Ologies with Alie Ward

Black hole suns, wormholes, time travel, matter evaporation, and risk-taking advice with NASA astrophysicist Dr. Ronald Gamble Jr. Exploring the mysteries of black holes, interplay with the Big Bang theory, and quantum possibilities. Love, brilliance, and community engagement in science

Discover the basics of black holes with a NASA astrophysicist, from imaging techniques to gravitational pull. Explore the mysteries of black holes, their formation, and universal consistency in physics. Dive into the math and physics of black holes, including the limitations of relativity and the need for quantum gravity theories. Delve into the classification of black holes, the singularity, event horizon, and the imaging of the event horizon of the black hole M87.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, large carnivore ecologist, shares insights on hibernation, carnivore microbiomes, and the intelligence of bears. She discusses stuffing baby bears in coats, the tasting abilities of carnivores, and the vegetarian carnivore concept. The podcast delves into the unique adaptations and behaviors of carnivores like wolves and how they interact with humans.

Dr. Elizabeth Condgon, a hydrochoerologist, takes us on a delightful journey into the world of capybaras. She discusses their unique physical features, cultural significance, and the experience of studying them in the wild. The chapter also explores their behavior, presence in Florida, and their potential as pets. Additionally, it touches on the habitat of capybaras, their coexistence with cows, and the joy of talking about these snub-nosed relaxation experts.

Madhur Anand, a creative ecologist, climate scientist, theoretical ecologist, author, and poet, discusses the connection between storytelling and science, forest beetles, carbon stability, overcoming creative blocks, and the intersection of science and art, emphasizing their fundamental essence in humanity.

Dr. Raven The Science Maven explores molecular biology, discussing cellular factories, curing cancer, unravelled DNA, and mysteries of the brain. Learn about the complexity of cells, DNA, proteins, and epigenetics. Find Raven's content, social media, and book recommendations.

Evolutionary Anthropology (METABOLISM) with Herman Pontzer: Explore debunking dieting myths, mitochondrial backstories, flaws of the Body Mass Index, crash dieting's impact on metabolism, exercise for hunter gatherers, carnivore diets, and more with Professor Herman Pontzer, a metabolism researcher.

Adam Wall, a carcinologist, discusses various intriguing topics about crabs in this podcast. He covers the unique characteristics of crabs, the challenges of humans evolving into crabs, mental health, affordable clothing, and the evolutionary advantage of crab claws. The podcast also explores the mating behavior of fiddler crabs, the diversity and importance of crustaceans, and ends with a discussion about studying crabs and personal enjoyment with the guest.

Dr. Allison Shultz, professional plumologist, discusses feathers and their evolution, characteristics, and functions. Topics include peacock plumes, the blackest black birds, waterproof feathers, and flightless birds. This episode also explores the connection between feathers and mosquito-transmitted diseases.

Claw hands! Beady eyes! Pinching forces that could crack your skull! Gentleman, scholar, curator of the Natural History Museum’s crustacea collection and Carcinologist Adam Wall takes us on a tour of the museum’s crab bunker to discuss everything from the tiniest to the most hauntingly giant crabs, discovering new species, crabs that are NOT crabs, sea monkeys, hairy crabs, hermit crabs, crab dongs, crab butts, crab butters, the secret history of secret Maryland spices, Amelia Earhart rumors, giant invasive crabs in Norway, behind the scenes Hollywood crabs, and so much more. So dazzling and comprehensive and weird – we had to crack this episode in two. Make sure to catch next week’s. View Adam’s papers on ResearchGateFind him barely ever posting on TwitterA donation went to NHM.org’s Marine Biodiversity Center’s fairy shrimp researchMore episode sources and linksSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesOther episodes you may enjoy: Pectinidology (SCALLOPS),  Echinology (SEA URCHINS & SAND DOLLARS), Scatology (POOP), Biomineralogy (SHELLS), Oceanology (OCEANS), Lutrinology (OTTERS), Conotoxinology (CONE SNAIL VENOM), Cheloniology (SEA TURTLES), Cnidariology (CORAL)Sponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, stickers, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio ProductionsTranscripts by Aveline MalekWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn