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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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: https://www.amazon.com/Values-Political-Action-Change-Middle/dp/019026909X Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World: https://www.amazon.com/Rule-Makers-Breakers-Tight-Cultures/dp/1501152939 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 Sava Sobel
11/04/2024
AMSE Science Report Sava 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 Lou Elizondo
10/23/2024
On the Hunt for UFOs with Lou Elizondo
Alan is joined by Lou 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 Lou 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, Lou 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. Lou's 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 John Butterworth
09/03/2024
AMSE Science Report with guest John Butterworth
Noted physicist John 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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AMSE Science Report with guest author Andy Weir
09/03/2024
AMSE Science Report with guest author Andy Weir
Noted sci-fi writer, Andy Weir, author of books such as The Martian, Project Hail Mary, and Artemis discusses which science fiction writers had influenced him the most.
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AMSE Science Report with Author Andrew Knoll
09/03/2024
AMSE Science Report with Author Andrew Knoll
Andrew Knoll talks about his terrific book, A Brief History of Earth: Four Billion Years in Eight Chapters. To start I asked Andy to explain how we know our planet came into existence about 4.6 billion years ago. He explained how that is calculated using meteorites and an element we know a lot about in Oak Ridge, Uranium.
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AMSE Science Report with guest Guru Madhavan
09/02/2024
AMSE Science Report with guest Guru Madhavan
I recently spoke with my good friend, Guru Madhavan, on our podcast, AMSEcast. Guru, the Norman R. Augustine Senior Scholar and Senior Director of Programs at the National Academy of Engineering, was in Oak Ridge to accept the AMSE Foundation’s inaugural National Award of Excellence given at our annual Gala. In our conversation we focused on his newest book titled Wicked Problems: How to Engineer A Better World.
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Evolving Toward a Better Future with David Sloan Wilson
08/28/2024
Evolving Toward a Better Future with David Sloan Wilson
Alan talks with David Sloan Wilson, renowned biologist and author, to explore the broader applications of Darwin's theory beyond genetics to cultural and personal evolution. Wilson argues against conflating evolution with Social Darwinism and highlights cooperation as a crucial trait for societal progress. He emphasizes the need for experimental and inclusive decision-making and discusses how failure drives improvement, the impact of cultural interventions, and the role of religion in fostering community. Wilson also critiques traditional economic models and explains his aim to integrate evolutionary science into global cooperation. Guest Bio David Sloan Wilson is a distinguished evolutionary biologist with a doctorate from Michigan State University. His impressive academic career spans institutions such as Harvard University, the University of Washington, and the State University of New York Binghamton, where he is now Distinguished Professor Emeritus. David founded the Evolution Institute and co-founded the nonprofit ProSocial World, including the New Paradigm Coalition Initiative. He is an award-winning author known for his influential works, including This View of Life, Evolution for Everyone, The Neighborhood Project, and his novel Atlas Hugged. David’s research and writing explore the applications of evolutionary theory to society and culture. Show Notes (2:21) - What the evolution paradigm is (4:22) - How the evolution paradigm is seen in cultures and how it differs from Social Darwinism (6:56) - The special conditions necessary for the evolution paradigm to be effective (11:51) - The importance of a common goal for cooperation to work when people have conflicting opinions (14:11) - How failure is handled under the evolution paradigm (16:16) - Applying the evolution paradigm to education (26:17) - How the evolution paradigm applies to faith and religion (37:13) - How the cooperative approach works when it comes to national economics (39:20) - How individuals express themselves when they don’t agree with the larger group (44:07) - Wilson’s novel, Atlas Hugged Links Referenced ProSocial World: New Paradigm Coalition Initiative: This View of Life: Completing the Darwinian Revolution: Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin’s Theory Can Change the Way we Think About Our Lives: The Neighborhood Project: Using Evolution to Improve my City, One Block at a Time: Atlas Hugged: Email:
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STEM of History: Sam Kean
08/21/2024
STEM of History: Sam Kean
In this episode, Mr. Lowe interviews Mr. Kean about his 2010 book, The Disappearing Spoon: and Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements. Mr. Kean begins by deciphering the complex origins of the table in the 1860s and early 1870s and perfected by Russian chemist Dimitri Mendeleev. Since its development and evolution over the past 150 years, the Periodic Table of the Elements continues to be one of the most important achievements to science. This conversation helps illustrate the usefulness of understanding the basic science of the Periodic Table, and characteristics of its elements, when researching and studying history.
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AMSE Science Report with Giulio Boccaletti
08/17/2024
AMSE Science Report with Giulio Boccaletti
In this Science Report we speak with Giulio Boccaletti about his book, Water: A Biography which shows how water has helped shape our lives and our civilizations. This has always been the case as seen vividly in the example of ancient Egypt and the mighty Nile River.
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AMSE Science Report with Jon Gertner
08/10/2024
AMSE Science Report with Jon Gertner
Our home of Oak Ridge, and indeed all East Tennessee, is a hotbed of innovation. To learn more about the history of innovation and how it has been cultivated in the past, I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Jon Gertner about his book, The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation. We discussed some of the amazing breakthroughs that Bell Labs produced - just to name a few, those included the transistor, semiconductors, integrated circuits, lasers, photovoltaic cells, fiber optic and satellite communications, even modern information theory. Jon shared how Bell Labs approached its work to produce such an incredible number of breakthroughs with real world applications.
