Best Astrobiology Podcasts (2024)

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#12 Lisa Kaltenegger - Alien Earths, Astrobiology Controversies, Frequency of Life 1:32:04

20d ago1:32:04

1:32:04

In this week's episode, David is joined by Lisa Kaltenegger, Professor at Cornell and Director of the Carl Sagan Institute. Lisa's new book, "Alien Earths", has just hit the shelves so we talk about what made her write this book, her view on the abundance of life in the cosmos, and her take on a couple of recent controversies in the field of astrob…

1
The Play's the Thing 1:02:15

1h ago1:02:15

1:02:15

Has children’s play become too safe? Research suggests that efforts to prioritize safety harms children’s mental and physical development during play and contribute to anxiety. One solution: introduce risk into play. We visit an adventure playground where kids play unsupervised with anything from scraps of metal to hammers and nails. Plus, what are…

1
Episode 17: Galactic Debate - Immortality or Overpopulation? 32:36

5h ago32:36

32:36

Send us a Text Message. 🚀 Should we live forever or is death essential? 🤔 Our expert guests battle it out in a cosmic debate on immortality technology and the potential for galactic overpopulation! 🌎🤯 🗣️ Hear arguments from both sides, plus YOUR comments from #IGIimmortality! 🎧 Tune in for mind-blowing insights, witty banter, and a weather report t…

1
Nuts and Bolts 56:16

3h ago56:16

56:16

How frequently do you think about fasteners like screws and bolts? Probably not very often. But some of them a storied history, dating back to Egypt in the 3rd century BC. They aren’t just ancient history. They help hold up our bridges and homes today. Join us as we dissect a handful of engineering inventions that keep our world spinning and intact…

1
#13 David Spergel - NASA UAP Taskforce, Dark Matter, Hubble Tension, Leadership 1:11:54

2d ago1:11:54

1:11:54

In this week's episode, David is joined by Dave Spergel, Professor of Astrophysics, Chair of the NASA UAP Taskforce and President of the Simons Foundation. Dr Spergel has been a prominent leader in the field of cosmology, both intellectually and strategically. To support this podcast and our research lab, head to www.coolworldslab.com/support NASA …

1
Margaret Mead and the psychedelic community that theorized AI 34:17

3d ago34:17

34:17

How does science progress? One way to look at the question is to peer into individual fields and observe the flow of ideas from laboratories and experiments into seminars and conferences and ultimately into the journal record. But the reality is so much more complicated since science is truly a creative act, a set of imaginative leaps from incumben…

1
The Prevalence of UFO Burnout 21:28

6d ago21:28

21:28

In this episode of UFO? UAP? WTF?, host Jason McClellan addresses the growing frustration and burnout among UFO researchers. He notes that many are stepping back from the subject due to these feelings. The episode covers the Canadian military's reported diminishing UFO interests. Additionally, Jason examines the proposed Kona Blue project by the U.…

1
Episode 16: Bizarre Bazaars & Beyond! 40:43

14d ago40:43

40:43

Send us a Text Message. Join Felix Andromeda on a wild ride through the cosmos as we explore the weirdest corners of the galaxy! 🤪 Discover the strangest items on the intergalactic black market, 💰 travel through the history of space exploration, 🔭 unravel the enigma of dimensions, 🌀 and meet the most bizarre crews in the universe! 👽 Plus, get a cos…

1
Phreaky Physics* 54:00

7d ago54:00

54:00

It was a radical idea a century ago, when Einstein said space and time can be bent, and gravity was really geometry. We hear how his theories inspire young minds even today. At small scales, different rules apply: quantum mechanics and the Standard Model for particles. New experiments suggest that muons – cousins of the electron – may be telling us…

1
The nightmare specter of designer bioweapons and the people trying to stop them 33:58

17d ago33:58

33:58

Ever since the invention of CRISPR technology about a decade ago, biologists have gained increasing power to discover new DNA sequences, cut and mash them up, and then print them in ever larger volumes through biomanufacturers. That freedom and openness is the opening to a long-awaited Century of Bio, with scientists bullish on the potential to dis…

