Our solar system contains nine acknowledged planets, each with their own unique personalities that continue to inspire scientists. On this episode, Dava Sobel discussed her perspective of the planets.

The evolution of human behavior is easily highlighted in comparative studies with our nearest relatives, chimpanzees and bonobos. On this program, Prof. Frans de Waal discussed Our Inner Ape.

The Constitution guarantees five fundamental freedoms, but a free culture requires openness amongst its citizens. On this program, Mitch Kapor discussed the Open Source movement as it pertains to software and other aspects of technology and life.

Faster than a speeding bullet? Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound? Superman may be confined to the comics, but could his superpowers exist in the natural world? On this program, Prof. James Kakalios discussed the Physics of Superheroes.

Symmetry or parity is intriguing, not only in the arts and music, but also in science and the natural world. Interestingly, parity may not be conserved between the mirror images of molecules and consequently their energies would not be equivalent. On this program, Professor Harris and Gina discussed how parity violation could be observed using sum frequency generation experiments.

The afterlife is generally the subject of theology, but what can science contribute to the issue? On this program, Mary Roach discusses the science of the afterlife.

Last year, 2005, has now been confirmed as the warmest year on record, but what must be done to stop this dangerous trend of global warming? Profs. Carl McDaniel and Stephen Schneider joined us on this program to discuss how these climate issues are best communicated to the public.

While scientific inquiry leads to the rational explanations for natural phenomena, the political interpretation of science often leads to chaos. On this program, Chris Mooney discussed the Republican War on Science.

Which Nobel Laureate was also a voice on The Simpsons? The answer is our guest Dudley Herschbach, who joined us to talk about molecular dynamics and voting systems.

The iPod is certainly an iCon, but a cult? On this episode, Leadner Kahney discussed the most popular music player in the world and his new book, The Cult of the iPod.