AMSEcast

By American Museum of Science and EnergyScience Education

AMSEcast episodes

March 12, 2025The World of Uranium with Tom Zoellner
Tom Zoellner, award-winning writer and Chapman University professor, joins AMSEcast to discuss his book Uranium: War, Energy and the Rock that Shaped the World. He and Alan discuss the discovery of uranium, its radioactive nature, and its historical impact. Once dismissed as worthless by miners, uranium became vital to energy and warfare. The U.S. uranium rush peaked in the 1950s but has since declined. Today, uranium enrichment is expanding in the U.S., with major players like Orano investing in Oak Ridge. Guest Bio Tom Zoellner is an award-winning writer and the author of nine books, including Uranium: War, Energy and the Rock that Shaped the World. His work has appeared in The Atlantic, Time, and Scientific American, among other publications. A former staff writer for The Arizona Republic and The San Francisco Chronicle, Tom brings deep expertise in history, science, and investigative journalism. He currently teaches at Chapman University and serves as editor at large for the Los Angeles Review of Books. Show Highlights

(1:28) Why is uranium radioactive and what does that mean?

(3:09) How uranium was discovered

(5:51) The American uranium rush

(9:13) Where the uranium used in the Manhattan Project came from

(11:17) How uranium supplies and facilities that use them around the world are controlled

(13:35) How the nation of Georgia became the crossroads for uranium smuggling

(15:29) Where uranium is currently being enriched and how it affects national security

(18:02) What's next for Tom Zoellner

Links Referenced

Uranium: War, Energy and the Rock that Shaped the World: https://www.amazon.com/Uranium-Energy-Rock-Shaped-World/dp/0670020648
23 min
March 05, 2025Exhibiting the Best of the Smithsonian with Jennifer Collins and Nicole Webster
Alan takes a trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to speak with Nicole Webster, the Manager of School and Teacher Programs, and Jennifer Collins, Learning Experience Manager for Exhibits and Initiatives. Broadcasting from the museum itself, the discussion revolves around its fascinating history, impressive collections, and impactful educational initiatives. With over 4 million annual visitors on-site and 10 million online, the museum is a hub of scientific knowledge and public engagement. Nicole and Jennifer explain the intricacies of the museum's exhibits, educational programs, and the invaluable roles of interns and volunteers. Listen now to learn about the important role of education and outreach, both in-person and virtual, in inspiring the next generation of scientists. Guest Bios Jennifer Collins is the Learning Experience Manager, Exhibits and Initiatives at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. As the lead of the museum's Science Liaison program, she helps foster communication and collaboration between education and the different science departments in service of our audiences. Jennifer also provides training to volunteers, educators, and youth in a suite of content and skill areas, with a particular expertise in the process and nature of science. Nicole Webster is the Manager of School and Teacher Programs at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Since 2011, Nicole has worked with the Smithsonian in various educational roles. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education at George Washington University. Show Highlights

(1:38) The story of the National Museum of Natural History

(3:46) What are the most popular pieces in the Museum's collections

(6:20) How Smithsonian staff learn from the collections

(7:34) How does the National Museum of Natural History curate its exhibits?

(9:26) The importance of the Museum's education initiative

(13:51) Breaking down the Museum's scientific liaison program

(15:23) Internships with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

(18:23) The role of volunteers at the Museum

Links Referenced

AMSEcast: https://amsecast.libsyn.com/

Natural History Museum: https://naturalhistory.si.edu
23 min
February 26, 2025Materials and All Matters of Science with Mark Miodownik
Materials scientist and BBC presenter Dr. Mark Miodownik joins AMSEcast to discuss his latest book, It's a Gas. He explores the hidden world of gases, from steam's role in electricity production to methane's surprising history. The conversation spans George Washington's scientific curiosity, oxygen's life-saving importance, and the chemistry of scent. Mark also unpacks the science of hot air and hydrogen balloons, noble gases, and carbon capture technology's potential to combat climate change. Looking ahead, he envisions a future of sustainable materials and repairable goods. Guest Bio Dr. Mark Miodownik is a professor of materials and society at University College London where he directs the Institute of Making and founded the Plastic Waste Innovation Hub. With a PhD from Oxford in turbine jet engine alloys, he has worked as a materials engineer across the UK, US, and Ireland. A passionate science communicator, Mark presents BBC programs and podcasts, and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. Awarded an MBE for his contributions to materials science and broadcasting, he's also the bestselling author of Stuff Matters, Liquid Rules, and his latest book, It's a Gas. Show Highlights

