Enduring Energy of the Trekkie | FULL SHOW | #327




Popular Science Radio show

Summary: A prime example of the extraordinary impact that popular culture has on our society is the show Star Trek. Bridging gaps, punching through barriers, and inspiring new technologies - this show did everything, and more. We'll speak with the Executive Producer of "Building Star Trek," a 2 hour special examining what the sci-fi sensation continues to do to our lives. We will also find out how to escape Wi-Fi black holes, and what biofuel can do for our energy future. | <a href="http://ern-wp-content.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PS_082716.mp3" target="_blank">Download Full Episode #327</a> <strong><a href="http://www.ernlive.com/show/popular-science-radio/57/episodes/trekking-out-segment-1-327" target="_blank">Segment 1: Trekking Out</a> </strong>| <a href="http://ern-wp-content.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PS_082716_IHEART_01.mp3" target="_blank">Download Segment 1</a> Alan is a Trekkie. Who would have thought? Then again, Star Trek has had an amazing run. Lasting through the decades, spawning revivals, and even impacting science and technology research, the show continues to have a far reaching influence on our society. Elliott Halpern, Executive Producer of "<a href="http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/shows/building-star-trek/0/3436402" target="_blank">Building Star Trek</a>," (<a href="https://twitter.com/SmithsonianChan">@SmithsonianChan</a>) shares in Alan's excitement. <strong><a href="http://www.ernlive.com/show/popular-science-radio/57/episodes/technology-of-star-trek-segment-2-327" target="_blank">Segment 2: Technology of Star Trek</a> </strong>| <a href="http://ern-wp-content.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PS_082716_IHEART_02.mp3" target="_blank">Download Segment 2</a> On September 4th, at 8 p.m. eastern and pacific time, Star Trek will once again make its way into our lives through a 2 hour special called "<a href="http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/shows/building-star-trek/0/3436402" target="_blank">Building Star Trek</a>." Executive Producer Elliott Halpern geeks out with us over sci-fi technologies that have been and are being created for real world application, such as a universal translator, tractor beam, and even a tricorder! <strong><a href="http://www.ernlive.com/show/popular-science-radio/57/episodes/holding-onto-the-past-segment-3-327" target="_blank">Segment 3: Holding Onto the Past</a> </strong>| <a href="http://ern-wp-content.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PS_082716_IHEART_03.mp3" target="_blank">Download Segment 3</a> If the creators of Star Trek had known what a sensation the show would become, they probably would have kept a closer eye on the props. Unfortunately, most were thrown out or lost, and what survived wasn't always in the best condition. The Star Trek exhibit at the <a href="http://www.empmuseum.org/" target="_blank">EMP Museum</a> in Seattle, Washington contains dozens of fantastic pieces from the original show - including the model Enterprise. <strong><a href="http://www.ernlive.com/show/popular-science-radio/57/episodes/the-wi-fi-black-hole-segment-4-327" target="_blank">Segment 4: The Wi-Fi Black Hole</a> </strong>| <a href="http://ern-wp-content.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PS_082716_IHEART_04.mp3" target="_blank">Download Segment 4</a> Some people, the unlucky ones, live in a Wi-Fi vortex where no streaming, downloading, browsing or buying is possible without a direct connection. Until recently, Alan was one of those people. Find out how he escaped the wireless black hole using the <a href="http://www.ampedwireless.com/products/re2600m.html" target="_blank">ATHENA-EX</a>, a powerful range extender designed for multi-device households. <a href="http://www.ernlive.com/show/popular-science-radio/57/episodes/biofuel-segment-5-327" target="_blank"><strong>Segment 5: Biofuel</strong></a> | <a href="http://ern-wp-content.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PS_082716_IHEART_05.mp3" target="_blank">Download Segment 5</a> Energy resources and the oil industry are controversial topics, but in order to find a solution they need to be discussed. Eric McAfee, Chairman and CEO of <a href="http://www.aemetis.com/" target="_blank">Aemetis</a> (<a href="https://twitter.com/Aemetis">@Aemetis</a>), is in the business of biofuel, one potential solution to future oil crises. <strong><a href="http://www.ernlive.com/show/popular-science-radio/57/episodes/cleaning-up-diesel-segment-6-327" target="_blank">Segment 6: Cleaning Up Diesel</a> </strong>| <a href="http://ern-wp-content.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PS_082716_IHEART_06.mp3" target="_blank">Download Segment 6</a> Gasoline gets a lot of bad press, but diesel in particular gets the brunt of it. Can the biggest issues be solved with biodiesel? It produces virtually no sulfur and 80% less carbon while costing less than traditional diesel. Eric McAfee (<a href="https://twitter.com/Aemetis">@Aemetis</a>) has more.