Science for the People
649 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 174 ratingsScience for the People is a long-format interview podcast that explores the connections between science, popular culture, history, and public policy, to help listeners understand the evidence and arguments behind what's in the news and on the shelves. Our hosts sit down with science researchers, writers, authors, journalists, and experts to discuss science from the past, the science that affects our lives today, and how science might change our future.
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Episodes
#296 Amazons
December 19, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week we're learning how science can shed light on the stories told by our ancestors. We're joined by folklorist and science historian Adrienne Mayor, author of "The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women across the Ancient World," to learn what archaeology can tell us about legendary warrior women in cultures from around the world. And we'll talk to anthropologist John Hawks to learn how researchers gain insights from ancient human remains.
#295 Science Up Your Holidays 2014
December 12, 2014 04:00 - 54.9 MBThis week, we're observing our annual holiday tradition, helping you find gifts for the science lovers on your list. We'll hear from some of our favorite past guests as they share their most-treasured science books from 2014, as well as classics to help fill out anyone’s science library. And we'll speak to writer/illustrator James Lu Dunbar about "The Universe Verse," a scientifically-accurate rhyming comic book about the origins of the universe. Visit our blog for more information and links ...
#294 Survival Doc
December 05, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week, we’re learning about the limits of the human body, and the essential science of survival. We'll talk to Dr. James Hubbard, creator of TheSurvivalDoctor.com, about emergency measures to take when a disaster has cut off your access to medical care. And Dr. Rob Tarzwell of One Minute Medical School returns to explain what to do - and not do - when you're stranded in the wilderness.
#293 The Edge of the Sky
November 28, 2014 04:00 - 54.9 MBThis week we're talking about the mindbending science trying to understand the inner workings of the Universe. Astrophysicist Ethan Siegel returns to discuss the BICEP2 experiment, and its search for the fingerprints of cosmic inflation. And we'll talk to theoretical cosmologist Roberto Trotta about his book "The Edge of the Sky: All You Need to Know about the All-There-Is," which explains the history and concepts of cosmology using the 1,000 most common words in the English language.
#292 The Psychopath Whisperer
November 21, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week on Science for the People, we’re looking at the science of psychopathy. We’ll spend the hour learning about social science research, neuroimaging and behavioral therapies with Kent Kiehl, neuroscience researcher, lecturer and author of "The Psychopath Whisperer: The Science of Those Without Conscience." For more information on screenings of the "Silence of the Labs" documentary, visit Evidence for Democracy.
#291 The One About Ebola
November 14, 2014 04:00 - 54.9 MBThis week, we're talking about Ebola: how it works, how it spreads, and how we're trying to stop it. We'll talk to infectious disease epidemiologist, professor and blogger Tara C. Smith about how Ebola is being handled here in North America, and perceptions surrounding the Ebola outbreak. We'll also speak with physician Dr. Tim Jagatic from Doctors Without Borders Canada and discuss the situation on the ground in Africa, and we'll speak to immunology professor Vincent Racaniello about the rac...
#290 Understanding Neuroscience
November 07, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week we're looking at the ways we try to understand the inner workings of the brain. We'll talk to University College London researcher Cliodhna O'Connor about patterns in the way the public interprets neuroscience news. And we'll ask Duncan Astle, Program Leader at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, about "neuromyths," popular misconceptions about the way the brain functions, and the strengths and weaknesses of modern brain imaging techniques.
#289 Bodies Everywhere
October 31, 2014 04:00 - 54.9 MBThis week we're looking at the morbid and fascinating history of our attempts to grapple with disease and death. We're joined by medical historian Richard Barnett to talk about his book "The Sick Rose: Disease and the Art of Medical Illustration." And we'll speak to mortician and blogger Caitlin Doughty about her new book "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory", and her ongoing YouTube series "Ask a Mortician", about the history, science and cultural attitudes attached...
#288 Science and Shakespeare
October 24, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week we're looking at the way science influenced the work of the greatest author in English, and what modern scholars think about its origins. We're joined by journalist and author Dan Falk, to talk about his book "The Science of Shakespeare: A New Look at the Playwright's Universe." And we'll speak to Shakespeare scholar and blogger Stanley Wells, for his perspective on the question of who actually wrote Shakespeare's works.
#287 Troublesome Inheritance
October 17, 2014 04:00 - 54.9 MBThis week, we're looking at the intersection of race, history and genetics in science writer Nicholas Wade's 2014 book "A Troublesome Inheritance: Genes, Race and Human History." DNA researcher Jennifer Raff and science journalist David Dobbs share their critiques of the claim that differences between genetically distinct "races" are responsible for global divergence in cultural and political structures. And blogger Scicurious walks us through the (delicious) basics of the scientific method w...
#286 An Epidemic of Rumors (REBROADCAST)
October 10, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week, we're revisiting an episode about the power of stories and innuendo to shape the public perception of science. We'll speak to author Jon Lee about his book "An Epidemic of Rumors: How Stories Shape Our Perceptions of Disease." And we're joined by Dr. Paul A. Offit, Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases and the Director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, to get the scientific perspective of the safety and effectiveness of vaccinations.
#285 High Price
October 03, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week we're looking at the science and policy of treating drug addiction. We're joined by psychology professor and researcher Carl Hart to talk about his book "High Price: A Neuroscientist's Journey of Self-Discovery That Challenges Everything You Know About Drugs and Society." And we'll speak to Donald MacPherson, Director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, about harm reduction strategies to reduce the negative consequences of drug use.
#284 Edible
September 26, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week, we're looking at the environmental impact of foods we eat, and others that we should. We'll speak to Daniella Martin, host of the insect cooking/travel show "Girl Meets Bug," about her book "Edible: An Adventure into the World of Eating Insects and the Last Great Hope to Save the Planet." And we'll talk about the environmental effects of salmon farming with Peter Bridson, Aquaculture Research Manager for the Seafood Watch program at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
#283 Mental Illness Myths
September 19, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week, we're listening to "Mental Illness Myths," a panel discussion about public perceptions of mental health at CONvergence 2014. Panelists Megan Press, Miri Mogilevsky, Julia Burke and Olivia James discuss misconceptions about diagnosis, treatment and symptoms, and the harm that stigma does to individuals affected by mental illness.
#282 Cities of the Future
September 12, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week, we're listening to "Cities of The Future," a panel discussion about the future of human living spaces recorded live at CONvergence 2014. Panelists Jamie Bernstein, Ryan Consell and Shawn Lawrence Otto discuss how cities can adapt to accommodate the changing demographics, economics, and environment of a warming planet.
#281 Getting Away With Murder
September 05, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week, we're listening to "Getting Away With Murder," a panel discussion about forensic science and pop culture recorded live at CONvergence 2014. Panelists Amanda Leinbaugh, Emily Finke, Bug Girl Gwen Pearson, and Raychelle "Dr. Rubidium" Burks discuss the Hollywood treatment of forensic investigations, and the way crime scene security, DNA analysis, and pattern evidence work in the real world.
#280 Hypatia and Women in STEM (REBROADCAST)
August 29, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week, we're revisiting an episode looking back in history and to the modern day, to discuss women who defend and advance science and learning. We speak to author Faith Justice, about her book "Hypatia: Her Life and Times," which examines the literary myths and primary sources on the life of the famous philosopher. And we're joined by Professor Zahra Hazari, to discuss her work on gender issues in science education.
#279 Starlight Detectives
August 22, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week, we're exploring the night sky and the history of astronomy. Physics professor Alan Hirshfeld joins us to talk about his book "Starlight Detectives: How Astronomers, Inventors, and Eccentrics Discovered the Modern Universe." And we'll speak to stargazer Chris Beckett about amateur astronomy, and his work with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
#278 Garden of Marvels
August 15, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week we're learning about botany and the colorful science of gardening. Author Ruth Kassinger joins us to discuss her book "A Garden of Marvels: How We Discovered that Flowers Have Sex, Leaves Eat Air, and Other Secrets of the Way Plants Work." And we'll speak to NASA researcher Gioia Massa about her work to solve the technical challenges of gardening in space.