1
Episode 15: Space Junk Showdown! Immortality Serum? Zero-G CHAOS! 33:48

13d ago33:48

33:48

Send us a Text Message. Buckle up, space travelers! This week's Intergalactic Insider is a wild ride through the cosmos 🌌 We're diving into: 💥 Orbital Trash Battleground: Is our space junk problem about to explode? ❤️ Reunion Across the Stars: A heartwarming story that'll bring a tear to your space eye. 🧪 Immortality Serum: Could we cheat death? Th…

1
Bridging Worlds with Hilvert Timmer: Making Magic, Embracing Senseful Chaos, Exploring Permaculture, Chachi Warmi, and Fusion of Medicines from the North & South 1:19:55

13d ago1:19:55

1:19:55

Hailing from the Netherlands and now a permanent resident in Bolivia, Hilvert Timmer wears many hats – He is an economist-anthropologist, a passionate researcher of indigenous traditions, a permaculturist, and a consciousness consultant. Hilvert co-founded Quinta Conciencia, a retreat centre dedicated to spreading knowledge and practices that promo…

1
De-Permafrosting* 54:00

14d ago54:00

54:00

Above the Arctic Circle, much of the land is underlaid by permafrost. But climate change is causing it to thaw. This is not good news for the planet. As the carbon rich ground warms, microbes start to feast… releasing greenhouse gases that will warm the Earth even more. Another possible downside was envisioned by a science-fiction author. Could anc…

1
Episode 45—Donna Blackmond: Solving the origins of life and other mysteries in chemistry 37:34

19d ago37:34

37:34

Donna Blackmond never thought her career would lead to solving how life first formed on the prebiotic Earth. But as she points out in this episode of Science Changing Life, does any scientist start out knowing where their research will take them? Blackmond, who is a professor and the John C. Martin Endowed Chair in Chemistry at Scripps Research, sh…

1
Episode 14: Credits Crash Chaos + Brain Upload Tech? + Alien Comic CHAOS! 41:08

26d ago41:08

41:08

Send us a Text Message. Get ready for a wild ride through the galaxy! On this episode of Intergalactic Insider, we're covering: 📉 The Credits Crash fallout – can the galactic economy recover? 🧠 Mindblowing tech: Uploading knowledge to your brain – sci-fi or the future? 👽 Zorgon the Alien Comedian – hilarious cosmic genius or just plain weird? YOU d…

1
Lux and the Art of Startup Maintenance 24:16

20d ago24:16

24:16

Every quarter, Lux publishes our latest quarterly letter to our limited partners, highlighting the key themes we’re working on as a partnership. These topics are — unsurprisingly — bold, as the frontiers of science fiction transition into the world of the possible. But this time around, we’re emphasizing a new thesis that we think combines the futu…

1
For the Birds* 54:00

23d ago54:00

54:00

Birds have it going on. Many of these winged dinosaurs delight us with their song and brilliant plumage. Migratory birds travel thousands of miles in a display of endurance that would make an Olympic athlete gasp. We inquire about these daunting migrations and how birds can fly for days without rest. And what can we do to save disappearing species?…

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The Zone of Totality with Sam Arbesman 9:35

23d ago9:35

9:35

This week’s solar eclipse captured the imaginations of millions of Americans throughout an arc across the continent. One of those entranced was Sam Arbesman, Lux’s scientist-in-residence and a local of Cleveland, which sat in the full zone of totality. Sam also happened to live in Kansas City during the 2017 eclipse, so he has (accidentally) eclips…

1
Episode 13: A Day in the Life of a Time-Traveling Tour Guide! 29:11

28d ago29:11

29:11

Send us a Text Message. 🎉🔥 Buckle up, intergalactic adventurers! 💫🛸 Join your trusty temporal tour guide, Felix Andromeda, as he takes you on an unforgettable journey through time and space with Ziggy the Time-Traveling Tour Guide! ⏰🌌 👽🤖️ Tag along with a motley crew of intrepid interstellar tourists from across the cosmos as they witness some of t…

1
Fungi Fear* 54:00

1M ago54:00

54:00

The zombie eco-thriller “The Last of Us” has alerted us to the threats posed by fungi. But the show is not entirely science fiction. Our vulnerability to pathogenic fungi is more real than many people imagine. Find out what human activity drives global fungal threats, including their menace to food crops and many other species. Our high body temper…

1
Coffee of the Future 54:00

1M ago54:00

54:00

Drinking a cup of coffee is how billions of people wake up every morning. But climate change is threatening this popular beverage. Over 60% of the world’s coffee species are at risk of extinction. Scientists are searching for solutions, including hunting for wild, forgotten coffee species that are more resilient to our shifting climate. Find out ho…

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#11 Paul Sutter - Rescuing Science, Restoring Trust In an Age of Doubt 1:28:01

1M ago1:28:01

1:28:01

In this week's episode, David is joined by Dr Paul Sutter, Professor at Stony Brook and a Visiting Professor at Barnard College. Paul is a theoretical cosmologist, who has had a long and productive career in research, but is better known to most for his science communication work. Having one numerous awards, written popular science books and starri…

1
Episode 12: Eerie Alien Tech, Intergalactic Cuisine & Vanishing Scientists! 47:08

1M ago47:08

47:08

Send us a Text Message. 🚨 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🚨 Join our fearless host, Felix Andromeda, as he dives deep into the most mind-bending intergalactic news stories of the week on "Intergalactic Insider"! 🎙️ 👽🧠 Get the inside scoop on the controversial "Mind-Meld Communicator," which allows humans to telepathically communicate with aliens – but is it saf…

1
When the Moon Hits Your Eye 54:00

1M ago54:00

54:00

The Great North American Solar Eclipse will trace a path of shadow across Mexico and 13 U.S. States on April 8th. Phil Plait, also known as The Bad Astronomer, joins the show for an extended interview covering a wide-range of topics, such as his excitement about the eclipse, the Pentagon’s most recent UFO report, and some of the most persistent moo…

1
Episode 11: Alien Philosophy Mysteries, and Celestial Classifieds 30:12

2M ago30:12

30:12

Send us a Text Message. 🚨 [NEW EPISODE] 🚨 Join us on an epic cosmic adventure in this week's mind-bending installment of "Intergalactic Insider"! 🤔 Delve into the mysteries of ancient alien belief systems that may hold the key to understanding the universe's greatest secrets. ⚠️ Unravel a chilling interstellar classified ad mystery that has claimed…

1
Skeptic Check: Asteroid Mining 54:04

2M ago54:04

54:04

Asteroids are rich in precious metals and other valuable resources. But mining them presents considerable challenges. We discuss these, and consider how these spinning, rocky resources might be the key to a space-faring future. But an economist points out the consequences of bringing material back to Earth, and a scientist raises an ethical questio…

1
Biology is becoming engineering and not just science 24:27

2M ago24:27

24:27

During a recent interview, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang emphasized his interest in how Nvidia’s AI processing chips could transform the science of life. He noted that this science, when properly understood, could evolve into a new form of engineering. Currently though, we lack the knowledge of how the extreme complexity of biology works, nor do we have …

1
The Phoenix Lights 15:00

2M ago15:00

15:00

In this episode of UFO? UAP? WTF?, host Jason McClellan delves into the enigmatic Phoenix Lights incident. He recounts his own encounter with the Phoenix Lights, a significant mass UFO sighting from 1997, and examines the various theories and public reactions surrounding it. Additionally, Jason touches on recent UFO news, including the recent repor…

1
Episode 44—Jay Pandit: How biosensors are enabling a new era in medicine 30:10

2M ago30:10

30:10

Dr. Jay Pandit is a director of digital medicine at the Scripps Research Translational Institute and an assistant professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine at Scripps Research, where he combines medicine and technology to improve patients’ clinical outcomes. Listen in as we explore how biosensors and wearable technologies are enabling users…

1
Episode 10: Lingerie Galaxies and The Xylophia-9 vs. Zenith-Alpha Conflict 36:00

2M ago36:00

36:00

Send us a Text Message. ⚡️🎙️ Intergalactic Insider is BACK with another action-packed, interstellar episode! Join Felix Andromeda as he takes you on a journey through the Xylophia-9 vs. Zenith-Alpha intergalactic conflict, complete with real-time updates from our frontline reporter and insights from our in-universe historian! 🌌✨ But wait! There's m…

1
Feet Don't Fail Me 54:00

2M ago54:00

54:00

Standing on your own two feet isn’t easy. While many animals can momentarily balance on their hind legs, we’re the only critters, besides birds, for whom bipedalism is completely normal. Find out why, even though other animals are faster, we’re champions at getting around. Could it be that our upright stance made us human? Plus, why arches help sti…

1
The three revolutions in astrobiology and the search for extraterrestrial life 32:30

2M ago32:30

32:30

Astrobiology has seen a series of revolutions over the past three decades that have completely reinvigorated the field. Scientists who were curious about life and biological organisms across the universe once had to handle the so-called giggle factor: the idea that they were kooky crazies searching for UFOs and little green men. With a dramatic imp…

1
Episode 9: Interview with an Alien: Unveiling the Mysteries of Xenon-7! 49:16

2M ago49:16

49:16

Send us a Text Message. Welcome back, intergalactic explorers! In this mind-bending episode of "Intergalactic Insider," host Felix Andromeda 👨‍🔬🛸 embarks on an otherworldly journey to the far-flung reaches of the Xenon Nebula, home to the enigmatic world of Xenon-7 and its even more captivating inhabitants - the Xenomorphs! 👽🌎 Fasten your interstel…

1
Lady Parts** 1:00:03

2M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

The Supreme Court’s ruling on Roe has ignited fierce debate about bodily autonomy. But it’s remarkable how little we know about female physiology. Find out what studies have been overlooked by science, and what has been recently learned. Plus, why studying women’s bodies means being able to say words like “vagina” without shame ... a researcher who…

1
Tomb with a View* 54:00

2M ago54:00

54:00

A century ago, British archaeologist Howard Carter opened the only surviving intact tomb from ancient Egypt. Inside was the mummy of the boy king Tutankhamun, together with “wonderful things” including a solid gold mask. Treasure from King Tut’s crypt has been viewed both in person and virtually by many people since. We ask what about Egyptian civi…

1
Episode 8 - Alien Autopsies Gone Wrong & Interstellar Intrigues: Cosmic Chaos Unleashed! 40:43

2M ago40:43

40:43

Send us a Text Message. 👽🔪😱 Embrace the cosmic chaos as we dive into an extraterrestrial autopsy gone horribly wrong aboard a space station! 🚀💎🤫 Then, strap on your mining helmets for an undercover mission to unearth the dark secrets of an interstellar mining corporation. 🔐➕🌌 Prepare to have your photons entangled and bits quantumized as we explore…

1
“I am basically a cosmic Fluke” and the chaos of science, policy, and human narratives 33:01

3M ago33:01

33:01

Humans are enamored by a good story. The world overloads our mammalian senses, and so we seek any simplifying structure to narrate what we are witnessing and make it more accessible for processing. That simplification doesn’t just reduce the complexity of the world, but also makes it difficult to see the extent by which luck drives the successes of…

