Science, pop culture, and comedy collide on StarTalk Radio! Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist and Director of New York's Hayden Planetarium, and his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities, and scientific experts explore astronomy, physics, and everything else there is to know about life in the universe. New episodes premiere Tuesdays. Keep Looking Up!
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Neil deGrasse Tyson and guest physicist Lara Anderson explore string theory, a leading candidate for a quantum theory of gravity that aims to reconcile Einstein's General Relativity with quantum mechanics. They discuss how it posits fundamental vibrating strings and requires extra spatial dimensions, posing significant challenges for experimental verification. Despite testing difficulties, the theory has yielded profound insights into the relationship between gravity and particle physics (like the holographic principle) and spurred major advances in pure mathematics, highlighting the fertile ground where theoretical physics and advanced math intersect.
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O'Reilly welcome astrophysicist Charles Liu to answer fan-submitted cosmic queries. They delve into complex topics like the nature of gravity and gravitons, the implications of colliding black holes and higher dimensions, interpreting supernova data, the search for life on Europa, and the mysteries of the sun's superheated corona. The episode concludes by exploring speculative theories about the universe as a cyclical system or 'gin particle'.
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer a variety of listener questions in this Cosmic Queries grab bag. Topics span from the fundamental nature of time and how it's measured, to recommended astronomy books for young readers, exploring the cosmic horizon and potential edges of the universe, and examining the Silurian Hypothesis about past advanced life on Earth. They also tackle complex ideas like black hole singularities, how light creates images, the feasibility and impact of mining the moon, why the concept of "time" persists despite relativity, the challenges of creating physical wormholes, and the intriguing analogy of our universe potentially residing inside a black hole.
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice welcome astrobiologist Kennda Lynch to discuss extremophiles and alien worlds. They explore how studying life in Earth's most extreme environments informs the search for life elsewhere. Listener questions cover the weirdest Earth microbes, the possibility of non-water-based or large-scale alien life, the ethics of sample return from icy moons like Europa and Enceladus, and the history of astrobiology.
Neil deGrasse Tyson and guests Brian Greene, Janna Levin, and Hasan Minhaj explore the groundbreaking physics and astronomy discoveries of the 1920s. They discuss the universe's expansion, the Big Bang theory's origins, the limitations of general relativity, and the bizarre nature of quantum mechanics, including concepts like wave-particle duality, tunneling, and the uncertainty principle, highlighting the ongoing quest for a unified theory.
Can AI help us model biology down to the molecular level? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly learn about Nobel-prize-winning Alphafold, the protein folding problem, and how solving it could end disease with AI researcher, Max Jaderberg. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/curing-all-disease-with-ai-with-max-jaderberg/ Thanks to our Patrons Riley r, pesketti, Lindsay Vanlerberg, Andreas, Silvia Valentine, B...
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice debunk common misconceptions about space and apocalyptic scenarios. They explore the true emptiness of the asteroid belt compared to movie portrayals, explain why solar noon isn't always at 12 o'clock via the analemma, and discuss the surprising origin of the Christmas date. The conversation then shifts to the zombie apocalypse, arguing that the real danger lies not in the zombies themselves, but in the breakdown of interdependent societal systems.
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice talk with math YouTuber Grant Sanderson (3blue1brown) about fascinating and challenging mathematical concepts. They explore famous unsolved problems like the Twin Prime Conjecture and the Riemann Hypothesis, discuss the idea of mathematical impossibility and Galois theory, and tackle audience questions about dividing by zero, complex numbers, tensors, higher dimensions, and the chaotic three-body problem.
Can you trust medical information on the internet? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly team up with pharmaceutical scientist and social media “medfluencer” Morgan McSweeny (aka Dr. Noc) to break down common internet medical myths from Big Pharma to raw milk to vaccine hesitancy. Plus a discussion with filmmaker Scott Hamilton Kennedy from Shot in the Arm. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/curing-medical-m...
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Paul Mecurio explore cosmic queries related to relativity, time travel, black holes, the speed of light, and more. They delve into the implications of time machines needing to be space machines, what questions to ask alien lifeforms, and whether black holes will outnumber stars. The episode also covers wormholes, the perception of color on different planets, and the relationship between matter, energy, and gravity.
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Matt Kirshen, and Sara Seager explore the search for life on exoplanets, discussing the challenges of defining life, detecting biosignatures, and overcoming biases in our search. They delve into the Fermi paradox, communication with alien civilizations, and the future of exoplanet research. The episode emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of astrobiology and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries in the coming years.
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and cosmologist Brian Keating explore cosmic inflation, quantum fluctuations, and the universe's earliest moments after the Big Bang. They discuss the Simons Observatory's mission to detect gravitational waves and the complexities of measuring the cosmic microwave background. Keating recounts the BICEP2 experiment's retracted discovery and its impact on cosmology, while also tackling listener questions about the origins of the universe and the nature of dark energy.
How do you recreate a brain circuit in a dish, and what can it unlock about our minds? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly explore the frontier of neuroscience with Stanford neuroscientist Sergiu Pașca, to break down stem cells, how the brain forms itself, and assembloids: self-organizing brain circuits. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free https://startalkmedia.com/show/assembloids-recreating-the-brain-with-sergiu-pasca/ Thanks to our Patrons ...
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Harrison Greenbaum, and astrophysicist Janna Levin explore Einstein's profound impact on modern physics and technology. They discuss Einstein's groundbreaking papers from 1905, including special relativity, the photoelectric effect, and Brownian motion. The conversation spans topics from the cosmological constant and gravitational waves to lasers and black holes, highlighting how Einstein's theories continue to shape our understanding of the universe.
