AMSEcast
Produced from the American Museum of Science and Energy, AMSEcast invites guests from the world of science, literature, and technology to share unique perspectives from the realm of the highly trained and curiously minded.
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AMSE Science Report with guest Keith Houston
02/17/2025
AMSE Science Report with guest Keith Houston
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
02/14/2025
AMSE Science Report with guest Saul David
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
02/12/2025
Nuclear Safety Innovation with Ashley Stowe
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 tables, ensuring effective training, workforce development, and leadership in global nuclear security. Guest Bio Dr. Ashley Stowe is the director of the Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center (ORETTC) at Y-12 National Security Complex, a role he has held since 2021. Joining Y-12 in 2007, Dr. Stowe has served in various leadership positions, including senior development chemist, Googin Fellow, and director of the Nuclear Forensics and Detection Initiative. He also led CNS’s university and minority-serving institution partnership programs. Dr. Stowe holds a PhD in chemistry from Florida State University and an MBA from the University of Tennessee. An accomplished researcher and adjunct professor, he is widely recognized for his contributions to nuclear science. Show Highlights (0:35) Introducing Dr. Ashley Stowe (1:40) How Ashley began his journey to Y-12 (3:49) Y-12’s overall mission and how it’s operated (7:22) How people who receive ORETTC training are chosen and where they find trainers (9:54) The technology used during training at ORETTC (11:00) The types of facilities ORETTC is training to address during emergencies (14:23) How Ashley evaluates the effectiveness of training (20:15) Steps students and others can take to follow in Ashley’s footsteps (25:12) What’s next for ORETTC (28:58) ORETTC’s LED volume Link Referenced Ashley Stowe email: [email protected]
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AMSE Science Report with Katie McKissick
02/02/2025
AMSE Science Report with Katie McKissick
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
01/29/2025
Building the Empire of the Sum with Keith Houston
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 Houston is the author of many books. In Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator, he explores the story behind this revolutionary tool. Keith is also the creator of the Shady Characters blog where he covers the history of punctuation and typography. He is working on a new book that dives into the history of emojis. Show Highlights (1:55) When humans started counting (4:37) How the abacus and counting board advanced our ability to calculate (6:28) The creation of the algorithm (11:13) Why the Curta stands out in the evolution of the calculator (18:00) Why the Pocketronic from Texas Instruments was so groundbreaking (25:44) How the HANDY-LE fits into the story of calculating (26:30) HP’s role in revolutionizing calculating with the HP-35 (29:05) How the TI-81 was able to be found in classrooms around the world (34:15) America’s reaction to calculators in the classroom setting (36:17) What’s next for Keith Houston Links Referenced Shady Characters: Shady Characters: The Secret Life of Punctuation, Symbols, and Other Typographical Marks: The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time: Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator: Face With Tears of Joy:
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AMSEcast Conversations: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush
01/15/2025
AMSEcast Conversations: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush
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. Their discussion emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and persistence in addressing global climate challenges. Guest Bio Jay Hakes is an accomplished author and energy policy expert whose latest book, The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush, explores the intersection of science and leadership. Previously, Jay authored Energy Crises: Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Hard Choices in the 1970s. He served for 13 years as Director of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta and was Administrator of the Energy Information Administration during the Clinton administration. Jay also worked under President Obama as Director of Research and Policy for the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Commission, bringing deep expertise to critical energy challenges. David McCollum is a leading expert in energy and environmental policy, serving as part of the distinguished R&D staff in the Mobility and Energy Transitions Analysis Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). He also holds a joint faculty appointment at the University of Tennessee’s Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs in Knoxville. David’s work focuses on the critical intersections of energy systems, transportation, and sustainability, bringing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a low-carbon future. His expertise bridges research and policy, making him a key voice in addressing global energy and climate issues. Charles Sims is an expert in energy and environmental policy, currently serving as the director of the Center for Energy, Transportation, and Environmental Policy at the University of Tennessee (UT) in Knoxville. He holds the TVA Distinguished Professorship of Energy and Environmental Policy at UT's Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs and is also an associate professor in the Department of Economics. Charles' work focuses on the economic and policy implications of energy systems and environmental challenges, offering valuable insights into the complex relationship between energy, transportation, and sustainable development. Show Highlights (2:49) When scientists realized that climate was changing and human activities were the major cause (4:35) The Keeling Curve (7:18) Why the public’s perception of climate change has shifted over the years (17:14) Eisenhower’s introduction to climate change and its impact on Atoms for Peace (20:49) JFK’s awareness of the climate change issue (26:38) How climate change factored into decisions made during LBJ’s Great Society (31:20) President Nixon and climate change (38:23) The failed marriage between climate science and nuclear power (41:36) Facing climate change on an international scale (48:42) How to test sources on climate change and the importance of good communication (54:16) Are there any positive outlooks on climate change at this point in time? Links Referenced The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush: Energy Crises: Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Hard Choices in the 1970s:
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A Theory of Everyone with Michael Muthukrishna
01/02/2025
A Theory of Everyone with Michael Muthukrishna
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 calls for leveraging technologies like AI and startup cities to foster collaboration, sustainable innovation, and global progress. Guest Bio Dr. Michael Muthukrishna is an Associate Professor of Psychological and Behavioral Science at the London School of Economics, with a unique academic foundation in software engineering and psychology from the University of Queensland, and advanced degrees from the University of British Columbia. He has held prestigious roles at Harvard, Yale, and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. Recognized for his groundbreaking work, Michael has received accolades like the 2024 Excellence in Quantitative Methods Research Award and a John Templeton Foundation grant. He is the author of the acclaimed book, A Theory of Everyone, which redefines how we understand human evolution and progress. Show Highlights (2:24) What A Theory of Everyone entails (12:14) The fundamental “law” of energy (20:31) The “law” of innovation (22:47) COMPASS - the seven secrets of innovation (26:22) The paradox of diversity (30:20) How humans’ big heads have affected our evolution (38:11) The next level of human cultural evolution (46:25) The necessary steps to the next stage of tying societies back together (52:10) How to protect the engine of growth amidst negative circumstances (54:23) What’s next for Michael Muthukrisha Links Referenced A Theory of Everyone: The New Science of Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We’re Going:
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AMSE Science Report The Physics of Santa
12/21/2024
AMSE Science Report The Physics of Santa
A few thoughts on the 24 hour, madcap & meteoric flight across the planet
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The Hidden Lives of Ants with Susanne Foitzik
12/18/2024
The Hidden Lives of Ants with Susanne Foitzik
Alan, an ant enthusiast since childhood, is joined by Susanne Foitzik, author of Empire of Ants: The Hidden Worlds and Extraordinary Lives of Earth’s Tiny Conquerors. She explains that while queens start colonies and lay eggs, they don’t control the colony. Worker ants take on specialized roles like brood care and foraging, with older ants handling riskier tasks. Ants communicate through pheromones and use impressive navigation skills. Some species, like the Argentine and fire ants, thrive in new environments due to human transport, forming super colonies. Susanne’s current research focuses on how ants regulate labor division and how parasites impact their behavior and longevity. Guest Bio Dr. Susanne Foitzik is a professor of evolutionary biology, Vice Dean of the biology faculty, and Acting Director of the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolutionary Biology at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany. She has held academic positions at Ludwig Maximilian University, the University of Regensburg, and as a postdoctoral fellow at Colorado State University. With a doctoral degree in biology and a habilitation in zoology, Susanne is widely published and the author of Empire of Ants: The Hidden Worlds and Extraordinary Lives of Earth’s Tiny Conquerors, a captivating exploration of ant behavior and ecology. Show Notes (2:12) How many species of ants there are (3:46) The role of ant queens and how they’re made (5:55) The different functions ants take on in the colony (9:01) How nests are created (11:02) How ants communicate and navigate (16:01) How certain ants have developed the ability to maintain livestock and how they do it (19:01) Ants’ more aggressive behaviors (22:34) What turns ants into “zombies” (25:34) The social immune system of ants (28:42) Invasive species of ants (32:39) Understanding ant-tink (34:31) What Susanne is working on now Links Referenced Empire of Ants: The Hidden Worlds and Extraordinary Lives of Earth’s Tiny Conquerors:
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AMSE Science Report with guest Eric Jay Dolin
12/14/2024
AMSE Science Report with guest Eric Jay Dolin
Following the horrific devastation wreaked by Hurricane Helene, I was so heartened to see many in our community and around the nation come together to help those who had lost everything. I had spoken a while back on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Eric Jay Dolin about his book, A Furious Sky: The 500 Year History of America’s Hurricanes. We talked about some of those storms, including the Galveston, Texas, Hurricane of 1900. The people there had been encouraged to think a hurricane could not do any serious damage to their island home due to a deeply flawed understanding of how those storms work. The results were horrendous. Eric and I also spoke about how modern technologies help us predict and track these monster storms.
