Category Science & Technology

The future is in good hands with these innovators, and these stories of inventions, technology, and scientific ingenuity are changing not only the way we see the world, but also the world itself.

APOPO’s Highly Trained Rats Could Save Your Life with Dr. Cindy Fast (Episode #131)

Dr. Cindy Fast tells us about the fascinating and groundbreaking work of an organization in Africa that has realized the potential in a common local animal, and turned it from “pest” to “hero.” Remarkable gains in landmine clearing, stopping the spread of tuberculosis, and even search and rescue techniques are being made… all from the discovery of a novel partnership: one between humans and… African giant pouched rats! Listen in to learn about the fantastic work of nonprofit, APOPO.

Image: An emoji shaped balloon making the "yikes" face, indicative of embarassment

Feeling Embarrassed is Actually Good for You!

Why do we feel embarrassed? The red face, the hot burning humiliation…what is the purpose of embarrassment (besides making us want to crawl into a hole)? Let’s explore why evolution cemented this social emotion into our lives, and learn how to use it productively.

Seeking a Message from Space: SETI’s Search for Extraterrestrial Life with Dr. Jill Tarter (Episode #128)

Dr. Lynda sits down with Dr. Jill Tarter to talk about SETI (the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), Jill’s 40 year journey, pioneering that field as a female scientist, and how positive a more “cosmic perspective” could be in our lives and our shared futures.

Image: Three farming machines detasseling corn in Illinois. These machines may soon be operated by artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is Revolutionizing Farming. Here’s How

In the next 30 years, we will have to drastically change the way we feed the world. Our food future may rely on combining the wisdom of generations of farmers with the precision and power of artificial intelligence. Here’s what that future looks like!

Image: Two boats headed up a river in the Amazon rainforest

Can Technology Help the Rainforests?

The Amazon Rainforest keeps our air clean and breathable, is largely responsible for our chocolate, vanilla, and coffee, and is home to 10% of the world's species, including some of the most interesting and unique creatures on Earth. And yet, illegal loggers and deforestation threaten this important ecosystem. But now, researchers from Imazon have found a way to help politicians and activists take proactive steps against illegal roads and prevent deforestation before it happens.

5 min read

Image: Person in a blue sweatshirt creating the illusion that a deck of cards is hovering between his hands

How Fallible is Your Brain? Why You Should Question What Seems Obvious

What illusion are you believing? Magician and puzzle master David Kwong knows a thing or two about tricking our brains. Here's how we can use those insights to see our own biases and make ourselves less vulnerable to deception.

5 min read

One Eagle Scout’s Hydroponic Gardening Project Tackles Hunger in Five Countries with Christian Heiden (Episode #123)

There’s a generation coming up that could be called the “see it and then solve it” generation. They look at problems like riddles just waiting to be solved, and then they start ingeniously doing what they can with what they’ve got. Today’s guest, Christian Heiden, is an amazing example of this style of innovator. He has taken an Eagle Scout project he started at age 16, and turned it into a solution to malnutrition and food insecurity in 5 countries and the impact of the endeavor is expanding at an extraordinary, inspiring pace.

Image: A picture of kelp beside a picture of bacon, as a new kind of bacon is being made out of seaweed.

Meet the New Vegan Bacon Made From Seaweed

When it comes to faux bacon, it’s not just about taste. People want the bacon to be as authentic as possible including the sizzling fat. Now a Bay Area California startup has introduced a vegan bacon that is made from seaweed that tastes delicious and has a crispy bacon appearance.

Are Video Games Bad for You, Really?

On the quest to find out the effect that video games have on the brain, researchers may have stumbled into something that could change the nature of medicine. We're on the verge of prescribing video games, and these awesome creators walk us through it!

Saving Whales to Save Ourselves: Shared Survival through Whale Research with Iain Kerr (Episode #116)

A constant source of wonder in the world is learning about innovators who use technology in wildly novel ways to do tasks that used to be chores or next to impossible. Our guest, Dr. Iain Kerr, is at the center of that kind of wonder with the way he combines drone technology, the science of snot, and the study of whales. (Yes, you read that right.) Even if you are not a science enthusiast, Iain’s take on progress, finding purpose, perseverance, and innovative thinking will simply put a spring in your step.

5 min read

Image: One of many painted turtles, sunning itself on a rock.

Taking Hints From Frozen Turtles: Deep Rest Is the Key to Living

Whether this year has you leaping out of your shell or hiding inside of it, we can all learn from the painted turtle, whose talent for timing can teach us a thing or two about listening to our bodies’ basic needs.

Image: spacex launch streak of light on a dark cloudy sky

How Space Can Heal What Divides Us!

Why is it that when astronauts leave this planet they come back humanitarians and artists? Here's a perspective from a filmmaker who has stood next to and interviewed some of the greatest space explorers of our time on how the lessons we've learned from space exploration may help us to be more empathetic, compassionate, and bring us together.

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