Explore science wonders!
From lemurs, to coral reefs, dinosaurs to Mars, Hot Science - Cool Talks brings leading scientists and their research to you.
The Amazing Mission to Pluto
Dr. Alan Stern shares the amazing journey more than 3 billion miles and ten years in the making, the New Horizons Mission.
What are lemurs like?
Discover the secrets behind these enigmatic animals with wide eye stares and amazing leaping abilities! Dr. Rebecca Lewis shares her research on the behavior, social relationships, and power in these unusual primates.
Why are Bees Important Pollinators?
What is pollination? Why is important and how do bees play an important role? Dr. Shalene Jha shares secrets about bees.
Lucy's Last Moments
What can Lucy's fossil tell us about her life and death? Dr. John Kappelman unravels the secrets behind a 3.2-million-year-old mystery.
Is Climate Changing?
What is the difference between weather and climate? Is climate really changing? Dr. Katharine Hayhoe shares insights about climate change.
Some Like It Hot, Hot, Hot
Primates and rainforests in West Texas? Dr. Christopher Kirk takes us back to a time when you would encounter curious primates in Texas.
Top 10 Healthcare Problems
Dr. Clay Johnston, Dean of the Dell Medical School, shares the list of top 10 problems with healthcare.
Is Climate Change Good or Bad?
Climate scientist and award winning communicator Dr. Katharine Hayhoe explains if climate change is good or bad and how it affects Texas.
How a Salamander Saved a City
Dr. David Hillis shares how the Barton Springs salamander was identified as an endangered species and its impact in Austin's economic development.
What Might Dinosaurs Sound Like?
Many people imagine dinosaurs as these giant lizards but how are birds and dinosaurs related? What did they sound like? Dr. Julia Clarke shares the secret lives of dinosaurs.
What is a Drone?
Drones have been all over the media as well as our imaginations. Dr. Todd Humphreys shares what’s real and what’s possible for these remarkable flying machines.
The Six Americas of Global Warming
Award winning communicator and climate scientist, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe discusses the "Six Americas of Global Warming".
Can We Tell What Dinosaurs Looked Like?
How are birds and dinosaurs related? What did they really look like? Dr. Julia Clarke shares the secret lives of dinosaurs.
Hot Science – Cool Talks Events
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018
Fire Ants, Crazy Ants & Zombie Ants
Research Scientist, Integrative Biology
University of Texas
The red imported fire ant is an invasive species in Texas that can produce life-threatening allergic reactions in people, has major costs to agriculture, and causes severe impacts to native fauna. Dr. Rob Plowes shares insights into fire ant behavior and discusses a remarkable biological control opportunity. Dr. Plowes researches one of the fire ant's deadliest enemies - tiny phorid flies, which actually turn ants into zombie-like living incubators for their offspring! He also describes research approaches to other invasive species in Texas. We invite you to join us for a special Halloween celebration. Participate in our costume contest: come as your favorite creature or zombie! Additional tickets were just added, get yours here.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018
A Taste for the Beautiful
Professor, Integrative Biology
University of Texas
Why do animals perceive certain traits as beautiful and others not? While Darwin explained why the animal world abounds in stunning beauty, he struggled to understand how. Dr. Michael Ryan, one of the world’s leading authorities on animal behavior, tells the remarkable story of how he and other scientists have taken up where Darwin left off and transformed our understanding of sexual selection. Join Dr. Ryan as he explores how beauty is defined through the brain of the beholder. Registration opens three weeks prior to event.