
Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe
Scientists Daniel and Kelly cannot stop talking about our amazing, wonderful, weird Universe! Each episode is a fun, easy-to-understand, and in-depth explanation of topics in science, from particles to black holes to moon colonies to ecosystems to parasites and everything else in the Universe!
Latest episodes

16 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 46min
Where does energy come from?
Delve into the fascinating world of energy! Discover what energy is and where it comes from, exploring its role in the universe. The playful banter highlights how caffeine influences energy levels, alongside intriguing cosmic connections. Unravel misconceptions around mass and energy, emphasizing their interplay and conservation principles. Get insights on the expanding universe and how it reshapes our understanding of energy dynamics. Plus, learn about safeguarding personal info in the digital age while enjoying a light-hearted take on sponsorships.

18 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 7min
Are Humans Still Evolving? (Featuring Scott Solomon)
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Scott Solomon, a teaching professor at Rice University and author of 'Future Humans,' delves into the fascinating world of human evolution. He explores whether we are still evolving and how factors like genetic drift and modern medicine play a role. The conversation touches on intriguing topics, including our microbiomes, the coexistence of hominid species, and the misconceptions surrounding evolution. Listeners are invited to ponder our evolutionary future amidst societal changes and scientific advances.

7 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 1min
How Does Memory Work? (Featuring Dr. Michael Yassa)
Dr. Michael Yassa, a leading neurobiologist and director at the UCI Brain Initiative, unpacks the fascinating world of memory. He compares our brains to computers, exploring how memories are formed and stored. Through humorous anecdotes, he sheds light on common forgetfulness and the evolutionary purpose of memory. The discussion also covers the advent of brain-computer interfaces, the mechanics of memory recall, and the impact of aging on memory health. Prepare to rethink what you know about your own mind!

23 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 58min
What is Entropy?
Dive into the complexities of entropy, where disorder and organization collide! Discover how it influences everything from physics to everyday life. Jazz shines a light on chaos, illustrating entropy's artistic angle. Explore history through pioneers like Boltzmann and Carnot while understanding the universe’s evolution from low-entropy beginnings to its eventual heat death. Plus, engage in a quirky discussion on financial literacy and dark energy. It's a mind-bending journey through science and art!

Apr 10, 2025 • 56min
Is nuclear power good for the environment? (ft. Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow)
In this episode, Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow, author of "Atomic Dreams," engages in a riveting discussion about nuclear power's complex relationship with environmentalism. She tackles the potential benefits of emissions-free power generation against the risks of toxic waste. The conversation explores historical shifts in public perception, the impact of incidents like Three Mile Island, and the resurgence of pro-nuclear sentiment amidst climate challenges. The role of new technologies and community concerns around waste management also feature prominently, offering a thought-provoking glimpse into nuclear energy's future.

Apr 8, 2025 • 49min
What is the future of nuclear power?
Dive into the fascinating world of nuclear power as two hosts break down the intricacies of fission and fusion. Discover how new reactor technologies aim to mitigate risks while navigating historical contexts and the evolution of light water reactors. Lively anecdotes about nerdy celebrations add a touch of humor, balancing serious discussions on environmental impacts and geopolitical implications. Explore innovative designs like gas-cooled reactors and thorium fuel, highlighting their promise in the fight against climate change.

10 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 1min
Crab Body Plans (Featuring Dr. Jo Wolfe)
Join Dr. Jo Wolfe, a Harvard research associate and crustacean evolution expert, as she unravels the mysteries of crab evolution. Discover why nature seems to keep reinventing crabs through the fascinating concept of carcinization. Dr. Wolfe clarifies misconceptions about true and false crabs, diving deep into their unique adaptations and evolutionary history. The conversation is filled with humor and personal anecdotes, making the complexities of evolutionary biology both engaging and entertaining!

Apr 1, 2025 • 51min
Listener Questions #8
The hosts dive into fascinating topics like electron spin and the behavior of particles in magnetic fields. They explore the mysterious vault organelle in cellular biology and its potential roles in detoxification and immune response. The conversation reveals how quantum fields are seen as waves, and the ongoing evolution of particle-wave duality. Listener questions drive the discussion, sparking curiosity about the intersections of physics and biology, as well as the complexities of quantum field theory.

12 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 8min
How does consciousness emerge?
In this engaging discussion, Prof. Megan Peters, Associate Professor of Cognitive Science at UC Irvine, dives into the enigmatic world of consciousness. She explores how our brain handles uncertainty and the practical implications for both humans and non-human animals. The conversation turns philosophical, considering the possibility of living in a simulation and pondering the consciousness of octopuses. With humor and insight, they discuss access versus phenomenal consciousness, challenging listeners to rethink what it means to be aware.

Mar 25, 2025 • 51min
Nettie Stevens and the Discovery of Sex Chromosomes
Discover the remarkable contributions of Dr. Nettie Stevens, a pioneer in genetics who unveiled the mysteries of sex chromosomes. Delve into her life and the historical context that shaped her groundbreaking research. The discussion touches on the challenges faced by early female scientists and the gender biases that clouded their recognition. There's also a fascinating blend of personal finance tips amidst scientific exploration, reminding us of the balance between innovation and everyday practicalities.
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