Episode 516: The One Where Devon Talks A Lot

Science Faction Podcast

This episode contains: The hosts are all here this week, and Steven and Ben met up with listener Hank and field-adjacent correspondent Matt to play Arcs. Spoiler alert: it was fun. Ben finally bought Super Mario Wonder and it is so much better than the “creatively bankrupt” New Super Mario Bros. series of games.

“What do you have for me today?” or “Future or Now”. I don’t know/don’t care anymore.

Brain Matters: I think therefore I am.

Devon reviews Consciousness Explained, a 1991 book by the American philosopher Daniel Dennett, in which the author offers an account of how consciousness arises from interaction of physical and cognitive processes in the brain. Dennett describes consciousness as an account of the various calculations occurring in the brain at close to the same time. He compares consciousness to an academic paper that is being developed or edited in the hands of multiple people at one time, the “multiple drafts” theory of consciousness.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consciousness_Explained

https://theness.com/neurologicablog/chalmers-dennett-and-the-hard-problem-of-consciousness/

Spicyness, the final frontier

Astronauts' perception of flavor changes in the space environment of the International Space Station (ISS). Can we duplicate this experience in VR? Astronauts report that food tastes less flavorful in space, leading them to add more spices and sauces. The study found that some aromas like almonds and vanilla seem more intense in a simulated space environment, while others like lemon are unaffected. The researchers suspect the chemical composition of certain flavors, like the sweet compound benzaldehyde, may influence how they are perceived in a space-like environment.

https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/07/astronauts-find-their-tastes-dulled-and-a-vr-iss-hints-at-why/

The multiverse is unending

Steven gives a spoiler-free review of Deadpool and Wolverine, and then discusses ALL the spoilers coming out of San Diego Comic Con for the MCU.

Book Club

In two weeks: The Last Conversation by Paul Tremblay

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VDJBGRY

Next week: an interview with listener/patron Renee, covering her experience at San Diego Comic Con!

This week:

Clap Back by Nalo Hopkinson

A real banger of a story that’s not without it’s flaws, but boy is this a must-read.

https://www.amazon.com/Clap-Back-Black-Stars-Hopkinson-ebook/dp/B098QNLW6D