Talk Archives

Bees are one of the hardest working insects on the planet. Many of the more than 20,000 bee species in the world are key to the pollination of hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of crops including coffee, cotton, blueberries, and almonds! But many bee species are being threatened by human-related activities such as agricultural intensification, natural habitat alteration, and climate change. Join Dr. Shalene Jha as she discusses her research on bee populations and shares the secrets of their amazing world.

Lucy, a fossil more than 3.2 million years old, is among the oldest, most complete skeletons of any adult, erect-walking human ancestor. Dr. Kappelman shares the fascinating story of how one of the oldest cold cases in the world was solved.

What risks does climate change pose to Texas? Is a safe and sustainable future possible, given our energy and economic interests, and widespread political rejection of these risks? And why are evangelicals so opposed to accepting the science of climate change? Join us for a lively discussion with Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, climate scientist and an award-winning communicator.

What does the future of health care look like? Will you screen yourself for disease with your smartphone? Never wait for a doctor? Wear a hospital gown that preserves your modesty? Hear how the new Dell Medical School at UT Austin Is working to make Austin a model healthy city.

Primates and rainforests in West Texas? Dr. Kirk takes us millions of years back and discovers a time when, if you were walking through parts of Texas, you would hack your way through hot, tropical rainforests and encounter curious primates.

Ten years ago, the New Horizons spacecraft to Pluto launched from the Florida coastline. Dr. Alan Stern, Lead Scientist for the New Horizons Mission, shares the remarkable journey and latest discoveries from the outskirts of our solar system during ‘Hot Science – Cool Talks’.

How are endangered species discovered? How can they save a city? Dr. David Hillis shares the journey for recognizing the Barton Springs salamander as an endangered species.

Many people imagine dinosaurs as these giant lizards or even high intelligent creatures, but how are birds and dinosaurs related? Dr. Julia Clarke shares some surprising secrets about dinosaurs.

Robots have become increasingly more human like as technology advances. Why do we build humanoid robots, and what can they do? How “human” can they actually be?

3D printing is capturing the imagination of makers, futurists, and scientists everywhere. How does 3D printing work? What is the future of 3D printing, and how will it impact our lives?