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AMSEcast with guest Saul David
08/08/2024
AMSEcast with guest Saul David
Doctor Saul David is a graduate of Edinburgh and Glasgow University's were obtained his masters and PhD degrees in history. He's an award winning author now of 15 books, including just for example, history such as The Indian Mutiny 1857 and Victorious Wars The Rise of Empire, as well as three historical novels. He is also a sought after broadcaster, as well appearing often on channels such as the BBC and that barometer of true success, Netflix, and he is a popular lecturer and history tour guide. On top of all that and more. He served as Professor of Military History at the University of Buckingham for some 12 years. Today we're going to talk with Sal about his extraordinary book titled Crucible of Hell The Heroism and Tragedy of Okinawa, 1945.
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AMSEcast with Sally Adee
08/06/2024
AMSEcast with Sally Adee
On this episode Sally Adee, a science and technology journalist based in London joins us. Sally has written for publications like the Economist, the New York Times and BBC Future, and was the technology, features and news editor at New Scientist. Today we're going to talk with her about her wonderful book, We Are Electric The New Science of Our Bodies, Bioelectric Code and What the Future Holds.
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Alcohol’s Ancient Medicinal History with Camper English
08/05/2024
Alcohol’s Ancient Medicinal History with Camper English
In this episode of AMSEcast, we explore the historical use of alcohol for medical purposes. Camper English, an accomplished writer and educator on cocktails and spirits, joins Alan to discuss how ancient peoples and monks utilized drinks like beer, wine, and spirits to treat illnesses such as digestive issues, bruising, malaria, and scurvy. Camper shares fascinating insights from his book, "Doctors and Distillers: The Remarkable Medicinal History of Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Cocktails," including the origins of carbonated water. Finally, Camper shares his innovative method for making clear ice cubes, enhancing the aesthetic of modern cocktails. About Camper English Camper English is a celebrated writer and speaker specializing in cocktails and spirits. With over 15 years of experience, he has contributed to more than 50 international publications including Popular Science, Saveur, Details, Whisky Advocate, and Drinks International. Camper is known for his comprehensive exploration of the technical aspects of mixology, from the history of carbonation to the science behind making clear ice cubes. His expertise has earned him the title of International Cognac Writer of the Year by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac and Best Cocktail Writer at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. Recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the global drinks industry, Camper continues to shape the craft cocktail movement with his detailed and nerdy approach to drink science. Show Highlights (00:00) - Introduction to AMSEcast and Camper English (01:43) - The definitive Process of Distillation (02:28) - Alchemy and Distillation (03:56) - The History of Paracelsus (05:45) - The Bizarre Use of Mummies in the Medicine (09:24) - The Role Monks Played in the Development of Distilled Medicine (12:10 ) - The Medicinal Origins of Carbonated Water (16:05) - Louis Pasteur’s Research on Fermentation (19:01) - Absinthe’s Infamous Reputation and Medical Use (23:56) - Medical Uses of Whisky and Bourbon (27:01) - Patent Medicines (29:07) - How Prohibition Affected The Medical Use of Alcohol (33:30 ) - The Julep’s Medical Origins (35:50) - Reflecting On The Medical Benefits of Alcohol Vs. The Risks (37:53) - Directional Freezing For Clear Ice (40:16) - Camper Shares His Future Projects And Interests (42:43) - Closing Thoughts
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AMSEcast with guest Steve Olson
08/05/2024
AMSEcast with guest Steve Olson
This episode welcomes award winning science writer Steve Olson. Having written for publications such as Science, The Atlantic, Wired, and Scientific American, just to name a few. Additionally, he has been a consultant writer for organizations like the National Academy of Sciences and the President's Council of Advisors on Science. Continuing his writing acumen Steve includes a collection of books, including Mapping Human History, genes, race, and Our Common Origin. Countdown. Six Kids Vie for glory at the World's Toughest Math Competition. And Anarchy, Evolution, Faith, Science and Bad Religion in a World without God, Eruption the Untold story of Mount Saint Helens and the focus of our discussion today: The Apocalypse Factory plutonium and the making of the Atomic Age.