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A reflection of the year 2000
12/14/2024
A reflection of the year 2000
A few thoughts about the technological development and advancement over the past 25 years.
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Finding a Lab of One’s Own with Dr. Rita Colwell
12/04/2024
Finding a Lab of One’s Own with Dr. Rita Colwell
Dr. Rita Colwell is a pioneering scientist and professor at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins who has made groundbreaking contributions to microbiology and public health. She joins AMSEcast to discuss her experiences being the first woman to lead the National Science Foundation as well as her advanced research on Vibrio bacteria and cholera while founding CosmosID to improve rapid pathogen detection. During the 2001 anthrax attacks, she led a cross-agency effort to identify the spores, revolutionizing DNA sequencing techniques. Overcoming sexism early in her career, Dr. Colwell's achievements are detailed in A Lab of One’s Own. Guest Bio Rita Colwell is a Distinguished University Professor with an appointment in the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies. Colwell is one of the world’s leading researchers of cholera—a waterborne disease estimated by the World Health Organization to strike three to five million people annually, many of them young children. Her efforts to track and predict cholera outbreaks are multi-faceted, combining bioinformatics with the pioneering use of satellite imaging. She was one of the first scientists to employ remote sensing for disease prediction, as well as recognize the impact of climate change on the waterborne microbial world. Show Notes (0:35) About Dr. Rita Colwell (1:52) Dr. Colwell’s irritation at people saying we need to interest more women in science (2:49) How Rita dealt with overt sexism and still found the determination to keep moving forward (3:56) What lead Dr. Colwell to marine biology and focus on Vibrio (6:20) How she ended up at the University of Maryland (9:31) Rita’s groundbreaking work on cholera and obstacles in getting her findings accepted (15:03) How long it took the professional world for her findings to be accepted (18:49) Dr. Colwell’s work as the director of the National Science Foundation (21:39) The role she played in the response to the 2001 anthrax attacks (26:03) The prospects for women in the business world (28:58) The cost of persistent sexism (30:41) Rita’s thoughts on how to advance women in the science and business worlds (33:40) What’s next for Dr. Colwell Links Referenced A Lab of One’s Own: One Woman’s Personal Journey Through Sexism in Science:
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AMSE Science Report with guest Camper English
12/03/2024
AMSE Science Report with guest Camper English
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 today in many bars.
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The Wonders of Psychological Science with Joel Levy
12/03/2024
The Wonders of Psychological Science with Joel Levy
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 (00:00) Introduction (01:39) The ancient roots of psychology (13:26) Joel Levy explores the concept of consciousness (20:40) The topic shifts to the various forms of intelligence (28:51) Insights into social psychology and group dynamics (36:16) Developmental psychology and the process of learning (45:48) Defining mental illness and approaches to treatment (54:18) Conclusion Guest Bio: Joel Levy is a renowned author and expert in the fields of psychology and science history. With a prolific portfolio of work, including titles such as "The Infinite Tortoise: The Curious Thought Experiments of History’s Great Thinkers," and "Meltdown: Stories of Nuclear Disaster," Joel's writings explore the intersections of science, history, and the human psyche. His latest book, "Psychology for Busy People," simplifies the complex world of psychology, making it accessible to a broad audience. Links Referenced: The Infinite Tortoise: The Curious Thought Experiments of History’s Great Thinkers: Scientific Feuds: From Galileo to the Human Genome Project: Meltdown: Stories of nuclear disaster and the human cost of going critical: Freudian Slips: Psychology in a Nutshell:
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AMSE Science Report with guest Sam Kean Author of the Bastard Brigade
12/03/2024
AMSE Science Report with guest Sam Kean Author of the Bastard Brigade
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, on the islands of the Pacific, on the vast oceans, in the skies. Every family in America was touched by this war, a war against powers of fascism and militarism, of genocide and oppression. And we were quite concerned that Nazi Germany was far ahead of us in the effort to build the atomic bomb. It became our focus to beat them in that race, and concurrently to do what we could to sabotage their efforts. I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with award-winning author, Sam Kean, about his terrific book on this topic titled The Bastard Brigade: The True Story of the Renegade Scientists and Spies Who Sabotaged the Nazi Atomic Bomb. Here is Sam.
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AMSE Science Report with Carl Zimmer
12/03/2024
AMSE Science Report with Carl Zimmer
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
11/20/2024
Finding Balance Between Tightness & Looseness with Dr. Michele Gelfand
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 biases and promoting understanding. Guest Bio Michele Gelfand is a Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and Professor of Psychology by Courtesy at Stanford University. Gelfand uses field, experimental, computational, and neuroscience methods to understand the evolution of culture--as well as its multilevel consequences for human groups. Her work has been cited over 20,000 times and has been featured in the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Boston Globe, National Public Radio, Voice of America, Fox News, NBC News, ABC News, The Economist, De Standard, among other outlets. Gelfand has published her work in many scientific outlets such as Science, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the Royal Society B, Psychological Science, Nature Scientific Reports, PLOS 1, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Academy of Management Review, Academy of Management Journal, Research in Organizational Behavior, Journal of Applied Psychology, Annual Review of Psychology, American Psychologist, Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Current Opinion in Psychology, among others. She has received over 13 million dollars in research funding from the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and the FBI. As a native New Yorker, Michele is now a California transplant. She is married to Todd Betke and has two daughters, Jeanette and Hannah, two birds (Bonnie and Theo) and a Portuguese water dog, Pepper. Show Notes (1:47) What is culture? (4:08) The age that we start learning norms (10:01) What makes a person or nation a tight versus a loose culture (15:12) How the movement of people affect looseness and tightness dynamics (17:57) How changes in attitudes occur (20:59) Tightness doesn’t mean a lack of creativity (24:26) The Goldilocks Approach (30:49) Avoiding becoming too tight or too loose (32:55) Applying the Goldilocks Approach on social media (35:56) The disrupting force technology can have on loose and tight cultures (38:19) AI’s ability to understand culture (41:11) What’s next for Dr. Michele Gelfand (45:00) How to follow Michele’s work Links Referenced Values, Political Action, and Change in the Middle East and the Arab Spring: Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World: Personal website:
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How Windell Oskay is Inspiring a New Generation of Mad Scientists
11/06/2024
How Windell Oskay is Inspiring a New Generation of Mad Scientists
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 shares insights into quantum computing and his company’s work creating pen plotters for artists. Guest Bio Windell Oskay, co-founder of Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories, holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Texas at Austin and a BA in Physics and Mathematics from Lake Forest College. Before launching his company, Windell worked at Stanford Research Systems and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories creates electronics and robotics kits and runs a popular DIY blog. In addition to updating the Make: The Annotated Build-it-Yourself Science Laboratory, Windell authored Open Circuits: The Inner Beauty of Electronic Components, a book that reveals the hidden beauty inside electronics. Show Notes (1:31) What inspired Windell to update and annotate the Build-It-Yourself Science Laboratory (4:03) Why Windell thinks it’s important for kids to do hands-on science activities (7:10) How parents and teacher should approach the book from a safety perspective (11:21) Activities in the book related to atomic science (15:08) How Windell prepared the pieces in Open Circuits and what the most challenging aspects were (18:14) What passive components are and why Wendell started with them (21:04) How components fit into phone cameras and other devices (26:32) Where to learn more about Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories Links Referenced Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories: Make: The Annotated Build-it-Yourself Science Laboratory: Open Circuits: The Inner Beauty of Electronic Components:
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AMSE Science Report with guest Luis Elizondo
11/04/2024
AMSE Science Report with guest Luis Elizondo
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 our conversation about the ability of these UAPs to achieve instantaneous and hypersonic velocities.