#277 Science and Politics
August 08, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week we're talking about science and evidence in the political process. We'll talk to Dan Kahan, Professor of Law and Professor of Psychology at Yale Law School, about the Cultural Cognition Project, which studies group values and perceptions of risk in science communication. We'll speak to Shane Trimmer, Executive Director of Franklin's List, about their work to elect pro-science candidates. And biologist Katie Gibbs returns with an update on Evidence for Democracy, which advocates for ...
#276 Game Change
August 01, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week we're looking at the math and science of business decisions. We'll speak to David McAdams, Duke University Professor of Business Administration and Economics, about his book "Game-Changer: Game Theory and the Art of Transforming Strategic Situations." And we'll talk to Vassar College Economics Professor Benjamin Ho about his economic analysis of apologies.
#275 Perv (REBROADCAST)
July 25, 2014 04:00 - 27.5 MBThis week, we're listening back to a discussion of taboo sexual practices, and whether they're really as unusual as we think. Psychologist and author Jesse Bering talks about his book, "Perv: The Sexual Deviant in All of Us." And we'll speak to Nicole Prause, Principal Investigator at UCLA's Sexual Psychophysiology and Affective Neuroscience (SPAN) Laboratory, on her neurological perspective that raises doubts about self-reported sex addiction.
#274 Coffee and Cigarettes
July 18, 2014 04:00This week we're learning about some of the legal chemicals that regulate the moods of millions of people every day. Journalist Murray Carpenter joins us to talk about his book "Caffeinated - How Our Daily Habit Helps, Hurts and Hooks Us." And science blogger Dr. David Gorski explains the state of research on the effects of e-cigarettes.
#273 The V-Word
July 11, 2014 04:00This week, we're looking at the social and biological science of female sex organs. We'll talk to Dr. Anthony Atala, director of the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Institute for Regenerative Medicine, about the creation and use of lab-grown vaginas. Biology professor Marie Herberstein exposes the bias against female genitalia in scientific studies. And science writer Emily Anthes tells us about the history and promising future of female condoms.
#272 Science and the Death Penalty
July 04, 2014 04:00This week, we're looking at the science of the ultimate criminal punishment. Pharmacologist and science writer David Kroll joins us to discuss the chemistry of the drugs used in lethal injections. We'll talk to law professor Samuel Gross, editor of the National Registry of Exonerations, about the rates of false convictions in death penalty cases. And we'll speak to Johns Hopkins University psychiatrist Dr. James Harris about the complex issues at the intersection of capital punishment and int...
#271 Mother Nature is Trying to Kill You
June 27, 2014 04:00This week, we're learning how deadly and delightful our planet and its ecosystem can be. We're joined by biologist Dan Riskin, co-host of Discovery Canada's Daily Planet, to talk about his book "Mother Nature Is Trying to Kill You: a Lively Tour Through the Dark Side of the Natural World." And we'll talk to astronomer and author Phil Plait about Science Getaways, his company that offers educational vacation experiences for science lovers.
#270 Environmental Debt
June 20, 2014 04:00This week, we're looking at how worldwide environmental challenges interact with our increasingly global economy. We'll speak to Amy Larkin, founder of Nature Means Business, about her book "Environmental Debt: The Hidden Costs of a Changing Global Economy." Journalist Ken Silverstein joins us to explain the way climate change is dividing the insurance and energy industries. And we'll talk to Arjen Hoekstra, professor of Water Management at the University of Twente, about the effects of water...
#269 Sonic Wonderland
June 13, 2014 04:00This week, we're exploring the science of sound and hearing. We'll talk to Trevor Cox, Professor of Acoustic Engineering at the University of Salford, about his book "Sonic Wonderland: A Scientific Odyssey of Sound." And we'll speak to Andrew Wise, Senior Research Fellow at Bionics Institute, about a gene therapy technique to enhance the function of cochlear implants.
#268 Extreme Medicine
June 06, 2014 04:00This week, we're on the frontiers of medicine, from the fabulous to the foolhardy. We'll talk to Dr. Kevin Fong, co-director of the Centre for Aviation Space and Extreme Environment Medicine at University College London, about his book "Extreme Medicine: How Exploration Transformed Medicine in the Twentieth Century." And we're joined by Dr. Sydnee and Justin McElroy, hosts of the podcast "Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine."
