Talk Archives

It has been 80 years since the Scopes Monkey Trial, but the debate between science and religion has never been as heated as it is now. Kenneth R. Miller shares his insights from the Pennsylvania "intelligent design" case and its introduction into science classes.

Which energy choice is best for our future? There are a growing number of options, from wind to solar to nuclear and even algae, among many others. Dr. Michael Webber describes the range of energy choices available to us as well as their impacts on the environment, the economy and national security.

Although there has been much debate, every credible climate scientist recognizes that increases in greenhouse gases promote warming. How much will our environment warm? How fast will it warm? How significant will be the impact? Dr. Eric Barron discusses how our current ability to predict climate leaves open a range of possible futures to consider.

Explosions of supernovae, black holes, gamma ray bursts and neutron stars are not just found in science fiction. These exotic objects in our universe make up the life cycle of stars, are the basis for planets and life, and measure the history and fate of our Universe. Dr. Wheeler describes the formation of supernovae, their characteristic shape and its significance, as well as the resulting celestial objects formed by the collapse of a star.

“Can we really do that?”… Hollywood TV shows are full of hi-tech crime-solving based on DNA analysis. But can scientists really do what you see on TV? Dr. David Hillis shares how how he has actually helped solve a bizarre murder case with his science, a field called systematic phylogenetic analysis.

With magnificent images from the oceans of three continents and evocative readings from Carl Safina’s new book, Voyage of the Turtle is a global journey. Together, we pursue Earth’s last warm-blooded monster reptile, the skin-covered Leatherback Turtle. The Leatherback has seen dinosaurs come and go and is the closest thing we have to a last-living dinosaur.

In parts of Antarctica, rates of measured climate warming are the highest anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere – in another part, there has been a cooling. How are we to interpret such a complex pattern of climate change, and what are the implications for the future of the Last Continent? Dr. David Vaughn addresses the many aspects of climate change and its significance to Antarctica and the rest of the Planet.

Energy consumption and energy production remain at the top of the list of concerns for politicians and for consumers, especially when the bill comes due and when climate change impacts our lives. Discover how the City of Austin is among the pioneers of green building in the United States, and through visionary policies and practices Austin has changed not only where our energy comes from, but also how energy is both used and saved.

Scientists use new technologies to reveal untold mysteries about whales and provide information on whale history that may be crucial to their survival in the future. Dr. Stephen Palumbi, renowned marine biologist and professor at Stanford, discuss genetic techniques are used to estimate historic whale populations and how his findings play an important role in decisions of the International Whaling Commission (IWC).

Are hurricanes becoming more powerful and destructive? Are these changes due to a natural cycle of hurricane activity or are they caused by human-induced climate change? Dr. Kerry Emanuel shares his research on how climate change can affect hurricane activity and how to predict the long-term risk of hurricanes.