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.

18 min read/watch

Image: Glowing feathers of a Nicobar Pigeon at Birdworld in Kuranda, Australia displaying their iridescence.

Feathers, Puddles, and Bugs: The Science Behind Iridescence in Nature

If you’ve ever scratched your head wondering why the shimmering plumage of a peacock is so mesmerizing, or became hypnotized by the colors in a dragonflies wings and wished you knew why, you’re in luck! Read on as we discover the mystifying physics behind one of nature’s most beautiful visual tricks.

5 min read

Image: Normal cells of human connective tissue in culture at a magnification of 500x.

Unveiling Hidden Beauty: 17 Microscopic Wonders You Need to See Today

Join us on a short journey to a fascinating yet underappreciated world that exists all around us: the microscopic world. Tiny as it may be, this shockingly awe-inspiring world occupies more of Earth than we ever will.

5 min read

Image: One of the organization's ferrets poking its head out of a pipe.

Ferrets: History’s Most Helpful Cable Guys

You may think of them as a stinky pet, but ferrets are truly talented critters! Read on to see what sets them apart from other mammals, and how they have been helping us humans out of tight spots for over 2000 years!

61 min listen

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.

52 min listen

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.

45 min listen

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.

63 min listen

A Brain in Each Leg? Follow Your Curiosity to the Bottom of the Ocean with Nathan Robinson (Episode #120)

Having filmed bioluminescent shrimp 4,700 feet beneath the sea and studied light as the world’s potentially most common communication method in the world, Dr. Nathan Robinson’s deep sea discoveries lead the world in exploring the depths of our ocean and changing the way we see this largely unexplored landscape. He spots opportunities for wonder everywhere, and celebrates them with a sense of awe that is infectious. Taking us to the most extraordinary realms on our planet, Nathan’s work and enthusiasm have the power to move mountains… and it may already have.

60 min listen

Looking for Easy Ways to Volunteer? There’s an App for That! with Stephanie Page (Episode #119)

What if you could instantly connect with people who share your passions, and then, spur of the moment, do something fun together that makes the world a better place. Oh, and while you are expanding your friend network, you’d also be learning about your community and building your skills and resume! Turns out, all that is very possible, and today’s guest may send you spinning off into a new life of possibility. Stephanie Page is co-founder of POINT, the app and website that the world has needed for too long. (Think Uber meets volunteerism.)

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