode, she dives into the strange physics of black holes: what they are, what they sound like, what happens if you fall into one, and how there’s a lighter side to every black hole. Janna shares why black holes might not be the end of everything — but the beginning of something even weirder.Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Hany Farid is a Professor of computer science and digital forensics at UC Berkeley and Chief Science Officer at GetReal Labs, focusing on deepfake detection and misinformation. He discusses how AI can manipulate reality and the challenges in distinguishing real from fake media. Hany explains the technology behind deepfakes, including generative adversarial networks, and highlights detection methods. He warns about the public's inability to spot fakes and emphasizes the need for trusted journalism. The conversation touches on AI's impact on jobs, education, and the future of creativity.

Dr. Kirk Johnson, the Sant Director at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History and a paleo expert, dives deep into fossils and the ancient history of life on Earth. He shares fascinating insights about how fossils form, the origins of Earth's oceans, and his experience discovering fossil-rich sites worldwide. Kirk discusses the significance of the Burgess Shale, how asteroids may hold clues about early water, and reveals tips for aspiring fossil hunters. Join him for a journey through millions of years of Earth's history!

What happens when brilliant minds collide? In Particles of Thought, astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi is obsessed with understanding not just what the world's greatest scientists know, but how they think. From quantum mechanics clashing with general relativity to fossil memories written in ancient rocks, each conversation captures those electrifying moments when curiosity sparks new understanding. Join Hakeem as he explores the downright bizarre, the subatomic, and the furthest reaches of the universe through the minds that dare to question everything.Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content and exclusive videos.