1
Lithium Valley 55:27

3M ago55:27

55:27

The discovery of a massive amount of lithium under the Salton Sea could make the U.S. lithium independent. The metal is key for batteries in electric vehicles and solar panels. But the area is also a delicate ecosystem. We go to southern California to hear what hangs in the balance of the ballooning lithium industry, and also how we extract other c…

1
Episode 7 - Ghost Pirates, Sentient Swarms, and Dimension Drifters 45:53

3M ago45:53

45:53

Send us a Text Message. Ghost Pirates, Sentient Swarms, and Dimension Drifters Oh My! A Multiversal Manhunt to Remember ✨ 🏴‍☠️ Join our interstellar news anchor, Felix Andromeda, as we embark on a thrilling chase across the cosmos in pursuit of "The Ghost Pirates: The Galaxy's Most Wanted!" 🐝 Dive deep into the fascinating world of alien biology an…

1
How an anonymous blog during the neural network winter led to Japan’s national AI champion 45:15

3M ago45:15

45:15

Connections are the key ingredient for careers, society and AI neural networks to boot. Sometimes those connections arise spontaneously and other times they’re planned, but the most interesting ones tend to be planned that go in unexpected directions. That’s the story of David Ha, the co-founder and CEO of Sakana, a world-class generative AI resear…

1
Alien Says What? 55:10

3M ago55:10

55:10

Whales are aliens on Earth; intelligent beings who have skills for complex problem-solving and their own language. Now in what’s being called a breakthrough, scientists have carried on an extended conversation with a humpback whale. They share the story of this remarkable encounter, their evidence that the creature understood them, and how the expe…

1
Alien Bodies and UFOs 24:28

3M ago24:28

24:28

On this episode of "UFO UAP WTF?" host Jason McClellan explores claims of alien bodies recovered from crashed UFOs. He even includes a personal story about the time he held an alleged alien corpse! Crank the volume and join Jason on his mission to cut through the bull, demanding legit research and no-nonsense scrutiny to blast open the wild and mys…

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#10 - Viraj Pandya - Early Galaxies with JWST, Galaxies "Gone Bananas", Galaxy Formation 1:13:56

3M ago1:13:56

1:13:56

In this week's episode, David is joined by Dr Viraj Pandya, Hubble Fellow at Columbia University. Viraj's work was recently highlighted on the front page of the New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/05/science/space/astronomy-galaxies-bananas.html) where his recent discoveries with JWST were showcased. Viraj's work suggests that early gal…

1
The most wasteful infrastructure megaproject that wasn’t 36:22

3M ago36:22

36:22

The construction of Boston’s Big Dig highway tunnels has gone down in history as one of the most infamously delayed and over-budgeted infrastructure projects in the sorry annals of U.S. growth and progress. But Ian Coss sees the project radically different. In hindsight, he argues, the Big Dig was a steal: the good kind. Far from being a gargantuan…

1
Episode 6 - XenoLingo, Literary Stellars, and Universe's Most Isolated Planet 34:20

3M ago34:20

34:20

Send us a Text Message. What do you think about learning the secrets behind understanding and communicating with completely alien languages? 👽 Converse with a 7-tentacled, methane-breathing lifeform without breaking a sweat! 😅 But wait, there's more! Discover the richness of intergalactic literature by joining Felix in a conversation with the presi…

1
The Wrong Stuff 1:00:08

3M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

By one estimate the average American home has 300,000 objects. Yet our ancient ancestors had no more than what they could carry with them. How did we go from being self-sufficient primates to nonstop shoppers? We examine the evolutionary history of stuff through the lens of archeology beginning with the ancestor who first picked up a palm-sized roc…

1
The stove hasn’t changed in decades. It’s time to upgrade. 28:26

3M ago28:26

28:26

Home appliances are some of our most used and time-saving technologies, but they have barely evolved since their invention. A “smart” movement from major manufacturers tried to upgrade them with random tech features over the past decade, only to frustrate consumers with random crashes and mandatory web updates for a fridge. It was the nadir of user…

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