Spark Science

Life at Volcanic Vents

In this episode we speak with WWU Biologist Dr. Heather Fullerton about bacteria, tube worms, sewage, science cruises and cracks in the ocean floor.  We also discuss bad movies and possible volcanic vents on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn.

Additional information: Enceladus is a moon of Saturn that has cryovolcanism

Image Courtesy of Pat Hickey, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

 

Scuba Science

In this episode we talk to Captain Nate Schwarck about the science of scuba diving.  We discuss what is scientific diving, the history of diving, and what happens to the body as people dive down to dark depths. 

 

While Jordan shares his love of diving and his experiences, Dr. Regina shares her horrible fear of ocean creatures.  We continue the discussion to sea star wasting disease, ROVs, gastropod sex and Hollywood's depiction of scuba life.

 

Please enjoy the images of underwater creatures taken by WH Longley in 1910 and images of abalone referenced in the last portion of our show (click on the "Scuba Science Images" on the left side of the podbean site). 

 

Photograph by Charles Martin & W.H. Longley

 

 

Neuroscience: Emotions, Memory and Pixar

We invite you to explore the brain in the episode Neuroscience: Emotions, Memory and Pixar with Western Washington University Neuroscientist Dr. Jackie Rose.  

We have a great time discussing flash bulb memories, plasticity and the new Pixar Movie Inside out.

Image Courtesy of Pixar

Energy and the Atmosphere

In this episode of Spark Science, we discuss what physicists mean when we say "Energy".  Our guest is a physics professor and Associate Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at Western Washington University, Dr. Brad Johnson.  We talk about changing the dialogue of "Global Warming" and thinking about stored energy in the atmosphere.  

Enjoy this short crash course in energy conservation, phase change, randomness and air quotes.

Image Courtesy of NASA

Pluto Revealed

On July 14th NASA recieved a call home from the New Horizons Spacecraft sent to study Pluto.  This contact with Earth was confirmation that the spacecraft had survived and that humanity had now explored the mysterious ends of our solar system.

"Pluto Revealed" was a live event, sponsored by the Spark Musuem, Western Washington University (WWU) and the Planetary Society where over 100 people in Bellingham, Washington experienced this historic accomplishment together.  This audience also participated in a live taping of Spark Science with guests Casey Dreier- Planetary Society Director of Advocacy, Dr. Melissa Rice, Dr. Mike Kraft and Dr. Kirsten Fristad (all geophysicists from WWU) discussing features on Pluto. 

Please make sure to view the images on this site (located on the left site of the site labeled "Pluto Revealed Images..."), while listening to the show.

Images Courtesy of NASA

Electricity and Its Roots

Our seventh episode features CEO & President of the Spark Museum, John Jenkins.  Jordan and Dr. Regina talk to Mr. Jenkins about the history of electricity and the people involved such as Tesla, Faraday, Edison, Maxwell and Franklin.  To view the demos discussed in the show, click on the link on the left called "Electricity and its Roots -DEMOS".

Early Science Fiction & Afrofuturism

In our sixth episode we invite Dr. Lysa Rivera to tell us about Science Fiction literature from the late 1800s and early 1900s by African American authors.  We also talk about the diverse roots of famous comic book heroes and the inclusive nature of Star Trek.  

Dr. Rivera is our first non-scientist but she keeps us enthralled by stories of the connection between oppression, freedom and the draw of Science.

Image Courtesy of Erykah Badu

Corrections include:  

1) Dr. Rivera's book does not have a definite release date at this time

2) Issac Asimov was NOT a physicist.  He had a PhD in Biochemistry

Computer Science: Resistance is Futile

For our Fifth episode (the only one with two guests), we explore the field of Computer Science.  Our guests Dr. Perry Fizzano and Dr. Aran Clauson talk to us about the integration of technology in our lives, past predictions of computer advancement and what we can expect in the future.

Astronomy and Interstellar

The Spark Science hosts finally watch the film Interstellar. In our fourth episode, Dr. Kevin Covey - fellow WWU Astrophysicist, talks with us about the Science of Interstellar, Gravity and 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Image Courtesy of Warner Brothers Studios

Volcanoes and Earthquakes!

In our third installment of Spark Science, we talk with Dr. Jackie Caplan-Auerbach about Mt. St. Helens, ocean volcanoes, earthquakes, Hawaii, and bad geology related movies like the Core and San Andreas.        

Image of "Rinjani 1994" by Oliver Spalt. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons