Spark Science

Electrical Signals in Living Systems

50 years ago a movie called "Fantastic Voyage" created which sparked interest in science to many, many people all over the world for years to come.  One of those kids was a young Dr. Jose Serrano-Moreno.  In this episode our guest, Dr. Serrano-Moreno, leads us on a journey where cells talk to other cells through electric signals.

Our guest talks about his love of Wall-E, how to teach people science by "Acting/performance learning" and concussions.

Correction: Isaac Asimov did not write the script to the Fantastic Voyage.  He did write a novel based on the movie and tried to correct scientific inaccuracy.

Image courtesy of MGH-UCLA Human Connectome Project

The Martian: Science & Film

Spark Science welcomes back the "Martian" herself Dr. Melissa Rice and Casey Dreier, the Planetary Society's Director of Space Policy, to talk to us about the science of the award winning film, The Martian.

We discuss the Planetary Society, Water on Mars, Matt Damon and other space missions.

Enjoy our rants on Hollywood science.

Image Courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Geek Girl Con: Scientists Who are Also Geeks

Welcome back to Spark Science!

We are in our second season now and our first episode of the new year is my trip to GeekGirlCon.  This convention is much like the famous ComicCon in San Diego however GeekGirlCon is more to promote female participation and support in Geekdom.  It was wonderful and I brought my guest co-host my daughter, Dori. 

I interview scientists at the DIY Science Zone located in the heart of GeekGirlCon.  We talk about science, pop culture and their own complex identities as geeks.

A Special thanks to: 

GeekGirlCon

http://geekgirlcon.com/

STEM Box

http://www.mystembox.com/

Generation Anthropocene

http://anthropocene.stanford.edu/

The Science of Improv with Ryan Stiles & Oona Cava

In the Season 1 finale, Spark Science interviews Comedian and founder of the Upfront Theater in Bellingham, WA, Ryan Stiles.  We discuss the difference between improv and stand up comedy, how one teaches comedy and the benefits of laughter.  

We also bring in the Upfront Theater improv instructor who taught our very own Jordan Baker.  Oona Cava discusses the methods of improv in more detail and how one can use improv techniques to become a better university professor.

Enjoy our jokes and come back for new episodes in January 2016.

Physics, Fear and Flight

Spark Science was in the skies over Bellingham, WA with pilot, computer scientist and friend of the show, Dr. Aran Clauson.  Dr. Clauson offered to take Jordan and Dr. Regina in a tiny Cessna and we had a great time.  We recorded part of the show in the air and part in the KMRE Spark Radio studios.

Join us for a show where we discuss the science that goes into flight (lift, drag and crosswinds) and some history of aviation.  Throughout the whole episode, listen to us giggle while we reflect on our trip to the "Danger Zone!".. 

The Science of Smells

Smells are something that are integral to almost all of our lives.  In this episode, we speak to Biologist Dr. Lina Dahlberg about how smell works.  Jordan and Dr. Regina ask her all sorts of questions about nose hairs, how people lose smell, memory, pheromones and farts.  We have a great time and hope you enjoy the show.

Image Courtesy of the New York Times

Toxic Clean Up

In this episode we speak to hydrogeologists John Guenther and Heather Good about "Toxic Clean Up" in Bellingham, Washington and the Nation.  The conversation goes from happy thoughts to very scary environmental issues.  Up and down and Up and down.  Enjoy! 

The Life of Alan Turing

In this episode we talk about the great mathematician, cryptanalyst and social guy Alan Turing.  We are joined by famed author George Dyson who recently wrote Turing's Cathedral: The Origin of the Digital Universe.  

We hope you enjoy listening to our opinions on the movie The Imitation Game, life in academia and conspiracy theories. Pictures from our interview on Instagram @sparkscience.

Image Courtesy of George Dyson

Other Worlds

Spark Science welcomes the return of Astrophysicst Dr. Kevin Covey.  In this episode we discuss how extra-solar planets or "Exoplanets" are found using three methods and how they are found using a space observatory named Kepler.  Exoplanets are other worlds found outside of our solar system and they are also something the general public can now name.  Listen to this show to find out how......

Image Courtesy of NASA

Math History

In our first math episode, Dr. Amites Sarkar speaks with us about mathematical concepts that took the human race millennia to understand.  On the other hand, the amazing things people in history did accomplish is mind blowing.  Lastly, we discuss the similarity between Erdos numbers and Bacon numbers.

Corrections:

Tycho Brahe's nose was Brass not Bronze (I was close).

Dr. Seth Rittenhouse is first a physicist and second a mathematician. 

Image - llustration at the beginning of Euclid's Elementa