Particles of Thought
GBH
Particles of Thought from the producers of NOVA unleashes the universe's biggest questions through the lens of astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi and the world's most brilliant scientific minds. Should we resurrect extinct species? Are we blind to a fundamental force of nature? What secrets do ancient fossils reveal about humanity's destiny? Across 10 mind-bending episodes, each conversation dives deep into the discoveries that shatter assumptions, spark wonder, and completely transform how you understand reality. Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 25, 2026 • 2min
AI Is Coming for Blue Collar Jobs | Hany Farid
AI isn’t just coming for office jobs—it’s coming for some hands-on blue collar professions, too. AI expert Hany Farid explains which jobs are safe, and which are at risk. For more, check out the extended interview with Hany Farid. Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Mar 18, 2026 • 2min
What Species Can We De-Extinct? | Beth Shapiro
Scientists claimed in 2024 that they "de-extincted" the dire wolf… so what’s next, and what determines whether a species can be brought back? Evolutionary biologist Beth Shapiro explains some of the factors that go into deciding what to try and bring back. For more, check out the extended interview with Beth Shapiro. Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Mar 11, 2026 • 41sec
Were Dinosaurs Able to Sing? | Erich Jarvis
Dinosaurs might not have been the roaring beasts many imagine. Neuroscientist Erich Jarvis explains why modern birds—living dinosaurs—offer clues about vocal learning and why dinosaurs could have been singers.For more, check out the extended interview with Erich Jarvis. Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Mar 4, 2026 • 2min
Space-Time Expansion, Explained | Adam Riess
If the universe is expanding, why aren’t galaxies stretching apart? Cosmologist Adam Riess breaks down the physics behind cosmic expansion, the forces that resist it, and why dark energy dominates the vast spaces between.For more, check out the extended interview with Adam Riess.Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Feb 25, 2026 • 1min
Your Brain’s Peak Performance Mode | Heather Berlin
Why does thinking too hard ruin your rhythm? Neuroscientist Heather Berlin unpacks the science of flow states, explaining why mastery means trusting your brain’s hidden systems to do what they do best.For more, check out the extended interview with Heather Berlin.Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Feb 18, 2026 • 2min
Black Hole Geometry Will Warp Your Brain | Janna Levin
Black holes can be bigger on the inside than they are on the outside. Astrophysicist Janna Levin explains how this is possible, and what that means about how black holes work. For more, check out the extended interview with Janna Levin.Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Feb 11, 2026 • 3min
What Exactly Is a Law of Nature? | Robert Hazen & Michael Wong
What’s the difference between a fact, a law, and a theory? Mineralogist Robert Hazen and astrobiologist Michael Wong unpack the hierarchy of scientific ideas and reveal how laws of nature elegantly unify the universe.For more, check out the extended interview with Robert Hazen and Michael Wong.Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Feb 4, 2026 • 1min
How Many Microbes Live on Earth? | Peter Girguis
Sorry, Beyoncé, it turns out microbes rule the world. Microbiologist Peter Girguis explains how to conceptualize just how many microbes are on Earth… and how understanding this helps us look for life on other worlds. For more, check out the extended interview with Peter Girguis.Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Jan 28, 2026 • 1min
Why Tropical Trees Don’t Have Rings | Kirk Johnson
Growth rings on trees can measure time, allowing scientists to date things from the deep past. But, paleobotantist Dr. Kirk Johnson explains why, in the tropics, some trees have no rings.For more, check out the extended interview with Kirk Johnson.Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Jan 21, 2026 • 6min
How Weight Loss Drugs Were Inspired by Gila Monsters | Sean B. Carroll
Nature has been solving problems for billions of years. Evolutionary biologist Sean B. Carroll reveals why scientists still turn to evolution’s inventions for life-saving breakthroughs, from GLP-1 drugs to statins.For more, check out the extended interview with Sean B. Carroll.Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
