Abstract: The Future of Science

By Jeremy UllmanScience

Abstract: The Future of Science episodes

June 13, 2021 Ep. 54 - Exoplanets & Telescopes ft. Lisa Dang
Lisa Dang is an enthusiastic, outgoing and optimistic PhD student in Astrophysics at McGill University. During her graduate degree, she also held a research position at the NASA Spitzer Science Center at Caltech in Pasadena, California. Right now, she’s studying the diversity of exoplanets and their climate, with a variety of space telescopes, and most excitingly with the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope. She hopes to understand how planets form and evolve, to ultimately uncover the recipe for habitable planets! When she’s not busy scratching her head looking at copious amounts of data, you can find her traveling, drawing, or taking care of her plants!

Tune in for answers to questions like...
Is there life in the universe beyond earth?
How do we define life?
How old are you in "Hot Jupiter" years?
What and how have we learned about exoplanets?
What are the mechanisms behind tidal locking?
and more!

Topics & Concepts
A Simplified Universe
Our Special Solar System
Atmospheric Disequilibrium
Exotic Planets: Hot Jupiters & Magma Earths
The Era of Exoplanet Characterization
The James Webb Space Telescope
Hubble & The Visible Light Problem
Spitzer & Infrared Astronomy
Geocentric & Earth-Trailing Orbits
The Kepler Planet-Finder Mission
Transits
Planet K2-141b
Spectroscopy
Tidal Locking
Wacky Weather Systems
The TRAPPIST System
M-Stars
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My New Audio Course on Listenable: The Secret Life of Words https://listenable.io/web/courses/402/the-secret-life-of-words/
Does free will exist? Maybe. Regardless, please share your cherished feedback with us at [email protected]!
Liking the show? Drop us a juicy 5-star rating or a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Follow & Subscribe on: Spotify, Facebook & Instagram (@abstracast), & Twitter (@abstract_cast)
39 min
June 06, 2021 Ep. 53 - Decision-Making & Metacognition ft. Alexa Ruel
Our guest this week, Alexa Ruel, is completing her PhD in Psychology at Concordia University. Her research is focused on decision-making, making decisions about decisions and how that process changes across the lifespan. ALSO, for the first time ever we're joined by a high school student! Allegra is a bright eighth grader who sneaks insightful questions into the discussion throughout the episode, and keeps us accessible! You don't want to miss this (or any) episode!
Tune in for Answers to Questions Like...
How do we make decisions (about decisions)?
How does decision-making change across the lifespan?
How do our internal and external environments affect our decision-making?
What is the role of memory in decision-making?
Which brain regions are involved in making decisions?
and many, many, many more!
Topics & Concepts
Infant Cognition
Decision-Making Across the Lifespan
Adolescence vs. Old Age
Decisions vs. Choices
Cost Benefit Analysis
Internal vs. External Environment
Aging Mindsets
Memory
Hormones
Alexa's Lab
Model-Based vs. Model-Free
Model Deterioration
The Decision-Making System
Experimental Design: Neural Activity & EEG
Cognitive Effort & Mental Fatigue

