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Author Topic:   Science Programs on Radio, TV and Internet
NosyNed
Member
Posts: 8996
From: Canada
Joined: 04-04-2003


Message 91 of 115 (453500)
02-02-2008 1:44 PM
Reply to: Message 87 by NosyNed
01-23-2008 4:29 PM


Quirks 2008 Feb 2
Home | Quirks & Quarks with Bob McDonald | CBC Radio
February 2, 2008
Shields Up!
Dr. Ruth Bamford has made a discovery that will delight avid Star Trek fans. She and her colleagues at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire, England, have developed an experimental version of the kind of space shield used on the USS Enterprise. Dr. Rutherford has been working on ways of protecting astronauts from the deadly effects of solar radiation -- a necessity on extended voyages to Mars. The device works by creating a protective plasma bubble around the space craft, held in place using a magnetic field. Trekkies will recognize this as a bona-fide deflector shield. Dr. Bamford says the laboratory results are promising. The next step is to take it into the final frontier.
Kangaroo Burps
Listen to or download the audio filemp3 or audio fileOgg files. external site - links will open in a new window (what's ogg?)
Western Grey Kangaroo - copyright Sean Mack, GNU Free Documentation License
Western Grey Kangaroo - copyright Sean Mack, GNU Free Documentation License
Kangaroo Burps
Kangaroos and cows have a lot more in common than you might think. Namely, they're both grazers and both depend on microbes in their digestive tract to help them breakdown their high-fibre diet. The difference is that cows produce high amounts of the greenhouse gas, methane, in the process. Kangaroos, on the other hand, produce almost none. Dr. Athol Klieve, a researcher with the Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries in Queensland, Australia, is studying the gut bacteria of certain species of kangaroo, in the hope that they can be transfered into the digestive system of cattle; and, in doing so, significantly cut back the amount of greenhouse gas they produce.
Bee Dancing
Queen bees mate with many males on their mating flights before they settle down to start a hive and raise larvae. Dr. Heather Mattila, a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at Cornell University, wondered if the number of matings had any impact on how successful the hive was. She found that they were, but the reason why was surprising. By mating with many males, the queen increased her chances of having a few offspring who were good dancers. Since dancing is how bees communicate where resources like food can be found, having bees in the colony who can cut a mean rug gives the hive a big advantage.
Geothermal Energy
We're familiar with geothermal energy from mountain hot springs, geysers like Old Faithful in Yellowstone Park, and perhaps from the way Iceland has developed an entire energy system based on volcanic-heated water. However, geothermal energy is still just a niche player in the global energy picture. But that may be changing. Currently, we generate geothermal electricity from places where heat from the Earth's core runs into underground water, which can produce high temperature steam, but these sites are rare.
Dr Alan Jessop, who worked for Natural Resources Canada and led the geothermal energy program there, surveyed Canada's resources, but there were relatively few promising natural sites. Several nations, however, are working on new technology to create artificial geothermal reservoirs. These are enhanced geothermal systems in which deep holes are bored and water is pumped in to generate a source of very hot water. Dr. Jeff Tester, a professor of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Dr. Michal Moore, a Senior Fellow in the Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy at the University of Calgary, helped prepare a report on the potential of enhanced geothermal energy. They think that up to ten percent of the US's electricity could be generated this way in the next fifty years - some 100,000 Megawatts.
Extremely hot rock isn't the only way to use geothermal energy, though. You can also get energy from relatively cool ground using a technology called geo-exchange. Currently, thousands of Canadian homes are heated this way using devices called ground-source heat pumps. Gary Poyntz, the Vice President of Clean Energy Developments (CED) in Toronto, installs these systems to replace heating and cooling systems, at an energy savings of 75% or better. Mark Douglas, an engineer at Natural Resources Canada, says that the systems run by extracting the small amount of energy from water circulated through a loop usually buried in the ground, and using that energy to heat the home. Paul Mertes, the President of CED, expects his business to grow immensely in the next few years, as the financial, energy and carbon emission savings from geo-exchange are very large.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 87 by NosyNed, posted 01-23-2008 4:29 PM NosyNed has replied

Replies to this message:
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Minnemooseus
Member
Posts: 3941
From: Duluth, Minnesota, U.S. (West end of Lake Superior)
Joined: 11-11-2001
Member Rating: 10.0


Message 92 of 115 (459640)
03-09-2008 8:03 AM


Richard Dawkins, Francis Collins at "Fresh Air"
"Fresh Air" with Terry Gross at National Public Radio (NPR).
Two separate interviews, repeats from about a year ago.
Richard Dawkins: An Argument for Atheism - 28 minutes.
Francis Collins: A Scientist's Case for God - 11 minutes.
See "Listen Now" below speaker and title.
The entire show can be downloaded as an MP3 here. This may not be available for long.
I thought both were quite good.
Moose
Added by edit on 3/12/08: The above links are apparently only good until the next "Fresh Air" happens. The MP3 is now gone, but the other feed in now available at Page Not Found : NPR.
Edited by Minnemooseus, : Added updated audio link in green block.

  
Minnemooseus
Member
Posts: 3941
From: Duluth, Minnesota, U.S. (West end of Lake Superior)
Joined: 11-11-2001
Member Rating: 10.0


Message 93 of 115 (460011)
03-11-2008 11:09 PM


Steven Waldman - Founding Faith - On NPR's "Fresh Air"
quote:
Was America meant to be a Christian nation? Steven Waldman, founder of Beliefnet.com, debunks myths about religion in the lives the Founding Fathers, and in the early history of America in his new book, Founding Faith.
Fresh Air : NPR
Click on "Listen to Tuesday's show" link.
The interview runs about 39 minutes.
or
MP3 download available (entire show, probably only until tomorrows show) at:
Fresh Air : NPR
Added by edit on 3/12/08: The above links are apparently only good until the next "Fresh Air" happens. The MP3 is now gone, but the other feed in now available at Page Not Found : NPR.
Added by edit: The interview includes both U.S. founding politics and current politics. Highly Moose recommended.
Moose
Added by edit:
A couple of blurb pages on the book:
Page Not Found | Penguin Random House
Amazon.com
Edited by Minnemooseus, : Added beliefnet.com link.
Edited by Minnemooseus, : Touch up subtitle and add "added by edit".
Edited by Minnemooseus, : Corrected interview time information.
Edited by Minnemooseus, : Added "blurb" links.
Edited by Minnemooseus, : Added new audio link in green block.

Replies to this message:
 Message 94 by Chiroptera, posted 03-12-2008 5:14 PM Minnemooseus has not replied

  
Chiroptera
Inactive Member


Message 94 of 115 (460095)
03-12-2008 5:14 PM
Reply to: Message 93 by Minnemooseus
03-11-2008 11:09 PM


Re: Steven Waldman - Founding Faith - On NPR's "Fresh Air"
Thanks, Moose.
I'm about to make a purchase on Amazon -- I was going to include Dawkin's The God Delusion, but maybe I'll go with this one instead.

...Onward to Victory is the last great illusion the Republican Party has left to sell in this country, even to its own followers. They can't sell fiscal responsibility, they can't sell "values," they can't sell competence, they can't sell small government, they can't even sell the economy. -- Matt Taibbi

This message is a reply to:
 Message 93 by Minnemooseus, posted 03-11-2008 11:09 PM Minnemooseus has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 95 by Percy, posted 03-12-2008 8:40 PM Chiroptera has not replied

  
Percy
Member
Posts: 22388
From: New Hampshire
Joined: 12-23-2000
Member Rating: 5.2


Message 95 of 115 (460121)
03-12-2008 8:40 PM
Reply to: Message 94 by Chiroptera
03-12-2008 5:14 PM


Re: Steven Waldman - Founding Faith - On NPR's "Fresh Air"
Chiroptera writes:
I'm about to make a purchase on Amazon -- I was going to include Dawkin's The God Delusion, but maybe I'll go with this one instead.
I know I tend to be in the minority about The God Delusion, but that book was groaningly bad. I received it for Christmas a year ago, read the first three chapters, then gave it away to the company book swap. Dawkins is intent on giving Atheism an even worse image than it already has, and he's just the guy who can do it. Daniel Dennet isn't far behind. Brights? Brights??? (Hey, I've got a great idea! Scientology had a great idea with clears, why don't we follow their example!) These guys have the publicity equivalent of a death wish.
Sorry for the rant. Definitely buy Founding Faith.
--Percy

This message is a reply to:
 Message 94 by Chiroptera, posted 03-12-2008 5:14 PM Chiroptera has not replied

  
Percy
Member
Posts: 22388
From: New Hampshire
Joined: 12-23-2000
Member Rating: 5.2


Message 96 of 115 (460180)
03-13-2008 8:17 AM


Michael Behe Interviewed on Point of Inquiry
Point of Inquiry's D. J. Grothe interviewed Michael Behe last November. It's well worth a listen because it provides insights into how Behe maintains his unique blend of honesty, insights and delusion. Here's the webpage for that show, it has links to the mp3 and so forth: Michael Behe Interview
--Percy

  
Minnemooseus
Member
Posts: 3941
From: Duluth, Minnesota, U.S. (West end of Lake Superior)
Joined: 11-11-2001
Member Rating: 10.0


Message 97 of 115 (461163)
03-23-2008 1:01 AM


"Jesus and Crucifixion, a Historical View" At "Fresh Air"
Page Not Found : NPR
quote:
Today, as Christians around the world commemorate Good Friday, Christian scholar and former priest John Dominic Crossan joins Fresh Air to discuss the historical Jesus, the role of crucifixion in antiquity, and the beginnings of Christianity.
Audio available as for previously mentioned "Fresh Air" shows. The MP3 will probably be available no longer that Monday at most.
Moose

  
Percy
Member
Posts: 22388
From: New Hampshire
Joined: 12-23-2000
Member Rating: 5.2


Message 98 of 115 (461197)
03-23-2008 9:54 AM


Neil deGrasse Tyson Interviewed on Point of Inquiry
In this interview with D. J. Grothe, Neil deGrasse Tyson says many of the things we all believe about the nature of scientific inquiry but can never express so clearly or so well. He is, in my opinion, the inheritor of the mantle of Carl Sagan. Tyson relates the story of how they first met, and he includes some sage observations about the creation/evolution controversy. Don't miss this one: Neil deGrasse Tyson Interview
--Percy

  
DonExodus
Junior Member (Idle past 5825 days)
Posts: 3
From: Chapel Hill
Joined: 04-14-2008


Message 99 of 115 (463268)
04-14-2008 7:04 PM


Hello,
I'm an evolutionary biologist from Chapel Hill, I've made several videos
to further the understanding of evolution, and feel you could find many
of them useful.
I contacted the scientists from DI's "scientists who reject evolution". Nicely exposes the dishonesty and lies surrounding that list.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty1Bo6GmPqM
They range from a list of transitional fossils
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4GdZOlPrX8&feature=PlayL...
C9&index=0&playnext=1
"Teaching the controversy"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYphna9UTCk
Evolutionary Evidence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1fGkFuHIu0&feature=PlayL...
0F&index=0&playnext=1
to things like Creationist Dishonesty (correspondence with Behe included)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoZW7-3YSns&feature=PlayL...
DF&index=0&playnext=1
I enjoy your site, by the way.
Regards,
DE

Replies to this message:
 Message 100 by teen4christ, posted 04-14-2008 9:25 PM DonExodus has not replied

  
teen4christ
Member (Idle past 5798 days)
Posts: 238
Joined: 01-15-2008


Message 100 of 115 (463272)
04-14-2008 9:25 PM
Reply to: Message 99 by DonExodus
04-14-2008 7:04 PM


DonExodus writes
quote:
I enjoy your site, by the way.
Action is worth a thousand words.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 99 by DonExodus, posted 04-14-2008 7:04 PM DonExodus has not replied

  
NosyNed
Member
Posts: 8996
From: Canada
Joined: 04-04-2003


Message 101 of 115 (463407)
04-16-2008 10:25 AM
Reply to: Message 91 by NosyNed
02-02-2008 1:44 PM


