Best Nationalsciencefoundation Podcasts (2024)

1
Thorium Nuclear Clock 25:22

3d ago25:22

25:22

Time is used to set many standards by counting a periodic event with a known frequency. Eric Hudson, a professor in the department of physics and astronomy at UCLA, joins to discuss working to directly manipulate the energy level of an atomic nucleus using a laser, something that has never been done before and may result in the most accurate clocks…

1
Maui Fire Coastal Ecosystem Resilience 14:05

9d ago14:05

14:05

On August 8, 2023, a devastating fire swept through the town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Andrea Kealoha, an assistant professor, and Sean Swift, a doctoral student, from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, join to discuss their research into the impacts of wildfire on the coastal ecosystem.…

1
Acoustic Fibers 22:17

16d ago22:17

22:17

From traffic to TVs and portable devices, people are surrounded by unwanted noise. Grace Yang, who worked on her doctoral degree as part of the fiber group at MIT, joins to discuss developing materials with acoustic properties for noise cancellation and sound suppression applications.By U.S. National Science Foundation

1
Imageomics 22:15

23d ago22:15

22:15

Most living creatures reveal themselves visually and are routinely photographed by humans from all walks of life. What if researchers could use those photos to answer fundamental biological questions? Tanya Berger-Wolf, a professor and computer scientist at The Ohio State University joins to share how she is using technology to extract information …

1
Songbird Migration 17:00

1M ago17:00

17:00

Every year, songbirds across the United States make the arduous journey south to warmer winter climates and back again. But what behaviors, environmental cues, or genetic factors tell them it's time to go? Kira Delmore, assistant professor of biology at Texas A&M University, joins to share new insights into songbird migration.…

1
Mysterious Return of Atlantic Surfclams 18:51

1M ago18:51

18:51

In the 1990s, Atlantic surf clams largely died off in their southernmost range off the coast of Virginia. Daphne Munroe, associate professor at the Rutgers University Haskin Shellfish Lab, joins to discuss Atlantic surf clams, rebounding fishing efforts, and how this species may be adapting to changing conditions.…

1
Repurposing Carbon Dioxide 25:34

2M ago25:34

25:34

Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide act like an atmospheric blanket, but what if society could capture and repurpose those gases into useful products? Burcu Gurkan, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering department at Case Western Reserve University, joins this episode to discuss electrochemical methods of carbon capture, how the re…

1
Cicadas 13:23

2M ago13:23

13:23

This year billions of cicadas will emerge as the annual varieties are joined by the periodic Brood XIX and Brood XIII species that pop up every 13 and 17 years. Allen Moore, division director for the Division of Environmental Biology at the U.S. National Science Foundation, joins to discuss cicadas and answer some questions about these mysterious i…

1
Mayan Archeology 24:31

2M ago24:31

24:31

Prior to European arrival, the Maya peoples built a civilization in the inhospitable lowland jungles of Middle America. David Lentz, professor of biological sciences and executive director at the University of Cincinnati Center for Field Studies, joins to discuss his archeological findings from ancient Mayan cities.…

1
Black Hole Questions 13:22

2M ago13:22

13:22

Advancing tools and techniques are revealing more about black holes, but they also raise more questions that continue to capture the imaginations of people everywhere. Joe Pesce, an astrophysicist with the U.S. National Science Foundation, joins to answer some popular questions.By U.S. National Science Foundation

1
Clarifying Quantum Information 25:11

2M ago25:11

25:11

With applications across the sciences and beyond, quantum information science is revolutionizing the world around us. We are joined by Scott Aaronson, Schlumberger Chair of Computer Science at The University of Texas at Austin and director of its Quantum Information Center, to discuss quantum computers, how to understand quantum mechanics and how a…

1
Biofilm Resistance 20:46

3M ago20:46

20:46

Over six million people get bacterial infections that develop into biofilms every year, but what if you could cut off the bacteria before infection occurs? We are joined by Amber Doiron, assistant professor in the University of Vermont Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, to discuss developing biofilm-resistant wound dressings, the …

1
Graphene Health Monitor 17:59

3M ago17:59

17:59

Tattoos have been a part of human culture for a very long time, but what if your tattoo could help diagnose your health? We are joined by Dmitry Kireev, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to discuss developing graphene biosensors, how they're like a tattoo, and how this technology may impact the…