Alexa's Article: https://www.concordia.ca/cunews/offices/vprgs/sgs/public-scholars-21/2021/05/13/deciding-what-to-decide-is-no-easy-task.html
My New Audio Course on Listenable: The Secret Life of Words https://listenable.io/web/courses/402/the-secret-life-of-words/
Does free will exist? Maybe. Regardless, please share your cherished feedback with me at [email protected]!
Liking the show? Drop us a juicy 5-star rating or a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Follow & Subscribe on: Spotify, Facebook & Instagram (@abstracast), & Twitter (@abstract_cast)
37 min
May 30, 2021 Re-Release - Jean Westenberg on The Opioid Crisis
As year 1 of Abstract comes to a close we're getting ready for another 52 episodes of goodness over the next 52 weeks!
In honor of esteemed guest Jean Westenberg delivering the goods on what became the most streamed episode of the entire year, I'm re-releasing his 40 minutes of heaven, without breaks, maxing out the Jean : Jeremy air-time ratio!
Oh yeah, and since I first had Jean on the show, he's published the first half of his thesis -- check it out here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eip.13155
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Our guest from Ep. 37, Jean Westenberg, is pursuing a Master's degree in Experimental Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He is currently working under the supervision of Dr. Michael Krauss in his addiction and concurrent disorders lab, focusing on improving health outcomes in populations of opioid users, as well as those at risk of developing an addiction.
Questions Answered
How do we distinguish between the nature of addiction to drugs vs. social media? What makes Heroin so addictive and why is it so difficult to put it down? How can we even begin to imagine the experience of heroin use? What sorts of factors predispose me to developing an addiction? What is the Opioid crisis, and how many people are affected ever year? What is the crazy truth about overdoses? And many, many more!
Topics & Concepts
Different Types of Addiction: Social Media, Gambling, Caffeine, Heroin Opioids: Endogenous vs. Exogenous The Overdose Factor The Experience of Heroin Concurrent Disorders The Opioid Epidemic Educating the Public Imroving Health Outcomes The Fentanyl Crisis Complex Lifestyles Social Support Crisis by the Numbers Overdose Reversal Treatment Disclaimer: The following episode will be discussing substance use, which may be triggering for some. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek help from a health professional. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on Abstract.
Follow & Subscribe: Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
For Feedback or To Reach Out: [email protected], or any of the above ^^^
40 min
May 23, 2021 Ep. 52 - Amphibian Ecology ft. Nathalie Jreidini
Our guest this week, Nathalie Jreidini, is completing her PhD in Biology at McGill University. She has worked on diverse projects in Ecology throughout her graduate studies. She's now researching the causes of wild animal movements, and more specifically habitat dispersal! Join us for the final episode of Year 1 of Abstract -- cheers to Year 2 starting NEXT WEEK!
Tune in for Answers to Questions Like:
What's the distinction between reptiles and amphibians?
What do I do if I'm bitten by a tick?
What does it mean to be an endangered species? Is there life out there in the universe?
What is Ecology?
Why do animals move? Hint: it's not cause they got boogie fever...
What are the current limitations on animal tracking methods? and many, many, many more!
Topics & Concepts
Studying Animals vs. Humans
Amphibians
The Phylogenetic Tree
Disease Spread
Extrapolating from Animals to Humans
Invasive Species
Endangered Species
Ecology
The Fowler Toad & Habitat Dispersal
Toad Personality, Mating & Intercourse
Environment & Individual
Energy Expenditure & Exploration
To Move or Not to Move
Limitations on Tracking Methods
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Welcome to your new favorite Website, The Endangered Species Redlist: https://www.iucnredlist.org/
Welcome to your new favorite Audio Course, The Secret Life of Words: https://listenable.io/web/courses/402/the-secret-life-of-words/
Welcome to your new favorite Newsletter, The Habit Society: https://thehabitsociety.com/
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Does free will exist? Maybe. Regardless, please share your cherished feedback with me at [email protected]!
Liking the show? Drop us a juicy 5-star rating or a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Follow & Subscribe on: Spotify, Facebook & Instagram (@abstracast), & Twitter (@abstract_cast)
40 min
May 16, 2021 Ep. 51 - Archaeology & Civilization ft. Avery Warkentin
Our guest this week, Avery Warkentin, is completing her Master's in Classical Archaeology at the University of Oxford. She's passionate about historical education, archaeological conservation and environmental sustainability. Her current research is focused on the artistic and archaeological manifestations of cultural interaction throughout the Roman provinces. She hopes to pursue a career in objects conservation upon completion of her Master's. Join Avery and myself as we dig deep into the history of humanity -- who know's what we'll unearth on this slightly-longer-than-usual episode of Abstract!
Questions Answered
What is Archaeology?
What and how does it teach us about history?
What makes a fruitful archaeological site or exciting archaeological find?
What is the process of archaeological discovery, from dig to display case?
What does the future of archaeology look like?
How do we learn about abstract phenomena like culture through the discovery of physical objects?
How do define a civilization and what are its main characteristics?
Are we obliged to ever return findings to the countries from whence they came?
and many, many, many more!
Topics & Concepts
Objectivity in The Historical Record
Digging from Conclusions
Heinrich Schliemann
Importance: The What & The Where
Sites: Old & New
The Discovery Process
Dating: Stratigraphy, Dendrochronology & C-14
Context: Social, Cultural, Economic
The Impact of Archaeology
History
Culture
Hybrid Architecture
Religious Defaulting
Civilization
The Future of Archaeology
Repatriation & Dan Hicks