#267 Ephemeral Particles
May 30, 2014 04:00This week we're learning about some of the many invisible particles that surround us. We'll speak to astrophysicist Ray Jayawardhana about his book "Neutrino Hunters: The Thrilling Chase for a Ghostly Particle to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe." And we'll talk to ecology professor Donald Canfield about his book "Oxygen: A Four Billion Year History."
#266 Always More Health Controversies
May 23, 2014 04:00This week, we're tackling more controversial topics in the realm of healthcare. We'll speak to Edward Archer, post-doctoral fellow in the Nutrition and Obesity Research Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, about the tendency toward psuedoscience in nutrition data gathering. And Dr. Keith Norris, editor-in-chief of the journal Ethnicity & Disease, joins us to talk about the intersection of race and medicine.
#265 An Epidemic of Rumors
May 16, 2014 04:00This week, we're looking at the power of stories and innuendo to shape the public perception of science. We'll speak to author Jon Lee about his book "An Epidemic of Rumors: How Stories Shape Our Perceptions of Disease." And we're joined by Dr. Paul A. Offit, Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases and the Director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, to get the scientific perspective of the safety and effectiveness of vaccinations.
#264 The Infested Mind
May 09, 2014 04:00This week, we're looking at the relationship between insects and humans, both mental and physical. We'll speak to entomologist and essayist Jeffrey Lockwood about his book "The Infested Mind: Why Humans Fear, Loathe, and Love Insects." And we'll talk to entomologist Eric Benbow about the use of insects as a tool for forensic investigation.
#263 Internet Things
May 02, 2014 04:00This week, we're looking at controversies over connectivity, both online and in the physical world. University of Ottawa law professor Michael Geist walks us through the arguments over net neutrality. And we'll speak to researcher Rob van Kranenburg about his book "The Internet of Things. A critique of ambient technology and the all-seeing network of RFID."
#262 Me, Myself, and Why
April 25, 2014 04:00This week, we're exploring genetics, neuroscience, and psychology, to find out what makes every person - and personality - unique. We'll talk to science writer Jennifer Ouelette about her newest book "Me, Myself and Why: Searching for the Science of Self." And science writer Ed Yong takes a critical look at the hype surrounding the hormone oxytocin.
#261 Accidents and Eccentricity
April 18, 2014 04:00This week, we're learning about some of the most fortunate accidents and fascinating personalities in the history of science. We'll talk to astrophysicist and author Mario Livio about his book "Brilliant Blunders: From Darwin to Einstein - Colossal Mistakes by Great Scientists That Changed Our Understanding of Life and the Universe." And we'll talk to historian W. Bernard Carlson about his book "Tesla: Inventor of the Electrical Age."
#260 Running Low
April 11, 2014 04:00This week, we're looking across the Periodic Table and assessing the scarcity of modern society's essential elements. We're joined by Dr. Thomas Graedel, Director of the Center for Industrial Ecology at Yale University, to talk about the rare metals that play a role in our electronic devices. We'll speak to physics Professor Dr. Moses Hung-Wai Chan about our dwindling supply of helium. And we'll talk about the phosphorous that plays a critical role in modern agriculture, with ecology professo...
#259 News From The Dark
April 04, 2014 04:00This week, we're peering out into the black to learn about deepest space, and our own night sky. We'll talk to Bad Astronomer Phil Plait, about recent measurements of gravity waves, and what they tell us about the birth of the Universe. We'll speak to journalist and essayist Paul Bogard about his book "The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light." And Noisy Astronomer Nicole Gugliucci tells us about a project using citizen science to map the surface of the m...
#258 Emerging Infections
March 28, 2014 04:00This week, we're discussing invading organisms large and small. We'll talk to Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, to learn why (and how) researchers are creating new strains of flu virus. We're joined by marine invertebrate researcher Dr. Benjamin Miner, to talk about the wasting disease killing starfish on the west coast of North America. And we'll talk to physicist Ross Lockwood about the HI-SEAS project, e...
#257 Falling Upwards
March 21, 2014 04:00This week, we're learning about the science and history of lighter-than-air flight. We'll spend the hour with biographer and science writer Richard Holmes, to talk about his newest book, "Falling Upwards: How We Took to the Air." We'll talk about the technology of 19th century ballooning, and the pioneering men and women who took to the skies and changed our view of the world. (For more information on the Strathcona Freethought Society, check out their Facebook and Meetup pages.)