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On the Frontiers of Physics with Dr. Jon Butterworth
08/05/2024
On the Frontiers of Physics with Dr. Jon Butterworth
We’re joined by Dr. Jon Butterworth as we delve into two fascinating books he’s written—Atom Land: A Guided Tour Through the Strange (and Impossibly Small) World of Particle Physic and Most Wanted Particle: Inside the World’s Biggest Experiment. In Atom Land, Jon guides us through the minute world of particle physics, explaining fundamental forces, quarks, and leptons. Most Wanted Particle explores the mission of the Large Hadron Collider, focusing on the quest to find the Higgs boson. Dr. Butterworth shares his involvement with the machine and the importance of basic research for technological and economic advancement. About Dr. Jon Butterworth Dr. Jon Butterworth is a distinguished physicist with undergraduate and graduate degrees from Oxford University. He is a professor of physics at University College London and has served as the head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. At CERN's Large Hadron Collider, Jon is the scientific adviser for the UK delegation. He received the Chadwick Medal in 2013 for his contributions to high-energy particle physics. In addition to his academic achievements, Jon is a prolific author and blogger, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broader audience. Show Highlights (2:00) What forces are and how they underly everything (8:47) What bosons are and how they fit into the Standard Model (11:33) The importance of symmetry in physics (13:40) Which concepts Dr. Butterworth found most difficult to present in Most Wanted Particle (16:39) The mission of the Large Hadron Collider (20:23) How scientists interpret data from the Large Hadron Collider with certainty (22:47) What makes the Higgs boson special (27:01) Why searching for the Higgs boson and other basic research is so important Links Referenced Atom Land: A Guided Tour Through the Strange (and Impossibly Small) World of Particle Physics Most Wanted Particle: Inside the World’s Biggest Experiment
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Improving the Food Chain with Richard Munson
07/31/2024
Improving the Food Chain with Richard Munson
In his latest book, Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food, Richard Munson explores how new technologies are revolutionizing agriculture—a traditionally slow-to-modernize industry. In this episode, we explore specific innovations like lab-grown meat and Impossible Foods' use of the heme molecule, along with regulatory challenges these innovations face. We also discuss vertical farming in urban centers and the ability to reduce food spoilage with natural coatings. Along the way, we cover 3D printing food, soil microbe analysis, gene editing for plants, and reducing methane emissions from livestock. About Richard Munson Richard Munson has been a leader in clean energy and environmental issues, holding key positions like Senior Director at the Environmental Defense Fund and coordinator at the Northeast-Midwest Institute. He also serves on the board of the Illinois Environmental Council. Munson is an acclaimed author, known for books such as Tesla: Inventor of the Modern, Cousteau: The Captain and His World, and his latest work, Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food. Richard is also set to release a new biography of Benjamin Franklin, titled Ingenious, focusing on Franklin’s scientific contributions. Show Highlights (3:18) Using animal cells to create meat and Impossible Foods using the heme molecule to give plants a meaty flavor (9:18) Vertical farming (11:32) Addressing food spoilage (13:14) How robots, satellites, and drone technology is being utilized in agriculture (16:39) 3D printing in food production (19:53) Analyzing soil microbes to advance efficiency and sustainability (21:21) Using gene editing to modify plants and how it differs from genetic engineering (24:11) Reducing methane production in livestock Links Referenced Tesla: Inventor of the Modern Cousteau: The Captain and His World Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food
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The Past, Present, and Future of the TVA With Joe Hoagland
07/24/2024
The Past, Present, and Future of the TVA With Joe Hoagland
The TVA has been tackling some of the South's biggest problems since 1933. What started as a solution to poverty, flooding, and depleted farmlands now works on nuclear power and clean energy. In this episode, Joe Hoagland joins us in the studio to discuss how the TVA got started, what it’s doing now, and where it's going in the future. We delve into TVA’s current energy portfolio, future small modular reactors, and economic development. Joe also discusses the push for nuclear leadership in Tennessee, grid capacity challenges, and the importance of engaging future generations in STEM to support the growing energy sector. About Joe Hoagland Joe Hoagland is the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Vice President of Innovation and Research. He earned his BS in Chemistry from Southern Utah University and an MS and PhD in Physical Chemistry from Washington State University. Joe has been with TVA since 1993, spearheading numerous key initiatives. He is also the Chair of Tennessee’s Energy Policy Council, an adjunct professor at the Howard Baker School at the University of Tennessee, and serves on the board of directors for the American Museum of Science and Energy Foundation. Show Highlights (0:35) Introducing Joe Hoagland (1:37) When TVA was created, what area it covers, and its primary missions (6:31) TVA’s current energy portfolio percentages and how it’s changing (9:51) The amount of electricity TVA distributes every year and how it gets to consumers (13:15) Understanding the TVA flood control system (17:19) The TVA’s focus on economic development (20:07) Joe Hoagland’s role as Chair of the Tennessee State Energy Policy Council (25:03) How energy storage systems are changing (29:16) Energy disruptors the TVA currently faces (37:39) Engaging this and future generations in STEM to be part of the growing energy sector
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AMSE Science Report with guest Ernest Freeberg
07/20/2024
AMSE Science Report with guest Ernest Freeberg
As part of our STEM of History series, done with support from Humanities Tennessee and the National Endowment for the Humanities, I interviewed Dr. Ernest Freeberg about his book The Age of Edison: Electric Light and the Invention of Modern America. We first talked about why America during Edison’s time was a hotbed of invention.
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AMSE Science Report_ with guest Steve Olson
06/16/2024
AMSE Science Report_ with guest Steve Olson
Thanks to a grant from Humanities Tennessee and the National Endowment for the Humanities, we created a series of interviews at the AMSE Foundation about the connections of science, engineering, and history, suitably called The STEM of History. One guest I interviewed was Steve Olson, the author of many terrific books including Mapping Human History: Genes, Race and our Common Origins.
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