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AMSE Science Report with Carl Zimmer

AMSEcast

Release Date: 12/03/2024

AMSE Science Report with guest Camper English show art AMSE Science Report with guest Camper English

AMSEcast

Whether you like to have an occasional drink or are a teetotaler, you will enjoy a conversation I had on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Camper English about his book Doctors and Distillers: The Remarkable Medicinal History of Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Cocktails. Camper’s book is a fascinating look at how, over the centuries, many alcohols and various things we add today to cocktails originally had medicinal purposes.   For example, monks in the Middle Ages were at the center of research on agriculture and the distillation of alcohol. One thing they produced for medicinal uses can be found...

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The Wonders of Psychological Science with Joel Levy show art The Wonders of Psychological Science with Joel Levy

AMSEcast

Renowned author and science historian, Joel Levy, shares his expertise on consciousness, intelligence, and the delicate dance between nature and nurture. Through his latest work, "Psychology for Busy People," the discussion traverses psychology's extensive history, from its origins to contemporary challenges and applications. Joel offers captivating perspectives on thought experiments, the core of consciousness, the nature-nurture debate, and the subtleties of mental health. Tune in as Alan and Joel guide us through the intriguing and complex realm of psychology.   Show Highlights...

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AMSE Science Report with guest Sam Kean Author of the Bastard Brigade show art AMSE Science Report with guest Sam Kean Author of the Bastard Brigade

AMSEcast

Ridge, Tennessee. Our home of Oak Ridge got its start as a major part of the monumental Manhattan Project, the nation’s successful effort to build the first atomic bomb and end World War II. We talk a lot at AMSE and the K-25 Atomic History Center about the history of the Project, the science and engineering behind it, and the role of Oak Ridge and other locations in its successful outcome. But what is hard to teach is the atmosphere that surrounded that work. Our nation was at war, our soldiers and marines, our sailors and airmen, fighting and dying on the battlefields of Europe and Africa,...

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AMSE Science Report with Carl Zimmer show art AMSE Science Report with Carl Zimmer

AMSEcast

I have a fundamental question for you – what is life? For something seemingly so basic, it is quite hard to define. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Carl Zimmer, took on that topic in his book Life’s Edge: The Search for What It Means to Be Alive. I spoke with Carl on our podcast, AMSEcast, and, among other indicators of life, he raised one that was a bit surprising – life is defined, in part, by decision making, and not just for us creatures who have brains. 

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Finding Balance Between Tightness & Looseness with Dr. Michele Gelfand show art Finding Balance Between Tightness & Looseness with Dr. Michele Gelfand

AMSEcast

Dr. Michele Gelfand is a cultural psychologist and author of Rule Makers, Rule Breakers. She joins us to discusses how “tight” and “loose” cultures shape societies. Tight cultures, like Japan’s, respond to threats with strict rules and order, while looser ones, like the U.S., allow greater flexibility. Gelfand suggests a balanced “Goldilocks” approach, adjusting strictness and flexibility to suit each environment's needs, from families to organizations. She also explores online accountability, recommending "nudges" to promote civility, and sees AI as a potential tool for managing...

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How Windell Oskay is Inspiring a New Generation of Mad Scientists show art How Windell Oskay is Inspiring a New Generation of Mad Scientists

AMSEcast

In this episode, Alan talks with Windell Oskay, co-founder of Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories. Windell discusses updating Make: The Annotated Build-it-Yourself Science Laboratory, a childhood favorite of his, to inspire today’s young scientists. They highlight the importance of hands-on learning, creativity, and safety, especially in electrical experiments. Windell is also the author of Open Circuits: The Inner Beauty of Electronic Components, which explores the hidden beauty inside electronics, showcasing intricate cross-sections of devices from vacuum tubes to smartphones. Additionally, he...

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AMSE Science Report with guest Luis Elizondo show art AMSE Science Report with guest Luis Elizondo

AMSEcast

Welcome to the AMSE Science Report. Are we alone in the universe? Many people are now taking a fresh look at that question thanks to recent revelations about unidentified aerial phenomena or UAPs, and those revelations have been spearheaded by the important work of Luis Elizondo. Lue recently joined me on our podcast, AMSEcast, to talk about his New York Times bestselling book, Imminent: Inside the Pentagon’s Hunt for UFOs. In a truly incredible, candid, eye-opening conversation, we spoke about several characteristics that distinguish these seemingly inexplicable vehicles. Here is part of...

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AMSE Science Report Sava Sobel show art AMSE Science Report Sava Sobel

AMSEcast

Dava Sobel is an American writer of popular expositions of scientific topics. Her books include , about English clockmaker ; , about 's daughter ; and The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars about the . Taken from Wikipedia

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AMSE Science Report with Ian McNeely show art AMSE Science Report with Ian McNeely

AMSEcast

Welcome to The AMSE Science Report. I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Ian McNeely, about his fascinating book titled Reinventing Knowledge: From Alexandria to the Internet.  At our institutions in Oak Ridge we focus every day on the collection and use of knowledge, so it was fascinating to talk with Ian about how knowledge has been viewed and transmitted throughout the ages.  

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The Many Technological Advancements of Asad Madni show art The Many Technological Advancements of Asad Madni

AMSEcast

Alan Lowe sits down with the renowned Dr. Asad Madni. Dr. Madni shares his extraordinary journey as an engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur, detailing his groundbreaking contributions to fields like digital signal processing, MEMS technology, and artificial intelligence. From revolutionizing the Naval fleet with the Transline Analyzer to advancing automotive safety with MEMS gyroscopes, Dr. Madni's innovations have left an indelible mark on modern technology. Listen in as he discusses career insights, the future of AI, and the importance of creativity, ethics, and continuous learning in...

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I have a fundamental question for you – what is life? For something seemingly so basic, it is quite hard to define. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Carl Zimmer, took on that topic in his book Life’s Edge: The Search for What It Means to Be Alive. I spoke with Carl on our podcast, AMSEcast, and, among other indicators of life, he raised one that was a bit surprising – life is defined, in part, by decision making, and not just for us creatures who have brains.