Cool Science Radio

With the tragic wildfire in Hawaii, Cool Science Radio discusses the topic with journalist and host of the podcast, ”Fireline,” Justin Angle, who has written , "This Is Wildfire: How to Protect Yourself, Your Home, and Your Community in the Age of Heat." (2:14)Then, allergy sufferers no longer have to be held hostage by their symptoms! Hear about some new treatments for environmental allergies and the prevention of progression from allergies to asthma with researcher and sought-after expert, Dr. Roberto Garcia. (26:16)

Earl Foote, founder of Nexus IT, explores the world of current cyber threats and technology trends. (1:01)Then, National Magazine Award-winning journalist Susan Casey discusses her new book about the hidden abyss that is the deep ocean, "The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Oceans." How much lost history is down there? How much knowledge and how many geological marvels and undescribed species? (25:08)

Author Maureen Seaberg explores new science about the senses. From being able to hear amplitudes smaller than an atom to being able to smell a trillion scents, our senses are more astonishing than you may know. (1:17)Then, Dr. Stephen Badylak, discusses the biomaterials from which spinal interbody fusion devices are manufactured and new technology that is improving outcomes. (27:21)

Author Kathy Joseph tells the fascinating history of the dreamers and schemers who harnessed electricity and changed our world. (0:59)Then, Bill Latten, president of the Southern California Timing Association, talks about Bonneville Speed Week and the technology behind these feats of speed. (26:01)

The James Webb Space Telescope celebrates a year of sending images from space back to this planet. We speak with NASA Engineer Tom Harkins about the new images from the James Webb Space Telescope and what we have learned over the last year. (0:48)Then, Christina Sauer, associate editor for National Geographic Kids Books, talks about Kids Almanac 2024. (25:28)

In her debut memoir, "Starstruck: A Memoir of Finding Light in the Dark," Egyptian-American astrophysicist Sarafina El-Badry Nance shares how she boldly carved out a place in the field of astrophysics, grounding herself in a lifelong love of the stars to face life’s inevitable challenges and embrace the unknown. (1:21)Then, author Amy Brady unravels the nearly two-hundred-year-old untold story of America’s obsession with ice and the unexpected ways this unlikely product transformed our nation in her new book "Ice: From Mixed Drinks to Skating Rinks—A Cool History of a Hot Commodity." (24:29)

International best-selling author John Vaillant shares his new book, “Fire Weather: A True Story From a Hotter World.” (0:56)Then, Neeru Khosla, founder and executive director of CK-12, a global leader in free online education, talks about online learning and how free access could change our world. (27:39)

Christina Sauer, associate editor for National Geographic, talks about "Why? The Human Body: 99+ Awesome Answers for Curious Kids."Then, author and professor Emily Monosson discusses her latest research and book "Blight: Fungi and the Coming Pandemic."

Cosmologist Andrew Pontzen whose award-winning research with simulations sheds light on the nature of dark matter, dark energy and the very early universe. (1:22)Then, KPCW’s very own audio expert Mitchell Elliott discusses his recent publication on intelligent audio mastering algorithms and how they stack up to human engineers. (27:07)

Author Shannon Duncan explores research about the ability of psychedelics to rewire the brain and help relieve mental health symptoms. (1:00)Then, Charlie Jui, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Utah, discusses one of nature’s finest displays, the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. (27:13)