Shows
EpiSTEMNurture vs. Nature: Neurogenie in a BottleCan nurture and nature have an impact on you today? In this conclusion to the NvN series we look into the effects of maternal care, such as nurturing young, on brain development as an adult. Can the actions of parents on their young have a lasting neural effect? Tune in to find the answers you’re looking for!
2021-09-0229 min
EpiSTEMNurture vs. Nature: A Lesson on StressingStress affects everyone’s life at some point but some can be more overwhelmed than others when handling this stress. This week’s paper looks into the way that different phenotypes of rat’s deal with stressors and how nurture and nature play a role into their responses. This study’s findings could be a stepping stone towards learning more about ways to combat stress for those with high anxiety!
2021-08-0327 minEpiSTEMFireworks: Working the FireWhy is 4th of July celebrated with fireworks? Why is anything celebrated with fireworks for that matter? This episode we review the history of fireworks and talk about the science that makes the fire work! This break from the Nurture vs. Nature series was brought on by the celebration of Independence Day in the United States.
2021-07-0716 minEpiSTEMNurture vs. Nature: Up to SpeedWhere did the idea of Nurture vs. Nature come from? This episode tackles that question and briefly goes through the history of Nurture vs. Nature. From ancient philosophers to Nazi eugenics researchers, this topic has had a winding road and is moving towards a bright and (hopefully) successful future! Tune is as we bring you Up to Speed in this episode.
2021-06-1515 minEpiSTEMNurture vs. Nature: Dump the DimorphismThe age-old question: is there a difference between male and female brains? Sexual dimorphism is the differences found between sexes and this week the paper we found looks into the differences (or lack thereof) between the male and female brain. Tune in to learn the answer to that posed question and embark on a journey as we start a mini-series on nurture vs. nature. This mini-series will offer topics to showcase the nurture and nature side of behavior learning.
2021-05-2530 minEpiSTEMCarbon Capture: Lending a Kelping HandWith rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere scientists are looking for carbon capture help wherever they can get it. Our unlikely hero is kelp, some biologists and climate change experts are looking into utilizing kelp to help with carbon capture and storage on the ocean floor. This episode we talk about carbon capture as a whole and look into many innovative ways that carbon capture is being used and methods that could be used in the future.
2021-05-1129 minEpiSTEMChill Podcast 5: Cloning Sprees and Family TreesThis episode goes into how cloning works and where the field is going in the future. We have conversations on cloning ethics, problems, and possible ways to move forward in the field. Cloning is an ever-growing field and we try to get you caught up on some great movements occurring.
2021-04-2024 minEpiSTEMThe Clon(ing) WarsIs cloning just part of science fiction? This episode dives into a new method of cloning known as nimble cloning. It is a faster and more efficient method of cloning that could lead to even more advances in the field moving forward. Maybe one day we will move from cloning sheep to viable human cloning.
2021-04-0614 minEpiSTEMChill Podcast 4: The Tech Behind WearablesThis episode we had the pleasure of talking with Orlando Hoilett, who is a postdoctoral scholar at Vanderbilt University. Orlando was able to give us insight into some very interesting research involving wearable technologies. We go over topics including devices that detect cocaine in sweat, technology to help warm premature babies, and many more fantastic biomedical advances.
2021-03-2624 minEpiSTEMYou, as a BatteryWhat if wearable smart devices never had to be charged? This week’s episode goes over research into flexible thermoelectric generators. These devices could use the heat from someone’s body to help charge device components. Listen in if you want to learn about the possible upcoming revolution of wearable technology!
2021-03-0825 minEpiSTEMChill Podcast 3: Traits and PersonalitiesWant to learn more about why you are the way you are or what traits make you the way you are? This week’s chill podcast discusses trait theory, theory of mind, and the autism spectrum. The points talked about in “The Dark Side of Detail” are brought back with extra research to discuss the uses of categorizing people by traits and how different mind sets work. Jump in the conversation with Hunter and Luke to learn more about yourself!
2021-02-2223 minEpiSTEMThe Dark Side of DetailAttention to detail has been at the forefront of learning for millennia. Researchers are now discovering the different ways that people learn and how those with flexible vs. stable mindsets comprehend situations. Whether you have a flexible mindset or you have a stable mindset check out this episode to learn more about what that means. Remember to pay attention to the details, but not too close, because you might find the dark side of details.
2021-02-1614 minEpiSTEMChill Podcast 2 (Pt 2): After the InterviewThis is the second half of “Chill Podcast 2”, this part is more of a brainstorming session that was sparked by the conversation from part 1. Hunter and Ryan Story cover a broad range of topics as they spiral down a rabbit-hole of physics and science related ideas.
2021-02-1118 minEpiSTEMChill Podcast 2 (Pt 1): Chat About PhysicsThis week EpiSTEM was able to talk to a researcher, Ryan Story, about his studies involving physics. He helps to drive a discussion more in-depth about thermoelectric applications and how Peltier devices could change the world. Welcome to part 1 of this chill podcast episode.
2021-02-1124 minEpiSTEMThe Dividing CurrentThermoelectric materials, could they be the future of refrigeration or cooling in general? The researchers behind this week’s research perspective sure think so! This perspective goes into why thermoelectric materials using the Peltier effect should be studied more for many beneficial uses in the future. We explain what makes a thermoelectric material special and what the Peltier effect is in this in-depth episode.
2021-02-0421 minEpiSTEMPsychedelic ScienceThis week’s episode takes a look at ongoing research into the use of psychedelic compounds to help treat conditions ranging from depression to asthma. The episode goes in depth into the changing stigma surrounding psychedelics and how a new pharmaceutical front of the “war on drugs” could be bringing the “war” to an end. This episode is based on an interview with a chemistry researcher at LSU, Ben Cummins, who gave many insights into how psychedelic applications could possibly change the world in the next decade.
2021-01-2519 minEpiSTEMChill Podcast 1: MagnetsWelcome to "chill podcast", a revision of our “curiosities” episodes. These episodes will be more approachable than other episodes and we will be allowing some guests on the show to spice things up. This first chill podcast goes over some really interesting applications of magnets that you should know more about. Get comfortable and get ready to learn about magnets!
2021-01-1923 minEpiSTEMMagnetic MagicMagnets are all around you, but do you have much control over them? Whether it be servo motors, locking mechanisms, or wireless charging; magnets can be found almost anywhere. The research paper for this episode goes into how manipulation of magnetic fields remotely is becoming possible. This could lead to innovations in many fields including better medical micro-robots and more focused magnetic trapping of atoms. If you are an expert on magnets or just want to learn more about them this episode will be helpful to you!
Paper Link: https://arxiv.org/abs/1912.12477
2021-01-1214 minEpiSTEMThe Roots of ResearchIn this turn-of-the-year finale, Hunter and Luke explore who decides what to research and where the money comes from. Research drives technology and technology drives society, so understanding the roots of this process can shed a lot of light on how society develops! Interviewed in this episode is a professor and research fellow, a graduate student, and two undergraduate researchers studying cancer and chronic kidney disease among other subjects.
2021-01-0224 minEpiSTEMCuriosities: Phasing 101Phase change materials change parts of your everyday life, even if you don’t always notice them. This episode goes into some curiosities about phase change materials and where they are around you. They regulate temperature, help with drug delivery, and are used in your computer.
2020-12-2116 minEpiSTEMPhasing 101Phase change materials have been used for millennia for insulation and refrigeration processes. However, researchers are looking into better ways to utilize them for energy conservation, drug delivery, and many other means. This paper has a wide reaching scope, making this an episode packed full of information.
2020-12-1522 minEpiSTEMCuriosities: Breaking Down BehaviorWhat do ethology, Nazis, and deep learning all have in common? They all relate to behavioral sciences. This episode goes into some curiosities about deep learning and how animal behavior is studied in general. Along with the normal curiosities this episode contains an interview with someone who is studying animal sciences at Purdue University.
2020-12-0821 minEpiSTEMBreaking Down BehaviorWhat can an animal’s actions tell us about its behavior and what it is thinking? Everything! This week’s episode covers an article that covers research from 142 different studies to show how the world of behavioral studies is changing. With new deep learning technology, we are stepping even closer to truly understanding what animals are thinking and how to recognize different behavioral habits.
2020-11-2619 minEpiSTEMCuriosities: Bricking It UpIn this episode Hunter and Luke discuss some curiosities about spawned from “Bricking it Up” and ceramic field in general. Topics include the potential uses for new ceramic manufacturing methods, how glass is classified, and ways that ceramics are being used for sustainable purposes.
2020-11-1611 minEpiSTEMBricking It UpThis episode is all about the manufacturing of ceramics. Ceramics have been a part of civilization even before the pyramids were built in Egypt. Ceramics impact many people’s lives daily, but what if they could do more? The paper this episode discusses goes into new manufacturing methods of ceramics. These new methods can reduce the manufacturing time and allow for many new ceramic structure patterns that haven’t been possible before.
2020-11-0915 minEpiSTEMCuriosities: Sustainability Series FinaleThis episode is the conclusion to the sustainability series. Topics such as hydroponics and urban heat islands are fleshed out more. Sustainability is also related to workplaces, economics, and other seemingly unrelated subjects. Sustainability can be worked on at an industrial level, however, it is also good to keep in mind the various ways that you can help make a difference.
