Popular Science Radio

As summer heat asserts itself, many states are finding themselves choked in drought conditions. We're exploring available resources, sustainability practices, and usage rights. Segment 1: Water Shortage We've got a significant water shortage this year. To open this episode, we discuss plans for a new tunnel under Lake Mead that is large, expensive, and fraught with political complications. Dr. Peter Glick joins us to discuss water supply concerns, sustainability and needs. Segment 2: Irrigating a Desert As drought conditions worsen, smarter irrigation strategies and energy efficient appliances are a necessity. Are these steps too little too late in areas like Las Vegas? Dr. Peter Glick sounds off. Segment 3: Third Straw Are we making short term plans for the long term problem of climate change? With water shortage concerns on the rise, Research Marine Physicist Tim Barnett, shares thought provoking insights. Segment 4: Heat Map Will future generations war over water usage rights? Our focus turns to the Tigris River Dam and Renaissance Dam development projects. Segment 5: A rose by any other name... With confusing identifiers like "Florida Crystals" it can be difficult to identify which foods contain sugar. Eve Schaub, author of "A Year of No Sugar," shares what it was like to kick her sugar habit, and the stumbling blocks that she encountered along the way. Segment 6: Back to Basics When Eve Schaub began her mission to live a year without sugar, there were good days and bad days. Find out why she wouldn't change a thing.

We've got a significant water shortage this year. To open this episode, we discuss plans for a new tunnel under Lake Mead that is large, expensive, and fraught with political complications. Dr. Peter Glick joins us to discuss water supply concerns, sustainability and needs.

As drought conditions worsen, smarter irrigation strategies and energy efficient appliances are a necessity. Are these steps too little too late in areas like Las Vegas? Dr. Peter Glick sounds off.

Are we making short term plans for the long term problem of climate change? With water shortage concerns on the rise, Research Marine Physicist Tim Barnett, shares thought provoking insights.

Will future generations war over water usage rights? Our focus turns to the Tigris River Dam and Renaissance Dam development projects.

With confusing identifiers like "Florida Crystals" it can be difficult to identify which foods contain sugar. Eve Schaub, author of "A Year of No Sugar," shares what it was like to kick her sugar habit, and the stumbling blocks that she encountered along the way.

When Eve Schaub began her mission to live a year without sugar, there were good days and bad days. Find out why she wouldn't change a thing.

Ever wondered how accurate the science of the Big Bang Theory TV series is? Curious about how well speech recognition technology and robots are advancing? We interview two great minds to probe for these answers. Segment 1: Joke Science Does technicality of the Big Bang Theory sometimes fly over your head? Dave Zobel's new book, "The Science of TV's The Big Bang Theory", helps us to understand more of the knowledge given to us by Sheldon and the gang. Segment 2: The Real Deal Is the science of the Big Bang Theory actually real? Dave Zobel tells us about Big Bang Theories' Science Adviser, David Saltzberg, and how he writes in all of the jokes and rhetoric using real science. Segment 3: It's Not About the Cat It's not hard for most of us to understand science as long as it's explained well, and done without condescension. That being said, Dave Zobel still had a hard time explaining Schr?dinger's Cat in his new book. Segment 4: Robot Friends Ever wanted a robot friend to talk to you wherever you go? Sensory, Inc. CEO, Todd Mozer, tells us about the voice recognition technology they have produced for Jibo: The Worlds First Social Robot. Segment 5: What Is A.I? We are getting closer and closer to having real artificial intelligence, but what is it, really? We define A.I. with Todd Mozer and chat about some of the latest advances in voice recognition technology. Segment 6: Speech Recognition Coming out in May, 2016, Jibo brings us one step closer to having actual intelligent robots in our lives. We discuss the possibilities, and all of the good things that are coming out of speech recognition technology.

Does technicality of the Big Bang Theory sometimes fly over your head? Dave Zobel's new book, "The Science of TV's The Big Bang Theory", helps us to understand more of the knowledge given to us by Sheldon and the gang.

Is the science of the Big Bang Theory actually real? Dave Zobel tells us about Big Bang Theories' Science Adviser, David Saltzberg, and how he writes in all of the jokes and rhetoric using real science.

It's not hard for most of us to understand science as long as it's explained well, and done without condescension. That being said, Dave Zobel still had a hard time explaining Schr?dinger's Cat in his new book.

Ever wanted a robot friend to talk to you wherever you go? Sensory, Inc. CEO, Todd Mozer, tells us about the voice recognition technology they have produced for Jibo: The Worlds First Social Robot.

We are getting closer and closer to having real artificial intelligence, but what is it, really? We define A.I. with Todd Mozer and chat about some of the latest advances in voice recognition technology.

Coming out in May, 2016, Jibo brings us one step closer to having actual intelligent robots in our lives. We discuss the possibilities, and all of the good things that are coming out of speech recognition technology.

This week we're exploring the latest advancements in scientific discovery, including the search for life on Europa, manipulating the human genome, and even the reinvention of the wheel. Segment 1: Genome Editing What is CRISPR and how can it be beneficial to the field of genome editing? Intellia Therapeutics CEO & Founder, Dr. Nessan Bermingham, tells us how CRISPR allows for the editing and reintroduction of damaged cells and genes in sick patients. Segment 2: Medical Applications There is a bit of controversy surrounding genome editing in the world today. Dr. Bermingham assures us that what ever other applications genome editing might have, the number one concern is curing hereditary and mutation diseases. Segment 3: Use The Force Have you ever wished you could use the Force to open doors or control things in your house? Technology could be making this Sci-Fi dream a reality. Docker Security Lead, and Engineer, Diogo Monica, tells us about the emerging world of devices and appliances you can control with your mind. Segment 4: Shark Wheel The new big thing for skateboarding is in, and it's... a square wheel? Shark Wheel Technical Officer, David Patrick, explains how they ended up reinventing the wheel, literally, and how the square design lends to a smoother ride. Segment 5: Life on Europa Is there life on Europa, and how could it help us here on Earth? Astronomer and Author, Dr. Jeffrey Bennett, analyzes the possibilities of life on Jupiter's icy moon and how finding any non-DNA based life forms could possibly propel our medical technology into the future. Segment 6: Death on Mars Many people have signed up for the one way trip to Mars to attempt to colonize it. Dr. Jeffrey Bennett explains the challenges behind having a stable colony on Mars, and why we probably aren't ready for it yet.