Where did the atoms in our bodies come from? How did Jupiter shape the evolution of life on Earth? And, how do you make an apple pie from scratch? On this episode, evolutionary biologist and paleontologist Neil Shubin discussed The Universe Within.

How does a biological system, like the brain, give rise to an emergent property, like the mind? Can quantum physics provide the answers? On this program, Prof. Werner R. Lowenstein discussed physics in mind.

Astrophysicist experiments can involve attaching expensive, heavy telescopes to giant helium balloons. Surprisingly, this is one of the most effective ways to study how stars are born. Tristan Matthews described his recent experiments in Antarctica.

Our current biosphere depends on oxygen to live but that was not always true. On this show, Joe Kirschvink discusses the visciousness of oxygen, the evolution of cyanobacteria, and the Medea hypothesis.

Not many laboratories house mice in 3000 pounds of sand, but then not many labs research the burrowing habits of Peromyscus, either. Dr. Hopi Hoekstra discussed oldfield and deer mice.

What is the cause of the current epidemic obesity and can a starch diet be of benefit? On this program, Dr. John McDougall discussed the starch solution.

What are the roots of our current psychological notions of individuality and the inner self? On this program, Dr. Jessica Grogan discussed the history of humanistic psychology.

Bacteria are everywhere. How do you study the microbiome? On this episode, microbial ecologist Jack Gilbert discussed the Earth Microbiome Project.

What does it take for a website to keep growing? What makes a social network sticky? On this program, Terry Chay discusses social networks, viral marketing, and the Obama campaign.

There may be 20 billion neurons in your brain but that is not nearly enough to allow each cell to hold its own unique bit of information. On this program, Dr. Jason MacLean joined us to discuss Hebbian plasticity and the past, present, and future of research on neuronal networks.