Popular Science Radio

Archaeologists have recently uncovered fossils of a new member of the human family tree in South Africa. Anthropologist and Archaeologist, Becca Peixotto, brings us the details of this new discovery and how the unique environment in which they were uncovered is obscuring the dating process.

The discovery of Homo naledi in a supposed mass grave located in South Africa is an exciting discovery! Does this suggest a burial ritual or some other complex behavior? Becca Peixotto says its too early to know, and describes the dangers of climbing into a confined cave.

What is it like living on the space station for a few months? NASA Astronaut, Dr. Sandy Magnus, describes the disorienting, exciting, and weird aspects of living in a zero gravity environment.

NASA has found flowing water on Mars, contrary to past theories that liquid water might not even be possible on the red planet's surface. NASA Solar System Ambassador, Matt Funke, explains why we considered water on Mars highly improbable and the chemical process that makes it a reality.

What does the discovery of water on Mars mean for us as scientific explorers? Matt Funke explains how liquid water could help support a human colony, but scientists are very hesitant to comment on the possibility of life.

Where can we fly our fresh-bought drones anyway? Popular Science writer, Kelsey Atherton, lets us know where it is illegal to fly drones (keep them away from airports!) and directs us to KnowBeforeYouFly.org, a safe flight educational campaign.

We delve into the controversy swirling around e-cigarettes and recent FDA announcement to regulate the widely used devices. Also, how can you prevent forest fires? Identify fire risks. Then, what microbes are surrounding you every day? Segment 1: E-Cigarettes Are e-cigarettes safe? Nearly 20% of US adults report that they have "vaped" in the past 30 days. Director of Tobacco Treatment Service at the University of Pittsburg Medical Center, Dr. Hillary Trindale, puts a spotlight on the popular device. Segment 2: Puff for Puff E-cigarettes are a billion dollar booming business. Are we glorifying the "safety" of e-cigarettes without identifying unknown repercussions of the product? Dr. Hillary Tindale sounds off. Segment 3: FDA Steps In The FDA has announced that they will now regulate e-cigarettes similar to other tobacco products. This falls on the heels of raised concerns of young adults and children using e-cigarettes. We discuss the toxicity and controversy surrounding the popular product. Segment 4: Where There's Smoke... Wild fires seem to be on the rise. This begs the question, why are we so bad at preventing them? CAL FIRE Department of Information Officer, Daniel Berlant shares fire risk factors. Segment 5: World of Microbes What microbes are hanging out in the dirt, on your skin, and on your household surfaces? Dr. Joanne Emerson fills us in on the single-celled, microscopic critters existing all around us. Segment 6: Fresh Air How does air quality and pollution effect your health? University of Colorado Boulder's Dr. Joanne Emerson discusses the friendly and harmful microbes surrounding you daily.

Are e-cigarettes safe? Nearly 20% of US adults report that they have "vaped" in the past 30 days. Director of Tobacco Treatment Service at the University of Pittsburg Medical Center, Dr. Hillary Trindale, puts a spotlight on the popular device.

E-cigarettes are a billion dollar booming business. Are we glorifying the "safety" of e-cigarettes without identifying unknown repercussions of the product? Dr. Hillary Tindale sounds off.

The FDA has announced that they will now regulate e-cigarettes similar to other tobacco products. This falls on the heels of raised concerns of young adults and children using e-cigarettes. We discuss the toxicity and controversy surrounding the popular product.

Wild fires seem to be on the rise. This begs the question, why are we so bad at preventing them? CAL FIRE Department of Information Officer, Daniel Berlant shares fire risk factors.

What microbes are hanging out in the dirt, on your skin, and on your household surfaces? Dr. Joanne Emerson fills us in on the single-celled, microscopic critters existing all around us.

How does air quality and pollution effect your health? University of Colorado Boulder's Dr. Joanne Emerson discusses the friendly and harmful microbes surrounding you daily.

"The Martian" has sparked much interest in the exploration of Mars recently. We discuss all the possibilities with Scott Jucha, Dr. Jeffrey Bennett, and Daniel Kraft, MD. Segment 1: The Martian There is a resurgence in human interest in space from many different organizations. Silver Ships Trilogy Author, Scott Jucha, gives us an overview of all the exciting ideas and processes that are being developed for space exploration and the effect the new Matt Damon movie, "The Martian", might have on the allure of Mars. Segment 2: It Goes Both Ways Science and science fiction have been driving each other since the days of H.G. Wells and his then fictional concept of radar. Scott Jucha explains how science fiction is pushing the boundaries that science tries to chase. Segment 3: Free Mars! One of the factors that lead to America breaking away from Britain was the distance between them. Would a Martian colony follow a similar pattern? We discuss the possibilities of an independent Mars with Scott Jucha. Segment 4: Space, Time, Gravity What is the theory of relativity all about? Science Author, Dr. Jeffrey Bennett, gives us a crash course on Einstein's Theory of Relativity, which explains space, time, gravity, and their interactions. Segment 5: Why Go To Mars? Why should we go to Mars? Could Mars form its own national identity? Dr. Jeffrey Bennett explains the benefits of space exploration, and that a Martian colony would most likely be too dependent on resources from Earth to break away and form its own government. Segment 6: Movie Science How sound is the science in movies like "The Martian"? Daniel Kraft, MD fills us in on the validity of the science in movies. Plus, get an update on the progress of his team's XPRIZE challenge, the Tricorder.

There is a resurgence in human interest in space from many different organizations. Silver Ships Trilogy Author, Scott Jucha, gives us an overview of all the exciting ideas and processes that are being developed for space exploration and the effect the new Matt Damon movie, "The Martian", might have on the allure of Mars.