Avery Warkentin: Reach her on Instagram & Twitter: @aevrynicole
Prof. Dan Hicks:
Website: https://www.danhicks.uk/
Twitter: @profdanhicks
Book: Brutish Museums: http://www.plutobooks.com/9780745341767/the-brutish-museums/

The Habit Society (@thehabitsociety) - https://thehabitsociety.com/
Have you ever wanted to learn how to develop healthy, strong and sustainable habits? Well luckily you don't have to go it alone! I just increased my chances of forming and sticking to my new habits by signing up for a weekly 3-minute newsletter called The Habit Society. I know the co-founders personally and I am becoming increasingly involved in this awesome network of like-minded individuals. Part habit-formation guide and part accountability community, I'm proud to call myself a member of The Habit Society. It's completely free to join and get a beautifully curated newsletter sent right to your inbox every Monday morning. If you're looking to shake things up, here's a link to subscribe in the description of the episode. You can also check it out on instagram and Twitter @ thehabitsociety. Alright, back to the episode.
My New Audio Course on Listenable: The Secret Life of Words https://listenable.io/web/courses/402/the-secret-life-of-words/
Does free will exist? Maybe. Regardless, please share your cherished feedback with me at [email protected]!
Liking the show? Drop us a juicy 5-star rating or a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Follow & Subscribe on: Spotify, Facebook & Instagram (@abstracast), & Twitter (@abstract_cast)
45 min
May 09, 2021 Ep. 50 - Geometry, Topology & Group Theory ft. Sam Fisher
Our guest this week, Sam Fisher, just completed his Master's in Mathematics at McGill University and is now embarking on a transatlantic PhD in Mathematics at the University of Oxford. He treats us to a journey through the conceptual underpinnings of his research in the field of Geometric Group Theory. Whether you're a math enthusiast, or just a curious mind, you'll find this episode to be refreshing reminder of the beauty and elegance of mathematics. Enjoy!

Tune in for Answers to Questions Like
What is Geometry, and what kinds of geometric spaces can we imagine?
What would giant triangles look like on the surface of the earth?
Why are some mathematicians incapable of differentiating between mugs and donuts?
How do you create mathematically complex transformations every time you tie your shoelaces?
Where do symmetries crop up in the mathematical and real world?
and many, many, many more!
Topics & Concepts
Mathematical Insights
Mathematical Physics
Geometry
Euclidean & Non-Euclidean Spaces
Curvature ft. Totally Trippy Triangles
Topology
Rubber-Sheet Geometry
Mugs & Donuts
Knot Theory
Group Theory
Geometric Group Theory
Betti Numbers
Sam's "Aggressive Saddles"
The Secret Life of Words Audio Course (Coupon Code)
Using 'TEACHER60' or this link (https://listenable.io/web/plans/?coupon=TEACHER60) you can get 60% off your first year of Listenable (it's only $24, or $2/mo)! It expires by May, 10th. Btw, it's the biggest discount Listenable has ever offered. Exciting, right? Keep that wallet thick and expand your brain volume at the same time!
My New Audio Course on Listenable: The Secret Life of Words https://listenable.io/web/courses/402/the-secret-life-of-words/
Does free will exist? Maybe. Regardless, please share your cherished feedback with me at [email protected]!
Liking the show? Drop us a juicy 5-star rating or a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Support the show by Following & Subscribing on: Spotify, Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
40 min
May 02, 2021 Ep. 49 - Linguistics & The Neurobiology of Language ft. Yev Diachek
Our guest this week, Yev Diachek, is a PhD student studying Psychology at Vanderbilt University. After completing her undergraduate degree, Yev became interested in Psycholinguistics and the Neurobiology of Language so she took up multiple volunteer positions at Harvard and MIT. After completing her master’s, she worked as a full-time research assistant with Ev Fedorenko investigating how language interacts with other cognitive functions in the brain. In her Ph.D., Yev is now asking questions related to the structure and representation of conceptual knowledge and its relation to language. As a cognitive science major and linguistics enthusiast myself, this interview was truly a dream come true -- come on in and experience it for yourself!
Questions Answered
How is language represented in the brain, and how does it interact with other cognitive functions?
Is language fixed or dynamic?
Do we ever stop learning?
How do we define core linguistic understanding, and is there even such a thing?
What's the main goal of language?
Is memory is also a part of language and are they separable?
Are words meaningful in and of themselves?
and many, many, many more!
Topics & Concepts
The Language System
Hemispheric Lateralization
The Multiple Demand Network
Language Tasks
Core Linguistics Understanding
Gusture & Non-Verbal Cues
Prosody & Intonation
Pragmatics & Inference
Brain Damage & Aphasia
Language and Memory: Aphasia vs. Amnesia
Language Learning
Specialized vs Generalized Systems
Meaning
Category-Selective Deficits
Concepts & Mental Representation
Interactive Map of Concepts in the Brain: https://gallantlab.org/huth2016/
To Learn more, check out Yev's website: ediachek.com
The Secret Life of Words Audio Course (Coupon Code)
Using 'TEACHER60' or this link (https://listenable.io/web/plans/?coupon=TEACHER60) you can get 60% off your first year of Listenable (it's only $24, or $2/mo)! It expires by May, 10th. Btw, it's the biggest discount Listenable has ever offered. Exciting, right? Keep that wallet thick and expand your brain volume at the same time!
My New Audio Course on Listenable: The Secret Life of Words https://listenable.io/web/courses/402/the-secret-life-of-words/
Does free will exist? Maybe. Regardless, please share your cherished feedback with me at [email protected]!
Liking the show? Drop us a juicy 5-star rating or a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Support the show by Following & Subscribing on: Spotify, Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
40 min
April 25, 2021 Ep. 48 - Aging ft. The Brains Behind the WEP
Abstract just took things to a whole new level with our first ever PANEL DISCUSSION: Our guests this week are none other than The Brains Behind the Wisdom Exchange Project: Alicia Duval, Danielle D'Amico, Emma Conway, Lauren Bechard, and Monica Vaillancourt. Buckle up for this episode where a group of bright Canadian graduate researchers bounce ideas off each other in this super special group interview on the aging process!
Questions Answered
How can we age gracefully?
What can we control and what's totally out of our hands when it comes to aging?
How do we define the aging process?
How do rates of dementia vary across the population?
What's the impact of menopause on quality of life?
As we age, does cognition become a use it or lost it phenomenon?
What is frailty?
What is the Wisdom Exchange Project?
and many, many, many more!
Topics & Concepts
Graceful Aging
Self Care
Stress
Individuality
Modifiable Risk Factors
Alzheimer's & Dementia
Cognitive Reserve
Resilient Aging
Preventation vs. Reaction
Motivation, Meaning & Fulfilment
Perspective & Lived Experience
The Lifespan Approach
Midlife & Menopause
Cognition: Use-it-or-Lose-it?
The Cognitive Load Paradox
Composite Risk Factors
Frailty
Parenting
The Wisdom Exchange Project
Connect with this week's guests on Twitter (@EmmaConwayUW, @DanielleNDamico, @AliciaMDuval, @LaurenBechard...) and Instagram (@daniellenicoledamico, @mon.vaillancourt, @duvalicia, @loebech...)
Learn more about the Wisdom Exchange Project here: https://www.wisdomexchangeproject.com/
Does free will exist? Maybe. Regardless, please share your cherished feedback with me at [email protected]!
Liking the show? Drop us a juicy 5-star rating or a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Support the show by Following & Subscribing on: Spotify, Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
My New Audio Course on Listenable: The Secret Life of Words https://listenable.io/web/courses/402/the-secret-life-of-words/
30% off Listenable Membership (Referral Code: jeremyullman) https://frstre.com/go/?a=76205-87a7d9&s=1670905-f8024a&p_affiliate.referral_code=jeremyullman
54 min
April 18, 2021 Ep. 47 - Spaceflight Dynamics ft. Shaziana Kaderali
Our guest this week, Shaziana Kaderali, is a Master's candidate at McGill University in Aerospace Engineering. Her research is focused on Space Situational Awareness and Spaceflight Dynamics. She helps satellite operators avoid collisions, among much else! She's a jack of all trades and a master of all of them, and we've got her on the show to talk all things aerospace!

