STEM of History with Dr. Todd Braje
AMSEcast
Dr. Todd Braje, the Executive Director of the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History, discusses his book, Understanding Imperiled Earth. He shows how analyzing data from many disciplines, such as archaeology and history, can help address some of the environmental challenges we face today.
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STEM of History The Science of Archives
AMSEcast
We have a great conversation with Lorraine Daston editor of Science in the Archives: Pasts, Presents, Futures.
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Connecting Cultures and Cosmos with Ed Krupp
AMSEcast
Dr. E.C. “Ed” Krupp joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to discuss the Griffith Observatory and his role as its longtime director. Now in its 90th year, the observatory remains a hub for public astronomy, drawing over 1.6 million visitors annually. Ed shares its educational mission, including a fifth-grade program and immersive exhibits like “Water is Life.” He also discusses archaeoastronomy, the cross-disciplinary study of ancient skywatching, and how visiting historical sites deepens our understanding of past cultures. From the Hopi village of Walpi to upcoming lunar livestreams...
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The keys to innovation
AMSEcast
Highlights of conversations about innovation from AMSEcast. The Podcast of the American Museum of Science and Energy.
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AMSE Science Report: Walter Borneman recently spoke to us about his book, MacArthur at War: World War II in the Pacific
AMSEcast
Noted historian Walter Borneman recently spoke to us about his book, MacArthur at War: World War II in the Pacific. Few characters loom as large in that war than Douglas MacArthur, and Walt’s book gives a terrific look at how this enigmatic man helped lead our nation to victory over the Japanese. After his narrow escape from the Philippines as the Japanese invaded, MacArthur set up his headquarters in Australia in a time that looked very bad for the allies. Walt offers unique perspective on MacArthur’s field of operations as the allies began to turn the tables against the Japanese empire.
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AMSE Science Report Al Romig
AMSEcast
On this episode, being recorded at the National Academy of Sciences Building in Washington, DC, I’m very honored to be joined by Dr. Alton D. Romig, Jr. Al has had a truly exceptional career, full of more awards than I can list today. Most recently, for example, the 2024 IEEE McClure Citation of Honor for engineering leadership, and more positions than I can include today, but they’ve included leadership roles at Sandia National Lab, service as vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Development Programs, better known to all of us as the famous Skunk Works. And...
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Kathleen Carlucci, the Director of the Thomas Edison Center talks history
AMSEcast
We always celebrate at our museums the rich history of American innovation, but we’re putting a special spotlight on that history as we approach the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026. To help us with that, we spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Kathleen Carlucci, the Director of the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park. Thanks to his host of revolutionary innovations and inventions, Thomas Edison changed our world with technologies like the phonograph, motion pictures, electric light, and the list truly goes on and on. Altogether he obtained 1,093 US patents, and 1,250 patents in 34 other...
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Gunpowder: From Alchemy to Empire with Jack Kelly
AMSEcast
Jack Kelly joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to talk about his book Gunpowder: Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics. They discuss gunpowder’s accidental invention in 10th-century China and its explosive mix of saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur. Kelly explains how gunpowder shaped science and warfare, fueling revolutions in physics, ending the era of castles, and powering colonial empires. Though once too expensive for civilian use, gunpowder later drove mining and infrastructure projects before being replaced by safer, more powerful explosives like dynamite. Kelly also previews his...
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Future-Focused Research with Dr. David Sholl
AMSEcast
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Tracks Across America with Simon Cordery
AMSEcast
Alan Lowe speaks with Dr. Simon Cordery about the transformative role of railroads in American history. From the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1828 to a national network by 1916, Cordery details how rail shaped commerce, industry, and infrastructure. He also explores regulation, from early oversight efforts to the 1980 Staggers Act, which revitalized the struggling industry. The conversation touches on Amtrak’s dependence on subsidies, the challenges of expansion, and the promise of high-speed rail. Cordery also previews his book on Albert Pullman, a largely forgotten innovator behind the...
info_outline- (1:24) When the Chinese invented gunpowder and when it arrived in Europe
- (2:35) The ingredients of gunpowder
- (3:54) Why saltpeter is such a challenging ingredient to produce
- (5:43) Challenges faced by European engineers in the production of gunpowder
- (8:34) What the development of chemistry revealed about how gunpowder works
- (10:46) How gunpowder influenced sciences like physics in Europe
- (12:51) When guns and cannons were introduced
- (14:12) Gunpowder’s impact on European architecture, such as castles
- (16:39) The commercial uses of gunpowder
- (20:12) Replacements for gunpowder in weapons and other explosives today
- (22:51) Modern uses for black powder
- (24:26) What Jack Kelly is currently working on
- Heaven’s Ditch: God, Gold, and Murder on the Erie Canal:
- https://www.amazon.com/Heavens-Ditch-Jack-Kelly-audiobook/dp/B01HU77DIC/
- God Save Benedict Arnold: The True Story of America’s Most Hated Man: https://www.amazon.com/God-Save-Benedict-Arnold-Americas-ebook/dp/B0BQGFMLFK/
- Gunpowder: Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics: The History of the Explosive that Changed the World: https://www.amazon.com/Gunpowder-Alchemy-Bombards-Pyrotechnics-Explosive-ebook/dp/B009IU57IS/