What inspires Caltech’s scientists and engineers in the pursuit of pathbreaking discoveries? Caltech President Thomas F. Rosenbaum offers his perspective on the Institute’s formula for success, including the value of the humanities and the importance of cultivating a diverse community. He shares his own scientific journey, along with the opportunit…

How did a love of history lead to a breakthrough career that, among other things, successfully took the body temperatures of dinosaurs? Caltech geochemist John Eiler talks about how he revived a neglected field to determine the isotopic structures of natural molecules and solve problems in Earth history, environmental science, and planetary science…

Is there evidence for supersymmetry? Maria Spiropulu is in search of the elusive partner particles predicted by the theory of supersymmetry. That, in turn, would shed light on mysteries such as dark matter. The renowned Caltech physicist talks about her role in building a detector to fulfill this quest, which cuts across particle physics, astrophys…

How did a tiny aquatic animal inspire a smartphone application to monitor cardiovascular health? Caltech alumnus, inventor and bio-, aeronautical, and mechanical engineer Mory Gharib connects the dots between watching a newborn zebrafish grow and mapping out the human heart. Mory Gharib is the Hans W. Liepmann Professor of Aeronautics and Bioinspir…

Can technology borrowed from biological studies reveal the ways in which gender and other factors influence how humans choose? Caltech neuroeconomist Colin Camerer takes us behind the scenes, describing how he gains a deeper understanding of decision-making behaviors by looking inside the brain as choices are made. Colin Camerer is the Robert Kirby…

What do telephone wires have to do with DNA? Caltech chemist Jackie Barton reveals how looking at the molecule as a communication tool led to a breakthrough in understanding the electron transfer reactions. These reactions are fundamental to processes such as how we breathe air and break down food. They also can be used to find mistakes in DNA asso…

While traditionally considered notorious, what if some bacteria actually help the immune system rather than harm it? Caltech microbiologist Sarkis Mazmanian describes his efforts to harness the good bugs in our guts to improve health for people with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and autism—his idea once dismissed as a "hunch" but now gaining acceptance…

In The Lonely Idea podcast series, six Caltech faculty members talk with host Rich Wolf about what can happen when sparks of innovation have the chance to become popular science. Listen to the trailer.By Caltech