StarTalk Radio

In this engaging discussion, Dean Buonomano, a UCLA Professor specializing in neurobiology and psychology, delves into how our brains perceive time. He contrasts artificial clocks with our brain's organic timing processes and explains the evolutionary value of timekeeping. Dean explores mental time travel, revealing its significance in foresight and societal development. He also discusses the complexities of memory storage and how our neural dynamics influence our perception of time. Prepare to rethink how you experience the past and future!

In this engaging discussion, John Martinis, a Professor of Physics at UC Santa Barbara and former leader of Google’s quantum lab, dives into the fascinating world of macroscopic quantum tunneling. He explains its implications for superconductivity and quantum computing, including how superconducting circuits can express quantum behaviors. Martinis also addresses qubit lifetimes, the risks quantum computing poses to encryption, and the potential for quantum technologies to revolutionize fields like weather modeling and brain mapping. Get ready to explore the quantum frontier!

What color is the sun, really? Dive into atmospheric scattering with Neil deGrasse Tyson as he explains why the sun's true hue is white, not yellow. Discover how basic materials like snow can illustrate this phenomenon. Explore the acoustics of thunder and lightning, learning how sound changes with distance. Friction takes center stage, showcasing its vital role in our lives, from walking to rocket science. Plus, find out why fresh snow makes the world feel eerily quiet!

Dive into the mysteries of physics as Neil deGrasse Tyson tackles listener questions about gravity and the strong nuclear force. Discover how cosmic rays influence electronics and the significance of space weather during solar cycles. Explore the intriguing concept of free will as an emergent property and its societal implications. Neil even shares insights on the quark structure of protons and how trees store solar energy. It's a captivating journey through some of the year's most compelling scientific inquiries!

In this captivating discussion, cosmochemist Natalie Starkey delves into the fiery and icy realms of volcanoes beyond Earth. She explores the intriguing concept of cryovolcanoes and their presence on moons like Enceladus, revealing how ice erupts from ocean worlds. Natalie also sheds light on volcanism on Venus and Mars, their unique challenges, and even debates the menacing activity of Io compared to Olympus Mons. Plus, discover why supervolcanoes like Yellowstone are not imminent threats. A geological journey across the solar system awaits!

In this insightful discussion, philosopher Nick Bostrom, director at the Future of Humanity Institute, delves into simulation theory. He lays out his famous simulation argument, suggesting we might be living in a simulated reality. Bostrom explores why advanced civilizations could run ancestor simulations, the implications for consciousness, and the cost of brain simulations. He also tackles free will and questions the existence of God within a simulated framework. Get ready for a mind-bending exploration of reality and our place within it!

Adam Riess, an acclaimed astrophysicist and Nobel laureate, joins the hosts to explore the mind-boggling concepts of dark energy and the universe's accelerating expansion. He shares how his team used distant Type Ia supernovae to uncover this accelerating growth. The discussion touches on the perplexing Hubble tension, a discrepancy in cosmic measurements, and potential new physics that could explain it. Riess also reveals the future of cosmic exploration with new observatories aiming to deepen our understanding of dark energy.

Join bestselling author Mary Roach, known for her humorous science insights, as she dives into the fascinating world of organ replacement and prosthetics. She explains her unusual journalistic methods and explores unique medical topics, from the history of nasal replacements to the use of the golden ratio in cosmetic surgery. Discover the cutting-edge advances in prosthetics, challenges with organ rejection, and the intriguing potential of growing human organs in pigs. Prepare to be entertained and informed about the future of medicine!

In this lively discussion, comedian Paul Mecurio joins Neil deGrasse Tyson to tackle cosmic curiosities. They ponder if our universe could reside inside a black hole, leading to mind-bending theories of nesting universes. The duo explores how gravity assists work through amusing anecdotes, while delving into the true nature of time at black holes' event horizons. Paul’s comedic touch lightens the heavy topics of Hawking radiation and cosmic selection, making astrophysics both intriguing and entertaining!

Brian Cox, a renowned particle physicist and professor known for his engaging science communication, joins Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice for a captivating discussion. They explore concepts like emergence, highlighting how consciousness may emerge from brain physics. Brian shares fascinating insights on the nature of particles, spacetime, and the ongoing debates in quantum gravity. They also tackle the implications of information overload in today's world and the scientific responsibility we carry with new technologies.