2020-11-0415 minEpiSTEMSustainability Series: Hot City SummerThis episode is another addition to the sustainability series. The paper discussed here goes over ways to limit and control heat within urban settings. There are many geographic changes that can be made around cities to help reduce the heat radiating from them, however, there are many ways that the heat can be dissipated without geographic changes. Some of these changes could be coming to a city near you.
2020-10-2620 minEpiSTEMSustainability Series: Hydroponic HeroThis episode continues the sustainability series. Rather than the usual research paper, this episode is about an interview that EpiSTEM had with the co-founder of GroPod©, Ivan Ball. GroPod© is a company that designs controlled environment hydroponic chambers for plant growth. This episode goes over how hydroponics can change the global farming and gardening industry. Listen to this episode to learn about the science behind a device that might be in your future home.
2020-10-1320 minEpiSTEMCuriosities: Drowning on AirThis is the curiosities episode for "Drowning on Air". In this episode Hunter and Luke talk about more applications of MOFs in the modern world. The possibilities can range from carbon capture to drug delivery systems. If made correctly, MOFs can change how many global industries work.
2020-10-0615 minEpiSTEMSustainability Series: Drowning on AirThis is the first episode of a series on sustainability. Humans are great at creating unsustainable processes and not caring for the environment. This series will showcase papers, interviews, and articles that can lead to a more sustainable future. The article looked at in this episode looks at ways to help diminish global water stress. What if we could take the water out of the air and drink it? That’s exactly what some fantastic researchers (including those from this episode) are looking into.
2020-09-2916 minEpiSTEMCuriosities: Your Attention, PleaseDoes perception change how someone feels about their prosthetic limb? Can someone heal their injuries through changing their mindset? Does human perception come from nurture or nature? These are all questions Hunter and Luke address in this week's episode.
This is the curiosities episode for “Your Attention, Please”.
2020-09-2212 minEpiSTEMYour Attention, PleaseWhy do humans perceive changes in motion? Is our perception nurture or nature based? Human perception and attention are given and taken away as fast as the snap of a finger. This episode goes in depth into the way humans perceive motion. Hunter and Luke were able to interview an author of the paper and get answers to some great perception questions. They plan to meet with researchers and others in the future to continue this trend.
Article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301008220300526?via%3Dihub
2020-09-1518 minEpiSTEMCuriosities: CRISPR Series ConclusionThis is the curiosities episode for the CRISPR series as a whole. This episode jabs at questions and curiosities spawned by the CRISPR series. These ideas are split into two main groups: those relating to the biomimicry of CRISPR and those relating to the ethics of CRISPR. Can CRISPR be utilized in other fields as seen by those working with FPGAs? If so, is CRISPR really ethical or is it the impending doom of society to eugenics?
2020-09-0811 minEpiSTEMCRISPR Series: Trojans, Not the HorseThis episode is the third and final in the CRISPR series. EPISTEM has talked about CRISPR in a biological sense, but did you know that it could be utilized in other ways? The paper discussed explores mimicking CRISPR processes to help protect against hardware trojans. Hardware trojans can compromise almost any system today from digital cameras to airplanes. This episode also marks the end of the show’s hiatus and the start of a new episode format.
Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/2005.07332
2020-09-0131 minEpiSTEMCRISPR Series: COVID-19 DetectionThis episode Hunter and Luke continue with the CRISPR series by diving into a scientific letter that involves using CRISPR to detect COVID-19. If this is researched further the implications could be tremendous. It could aid in the fight against COVID and hopefully other diseases in the future.
Article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-020-0513-4
2020-06-2507 minEpiSTEMCuriosities: The Immortal MachineThis is the first curiosity episode of EPISTEM. Curiosities will be shorter episodes that will involve Luke and Hunter doing their own research into some of the ideas that they had when reading the research papers. There will be a curiosity for each episode and/or series. This curiosity dives more into how easy it would be for anyone to start making an immortal machine along with other ideas that were hatched about the paper in "The Immortal Machine" episode.
2020-06-1104 minEpiSTEMCRISPR Series: Serious SplicingThis episode is the first in a series about CRISPR. CRISPR is a gene editing method that mimics a process done by bacteria to essentially alter genes. Each episode in this series will go over different ways that CRISPR can be utilized; some may surprise you. This episode specifically goes over a paper that utilizes CRISPR in trial methods for treating cystic fibrosis, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and other diseases.
As EPISTEM we value the input of the listeners so in this episode our Nerd Notes section is a bit more laid back. We will continue to update the...
2020-05-2213 minEpiSTEMThe Immortal MachineThis episode discusses a paper with far reaching implications. This paper's authors came to the conclusion that by utilizing renewable energy and microcontrollers they could essentially make an "Immortal Machine", This episode dives deep into how an "Immortal Machine" can be made possible and what this could mean for machines in the future.
Link to obtain access to the paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211285520302561?via%3Dihub
2020-05-0714 min