Episodios

  • AMSE Science Report with Giulio Boccaletti

    AMSE Science Report with Giulio Boccaletti
    Aug 17 2024

    In this Science Report we speak with Giulio Boccaletti about his book, Water: A Biography which shows how water has helped shape our lives and our civilizations. This has always been the case as seen vividly in the example of ancient Egypt and the mighty Nile River.
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    4 m
  • AMSE Science Report with Jon Gertner

    AMSE Science Report with Jon Gertner
    Aug 10 2024

    Our home of Oak Ridge, and indeed all East Tennessee, is a hotbed of innovation. To learn more about the history of innovation and how it has been cultivated in the past, I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Jon Gertner about his book, The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation. We discussed some of the amazing breakthroughs that Bell Labs produced - just to name a few, those included the transistor, semiconductors, integrated circuits, lasers, photovoltaic cells, fiber optic and satellite communications, even modern information theory.

    Jon shared how Bell Labs approached its work to produce such an incredible number of breakthroughs with real world applications.
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    4 m
  • AMSEcast with guest Saul David

    AMSEcast with guest Saul David
    Aug 8 2024

    Doctor Sal David is a graduate of Edinburgh and Glasgow University's were obtained his masters and PhD degrees in history. He's an award winning author now of 15 books, including just for example, history such as The Indian Mutiny 1857 and Victorious Wars The Rise of Empire, as well as three historical novels. He is also a sought after broadcaster, as well appearing often on channels such as the BBC and that barometer of true success, Netflix, and he is a popular lecturer and history tour guide. On top of all that and more. He served as Professor of Military History at the University of Buckingham for some 12 years. Today we're going to talk with Sal about his extraordinary book titled Crucible of Hell The Heroism and Tragedy of Okinawa, 1945.
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    49 m
  • AMSEcast with Sally Adee

    AMSEcast with Sally Adee
    Aug 6 2024

    On this episode Sally Adee, a science and technology journalist based in London joins us. Sally has written for publications like the Economist, the New York Times and BBC Future, and was the technology, features and news editor at New Scientist. Today we're going to talk with her about her wonderful book, We Are Electric The New Science of Our Bodies, Bioelectric Code and What the Future Holds.
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    56 m
  • Alcohol’s Ancient Medicinal History with Camper English

    Alcohol’s Ancient Medicinal History with Camper English
    Aug 5 2024
    In this episode of AMSEcast, we explore the historical use of alcohol for medical purposes. Camper English, an accomplished writer and educator on cocktails and spirits, joins Alan to discuss how ancient peoples and monks utilized drinks like beer, wine, and spirits to treat illnesses such as digestive issues, bruising, malaria, and scurvy. Camper shares fascinating insights from his book, "Doctors and Distillers: The Remarkable Medicinal History of Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Cocktails," including the origins of carbonated water. Finally, Camper shares his innovative method for making clear ice cubes, enhancing the aesthetic of modern cocktails. About Camper English Camper English is a celebrated writer and speaker specializing in cocktails and spirits. With over 15 years of experience, he has contributed to more than 50 international publications including Popular Science, Saveur, Details, Whisky Advocate, and Drinks International. Camper is known for his comprehensive exploration of the technical aspects of mixology, from the history of carbonation to the science behind making clear ice cubes. His expertise has earned him the title of International Cognac Writer of the Year by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac and Best Cocktail Writer at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. Recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the global drinks industry, Camper continues to shape the craft cocktail movement with his detailed and nerdy approach to drink science.

    Show Highlights (00:00) - Introduction to AMSEcast and Camper English (01:43) - The definitive Process of Distillation (02:28) - Alchemy and Distillation (03:56) - The History of Paracelsus (05:45) - The Bizarre Use of Mummies in the Medicine (09:24) - The Role Monks Played in the Development of Distilled Medicine (12:10 ) - The Medicinal Origins of Carbonated Water (16:05) - Louis Pasteur’s Research on Fermentation (19:01) - Absinthe’s Infamous Reputation and Medical Use (23:56) - Medical Uses of Whisky and Bourbon (27:01) - Patent Medicines (29:07) - How Prohibition Affected The Medical Use of Alcohol (33:30 ) - The Julep’s Medical Origins (35:50) - Reflecting On The Medical Benefits of Alcohol Vs. The Risks (37:53) - Directional Freezing For Clear Ice (40:16) - Camper Shares His Future Projects And Interests (42:43) - Closing Thoughts
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    45 m
  • AMSEcast with guest Steve Olson

