Discover how animals like birds and locusts form leaderless groups, revealing the secrets behind their collective behaviors. Learn about the technological advances that are transforming our understanding of these dynamics and their implications for survival. Delve into the alarming impact of locust swarms on global food security and the surprising behaviors they exhibit. The podcast also ties biology with digital simulations, exploring how insights into fish vision could influence robotics and vehicle movement.

John Preskill, a theoretical physicist at Caltech, delves into the mind-bending world of quantum teleportation. He explains how this phenomenon, while vastly different from sci-fi depictions, is paving the way for revolutionary communication technology. The discussion unpacks quantum entanglement, illustrating how entangled particles can influence each other across vast distances. Preskill also explores the implications for quantum computing and advancements in material science and medicine, making complex concepts accessible and thrilling.

In this conversation, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Frank Wilczek explores the perplexing nature of time. He unpacks the idea that time may be an illusion, contrasting personal experiences with its scientific definitions. The discussion highlights Einstein's revolutionary impact on our understanding of time and links it intriguingly to dark matter through the concept of axions. Wilczek also reflects on the critical role of accurate timekeeping in scientific breakthroughs and the future potential of time research.

Stephanie Preston, a psychology professor and head of the Ecological Neuroscience Lab at the University of Michigan, discusses the fascinating evolution of altruism. She explores how empathy and decision-making have developed across species, challenging the notion of selfish survival. The podcast highlights the interplay between hormones and brain activity in caregiving, showcasing how heroic acts occur even in crisis. It also examines the societal impact of in-group biases on empathy and emphasizes the importance of storytelling in motivating altruistic actions, particularly for climate engagement.

Terence Tao, a celebrated mathematician and Fields Medal recipient, delves into what makes for 'good' mathematics. He discusses the evolution of mathematical concepts, blending personal values and collaborative understanding. Tao explores how technological advancements like AI are transforming the field and fostering openness among mathematicians. He emphasizes the significance of public engagement and community involvement in math, illustrating its real-world applications, especially in revolutionizing MRI technology through interdisciplinary efforts.

Renowned mathematician and Fields Medalist Terence Tao joins Nobel Prize-winning physicist Frank Wilczek for a deep dive into the wonders of scientific inquiry. They explore the complexities of the universe while emphasizing the importance of collaboration in tackling intricate problems. Expect fascinating insights into mathematical concepts and the nature of scientific discovery that will spark your curiosity and inspire you to question the world around you.

Even empty space bubbles with energy, according to quantum mechanics — and that fact affects almost every facet of physical reality. The theoretical physicist Isabel Garcia Garcia explains to Steven Strogatz why it’s so important in modern physics to understand what a true vacuum is. The post Does Nothingness Exist? first appeared on Quanta Magazine

Abnormal waves of electrical activity can cause a heart’s muscle cells to beat out of sync. In this episode, Flavio Fenton, an expert in cardiac dynamics, talks with Steve Strogatz about ways to treat heart arrhythmias without resorting to painful defibrillators. The post Can Math and Physics Save an Arrhythmic Heart? first appeared on Quanta Magazine

Jellyfish and other aquatic creatures embody solutions to diverse problems in engineering, medicine and mathematics. John Dabiri, a fluid dynamics expert, talks with Steven Strogatz about what jellyfish can teach us about going with the flow. The post What Can Jellyfish Teach Us About Fluid Dynamics? first appeared on Quanta Magazine

Wave-science researcher Ton van den Bremer and Steven Strogatz discuss how rogue waves can form in relatively calm seas and whether their threat can be predicted. The post What Causes Giant Rogue Waves? first appeared on Quanta Magazine