(2:57) Why steam gas is still important for life in the 21st century

(4:24) What natural gas is and how it was eventually harnessed

(8:28) George Washington's experiments with natural gas

(10:02) The importance of oxygen and how it's produced and distributed

(14:32) How oxygen is distributed in hospitals

(17:47) How scented gases are created, captured and distributed as perfumes

(23:38) How hot air ballooning got started and how it works

(29:05) The role noble gases play in our daily lives and how they were discovered

(32:33) Strategies for capturing carbon dioxide

(38:36) Which form of gas technology Mark thinks has had the biggest effect on civilization

(41:16) What Dr. Mark Miodownik is working on next

Links Referenced

Stuff Matters: Exploring the Marvelous Materials that Shape Our Man-Made World: https://www.amazon.com/Stuff-Matters-Exploring-Marvelous-Materials/dp/0544483944

Liquid Rules: The Delightful and Dangerous Substances that Flow Through Our Lives: https://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Rules-Delightful-Dangerous-Substances/dp/0358108454

It's a Gas: The Sublime and Elusive Elements that Expand Our World: https://www.amazon.com/Its-Gas-Sublime-Elusive-Elements/dp/0358157153

Mark's website: https://markmiodownik.net
47 min
February 17, 2025 AMSE Science Report with guest Keith Houston
Keith Houston, author of the book, Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator joined us to recently to speak on our podcast AMSEcast. We talked about counting and ciphering from the earliest days of humanity up to the momentous creation of those wonderful pocket devices in the 1970's. One of the historic models we spoke about was the TI 81 that became a worldwide sensation for Texas Instruments.
5 min
February 14, 2025 AMSE Science Report with guest Saul David
Part of our mission at the AMSE Foundation is to tell the story of the Manhattan Project and to do that, we must discuss the horrible conflict that led to that massive effort to build the atomic bomb. With that in mind, I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Saul David, author of Crucible of Hell: The Heroism and Tragedy of Okinawa, 1945. Saul explains, Okinawa, for many reasons, was seen as a natural stepping stone to an invasion of the Japanese home islands.
5 min
February 12, 2025Nuclear Safety Innovation with Ashley Stowe
Dr. Ashley Stowe is the director of the Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center (ORETTC) at Y-12 National Security Complex, and he joins AMSEcast to discuss his career and the mission of Y-12. With a PhD in chemistry and an MBA, Dr. Stowe leads efforts to support nuclear deterrence, fuel the nuclear navy, and advance global security. Opened in 2023, ORETTC trains first responders using cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality to simulate nuclear scenarios. Upcoming projects include a second facility with advanced capabilities and tools like immersive LED volumes and holographic tables, ensuring effective training, workforce development, and leadership in global nuclear security. Guest Bio Dr. Ashley Stowe is the director of the Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center (ORETTC) at Y-12 National Security Complex, a role he has held since 2021. Joining Y-12 in 2007, Dr. Stowe has served in various leadership positions, including senior development chemist, Googin Fellow, and director of the Nuclear Forensics and Detection Initiative. He also led CNS's university and minority-serving institution partnership programs. Dr. Stowe holds a PhD in chemistry from Florida State University and an MBA from the University of Tennessee. An accomplished researcher and adjunct professor, he is widely recognized for his contributions to nuclear science. Show Highlights

(0:35) Introducing Dr. Ashley Stowe

(1:40) How Ashley began his journey to Y-12

(3:49) Y-12's overall mission and how it's operated

(7:22) How people who receive ORETTC training are chosen and where they find trainers

(9:54) The technology used during training at ORETTC

(11:00) The types of facilities ORETTC is training to address during emergencies

(14:23) How Ashley evaluates the effectiveness of training

(20:15) Steps students and others can take to follow in Ashley's footsteps

(25:12) What's next for ORETTC

(28:58) ORETTC's LED volume

Link Referenced

Ashley Stowe email: [email protected]
35 min
February 02, 2025 AMSE Science Report with Katie McKissick
Katie McKissick, author of the book DNA is You: The Marvelous Science Behind Your One-Of-A-Kind-Ness is our guest on this episode of The AMSE Science Report. Our wide ranging conversation looks at the mechanisms of DNA and how it shapes our lives.
5 min
February 02, 2025 AMSE Science Report with Susanne Foritzik
Many have spent their childhood staring into the classic ant farm. Today we talk with Susanne Foritzik about her terrific book Empire of Ants: The Hidden Worlds and Extraordinary Lives of Earth’s Tiny Conquerors. We first talked about the amazing quantity and diversity of ants that exist today.
5 min
January 29, 2025Building the Empire of the Sum with Keith Houston
Keith Houston is the author of Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator. He joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to discuss the history of calculating. From the ancient Lebombo bone to mechanical calculators, Keith covers the evolution of calculating tools. This includes modern milestones like John Napier's logarithms, the HP-35 scientific calculator, and the TI-81's impact on U.S. classrooms. Keith also discusses his forthcoming book, Face With Tears of Joy. In this book, he explores the history, culture, and governance of emojis. Guest Bio Keith Houston is the author of many books. In Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator, he explores the story behind this revolutionary tool. Keith is also the creator of the Shady Characters blog where he covers the history of punctuation and typography. He is working on a new book that dives into the history of emojis. Show Highlights