Questions Answered
What's an aerospace engineer thinking about first thing in the morning?
What do we mean by dynamics and specifically aerospace dynamics?
What's going on up there in orbit around our lovely little planet?
Should we be worried about the exponential increase in orbital objects and debris in freefall around the earth?
What is the future of aerospace engineering going to look like?
How do we dispose of dead or defunct spacecraft and what's the end-of-life process?
and many, many, many more!
Topics & Concepts
Roberta Bondar: The First Canadian Woman in Space
Perseverance: The Latest Mars Rover
Views from the Solar System
Aerospace Dynamics
Motion & Forces: Drag & Perturbations
Dynamics Equations
Synchronized Swimming
Astronaut Training
Satellite Operators vs. Air-Traffic Controllers
Propulsion & Newton's 3rd Law
Known Unknowns of Orbiting Spacecraft
Orbits: Geospatial & Low- & Medium-Earth, Molniya, Lagrange
The International Space Station (ISS)
Kessler Syndrome & The Debris Problem
The Kosmos-Irridium Collision
The Future of Aerospace Engineering
Quantum Satellite Technology
Outerspace Treaty
Death of a Spacecraft
My New Audio Course on Listenable: The Secret Life of Words https://listenable.io/web/courses/402/the-secret-life-of-words/
30% off Listenable Membership (Referral Code: jeremyullman) https://frstre.com/go/?a=76205-87a7d9&s=1670905-f8024a&p_affiliate.referral_code=jeremyullman
Want to drop Shaziana a line? Reach her here: [email protected]
Does free will exist? Maybe. Regardless, please share your cherished feedback with me at [email protected]!
Liking the show? Drop us a juicy 5-star rating or a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Support the show by Following & Subscribing on: Spotify, Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
36 min
April 11, 2021 Ep. 46 - Cosmic Strings & The Early Universe ft. Bryce Cyr
Our guest this week, Bryce Cyr, is completing his PhD in Cosmology at McGill University. He's studying the theoretical structures known as cosmic strings (unrelated to string theory, but we discuss that too). They might shed light on the nature of the early universe and the origin of dark matter!
Questions Answered
How did the universe begin? Where did it come from and where is it going How far back can we look?
What's the big idea with the cosmic microwave background?
Why is gravity problematic?
What's the goal of string theory? What about cosmic strings, are they the key unification?
What's the big hold up on the grand unified theory of physics?
and many, many, many more!

Topics & Concepts
The Early Universe
Cosmic Strings
Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR)
High Energy Physics
A Unified Theory
The Fundamental Forces
String Theory
Particle Acceleration & The LHC
The Ideal Gas Law (PV = nRT)
Universal Expansion
Ancient Light: Distortions
Neutrinos
Gravitational Waves
LIGO/VIRGO Collaboration
Black Holes & Accretion
Good Theories, Bad Theories
Beauty & Loneliness
Dark Matter, Dark Energy

My New Audio Course on Listenable: The Secret Life of Words
https://listenable.io/web/courses/402/the-secret-life-of-words/

30% off Listenable Membership (Referral Code: jeremyullman)
https://frstre.com/go/?a=76205-87a7d9&s=1670905-f8024a&p_affiliate.referral_code=jeremyullman
Does free will exist? Maybe. Regardless, please share your cherished feedback with me at [email protected]!
Liking the show? Drop us a juicy 5-star rating or a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Support the show by Following & Subscribing on: Spotify, Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
41 min

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Abstract brings unprecedented accessibility to graduate research, shedding light on the wonderful work of Masters, PhDs and Postdocs.

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Abstract: The Future of Science

Abstract: The Future of Science episodes

About Abstract: The Future of Science