http://bigscience.fm en Originally broadcast on Resonance 104.4 FM Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:00:00 GMT Mon, 13 Jun 2011 22:00:00 +0100 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss ed@bigscience.fm (Ed Gerstner) 30 A stochastic romp through the ideas that make the Universe tick. Ed Gerstner Big Science FM began as an experiment borne of a belief that the laws that govern the Universe are simple. Fantastical, astonishing, often unbelievable, but ultimately comprehensible to anyone who wants to understand. For an hour each week, Dr Ed Gerstner and guests explore the ideas that make the Universe tick. Big Science FM began as an experiment borne of a belief that the laws that govern the Universe are simple. Fantastical, astonishing, often unbelievable, but ultimately comprehensible to anyone who wants to understand. For an hour each week, Dr Ed Gerstner and guests explore the ideas that make the Universe tick. Ed Gerstner ed@bigscience.fm no Ed Gerstner no no Wouldn't it be nice if the laws of physics where same everywhere in the Universe, regardless of how fast you were travelling? In this episode Big Science explores how the constancy of the laws of electricity and magnetism leads to ... Wouldn't it be nice if the laws of physics where same everywhere in the Universe, regardless of how fast you were travelling? In this episode Big Science explores the consequences of the laws of electricity and magnetism being the same is all frames of reference - from the constancy of light speed to the bending of space and time. Wouldn't it be nice if the laws of physics where same everywhere in the Universe, regardless of how fast you were travelling? In this episode Big Science explores the consequences of the laws of electricity and magnetism being the same is all frames of reference - from the constancy of light speed to the bending of space and time. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-01-2010-07-07.mp3 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:00:00 GMT 48:54 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, special relativity, Einstein, Maxwell's equations, light, Ed Gerstner, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no This week, we continue on from the previous week, to discuss the implications of the fact that the laws of electricity and magnetism, and therefore the speed of light, are always the same regardless of how fast you are travelling ... This week, we continue on from the previous week, to discuss the implications of the fact that the laws of electricity and magnetism, and therefore the speed of light, are always the same regardless of how fast you are travelling. We’re talking the equivalence of mass and energy embodied in the equation E=mc^2, more time bending, and the atomic bomb. This week, we continue on from the previous week, to discuss the implications of the fact that the laws of electricity and magnetism, and therefore the speed of light, are always the same regardless of how fast you are travelling. We’re talking the equivalence of mass and energy embodied in the equation E=mc^2, more time bending, and the atomic bomb. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-02-2010-07-14.mp3 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:00:00 GMT 50:01 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, special relativity, Einstein, Maxwell's equations, light, Ed Gerstner, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no To a casual observer, the Universe looks likes *really* complex. It isn't. In this show we'll discuss how just a handful of building blocks and the idea of beauty (or, rather, symmetry) produces diversity and complexity in the world around us ... To a casual observer, the Universe looks likes *really* complex. It isn't. In this show we'll discuss how just a handful of building blocks and the idea of beauty (or, rather, symmetry) produces diversity and complexity in the world around us. From atoms and molecules to the opus of science, the Standard Model of Particle Physics. To a casual observer, the Universe looks likes *really* complex. It isn't. In this show we'll discuss how just a handful of building blocks and the idea of beauty (or, rather, symmetry) produces diversity and complexity in the world around us. From atoms and molecules to the opus of science, the Standard Model of Particle Physics. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-03-2010-07-21.mp3 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:00:00 GMT 58:54 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, Standard Model, particle physics, Higgs boson, Large Hadron Collider, LHC, CERN, Ed Gerstner, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no Quantum mechanics is by far and away the most accurate and successful theory that has ever been devised. It’s also the most bizarre. This week, Big Science explores how the particle theory of light built to describe hot things leads to ... Quantum mechanics is by far and away the most accurate and successful theory that has ever been devised. It’s also the most bizarre. This week, Big Science explores how the particle theory of light built to describe the light emitted by hot things leads to a wave theory of particles. Quantum mechanics is by far and away the most accurate and successful theory that has ever been devised. It’s also the most bizarre. This week, Big Science explores how the particle theory of light built to describe the light emitted by hot things leads to a wave theory of particles. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-04-2010-07-28.mp3 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:00:00 GMT 50:17 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, quantum mechanics, Einstein, Planck, Heisenberg, Schroedinger, Bohr, Ed Gerstner, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no Quantum mechanics is by far and away the most accurate and successful theory that has ever been devised. It’s also the most bizarre. This week, Big Science continues to explore how the particle theory of light built to describe hot things ... Quantum mechanics is by far and away the most accurate and successful theory that has ever been devised. It’s also the most bizarre. This week, Big Science continues to explore how the particle theory of light built to describe the light emitted by hot things leads to the weird world of quantum. Quantum mechanics is by far and away the most accurate and successful theory that has ever been devised. It’s also the most bizarre. This week, Big Science continues to explore how the particle theory of light built to describe the light emitted by hot things leads to the weird world of quantum. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-05-2010-08-04.mp3 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 22:00:00 GMT 51:12 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, quantum mechanics, Einstein, Planck, Heisenberg, Schroedinger, Bohr, Ed Gerstner, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no So what the hell is a hadron, and why are they colliding large ones to find a Higgs botswain? So what the hell is a hadron, and why are they colliding large ones to find a Higgs botswain? So what the hell is a hadron, and why are they colliding large ones to find a Higgs botswain? http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-07-2010-09-08.mp3 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 22:00:00 GMT 01:07:12 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, Standard Model, particle physics, Higgs boson, Large Hadron Collider, LHC, CERN, Ed Gerstner, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no By the end of the first quarter of the 20th century, physicists increasingly realized that quantum mechanics provided a powerful means of describing the behaviour of subatomic particles. But until that point it only described slow moving particles... By the end of the first quarter of the 20th century, physicists increasingly realized that quantum mechanics provided a powerful means of describing the behaviour of subatomic particles. But until that point it only described slow moving particles. When Paul Dirac combined special relativity with quantum mechanics, he found something even stranger, antimatter! By the end of the first quarter of the 20th century, physicists increasingly realized that quantum mechanics provided a powerful means of describing the behaviour of subatomic particles. But until that point it only described slow moving particles. When Paul Dirac combined special relativity with quantum mechanics, he found something even stranger, antimatter! http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-08-2010-09-15.mp3 Wed, 15 Sep 2010 22:00:00 GMT 52:14 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, quantum mechanics, special relativity, antimatter, positrons, Paul Dirac, Dirac equation, Ed Gerstner, Chris Weaver Ed Gerstner no no Everyone knows about the three states of matter, solids, liquids and gases. But few know about the fourth, plasmas. They're all around us, from neon signs to TVs. And they could provide us with an unlimited source of energy. Eventually. Everyone knows about the three states of matter, solids, liquids and gases. But few know about the fourth, plasmas. They're all around us, from neon signs to TVs. And they could provide us with an unlimited source of energy. Eventually. Everyone knows about the three states of matter, solids, liquids and gases. But few know about the fourth, plasmas. They're all around us, from neon signs to TVs. And they could provide us with an unlimited source of energy. Eventually. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-15-2010-11-17.mp3 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 22:00:00 GMT 51:45 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, plasma, fusion, ITER, NIF, Ed Gerstner, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no This week we talk DNA, with Nature's biological sciences editor, Tanguy Chouard. Is it really a blueprint? If not, why not? This week we talk DNA, with Nature's biological sciences editor, Tanguy Chouard. Is it really a blueprint? If not, why not? This week we talk DNA, with Nature's biological sciences editor, Tanguy Chouard. Is it really a blueprint? If not, why not? http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-19-2011-01-19.mp3 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 22:00:00 GMT 54:37 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, DNA, life, genetics, genes, Ed Gerstner, Tanguy Chouard, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no This week we continue to ask whether it's meaningful to describe DNA as the blueprint of life. And if the blueprint isn't in DNA where the hell is it? This week we continue to ask whether it's meaningful to describe DNA as the blueprint of life. And if the blueprint isn't in DNA where the hell is it? This week we continue to ask whether it's meaningful to describe DNA as the blueprint of life. And if the blueprint isn't in DNA where the hell is it? http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-20-2011-01-26.mp3 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 22:00:00 GMT 51:02 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, DNA, life, genetics, genes, Ed Gerstner, Tanguy Chouard Ed Gerstner no no This week we go beyond DNA to the real workhorses of life, proteins. How are they made? What do they do? And how do they interact to build a hedgehog? This week we go beyond DNA to the real workhorses of life, proteins. How are they made? What do they do? And how do they interact to build a hedgehog? This week we go beyond DNA to the real workhorses of life, proteins. How are they made? What do they do? And how do they interact to build a hedgehog? http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-21-2011-02-02.mp3 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 22:00:00 GMT 53:21 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, DNA, life, genetics, genes, evolution, proteins, Ed Gerstner, Tanguy Chouard, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no There's more to life than DNA... much more. This week we continue our exploration of proteins, the true building blocks of life. How are they made? And what exactly do they do? There's more to life than DNA... much more. This week we continue our exploration of proteins, the true building blocks of life. How are they made? And what exactly do they do? There's more to life than DNA... much more. This week we continue our exploration of proteins, the true building blocks of life. How are they made? And what exactly do they do? http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-22-2011-02-09.mp3 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 22:00:00 GMT 52:34 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, DNA, life, genetics, genes, evolution, proteins, Ed Gerstner, Tanguy Chouard, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no This week we start with the question, what does DNA know about the Universe? But, as usual, we don't stay on topic for long, instead segueing into a much more interesting discussion of Sarah Palin, fruit flies and cancer. This week we start with the question, what does DNA know about the Universe? But, as usual, we don't stay on topic for long, instead segueing into a much more interesting discussion of Sarah Palin, fruit flies and cancer. This week we start with the question, what does DNA know about the Universe? But, as usual, we don't stay on topic for long, instead segueing into a much more interesting discussion of Sarah Palin, fruit flies and cancer. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-23-2011-02-16.mp3 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 22:00:00 GMT 51:46 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, DNA, life, genetics, genes, evolution, proteins, drosophila, Sarah Palin, cancer, Ed Gerstner, Tanguy Chouard, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no In the light of events at the Fukushima nuclear plant following the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, we discuss nuclear power and the implications of the unfolding situation. In the light of events at the Fukushima nuclear plant following the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, we discuss nuclear power and the implications of the unfolding situation. In the light of events at the Fukushima nuclear plant following the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, we discuss nuclear power and the implications of the unfolding situation. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-27-2011-03-16.mp3 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 22:00:00 GMT 52:57 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, nuclear power, uranium, plutonium, waste, earthquake, tsunami, Fukushima, Japan, Ed Gerstner, Tanguy Chouard, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no Science is all about truth, right? So anything that is true can be determined by science, right? Probably not. Science is all about truth, right? So anything that is true can be determined by science, right? Probably not. Science is all about truth, right? So anything that is true can be determined by science, right? Probably not. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-28-2011-06-15.mp3 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT 53:51 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, mathematics, Gödel, non-periodic tilings, Turing, Penrose tiles, truth, Ed Gerstner, Edmund Harriss, Tanguy Chouard, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no What so big about nanotechnology? Does it represent a brave new world, or a means to hype more of the same. We ask nanotech guru Tim Harper. What so big about nanotechnology? Does it represent a brave new world, or a means to hype more of the same. We ask nanotech guru Tim Harper. What so big about nanotechnology? Does it represent a brave new world, or a means to hype more of the same. We ask nanotech guru Tim Harper. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-29-2011-06-22.mp3 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT 52:58 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, chemistry, nanotechnology, nanobots, Ed Gerstner, Tim Harper Ed Gerstner no no This week we take a rollercoaster ride through the history of maths. From the four Greek 'mathematics' - geometry, astronomy, arithmetic and music. To fierce opposition to arabic numerals from European accountants. And the disaster that was Isaac Newton. This week we take a rollercoaster ride through the history of maths. From the four Greek 'mathematics' - geometry, astronomy, arithmetic and music. To fierce opposition to arabic numerals from European accountants. And the disaster that was Isaac Newton. This week we take a rollercoaster ride through the history of maths. From the four Greek 'mathematics' - geometry, astronomy, arithmetic and music. To fierce opposition to arabic numerals from European accountants. And the disaster that was Isaac Newton. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-30-2011-06-29.mp3 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT 52:07 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, history, mathematics, Fibonacci, arithmetic, calculus, abacus, arabic numerals, algebra, al-jabr, geometry, music, Pythagorus, Newton, Leibniz, Ed Gerstner, Edmund Harriss Ed Gerstner no no From alcohol to ether and beyond, in this episode we explore the science of anaesthesiology with clinical anaesthetist, Dr Katie Grant. From alcohol to ether and beyond, in this episode we explore the science of anaesthesiology with clinical anaesthetist, Dr Katie Grant. From alcohol to ether and beyond, in this episode we explore the science of anaesthesiology with clinical anaesthetist, Dr Katie Grant. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-32-2011-07-13.mp3 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT 53:42 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, medicine, anaesthesia, anaesthetics, pain-killers, surgery, Ed Gerstner, Chrissie Giles, Katie Grant Ed Gerstner no no How do you make a fly with the same genes you use to make a mouse? It's complicated. But that's what Big Science is all about. How do you make a fly with the same genes you use to make a mouse? It's complicated. But that's what Big Science is all about. How do you make a fly with the same genes you use to make a mouse? It's complicated. But that's what Big Science is all about. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-33-2011-07-20.mp3 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT 56:08 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, DNA, life, genetics, genes, evolution, proteins, drosophila, fruit flies, mice, Ed Gerstner, Tanguy Chouard, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no Five months after the nuclear disaster at Japan's Fukushima Daiich power plant, the crisis has all but slipped off the front pages. But the crisis continues. Nature reporter, Geoff Brumfiel gives us status update. Five months after the nuclear disaster at Japan's Fukushima Daiich power plant, the crisis has all but slipped off the front pages. But the crisis continues. Nature reporter, Geoff Brumfiel gives us status update. Five months after the nuclear disaster at Japan's Fukushima Daiich power plant, the crisis has all but slipped off the front pages. But the crisis continues. Nature reporter, Geoff Brumfiel gives us status update. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-34-2011-08-03.mp3 Wed, 3 Aug 2011 22:00:00 GMT 51:26 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, nuclear power, nuclear accident, uranium, meltdown, China syndrome, earthquake, tsunami, Fukushima, Japan, Ed Gerstner, Geoff Brumfiel, Chrissie Giles, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no Conventional nuclear fission won't solve the world's energy problems. Thankfully, it's not the only nuclear game in town. Tonight we explore an alternative nuclear tech, in accelerator-driven subcritical nuclear reactors fueled with thorium... Conventional nuclear fission won't solve the world's energy problems. Thankfully, it's not the only nuclear game in town. Tonight we explore an alternative nuclear tech, in accelerator-driven subcritical nuclear reactors fueled with thorium. With Dr Hywel Owen from the University of Manchester. Conventional nuclear fission won't solve the world's energy problems. Thankfully, it's not the only nuclear game in town. Tonight we explore an alternative nuclear tech, in accelerator-driven subcritical nuclear reactors fueled with thorium. With Dr Hywel Owen from the University of Manchester. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-35-2011-08-17.mp3 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 22:00:00 GMT 52:02 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, nuclear power, uranium, plutonium, thorium, protons, neutrons, electricity, global warming, coal, gas, Fukushima, particle accelerators, Carlo Rubbia, subcritical, Ed Gerstner, Hywel Owen, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no In recent shows we've been talking about technologies for generating energy. In this episode we look at the flip side with Ralph Clague who's working on green car technologies that use the energy we've got more efficiently. In recent shows we've been talking about technologies for generating energy. In this episode we look at the flip side with Ralph Clague who's working on green car technologies that use the energy we've got more efficiently. In recent shows we've been talking about technologies for generating energy. In this episode we look at the flip side with Ralph Clague who's working on green car technologies that use the energy we've got more efficiently. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-37-2011-08-31.mp3 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 22:00:00 GMT 50:51 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, electricity, electric cars, batteries, hydrogen, fuel cells, formula one, hybrids, global warming, Ed Gerstner, Ralph Clague, Chrissie Giles, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no We assume that modern medicine can distinguish between life and death. But when it comes to ‘brain death’, things aren't so clear cut. In this episode we explore unconsciousness, coma, and the bits in between with neuroscience writer, Mo Costandi. We assume that modern medicine can distinguish between life and death. But when it comes to ‘brain death’, things aren't so clear cut. In this episode we explore unconsciousness, coma, and the bits in between with neuroscience writer, Mo Costandi. We assume that modern medicine can distinguish between life and death. But when it comes to ‘brain death’, things aren't so clear cut. In this episode we explore unconsciousness, coma, and the bits in between with neuroscience writer, Mo Costandi. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-38-2011-09-07.mp3 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT 53:05 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, neuroscience, coma, persistent vegetative state, EEG, REM, dreaming, brain damage, consciousness, unconsciousness, Terry Sciavo, Rom Houban, fMRI, Mo Costandi, Neurophilosophy, Chrissie Giles, Ed Gerstner Ed Gerstner no no In this episode we discuss the intriguing results hot off the press from Cern's Large Hadron Collider with particle physicist Professor Jonathan Butterworth... In this episode we discuss the intriguing results hot off the press from Cern's Large Hadron Collider with particle physicist Professor Jonathan Butterworth. Have we found the Higgs particle, yet? And if we had, what would that mean for the future of particle physics? In this episode we discuss the intriguing results hot off the press from Cern's Large Hadron Collider with particle physicist Professor Jonathan Butterworth. Have we found the Higgs particle, yet? And if we had, what would that mean for the future of particle physics? http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-39-2011-09-14.mp3 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT 49:33 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, particle physics, CERN, LHC, Large Hadron Collider, UCL, Fermilab, ATLAS, CMS, Higgs boson, Higgs field, leptons, quarks, mass, Ed Gerstner, Anna Armstrong, Jonathan Butterworth Ed Gerstner no no Geological evidence suggests that around 650 million years ago, the Earth was covered in ice. It was believed only single-celled organisms could have survived 'Snowball Earth'. Until Adam Maloof found a fossilized sponge... Geological evidence suggests that around 650 million years ago, the Earth was covered in ice. It was believed only single-celled organisms could have survived 'Snowball Earth'. Until Adam Maloof found a fossilized sponge predating this by millions of years. Geological evidence suggests that around 650 million years ago, the Earth was covered in ice. It was believed only single-celled organisms could have survived 'Snowball Earth'. Until Adam Maloof found a fossilized sponge predating this by millions of years. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-40-2011-09-28.mp3 Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT 55:20 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, geology, palaeontology, Snowball Earth, ice age, sponges, fossils, origin of life, Ed Gerstner, Chrissie Giles, Anna Armstrong, Adam Maloof, Lola Perrin, Alexis Kirke Ed Gerstner no no 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics Special. In this show, we talk supernovae, cosmic acceleration, dark energy and the history and implications of this year's physics award to Perlmutter, Schmidt, and Riess, with Professor Ofer Lahav. 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics Special. In this show, we talk supernovae, cosmic acceleration, dark energy and the history and implications of this year's physics award to Perlmutter, Schmidt, and Riess, with Professor Ofer Lahav. 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics Special. In this show, we talk supernovae, cosmic acceleration, dark energy and the history and implications of this year's physics award to Perlmutter, Schmidt, and Riess, with Professor Ofer Lahav. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-41-2011-10-05.mp3 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT 54:06 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, cosmology, Nobel Prize, dark energy, supernova, Einstein, Hubble, cosmological constant, Saul Perlmutter, Brian P. Schmidt, and Adam G. Riess, Ed Gerstner, Chrissie Giles, Anna Armstrong, Ofer Lahav Ed Gerstner no no How did the Universe begin? What made it expand from the size of a grapefruit to billions of lightyears across in a fraction of a second after the Big Bang? And why did it stop? And is ours the only Universe? We ask Hiranya Peiris and Matt Johnson. How did the Universe begin? What made it expand from the size of a grapefruit to billions of lightyears across in a fraction of a second after the Big Bang? And why did it stop? And is ours the only Universe? We ask cosmologists Hiranya Peiris and Matt Johnson. How did the Universe begin? What made it expand from the size of a grapefruit to billions of lightyears across in a fraction of a second after the Big Bang? And why did it stop? And is ours the only Universe? We ask cosmologists Hiranya Peiris and Matt Johnson. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-42-2011-10-12.mp3 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT 49:18 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, cosmic inflation, cosmic acceleration, multiverse, bubble collision hypothesis, cosmology, Cosmic Microwave Background, WMAP, CMB anisotropy, Big Bang, Ed Gerstner, Hiranya Peiris, Matt Johnson Ed Gerstner no no In 1929, Frigyes Karinthy wrote a short story suggesting that everyone is connected to everyone else by six or seven degrees of separation. We talk to Samuel Hansen about why this means our friends are more popular than we are. In 1929, Frigyes Karinthy wrote a short story suggesting that everyone is connected to everyone else by six or seven degrees of separation. In 1967, Stanley Milgrim did an experiment proving it. And twenty years later, Duncan Watts & Steve Strogatz build the mathematics to describe it. We talk to Samuel Hansen about why this means our friends are more popular than we are. In 1929, Frigyes Karinthy wrote a short story suggesting that everyone is connected to everyone else by six or seven degrees of separation. In 1967, Stanley Milgrim did an experiment proving it. And twenty years later, Duncan Watts & Steve Strogatz build the mathematics to describe it. We talk to Samuel Hansen about why this means our friends are more popular than we are. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-43-2011-11-09.mp3 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:00:00 GMT 51:51 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, mathematics, six degrees of separation, Stanley Milgram, Kevin Bacon, Paul Erdős, Duncan Watts, Steve Strogatz, László Barabási, small world networks, social networks, Ed Gerstner, Chrissie Giles, Samuel Hansen Ed Gerstner no no IBM's BlueGene supercomputer has a similar processing power to the brain of a rat. But while a rat's brain takes up a half a cc and uses 50 mW of power, BlueGene covers 600 sq.ft and consumes 400 kW. We ask Richard Wingate what we're doing wrong. IBM's BlueGene supercomputer can carry out a similar number of operations per second as the brain of a rat. But while a rat's brain takes up a half a cubic centimetre and uses 50 milliwatts of power, BlueGene covers around 600 square feet and uses 400 kilowatts of power. We ask neuroscientist Richard Wingate what we're doing wrong. IBM's BlueGene supercomputer can carry out a similar number of operations per second as the brain of a rat. But while a rat's brain takes up a half a cubic centimetre and uses 50 milliwatts of power, BlueGene covers around 600 square feet and uses 400 kilowatts of power. We ask neuroscientist Richard Wingate what we're doing wrong. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-44-2011-11-16.mp3 Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:00:00 GMT 57:59 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, neuroscience, central nervous system, proprioception, Oliver Sacks, Richard Wingate, Ed Gerstner, Chrissie Giles, Anna Armstrong Ed Gerstner no no In September, physicists announced results suggesting that beams of neutrinos were travelling from Switzerland to Italy at faster than the speed of light, in flagrant violation Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity. Was Einstein wrong? In September, physicists announced results suggesting that beams of neutrinos were travelling from Switzerland to Italy at faster than the speed of light, in flagrant violation Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity. Was Einstein wrong? And what the hell is a neutrino anyway? We ask neutrino guru Dr Ryan Nichol. In September, physicists announced results suggesting that beams of neutrinos were travelling from Switzerland to Italy at faster than the speed of light, in flagrant violation Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity. Was Einstein wrong? And what the hell is a neutrino anyway? We ask neutrino guru Dr Ryan Nichol. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-45-2011-11-30.mp3 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:00:00 GMT 54:49 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, neutrinos, leptons, Fermi, Pauli, particle physics, faster than light, special relativity, OPERA, MINOS, CERN, Gran Sasso, Albert Einstein, particle physics, Ed Gerstner, Chrissie Giles, Ryan Nichol Ed Gerstner no no Within ten years of the first synthesis of LSD in 1938, it was being used to treat a range of psychiatric conditions, including addiction, anxiety and even headaches. It fell out of favour in the 60s. But medical LSD could be making a comeback. Within ten years of the first synthesis of LSD in 1938, it was being used to treat a range of psychiatric conditions, including addiction, anxiety and even headaches. It fell out of favour in the 60s. But the therapeutic use of LSD and other psychoactive drugs could be making a comeback. Within ten years of the first synthesis of LSD in 1938, it was being used to treat a range of psychiatric conditions, including addiction, anxiety and even headaches. It fell out of favour in the 60s. But the therapeutic use of LSD and other psychoactive drugs could be making a comeback. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-46-2012-12-07.mp3 Wed, 7 Dec 2011 22:00:00 GMT 52:00 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, neuroscience, psychiatry, LSD, psychoactive drugs, ketamine, Ed Gerstner, Chrissie Giles, Mo Costandi Ed Gerstner no no The Large Hadron Collider is working better than expected. And it's collected oodles of data. But have they found the Higgs, yet? We ask Davide Castelvecchi, who flew to Geneva to find out. The Large Hadron Collider is working better than expected. And it's collected oodles of data. But have they found the Higgs, yet? We ask Davide Castelvecchi, who flew to Geneva to find out. The Large Hadron Collider is working better than expected. And it's collected oodles of data. But have they found the Higgs, yet? We ask Davide Castelvecchi, who flew to Geneva to find out. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-47-2011-12-14.mp3 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:00:00 GMT 54:57 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, particle physics, CERN, LHC, Large Hadron Collider, Higgs boson, ATLAS, CMS, Higgs field, leptons, quarks, mass, Ed Gerstner, Anna Armstrong, Davide Castelvecchi Ed Gerstner no no US Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich declared that if he were elected president, he would build a manned base on the Moon by 2020. Does this make him a visionary or a fantasist? We ask space guru and Royal Society Fellow, Mike Lockwood. US Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich declared that if he were elected president, he would build a manned base on the Moon by 2020. Does this make him a visionary or a fantasist? We ask space guru and Royal Society Fellow, Mike Lockwood. US Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich declared that if he were elected president, he would build a manned base on the Moon by 2020. Does this make him a visionary or a fantasist? We ask space guru and Royal Society Fellow, Mike Lockwood. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-49-2012-02-01.mp3 Wed, 1 Feb 2012 22:00:00 GMT 57:09 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, space, space travel, Newt Gingrich, Apollo, Moon base, Moon landing, Moon colony, Mars, US presidential race, GOP, Ed Gerstner, Chrissie Giles, Mike Lockwood Ed Gerstner no no There are several ways that the public can contribute to the world of scientific exploration. We talk to David Baker and Chris Eibens how the networked computer game 'Foldit' is contributing to the development of new medical drugs. There are several ways that the public can contribute to the world of scientific exploration. We talk to David Baker and Chris Eibens how the networked computer game 'Foldit' is contributing to the development of new medical drugs. There are several ways that the public can contribute to the world of scientific exploration. We talk to David Baker and Chris Eibens how the networked computer game 'Foldit' is contributing to the development of new medical drugs. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-50-2012-02-22.mp3 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:00:00 GMT 52:22 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, biology, pharmacology, drug design, computer games, proteins, protein folding, foldit, citizen science, Ed Gerstner, Chrissie Giles, David Baker, Chris Eibens Ed Gerstner no no Dogs were the first sentient beings to venture into space. Yet, they know surprisingly little about physics. Chad Orzel, professor of physics at Union College in upstate New York, hopes to redress this. Dogs were the first sentient beings to venture into space. Yet, they know surprisingly little about physics. Chad Orzel, professor of physics at Union College in upstate New York, hopes to redress this. Dogs were the first sentient beings to venture into space. Yet, they know surprisingly little about physics. Chad Orzel, professor of physics at Union College in upstate New York, hopes to redress this. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-51-2012-03-07.mp3 Wed, 7 Mar 2012 22:00:00 GMT 45:33 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, physics, quantum mechanics, special relativity, Einstein, dogs, time dilation, twins paradox, Ed Gerstner, Anna Armstrong, Chad Orzel Ed Gerstner no no Can racism be treated with heart drugs? A recent study suggests so. Does this mean that we can alter a person's moral values with drugs? And what other possibilities are there for engineering the human condition? We ask Julian Savulescu. Can racism be treated with heart drugs? A recent study suggests so. Does this mean that we can alter a person's moral values with drugs? And what other possibilities are there for engineering the human condition? We ask Julian Savulescu. Can racism be treated with heart drugs? A recent study suggests so. Does this mean that we can alter a person's moral values with drugs? And what other possibilities are there for engineering the human condition? We ask Julian Savulescu. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-52-2012-03-21.mp3 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 22:00:00 GMT 52:27 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, aderal, racism, propranolol, adderall, Ed Gerstner, Chrissie Giles, Julian Savulescu Ed Gerstner no no What is it about video games that makes them so addictive? Do we play these things not because they are easy but because they are hard? How hard are they? We asked MIT mathetmaticians Erik Demaine and Alan Guo. What is it about video games that makes them so addictive? Do we play these things not because they are easy but because they are hard? How hard are they? We asked MIT mathetmaticians Erik Demaine and Alan Guo. What is it about video games that makes them so addictive? Do we play these things not because they are easy but because they are hard? How hard are they? We asked MIT mathetmaticians Erik Demaine and Alan Guo. http://podcast.dr-edg.net/bigsciencefm/BigScience-53-2012-04-18.mp3 Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:00:00 GMT 55:37 Big Science, Resonance FM, science, P vs NP, NP hard, mathematics, computer games, Donkey Kong, Mario Bros, Pacman, Ed Gerstner, Tanguy Chouard, Chrissie Giles, Erik Demaine, Alan Guo