Exhibiting the Best of the Smithsonian with Jennifer Collins and Nicole Webster
AMSEcast
Alan takes a trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to speak with Nicole Webster, the Manager of School and Teacher Programs, and Jennifer Collins, Learning Experience Manager for Exhibits and Initiatives. Broadcasting from the museum itself, the discussion revolves around its fascinating history, impressive collections, and impactful educational initiatives. With over 4 million annual visitors on-site and 10 million online, the museum is a hub of scientific knowledge and public engagement. Nicole and Jennifer explain the intricacies of the museum's exhibits, educational...
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Materials and All Matters of Science with Mark Miodownik
AMSEcast
Materials scientist and BBC presenter Dr. Mark Miodownik joins AMSEcast to discuss his latest book, It’s a Gas. He explores the hidden world of gases, from steam’s role in electricity production to methane’s surprising history. The conversation spans George Washington’s scientific curiosity, oxygen’s life-saving importance, and the chemistry of scent. Mark also unpacks the science of hot air and hydrogen balloons, noble gases, and carbon capture technology’s potential to combat climate change. Looking ahead, he envisions a future of sustainable materials and repairable goods....
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AMSE Science Report with guest Keith Houston
AMSEcast
Keith Houston, author of the book, Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator joined us to recently to speak on our podcast AMSEcast. We talked about counting and ciphering from the earliest days of humanity up to the momentous creation of those wonderful pocket devices in the 1970’s. One of the historic models we spoke about was the TI 81 that became a worldwide sensation for Texas Instruments.
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AMSE Science Report with guest Saul David
AMSEcast
Part of our mission at the AMSE Foundation is to tell the story of the Manhattan Project and to do that, we must discuss the horrible conflict that led to that massive effort to build the atomic bomb. With that in mind, I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Saul David, author of Crucible of Hell: The Heroism and Tragedy of Okinawa, 1945. Saul explains, Okinawa, for many reasons, was seen as a natural stepping stone to an invasion of the Japanese home islands.
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Nuclear Safety Innovation with Ashley Stowe
AMSEcast
Dr. Ashley Stowe is the director of the Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center (ORETTC) at Y-12 National Security Complex, and he joins AMSEcast to discuss his career and the mission of Y-12. With a PhD in chemistry and an MBA, Dr. Stowe leads efforts to support nuclear deterrence, fuel the nuclear navy, and advance global security. Opened in 2023, ORETTC trains first responders using cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality to simulate nuclear scenarios. Upcoming projects include a second facility with advanced capabilities and tools like immersive LED volumes and holographic...
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AMSE Science Report with Katie McKissick
AMSEcast
Katie McKissick, author of the book DNA is You: The Marvelous Science Behind Your One-Of-A-Kind-Ness is our guest on this episode of The AMSE Science Report. Our wide ranging conversation looks at the mechanisms of DNA and how it shapes our lives.
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Building the Empire of the Sum with Keith Houston
AMSEcast
Keith Houston is the author of Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator. He joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to discuss the history of calculating. From the ancient Lebombo bone to mechanical calculators, Keith covers the evolution of calculating tools. This includes modern milestones like John Napier’s logarithms, the HP-35 scientific calculator, and the TI-81’s impact on U.S. classrooms. Keith also discusses his forthcoming book, Face With Tears of Joy. In this book, he explores the history, culture, and governance of emojis. Guest Bio Keith...
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AMSEcast Conversations: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush
AMSEcast
Alan Lowe, Executive Director of the American Museum of Science and Energy, launches AMSEcast Conversations with a compelling discussion on Jay Hakes’ book, The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush. The panel, featuring Hakes alongside energy experts David McCollum and Charles Sims, traces the origins of modern climate science to the 1950s work of Roger Revelle and Dave Keeling. The panel explores the evolution of climate science, the challenges of political resistance, and the growing urgency of action in the face of today’s visible climate impacts....
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A Theory of Everyone with Michael Muthukrishna
AMSEcast
Dr. Michael Muthukrishna, Associate Professor at LSE, joins Alan to explore his book, A Theory of Everyone. It reveals how cultural evolution—our “software” of beliefs, language, and logic—shaped humanity's unique trajectory. He explains the "laws" of energy and innovation: energy abundance fuels cooperation and progress, while innovations like the steam engine drive efficiency and competition. Michael highlights the "paradox of diversity," where fresh ideas thrive amid aligned communication and norms. He links societal challenges like division and inequality to resource scarcity and...
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AMSE Science Report The Physics of Santa
AMSEcast
A few thoughts on the 24 hour, madcap & meteoric flight across the planet
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