A glaring hole in US space capability is finally filled after the safe arrival of SpaceX's new Crew Dragon at the International Space Station on 31st May 2020. Apart from the odd brief Virgin Galactic jaunt to the edge of space, it's the first time since the retirement of the Space Shuttle in 2011 that astronauts have launched from American soil. More importantly, it's the beginning of a new era in the private development of space exploration and human spaceflight.

Here’s a ‘long form’ look at China's use of cutting-edge surveillance technology and artificial intelligence to monitor and control its population with super efficiency. An additional topic is the country's growing footprint in Antarctica.

John explains his enthusiasm for the upcoming Remarkable 2 - a large, ultra-thin E Ink tablet. Apparently the 2nd generation stylus feels just like a pencil on paper and even has an eraser. Those who pre-order get the marker, protective folio and express shipping included.

Dr Ian Storey, mathematician and lecturer in information systems at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, describes the evolution of mathematics and logic over the centuries. From the ancient Greeks' understanding of geometry through to Newton's development of calculus in the Renaissance and the connection between logic and maths in modern computer coding. Fascinating listening for anyone interested in how maths has shaped our world.

Piers and John explain how to podcast remotely on a budget. While they normally record and broadcast from Victorian station Radio Port Phillip, social distancing rules mean they've been forced to improvise and conduct interviews from home. From choosing software, microphones and outlining step-by-step workflows, this clarifies how to record quality phone conversations, edit and post to podcasting platforms.

Piers talks with Dr Ian Storey, a lecturer in Information Systems at Melbourne's RMIT, about the Federal Government's contact tracing app. While acknowledging the app can be useful in controlling the spread of the virus, Ian has doubts about privacy and data security. He reckons it was rushed out the door, relies on the security of a centralised, US-owned server and that at the moment the health benefits do not outweigh privacy concerns.

Four important biotech stories from the past two years: Interview with leading scientists on the leprosy-like Buruli ulcer outbreak in southeastern Australia; Taming drug-resistant superbugs; Deadly fungus Candida Auris spreading around the world; Effective vaccination against influenza.

Piers discusses the Australian Government's new CovidSafe app with digital marketer Michael Simonetti. Will enough people use the virus tracking app? What are the privacy considerations? And if we're all on Facebook, does it even matter? Is this expensive, high-tech app solution really any more effective than New Zealand's paper and pen contact diary approach? To understand the issues at stake, Michael reckons we need to educate ourselves about the technology.

Piers talks with Dr. Ian Storey, lecturer in information systems at RMIT, about the virus, economic shocks, the future of work and growing pressure to wind back social isolation. Ian offers mathematical insights into exponential viral spread and human response to risk. We discuss privacy issues of the Australian Government's mooted Covid-19 tracking app and worsening post-pandemic financial prospects for millennials. Ian reckons we're going to need something akin to the 1930s New Deal in America - if that's possible...

When Australia's emerges from the the Covid-19 shutdown, the country will need some big infrastructure projects. Here are three high tech projects announced in 2019: Elon Musk's Hyperloop for the East Coast; Uber Air pilotless drone transport from Melbourne CBD to Tullamarine airport; the Sun Cable project to harness outback solar energy for South East Asia.