1
Citizen CATE 2024 22:36

3M ago22:36

22:36

For a few minutes on April 8, when the moon passed between the sun and Earth, millions of people in the path of totality from Maine to Texas experienced a total solar eclipse. We are joined today by Amir Caspi, a principal scientist at the Southwest Research Institute, who explains the Citizen Continental-America Telescope Eclipse 2024 and his role…

1
Total Solar Eclipse 15:05

3M ago15:05

15:05

On April 8, parts of the United States, Canada and Mexico will experience a total solar eclipse. We are joined today by Carrie Black, a program officer in the NSF Division of Astronomical Sciences Division; Alain Brizard, a professor of physics at Saint Michael's College; and Maria Kazachenko, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado As…

1
Smart Dope Quantum Dots 23:27

4M ago23:27

23:27

In chemistry, advances in artificial intelligence are allowing automated and self-driving labs to quickly realize complex experiments while providing new avenues for exploration. We are joined by Milad Abolhasani, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at North Carolina State University to hear about how he developed Smart Dop…

1
Solar Weather Astronomy 17:42

4M ago17:42

17:42

Using cutting-edge tools such as the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, astronomers can study the sun as never before. We are joined by Maria Kazachenko, assistant professor in the University of Colorado Boulder Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences department and assistant professor at the National Solar Observatory, to hear about how why it's importa…

1
Pluripotent Polymers 19:49

4M ago19:49

19:49

Plastics have historically been developed to be optimal for a specific use, but what if a single material could be made flexible for one application or sturdy for another? We are joined by Stuart Rowan, professor of molecular engineering innovation and enterprise at the University of Chicago, who shares how he is developing materials whose properti…

1
Crocodilia 18:33

4M ago18:33

18:33

Crocodilian species first appeared during the Mesazoic era 252-66 million years ago and have since adapted to survive changing environments and mass extinction events. We are joined by Greg Erickson, professor of anatomy and vertebrate paleobiology at Florida State University and curator at FSU's Biological Science Museum, who shares how he measure…

1
STEM and Downtown Boxing Gym 22:39

5M ago22:39

22:39

Since 2007, Detroit's Downtown Boxing Gym has provided a free academic and athletic program to students aged 8-18, where they have seen long-term, life-changing impacts and a 100% high school graduation rate. We are joined by Purdue University Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology Amanda Case, Downtown Boxing Gym Executive Director Jessica H…

1
Quantum Computing 22:18

5M ago22:18

22:18

Quantum information science is a rapidly advancing field. The unique possibilities that quantum phenomena offer will create breakthroughs in areas such as sensing and measurement, computation and simulation, communication, networking, and security. Dolev Bluvstein, a doctoral student at Harvard University, working in the Lukin Group at the Quantum …

1
ZEUS and the Frontier of Laser Science 21:02

5M ago21:02

21:02

The U.S. National Science Foundation's Zettawatt-Equivalent Ultrashort pulse laser System (ZEUS) is the highest power laser system in the United States, providing world-leading capabilities for scientific, medical, defense and industrial research. We are joined by Karl Krushelnick, professor of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences and dire…

1
Geographic Information Science 25:57

5M ago25:57

25:57

From weather apps to maps, geographic information systems (GIS) are the computer-based tools that drive many modern-day conveniences. The U.S. National Science Foundation has played a central role in the technology's development and growth. NSF established the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA) in 1988 and funded more t…

1
Macrophages and Cancer 15:49

5M ago15:49

15:49

In the immune system, white blood cells help protect the body from viruses and bacteria. A subset known as macrophages offer great promise for cancer treatment. We are joined by Kolade Adebowale, a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences to hear about his macrophage studies, how they might be ma…

1
Tyrannosaurids 22:16

6M ago22:16

22:16

Since the discovery of incomplete dinosaur skeletons in the early 1800s, the collective knowledge about these creatures that roamed the Earth millions of years ago has grown dramatically. We are joined by Greg Erickson, a professor of anatomy and vertebrate paleobiology at Florida State University and curator at FSU's Biological Science Museum who …

1
Lasers and Extreme Ultraviolet Light 25:58

6M ago25:58

25:58

Light catches the imagination and raises questions about phenomena such as rainbows or why the sky is blue from an early age. We are joined by Franklin Dollar, professor of physics and astronomy and associate dean of graduate studies in the School of Physical Sciences at University of California, Irvine to hear about how he uses extreme ultraviolet…

1
Advancing Computational Chemistry 19:04

6M ago19:04

19:04

The U.S. National Science Foundation's Center for Computer Assisted Synthesis is developing data science tools and computational workflows that aim to shape the future of synthetic chemistry. We are joined by Gabe Gomes, assistant professor of chemistry and chemical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, to hear about the work being done at the…

1
A Look Back at 2023 22:05

6M ago22:05

22:05

From the Viking age to a Cold War military installation revealing insights into the ice age, advances in artificial intelligence, and looks at black holes and gravitational waves in the depths of space, these are just some of the stunning findings produced by U.S. National Science Foundation-supported researchers in 2023. As we start a new year, we…

1
Searching for Technosignatures 22:20

7M ago22:20

22:20

Humans have always looked up to the sky and wondered about the stars and what life may be out there. Astronomers are using tools such as the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Green Bank Observatory and the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array to search for radio waves, technosignatures sent from distant stars. David DeBoer, a research astronomer at the…

1
Listening To Giants 17:20

7M ago17:20

17:20

Blue whales are the largest animals to ever inhabit the planet and were hunted to near extinction in the era of commercial whaling. Since the 1960's, these giants have been protected but continue to be considered endangered and are seldom seen. Kate Stafford, an associate professor and bio-acoustician at Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Inst…

1
Demonstrating Potential 24:54

7M ago24:54

24:54

The U.S. National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) has helped ensure the quality, vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce by recognizing and supporting outstanding graduate students since 1952. Kyle Johnson, a doctoral student at the University of Washington, joins us to talk about his work…

1
Microplastics in the Environment 23:37

7M ago23:37

23:37

The ubiquity of plastic materials in modern life has meant that plastic debris can be found everywhere. A subset of these environmental contaminates, smaller than a sesame seed, are called microplastics, and an even smaller subset of those are called nanoplastics. We are joined by Lauren Pincus, an environmental chemist and post-doctoral fellow at …

1
At the Edge of Artificial Intelligence 21:22

8M ago21:22

21:22

The U.S. National Science Foundation has invested over half a billion dollars to establish the National AI Research Institutes. We are joined by D.K. Panda, from the AI Institute for Intelligent Cyberinfrastructure with Computational Learning in the Environment; Giovanni Vigna, from the AI Institute for Agent-based Cyber Threat Intelligence and Ope…

1
The History Makers 20:38

8M ago20:38

20:38

The HistoryMakers is the world's largest searchable oral history archive, featuring the first-person accounts of over 3,000 African American people from a wide variety of disciplines, including a special subset of STEM community members under a project called "ScienceMakers." Founder Julieanna Richardson tells us about early challenges, memorable m…

1
The Frontier of Artificial Intelligence 23:12

8M ago23:12

23:12

The U.S. National Science Foundation has invested over half a billion dollars to establish the National AI Research Institutes. We are joined by Aarti Singh from the AI Institute for Societal Decision Making; Amy McGovern from the AI Institute for Research on Trustworthy AI in Weather, Climate, and Coastal Oceanography; Ashok Goel from the National…

1
Unwrapping Heritage Science 19:29

8M ago19:29

19:29

A team of researchers at the NSF-supported EduceLab are working to revolutionize digital restoration. They are investigating the Herculaneum Scrolls, ancient writings that were carbonized in the Mount Vesuvius eruption of 79 C.E. We are joined by EduceLab principal investigator Brent Seales, a computer science professor at the University of Kentuck…

1
Insects Scent 26:57

9M ago26:57

26:57

Insects play vital roles in the ecosystem, but some species can be pests and home infestations can raise serious health issues. Coby Schal, a professor of entomology at North Carolina State University, joins to share his expertise of how moths and cockroaches communicate, their impacts as pests and strategies for controlling them.…

1
Harnessing Thermal Energy 28:20

9M ago28:20

28:20

Today's guest is approaching the grand problem of energy by developing thermal energy batteries. Asegun Henry is a professor in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Mechanical Engineering, where he also directs the Atomistic Simulation & Energy Research Group. His work has earned him a Guinness World Record and recently an Alan T…