#256 Beauty is A Beast
March 14, 2014 04:00This week we're exploring the science of beauty products and procedures. We'll talk to cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski, co-founder of thebeautybrains.com, about his book "It's OK to Have Lead in Your Lipstick." And we'll speak to cosmetic surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Hall-Findlay about plastic surgery tourism, and safety regulation in the industry.
#255 Impossible Computing
March 07, 2014 04:00This week we're learning about the science and math on the cutting edge of computing research. We'll talk to Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Professor Scott Aaronson about the hype and the hope for the field of quantum computing. And we'll discuss one of the most intriguing open problems in mathematics with Lance Fortnow, Chair of the School of Computer Science at Georgia Tech, and author of "The Golden Ticket: P, NP, and the Search for the Impossible."
#254 On Genius
February 28, 2014 04:00This week we're thinking about thinking, and the capacity of the not-so-humble human brain. We'll speak to science writer Fritjof Capra about his book "Learning from Leonardo: Decoding the Notebooks of a Genius." We'll take a look at IQ testing with author and psychology professor Scott Barry Kaufman. And we'll talk to Chelsea Du Fresne and Andrew Tripp about this year's Skeptech conference.
#253 The Philosophical Breakfast Club
February 21, 2014 04:00This week, we're looking back at four remarkable minds whose weekly meetings set the stage for a revolution in science and technology. We're joined by science historian Laura J. Snyder, to talk about her book "The Philosophical Breakfast Club: Four Remarkable Friends who Transformed Science and Changed the World." And we'll speak to "Surly" Amy Davis Roth and Skepchick contributor Melanie Mallon, about the science track at CONvergence 2014.
#252 Everyday Science and Math
February 14, 2014 04:00This week we're looking at some ordinary life experiences that harbor extraordinary science and math secrets. Filmmaker and author Simon Singh joins us to talk about his book "The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets". Mathematician Christopher McKinlay shares his experience using statistics to hack online dating. And we'll talk to culinary columnist J. Kenji Lopez-Alt about the science of the perfect chocolate chip cookie.
#251 Countdown
February 07, 2014 04:00This week, we're looking at population and politics, and what we can do to make human life on Earth more sustainable. We'll speak to journalist and author Alan Weisman, about his book "Countdown: Our Last, Best Hope for a Future on Earth."And we're joined by Dr. Chris Tyler, Director of the UK’s Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, to talk about the 20 top things scientists need to know about policy-making.
#250 For Frack's Sake
January 31, 2014 04:00This week, it's another foray into the realm of science and politics, and the messy way they influence each other. We're joined by Dr. Andrew Rosenberg, director of the Center for Science and Democracy, to discuss the evidence and the arguments about the controversial oil extraction technique known as "fracking." And we'll talk to science librarian and blogger John Dupuis, about the Canadian government and its closure of Department of Fisheries and Oceans libraries.
#249 Health Controversies Again
January 24, 2014 04:00This week, we're looking at controversial topics at the intersection of healthcare and ethics. Law professor and author Timothy Caulfield returns to discuss the rise of stem cell tourism at clinics worldwide. And science writer David Dobbs joins us to explain the showdown between the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and personal genomics company 23andMe.
#248 Perv
January 17, 2014 04:00This week, we're discussing taboo sexual practices, and whether they're really as unusual as we think. Psychologist and author Jesse Bering returns to the show to talk about his newest book, "Perv: The Sexual Deviant in All of Us." And we'll speak to Nicole Prause, Principal Investigator at UCLA's Sexual Psychophysiology and Affective Neuroscience (SPAN) Laboratory, on her neurological perspective that raises doubts about self-reported sex addiction.
#247 The Atomic Era
January 10, 2014 04:00This week, we're learning about the power and peril of the atom, with two books about women who were instrumental in helping us unlock its secrets. We're joined by Huffington Post editor Shelley Emling, to discuss her book "Marie Curie and Her Daughters: The Private Lives of Science's First Family." And we'll speak to author Denise Kiernan about her book, "The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II."