    AMSEcast with guest Steve Olson
    Aug 5 2024

    This episode welcomes award winning science writer Steve Olson. Having written for publications such as Science, The Atlantic, Wired, and Scientific American, just to name a few. Additionally, he has been a consultant writer for organizations like the National Academy of Sciences and the President's Council of Advisors on Science. Continuing his writing acumen Steve includes a collection of books, including Mapping Human History, genes, race, and Our Common Origin. Countdown. Six Kids Vie for glory at the World's Toughest Math Competition. And Anarchy, Evolution, Faith, Science and Bad Religion in a World without God, Eruption the Untold story of Mount Saint Helens and the focus of our discussion today: The Apocalypse Factory plutonium and the making of the Atomic Age.
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    53 m
  • On the Frontiers of Physics with Dr. Jon Butterworth

    On the Frontiers of Physics with Dr. Jon Butterworth
    Aug 5 2024
    We’re joined by Dr. Jon Butterworth as we delve into two fascinating books he’s written—Atom Land: A Guided Tour Through the Strange (and Impossibly Small) World of Particle Physic and Most Wanted Particle: Inside the World’s Biggest Experiment. In Atom Land, Jon guides us through the minute world of particle physics, explaining fundamental forces, quarks, and leptons. Most Wanted Particle explores the mission of the Large Hadron Collider, focusing on the quest to find the Higgs boson. Dr. Butterworth shares his involvement with the machine and the importance of basic research for technological and economic advancement. About Dr. Jon Butterworth Dr. Jon Butterworth is a distinguished physicist with undergraduate and graduate degrees from Oxford University. He is a professor of physics at University College London and has served as the head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. At CERN's Large Hadron Collider, Jon is the scientific adviser for the UK delegation. He received the Chadwick Medal in 2013 for his contributions to high-energy particle physics. In addition to his academic achievements, Jon is a prolific author and blogger, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broader audience. Show Highlights

    (2:00) What forces are and how they underly everything

    (8:47) What bosons are and how they fit into the Standard Model

    (11:33) The importance of symmetry in physics

    (13:40) Which concepts Dr. Butterworth found most difficult to present in Most Wanted Particle

    (16:39) The mission of the Large Hadron Collider

    (20:23) How scientists interpret data from the Large Hadron Collider with certainty

    (22:47) What makes the Higgs boson special

    (27:01) Why searching for the Higgs boson and other basic research is so important

    Links Referenced
    • Atom Land: A Guided Tour Through the Strange (and Impossibly Small) World of Particle Physics https://www.amazon.com/Atom-Land-Through-Impossibly-Particle/dp/1615193731/
    • Most Wanted Particle: Inside the World’s Biggest Experiment https://www.amazon.com/Most-Wanted-Particle-Inside-Physics/dp/161519245X/
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    34 m
  • Improving the Food Chain with Richard Munson

    Improving the Food Chain with Richard Munson
    Jul 31 2024
    In his latest book, Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food, Richard Munson explores how new technologies are revolutionizing agriculture—a traditionally slow-to-modernize industry. In this episode, we explore specific innovations like lab-grown meat and Impossible Foods' use of the heme molecule, along with regulatory challenges these innovations face. We also discuss vertical farming in urban centers and the ability to reduce food spoilage with natural coatings. Along the way, we cover 3D printing food, soil microbe analysis, gene editing for plants, and reducing methane emissions from livestock. About Richard Munson Richard Munson has been a leader in clean energy and environmental issues, holding key positions like Senior Director at the Environmental Defense Fund and coordinator at the Northeast-Midwest Institute. He also serves on the board of the Illinois Environmental Council. Munson is an acclaimed author, known for books such as Tesla: Inventor of the Modern, Cousteau: The Captain and His World, and his latest work, Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food. Richard is also set to release a new biography of Benjamin Franklin, titled Ingenious, focusing on Franklin’s scientific contributions. Show Highlights
    • (3:18) Using animal cells to create meat and Impossible Foods using the heme molecule to give plants a meaty flavor
    • (9:18) Vertical farming
    • (11:32) Addressing food spoilage
    • (13:14) How robots, satellites, and drone technology is being utilized in agriculture
    • (16:39) 3D printing in food production
    • (19:53) Analyzing soil microbes to advance efficiency and sustainability
    • (21:21) Using gene editing to modify plants and how it differs from genetic engineering
    • (24:11) Reducing methane production in livestock
    Links Referenced
    • Tesla: Inventor of the Modern https://www.amazon.com/Tesla-Inventor-Modern-Richard-Munson/dp/0393635449
    • Cousteau: The Captain and His World https://www.amazon.com/Cousteau-Captain-World-Richard-Munson/dp/0688074502
    • Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Table-Innovators-Reimagining-Food/dp/1642831905
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    29 m