1
Volcanic Eruption and Lava Flow 23:14

9M ago23:14

23:14

An understanding of the structure, composition and processes involved in erupting volcanoes and the ways lava flow can help better mitigate the effects of these environmental hazards. Our guest is Stephan Kolzenburg, assistant professor at the University at Buffalo, who joins us to share what makes volcanoes active, how researchers study lava flow …

1
The Sun and Eclipses 12:42

9M ago12:42

12:42

Eclipses have captured the imagination throughout history. Carrie Black, a program director in the Division of Astronomical Sciences at the U.S. National Science Foundation who oversees operations of the National Solar Observatory, joins us to discuss eclipse phenomena and share facts about the sun and how we use tools such as the Daniel K. Inouye …

1
Experimenting with Antimatter 20:51

9M ago20:51

20:51

Timothy Tharp, assistant professor at Marquette University; Danielle Hodgkinson, postdoctoral fellow at University of California, Berkeley; and Andrew Christensen a senior graduate student at UC Berkeley all contributed to the success of the Alpha-g experiment at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), testing gravity's effect on ant…

1
Breakthrough: Gravity’s Effect on Antimatter 28:53

10M ago28:53

28:53

The Antihydrogen Laser Physics Apparatus (ALPHA) collaboration is an international group working with antihydrogen atoms at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), to understand the fundamental symmetries between matter and antimatter. We are joined by professors Joel Fajans and Jonathan Wurtele, NSF-supported researchers at the Univ…

1
Antimatter Explained 10:33

10M ago10:33

10:33

Ahead of a special announcement coming later this week, Kevin M. Jones, the William Edward McElfresh Professor of Physics Emeritus at Williams College and a program manager in the Division of Physics at the U.S. National Science Foundation joins to explain what antimatter is, what happens when it comes into contact with other matter, and why you mi…

1
Cattle in the Americas 16:38

10M ago16:38

16:38

In the United States there are over 95 million heads of cattle, but their known history stretches beyond the farms and cowboys of the Wild West back into the galleons of Spanish colonists. Nicolas Delsol, a postdoctoral associate at the Florida Museum of Natural History joins to explain how he traced their arrival in the Americas.…

1
Secrets of the Storm 22:49

10M ago22:49

22:49

Airborne Phased Array Radar will provide a generational leap in severe storm and climate research. Wen-Chau Lee, APAR chief scientist and senior scientist at National Center for Atmospheric Research Earth Observing Laboratory, joins to discuss radar use in storms, improving modeling and why sometimes it’s better to collect data from inside of a sto…

1
Impacts in Sports 20:58

10M ago20:58

20:58

After an incident as a young water polo player, Nicholas Cecchi began investigating brain injury. We’ll hear about how an early study resulted in a rule change, approaches to analyzing the severity of hits and impacts in sports, and how he used an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship to develop liquid shock absorbers for football helmets in the Camaril…

1
Shape of Lithium 23:33

11M ago23:33

23:33

Yuzhang Li, assistant professor in chemical and biomolecular engineering at UCLA, is working to create the next generation of batteries. We'll learn about why lithium is volatile and how knowing the true shape of lithium will impact the development of safer and more powerful batteries.

1
Revealing Cryptofauna 21:07

11M ago21:07

21:07

Cryptofauna are creatures that live hidden among microhabitats. Our guest is Paul Sikkel, a research professor at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science who has discovered two species of Gnathiid isopods. We’ll hear about these creatures' life cycles, their role in the marine food web, and why Sikkel na…

1
Forests in a Changing Climate 12:30

11M ago12:30

12:30

William Anderegg, director of the Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy and associate professor in The University of Utah School of Biological Sciences, joins to discuss how forest ecosystems are reacting to climate change. He is a 2023 recipient of the Alan T. Waterman Award, the nation's highest honor for early-career scientists and engineer…

1
Wildfires in a Changing Climate 23:20

11M ago23:20

23:20

Extreme weather events are increasing every year and wildfires are getting worse. We speak with Phil Higuera, a professor of fire ecology at the University of Montana, to explore the causes and consequences of wildfires and how they are impacting people and the environment.

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