AMSE Science Report with Simon Cordrey
AMSEcast
Author Simon Cordrey discusses the early days of the railroad and how that changed America.
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AMSE Science Report with Jay Feldman
AMSEcast
Author Jay Feldman and Alan Lowe, Director of the AMSE Foundation discuss his book, When the Mississippi Ran Backwards.
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Planetary Defense 101 with Dr. Robin Andrews
AMSEcast
Alan Lowe is joined in this episode of AMSEcast by Dr. Robin Andrews, volcanologist, science journalist, and author of How to Kill an Asteroid. Dr. Andrews explores how modern planetary defense blends cutting-edge detection networks, such as NASA’s NEO Surveyor, with active deflection efforts like the DART mission, which successfully shifted an asteroid’s orbit. He also delves into theoretical approaches, including gravity tractors and even nuclear options as last-resort strategies. While comets remain a tougher, faster-moving threat, advances in technology continue to make catastrophic...
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AMSE Science Report with Author Michele Gelfand
AMSEcast
Michele J. Gelfand is the John H. Scully Professor of Cross-Cultural Management Professor of Organizational Behavior and Psychology at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Her book, RULE MAKERS, RULE BREAKERS: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World takes readers on a journey through a variety of human cultures, exploring unique a multi-faceted glimpse into the world around us and ourselves.
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Invention and Exploration at the Smithsonian Institution
AMSEcast
Host Alan Lowe continues AMSEcast’s exploration of 250 years of American innovation with Smithsonian experts Harold Wallace Jr., Dr. Eric Hintz, and Tim Pula. Together, they trace invention from Benjamin Franklin’s experiments to modern breakthroughs, highlighting the Smithsonian’s exhibitions, collections, and hands-on learning at Spark!Lab. The discussion spans collaboration with the Library of Congress, the role of failure in creativity, and how patents shape (but don’t define) innovation. The guests also reflect on nuclear technology’s history and social impact, and share how...
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Exploring the Human Microbiome with Dr. Bob Hettich
AMSEcast
Dr. Robert Hettich is a pioneer in bioanalytical mass spectrometry. In this episode of AMSEcast, he describes how microbiomes form, vary across the body, and influence digestion, immunity, and overall health. Dr. Hettich also explains metaproteomics, the study of microbial proteins, to reveal how microbes function beyond their genes as well as their applications from human health to environmental cleanup and bioenergy. Inspired by his daughter’s experience with Crohn’s, Robert Hettich is especially focused on microbiomes’ links to inflammatory and neurological diseases, including...
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One Woman's Personal Journey Through Sexism in Science author on AMSE Science Report
AMSEcast
Dr. Colwell shares her insight on the progression of women in science through the years. Framed by her own experiences we learn about her incredible work.
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The History of the American Railroad with Albert Churella
AMSEcast
Railroads have shaped America’s growth, technology, and daily life for nearly two centuries. In this episode of AMSEcast, Alan talks with Dr. Albert Churella of Kennesaw State University about how innovations such as the automatic knuckle coupler, Westinghouse’s air brake, and the move from steam to diesel transformed safety and efficiency. Dr. Churella explains how signaling, centralized traffic control, and GPS-based Positive Train Control modernized operations. While U.S. passenger service lags Europe, its freight rail system leads the world in ton-miles, fuel efficiency, and low...
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AMSE Science Report with Marc Wortman
AMSEcast
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AMSE Science Report with Richard Ellis
AMSEcast
Author Richard Ellis speaks about his latest book The Quest for the Cosmic Dawn. A breakdown of the earliest moments of our celestial cosmic soup.
info_outline- (1:14) Edison’s process for thinking up ideas and bringing them to fruition
- (2:40) How Edison overcame hearing loss to accomplish so much
- (3:42) Edison’s improvements to the telegraph and telephone
- (6:36) How Edison organized and staffed his Menlo Park lab
- (9:51) Why he moved to West Orange, NJ, and what became of Menlo Park
- (12:28) Edison’s work with light bulbs, motion picture technology, and batteries
- (19:03) What Edison would do when he hit a wall on a project
- (20:39) Lessons from Menlo Park that future innovators should learn
- (22:43) What a tour of the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park includes
- Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park: https://www.menloparkmuseum.org/