What are chemical reactions like in space? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice team up with Kate the Chemist to explore how cesium helps us tell time, the elusive quest for the periodic table’s “island of stability,” how AI is revolutionizing chemistry, and more! NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/explosive-science-with-kate-the-chemist/ Thanks to our Patrons moe shannon, Shaye S, Nic Chappell, Brandon Gibson, Ernest Card...
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly explore the science and ethics of geoengineering with climate scientist Daniele Visioni and sociologist Holly Jean Buck. They discuss stratospheric aerosol injection, carbon removal technologies, and the social and geopolitical implications of deliberately altering Earth’s climate. The conversation covers potential benefits, risks, and the importance of international consensus.
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice tackle cosmic queries from Patreon members, discussing gravitational waves, NASA funding, the universe's shape, and higher dimensions. They explore black hole collisions, planetary structures, and unexpected discoveries by the James Webb Space Telescope. The episode offers insights into astrophysics with humor and engaging explanations.
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explore a range of cosmic questions from Patreon supporters, diving into dark matter, parallel universes, the accelerating expansion of the universe, and potential end-of-the-world scenarios. They also discuss the role of artists in science and the possibility of communicating with other universes through gravitational waves, offering thought-provoking perspectives on our existence and the cosmos.
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explore the science behind twilight, cloud formation, and changing coastlines. They delve into the different types of twilight, the atmospheric conditions that create clouds, and the impact of climate change on Earth's coastlines. The discussion covers topics from the greenhouse effect to the effects of glacial melt on sea levels, providing a scientific perspective on familiar phenomena.
Neil deGrasse Tyson explores plant intelligence with astrobotanist Simon Gilroy, discussing plant awareness, communication, and defense mechanisms. The episode delves into plant sentience, memory, and their ability to sense and react to their environment. Gilroy shares insights on growing plants in space, addressing challenges like microgravity and nutrient availability, and the potential of genetically modified crops for space exploration.
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Harrison Greenbaum, and Nergis Mavalvala discuss the detection and implications of gravitational waves. They explore the intricacies of LIGO, Einstein's predictions, and the potential for unlocking secrets of the early universe. The episode also dives into the quantum mechanics behind the measurements and the challenges of detecting these faint cosmic ripples.
How likely is an asteroid to impact Earth? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice sit down with planetary scientist Rick Binzel, the creator of the Torino Scale, to discuss asteroid hazards, the results of the asteroid sample return, and the search for Planet 9. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/asteroids-headed-towards-earth-with-rick-binzel/ Thanks to our Patrons Euclid A LoGiudice, Todd Thedell, Girolamo Castaldo, Scott ...
Is your gut controlling your brain? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Gary O’Reilly, & Chuck Nice dive into the gut-brain connection, GLP-1, and how this connection plays a role in conditions like anxiety, IBS, and even neurodegenerative diseases with gastroenterologist Emeran Mayer. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/the-gut-brain-connection-with-emeran-mayer/ Thanks to our Patrons Sebastian, micheal bulger, Brenna C, Greg Neele...
What happens when you put Captain Kirk, a NASA astronaut, and Neil deGrasse Tyson on a ship to Antarctica? Recorded on board with William Shatner and Scott Kelly, this episode explores the thrill of discovery — from rough seas to deep space — and what it means to boldly go. This episode of StarTalk, recorded live from Drake Passage during the Space2Sea Voyage of Legends to Antarctica, is presented in collaboration with FUTURE of SPACE. https://futureofspace.io/space2sea-antarctica/ Follow or Sub...
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Max Tegmark explore the mind-bending concept of the multiverse, diving into its various levels and implications. They discuss the motivations behind multiverse research, the connection between dark energy and the multiverse, and the testability of multiverse theories. The conversation also covers the influence of our decisions on creating parallel realities.
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Paul Mercurio tackle cosmic queries, discussing the cancellation of the Superconducting Super Collider and its impact, pondering what existed before the Big Bang, and delving into the complexities of time travel. They explore the relationship between science and religion when considering origins and debate the ethical implications of altering the past. The conversation also touches on the concept of stardust and its connection to the future of evolution, wrapping up with a discussion of infinity in the universe.
What does the future hold? Neil deGrasse Tyson teams up with comic co-host Chuck Nice, Gary O’Reilly, and astrophysicist Charles Liu to break down our visions of the future – and take Neil to task on his own predictions. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/can-we-predict-the-future-with-charles-liu/ Thanks to our Patrons Walter Kinslow, Eric Johnston, Marta M, Rick Stevens, Miguel, Gary Randall, Daniel Rhea, Sam Rodriguez...
Is “now” just an illusion? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Paul Mecurio answer questions on the Higgs Field, dark energy, and the feasibility of Dyson spheres with astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/hubble-trouble-with-hakeem-oluseyi/ Thanks to our Patrons Omar Video, Dan Carson, Joy Jack, Christine Bryant, Andrea Andrade, mahmoud hassan, Kyal Murray, Mercedes Dominguez, Christopher R...
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Paul Mecurio, and Fatima Ebrahimi explore plasma physics and the future of fusion energy. The discussion covers plasma states, achieving fusion temperatures, containment methods like tokamaks and inertial confinement, and applications in rockets and power generation. They also address challenges and timelines for fusion energy becoming a widespread reality.
Is nuclear power the key to sustainability? With data centers consuming massive amounts of energy, can we keep up? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Gary O’Reilly & Paul Mecurio discuss the physics, safety, and future of nuclear reactors in a world of increasing power demands with nuclear engineer Kathryn Huff. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/solving-ais-energy-problem-with-kathryn-huff/ Thanks to our Patrons Diokindacute, Whe...