(1:55) When humans started counting

(4:37) How the abacus and counting board advanced our ability to calculate

(6:28) The creation of the algorithm

(11:13) Why the Curta stands out in the evolution of the calculator

(18:00) Why the Pocketronic from Texas Instruments was so groundbreaking

(25:44) How the HANDY-LE fits into the story of calculating

(26:30) HP's role in revolutionizing calculating with the HP-35

(29:05) How the TI-81 was able to be found in classrooms around the world

(34:15) America's reaction to calculators in the classroom setting

(36:17) What's next for Keith Houston

Links Referenced

Shady Characters: https://shadycharacters.co.uk/

Shady Characters: The Secret Life of Punctuation, Symbols, and Other Typographical Marks: https://www.amazon.com/Shady-Characters-Punctuation-Symbols-Typographical/dp/0393064425

The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Cover-Cover-Exploration-Powerful/dp/1324086351/

Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator: https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Sum-Reign-Pocket-Calculator/dp/0393882144

Face With Tears of Joy: https://www.amazon.com/Face-Tears-Joy-Natural-History/dp/1324075147
40 min
January 15, 2025AMSEcast Conversations: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush
Alan Lowe, Executive Director of the American Museum of Science and Energy, launches AMSEcast Conversations with a compelling discussion on Jay Hakes' book, The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush. The panel, featuring Hakes alongside energy experts David McCollum and Charles Sims, traces the origins of modern climate science to the 1950s work of Roger Revelle and Dave Keeling. The panel explores the evolution of climate science, the challenges of political resistance, and the growing urgency of action in the face of today's visible climate impacts. Their discussion emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and persistence in addressing global climate challenges. Guest Bio Jay Hakes is an accomplished author and energy policy expert whose latest book, The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush, explores the intersection of science and leadership. Previously, Jay authored Energy Crises: Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Hard Choices in the 1970s. He served for 13 years as Director of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta and was Administrator of the Energy Information Administration during the Clinton administration. Jay also worked under President Obama as Director of Research and Policy for the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Commission, bringing deep expertise to critical energy challenges. David McCollum is a leading expert in energy and environmental policy, serving as part of the distinguished R&D staff in the Mobility and Energy Transitions Analysis Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). He also holds a joint faculty appointment at the University of Tennessee's Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs in Knoxville. David's work focuses on the critical intersections of energy systems, transportation, and sustainability, bringing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a low-carbon future. His expertise bridges research and policy, making him a key voice in addressing global energy and climate issues. Charles Sims is an expert in energy and environmental policy, currently serving as the director of the Center for Energy, Transportation, and Environmental Policy at the University of Tennessee (UT) in Knoxville. He holds the TVA Distinguished Professorship of Energy and Environmental Policy at UT's Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs and is also an associate professor in the Department of Economics. Charles' work focuses on the economic and policy implications of energy systems and environmental challenges, offering valuable insights into the complex relationship between energy, transportation, and sustainable development. Show Highlights

(2:49) When scientists realized that climate was changing and human activities were the major cause

(4:35) The Keeling Curve

(7:18) Why the public's perception of climate change has shifted over the years

(17:14) Eisenhower's introduction to climate change and its impact on Atoms for Peace

(20:49) JFK's awareness of the climate change issue

(26:38) How climate change factored into decisions made during LBJ's Great Society

(31:20) President Nixon and climate change

(38:23) The failed marriage between climate science and nuclear power

(41:36) Facing climate change on an international scale

(48:42) How to test sources on climate change and the importance of good communication

(54:16) Are there any positive outlooks on climate change at this point in time?

Links Referenced

The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush: https://www.amazon.com/Presidents-Planet-Climate-Politics-Eisenhower/dp/0807181900

Energy Crises: Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Hard Choices in the 1970s: https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Crises-Choices-Environment-America/dp/0806168528
1 hr 4 min

About AMSEcast

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Produced from the American Museum of Science and Energy, AMSEcast invites guests from the world of science, literature, and technology to share unique perspectives from the realm of the highly trained…

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