Cool Science Radio

Author and digital restoration expert Andy Saunders takes us inside "Gemini and Mercury Remastered," his new book that brings NASA’s earliest human spaceflights vividly back to life with newly recovered images and stories that capture both the triumphs and the dangers of America’s first steps into space. Then, radiation therapy has been a cornerstone of cancer treatment for more than a century, but researchers at Carleton University are working to make it safer and more effective. Physicists Sangeeta Murugkar and Rowan Thomson share how their team is combining physics, health sciences and bioinformatics to create more precise, personalized treatments for cancer patients.

Scientific American senior editor Jen Schwartz discusses “Upended,” a new collection marking the magazine’s 180th anniversary. The series highlights moments when science reversed itself, from the promise of plastic to debates over life in the universe. Then, mathematician and author Eugenia Cheng explains why equality is never as absolute as it seems, not even in math, and how rethinking sameness can transform the way we approach fairness in everyday life.

Local artist Anna Evans and Natural History Museum of Utah’s community engagement manager Katie Worthen preview Community Science Night in Park City on Sept. 12, a free public event that blends art, ecology, and hands-on science exploration for all ages. Then, author and journalist David Baron discusses his new book "The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze that Captured Turn-of-the-Century America," exploring how a generation became convinced Mars was teeming with life and how that belief shaped science and culture.

Journalist and author Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow explores the surprising bipartisan support for nuclear power, its ties to nuclear weapons and how environmentalists are rethinking their stance on the technology. And energy attorney Jeff Merrifield, former Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner, explains how next-generation nuclear technologies are being designed for everything from powering data centers and military bases to fueling space exploration.

Climate activist and author Bill McKibben explains why the rapid rise of solar and wind power may be our best and last chance to slow global warming, how communities worldwide are leading the way and why he is helping launch Sun Day, a global celebration of clean energy on September 21, 2025. Then, Pearl Sandick, interim dean of the College of Science and professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Utah, discusses the newly completed Crocker Science Complex, a $97 million project that blends cutting-edge research facilities with historic architecture to transform science education and research on campus.

Ecologist and author Rob Dunn reveals the surprising ways humans and other species shape each other’s lives, from the puppy eyes that melt our hearts to the yeast that has been domesticating us for centuries, and why these hidden partnerships might hold the key to our future. Then, Johns Hopkins researcher Natalia Trayanova shares how artificial intelligence is being used to predict and prevent sudden cardiac death, offering new hope for patients most at risk.

Jason Cryan, executive director and entomologist at the Natural History Museum of Utah, highlights the upcoming BugFest, a big celebration of some of Utah’s tiniest residents. Then, University of Utah professor of physics and astronomy Anil Seth shares the remarkable discovery he and his team made using two decades of imaging from the Hubble Space Telescope.

Blaise Agüera y Arcas, a Vice President and Fellow at Google, explores the concept of intelligence in his new book, “What Is Intelligence? Lessons from AI About Evolution, Computing, and Minds.” Then, Richard Herbert, a machine learning and artificial intelligence engineer for the past 10 years, shares his insights with respect to the future of AI and how it will become a colleague and not a competitor.

Award-winning winemaker Lisa Bishop Forbes reveals the science behind what makes a wine truly exceptional. She discusses grape quality, fermentation techniques, her fresh approach to Chardonnay, and the challenge she faces in shipping and making great alcohol-free wines. (1:04)Then, local tech entrepreneur Steven Boal, CEO of Salt Lake City based company Matia Mobility, breaks down how they're dedicated to creating innovative robotic mobility devices for those with walking disabilities. (28:43)

Ferris Jabr shares his bestselling book “Becoming Earth,” which explores the interconnectedness between the Earth and everything that lives on the planet. Then, Elliot Lichtman talks about his new book, “The Computer Always Wins.” In it, he teaches powerful computer science concepts by using common games like tic-tac-toe.