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AMSE Science Report Dava Sobel
11/04/2024
AMSE Science Report Dava Sobel
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
11/04/2024
AMSE Science Report with Ian McNeely
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
10/30/2024
The Many Technological Advancements of Asad Madni
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 engineering and beyond. Guest Bio Dr. Asad Madni is an internationally renowned engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur. A native of India, Asad studied electronics at the RCA Institutes in New York, and then electrical engineering at UCLA, where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He then received his PhD from California Coast University, and the senior executive program postgraduate credential from the MIT Sloan School of Management. He quickly rose up to leadership roles in engineering and business, serving as the CEO of Systron-Donner Corporation, and CEO and President of BEI Technologies. In 2011, he began serving as a distinguished adjunct professor and distinguished scientist at UCLA. Throughout his career, Asad has invented several devices that have had a tremendous impact on our world. He holds 28 patents and has received many prestigious honors including the 2022 Royal Academy of Engineering Prince Philip medal, the 2023 John Fritz medal, and induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2024. Show Notes (2:13) What drew Dr. Madni to science and engineering (4:44) Art, engineering, and how they’re connected (7:14) How Dr. Madni created the first standalone communications systems analyzer (12:44) When Dr. Madni realized he could make that system into reality (19:55) The gyroscope and revolutionizing the auto industry (31:21) Contributions to the Hubble Telescope from Dr. Madni (34:03) Dr. Madni’s thoughts on the development of AI (44:12) Dr. Madni’s path to financial success and business advice for aspiring scientists and engineers (54:22) Virtues that should be instilled into bright, young minds
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On the Hunt for UFOs with Luis Elizondo
10/23/2024
On the Hunt for UFOs with Luis Elizondo
Alan is joined by Luis Elizondo, former military intelligence officer and author of Imminent: Inside the Pentagon’s Hunt for UFOs. Lou shares his journey from joining JROTC to his work in the Pentagon's classified UFO program. He describes Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) with extraordinary capabilities like hypersonic speeds and movement without visible propulsion, raising national security concerns. Lou explains that UAP sightings date back to the 1950s, and the government once stigmatized discussions to avoid panic. Now, bipartisan efforts push for transparency, supported by emerging legislation and international cooperation on UAP research. Guest Bio Luis Elizondo is a former military intelligence officer who served in various classified roles, including a key position in the Pentagon's UFO program. After his resignation in 2017, Luis became an advocate for transparency about Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs), revealing shocking insights into advanced aerospace technologies observed by military pilots. His New York Times bestselling book, Imminent: Inside the Pentagon’s Hunt for UFOs, uncovers the hidden world of UAP investigations and challenges our understanding of reality. Luis' work has sparked global conversations about science, security, and the future of human knowledge. Show Highlights (1:29) What led to Luis’ career in military and intelligence services (5:26) What remote sensing is (11:03) How Luis’ became in involved with UAPs from a military perspective (25:09) How Luis’ deals with the lack of acceptance of the data (29:42) What led Louis to resign from the Pentagon (34:04) Observable traits of UAPs based on famous filmed cases (40:48) Why the government’s attitude toward public transparency is changing (46:03) Next steps for people as UAPs are more openly discussed (52:56) The importance of keeping an open mind moving forward Links Referenced Imminent: Inside the Pentagon’s Hunt for UFO’s
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The University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge from the Dawn of the Atomic Age to the Present
10/09/2024
The University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge from the Dawn of the Atomic Age to the Present