Re: Quirks 2008 April 18
Home | Quirks & Quarks with Bob McDonald | CBC Radio
This Week on Quirks & Quarks:
"Our Muddled Messy Minds"
We humans like to think we're pretty clever. After all, we have all that grey matter sitting in our skulls, encouraging creative thoughts and brilliant feats of deductive reasoning. If we ever had a reason to sit on our evolutionary laurels, it would have to be thanks to our magnificent cerebral cortex. Or, would it? If our brains really are the epitome of human perfection, then how come we're continually losing our house keys and can't remember what we ate for breakfast last Tuesday?
In his new book, Kluge: The Haphazard Construction of the Human Mind, Dr. Gary Marcus argues that the human brain isn't so much a perfectly designed super-computer as it is an evolutionary contraption - bits and pieces that work well enough to get the job done, but far from the ultimate problem-solving machine.
Plus - The Lions of London.
All that and more on Quirks & Quarks, Saturday right after the noon news on Radio One, or anytime on our web page.
Bob McDonald
Host
Don't forget to check out our new Quirks blog: Sorry - we can't find that page
Or subscribe to our Quirks podcast: Home | Quirks & Quarks with Bob McDonald | CBC Radio

This message is a reply to:
 Message 91 by NosyNed, posted 02-02-2008 1:44 PM NosyNed has not replied

  
Percy
Member
Posts: 22388
From: New Hampshire
Joined: 12-23-2000
Member Rating: 5.2


Message 102 of 115 (470822)
06-12-2008 8:57 PM


PZ Myers versus Dr. Geoff Simmons
Back in February there was a radio debate between PZ Myers, biologist, and Dr. Geoff Simmons, Discovery Institute Fellow, here's the link:
I'm listening to it now, PZ Myers comes out swinging, Simmons sounds much less shrill, but I'm just in the first 10 minutes or so.
--Percy

  
Deftil
Member (Idle past 4455 days)
Posts: 128
From: Virginia, USA
Joined: 04-19-2008


Message 103 of 115 (470845)
06-12-2008 11:20 PM


Looks like there are some great videos in here. thanks to all who have contributed. I'll be back later to post any links I have that people might find interesting.
Edited by Deftil, : left a word out

  
Granny Magda
Member
Posts: 2462
From: UK
Joined: 11-12-2007
Member Rating: 4.0


Message 104 of 115 (478879)
08-21-2008 2:46 PM


Ben Goldacre on the Placebo Effect
Ben Goldacre's Bad Science is pretty high up my bookmark list, so I was interested to hear this BBC Radio 4 programme on the placebo effect, hosted by Goldacre. It covers some of the fascinating effects of placebo treatments, including actual physiological changes being brought about by placebo and brand-named medicines having an extra placebo effect over generic brands. Interesting stuff and particularly relevant to anyone who has taken part in the recent debate over at the homoeopathy thread.
BBC - 404: Not Found

Mutate and Survive

  
Minnemooseus
Member
Posts: 3941
From: Duluth, Minnesota, U.S. (West end of Lake Superior)
Joined: 11-11-2001
Member Rating: 10.0


Message 105 of 115 (480266)
09-02-2008 12:57 AM


A tour of the Kentucky creation museum (+ other including McCain VP choice)
Some guy named Ken Smith, who shows up occasionally at WFMU to talk politics etc. 1 hour show. I found it interesting.
RealAudio link (permanent):
http://wfmu.org/listen.ram?show=28473&archive=45024
MP3 feed link (shorter term availability):
http://wfmu.org/listen.m3u?show=28473&archive=45025
Moose
Note about "signature" below - Yes I know it's a lot but I only display it on a few of my messages.

Professor, geology, Whatsamatta U
Evolution - Changes in the environment, caused by the interactions of the components of the environment.
"Do not meddle in the affairs of cats, for they are subtle and will piss on your computer." - Bruce Graham
"The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness." - John Kenneth Galbraith
"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron." - H.L. Mencken (1880-1956)
"Nixon was a professional politician, and I despised everything he stood for ” but if he were running for president this year against the evil Bush-Cheney gang, I would happily vote for him." - Hunter S. Thompson
"I know a little about a lot of things, and a lot about a few things, but I'm highly ignorant about everything." - Moose

  
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