Alan Lowe, director of the American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE) introduces a live audience to the first-ever AMSEcast Conversation. Held in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the event featured a panel of experts discussing the historical significance of the Military Industrial Educational Complex and the book Critical Connections. The panel, which included Lee Riedinger, Ray Smith, and William Bugg, explored the development of Oak Ridge and the University of Tennessee (UT) during the 1940s. Guest Bios Lee Riedinger has held numerous leadership positions during his distinguished career at the University of Tennessee (UT). He has served as the Director of the UT-ORNL Science Alliance, Head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Vice Chancellor for Research. Additionally, Lee has held key roles at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), including Deputy Director for Science and Technology, and Associate Laboratory Director for University Partnerships. His contributions have strengthened the collaboration between UT and ORNL, fostering groundbreaking research and educational initiatives. Al Ekkebus has a long history with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he previously served as Head of the Research Library and Assistant to the Laboratory Director. He is currently the outreach leader for Neutron Science at ORNL, where his work supports the lab’s scientific community. Al was a crucial research assistant for the book Critical Connections, adding his extensive knowledge to the project. Ray Smith, the City of Oak Ridge’s official historian, has dedicated years to documenting the rich history of the city. For over a decade, he has written a weekly newspaper column on Oak Ridge’s history and contributed significantly to preserving its legacy. Before retiring in 2017, Ray worked at the Y-12 National Security Complex, where he was a key figure in chronicling its historical significance. William “Bill” Bugg is a retired high-energy physicist and former Head of the Physics Department at UT, where he served from 1959 until 2006. An Oak Ridge High School graduate from the class of 1948, Bill’s personal and professional journey has been deeply intertwined with Oak Ridge’s scientific community, making him a living testament to the city’s storied past. Show Notes (04:19) Guest introductions (06:13) UT and Oak Ridge as they were in 1940 (10:03) The role UT played in the construction of Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project (19:48) How Oak Ridge was able to continue existing after WWII (21:00) The role Dr. Hertel played in continuing the connection between UT and ORNL (23:48) Who Bill Pollard was and his central role in the relationship between UT and ORNL (32:35) Alvin Weinberg’s role in making connections between ORNL and UT (35:32) The role politicians and other political servants played in connecting ORNL and UT (41:18) How their partnership has benefited the lab and the university (45:23) What’s in the immediate future for UT and ORNL (48:38) The connection between UT and Y-12 (50:54) Q & A (59:58) What the panelists think is missing from the partnership between UT and ORNL
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AMSE Science Report with author Seirian Sumner
10/01/2024
AMSE Science Report with author Seirian Sumner
Seirian Sumner speaks to us about her terrific book Endless Forms: The Secret World of Wasps. In this Science Report we learn why wasps often have a bad reputation.
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AMSE Science Report Sally Adee, author of We Are Electric: Inside the 200 Year Hunt for Our Body’s Bioelectric Code, and What the Future Holds
10/01/2024
AMSE Science Report Sally Adee, author of We Are Electric: Inside the 200 Year Hunt for Our Body’s Bioelectric Code, and What the Future Holds
The growing understanding of electricity over the past 200 years has dramatically changed our understanding of the universe, including, you might say, the universe inside our bodies. I had the pleasure of speaking on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Sally Adee, author of We Are Electric: Inside the 200 Year Hunt for Our Body’s Bioelectric Code, and What the Future Holds. In this fascinating book, Sally explores the ways our bioelectrical makeup is central to our lives. Still, our understanding of the electricity in our bodies, and how the nervous system works, are relatively recent discoveries.
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Adding a New Twist to Our Understanding of the Cosmos with Dr. John Rather
09/25/2024
Adding a New Twist to Our Understanding of the Cosmos with Dr. John Rather
In this episode, Alan engages in a captivating conversation with Dr. John Rather, a renowned scientist with an extensive career spanning astronomical research and government positions. Dr. Rather breaks down his groundbreaking work on a new cosmological model which challenges our conventional understandings of the universe's structure, dark matter, dark energy, and the flow of time. The discussion also explores Dr. Rather's fascinating journey in science, key influences, and his innovative theories on 5D space-time, quantum entanglement, and universal consciousness. Guest Bio Dr. John Rather has a proven history of mobilizing scientists, engineers, and leaders in physical and biogenetic sciences to achieve high-leverage, strategic advantages for industry and government. Early in his career, Dr. Rather achieved excellence in hands-on research work at the Oak Ridge and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. In his mid-30s, he progressed to senior management positions that included two Vice Presidencies in the aerospace industry. Subsequently, he held Senior Executive Service appointments in the U.S. Government that required deep, comprehensive knowledge of science and technology. After a decade in medical and microelectronic research in an academic setting, he founded RCIG in 2006. Show Notes (3:31) - What led Dr. Rather to writing his new book, Rethinking the Universe: Cosmology with a New Twist (Literally!) (5:16) - How Dr. Rather became interested in science (8:15) - What is cosmology (17:45) - Defining spin in cosmology (23:29) - Möbius and the 5D Universe (26:35) - Explaining the redshift (29:34) - Dr. Rather’s thoughts on the flow of time (36:00) - Dark matter and dark energy in the world of cosmology (41:22) - Unpacking quantum entanglement (44:38) - Human consciousness vs. universal consciousness (49:55) - Advice for aspiring engineers and scientists Links Referenced Rather Creative Innovations Group: Sisyphus Energy: Rethinking the Universe: Cosmology with a New Twist (Literally!):
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Getting the Most Out of Getting Older with Dr. Aditi Gurkar
09/11/2024
Getting the Most Out of Getting Older with Dr. Aditi Gurkar
Alan Lowe interviews Dr. Aditi Gurkar, assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s Aging Institute. Dr. Gurkar discusses her transition from medical doctor to becoming a leading researcher in aging, driven by her grandfather’s cancer diagnosis. She explains the critical difference between chronological and biological age, highlighting how aging impacts both physical and functional health. Dr. Gurkar also emphasizes the importance of early healthy habits, the value of in-person social connections, and the potential for delaying biological aging through targeted interventions while advocating for societal changes to support longer, healthier lives. Guest Bio Dr. Aditi Gurkar is an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s Aging Institute and a leading researcher in the field of aging. Originally from Mumbai, India, Dr. Gurkar initially aspired to become a medical doctor but shifted her focus to scientific research after a transformative experience in genetic counseling. Inspired by her grandfather's battle with cancer, she pursued a PhD in cancer biology before realizing that aging is the primary risk factor for many diseases. Her work emphasizes the importance of early healthy habits and social connections in delaying biological aging, with a focus on developing interventions to promote longer, healthier lives. Show Notes (1:52) What led Aditi to decide to study science (5:33) Aditi’s advice to young women thinking about a career in STEM (6:43) Why Aditi decided to focus on aging (8:54) Chronological vs. biological aging (10:12) Why our bodies age (10:47) What happens to our bodies as we age (13:11) Tips for aging well and enjoying being older (15:38) Can the aging process be reversed? Links Referenced Gurkar Lab: Twitter:
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AMSE Science Report with guest Jon Butterworth
09/03/2024
AMSE Science Report with guest Jon Butterworth
Noted physicist Jon Butterworth discusses the world of particle physics, including the findings made in recent years regarding the Higgs Boson. Here’s Jon explaining what the Higgs Boson is.
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AMSE Science Report with guest Kate Winkler Dawson
09/03/2024
AMSE Science Report with guest Kate Winkler Dawson
Kate Winkler Dawson, author of American Sherlock: Murder, Forensics, and the Birth of American CSI is an amazing resource. The Sherlock she is talking about is the incredible Oscar Heinrich who utilized for the first time many of the forensic tools and methods we know today. Kate noted that when Heinrich first started using those tools they were not trusted by many people, including those serving on juries.
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