Episode #48

News Items

    Interview with Steve Mirsky

    • Steve Mirsky is the author of Antigravity, a monthly column in Scientific American magazine (www.sciam.com/directory.cfm?chanID=sa006&dirID=15). In his column he offers satirical commentary on science and culture. He is now also the host of Science Talk, the podcast of Scientific American magazine (www.sciam.com/podcast/). Mirsky came to the field of science writing and podcasting after testing other waters-a degree from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and acting in summer stock, followed by a bachelors from CUNY and a masters in chemistry from Cornell. As a budding chemist he won a AAAS Mass Media Fellowship, which he spent at a Miami TV station. As a Knight Fellow, Mirsky plans to focus on evolutionary theory. His hobbies include wildlife photography and playing the clarinet.

    Penta Water

    • Hello, my name is Derek Ross. I was wondering of you have ever herd of Penta water or somthing like it. This stuff really cracks me up: www.pentawater.com’Is Penta really a new composition of matter?Yes. Penta displays characteristics unique from other water, including a higher boiling point, higher surface tension, and a lower viscosity.’ Derek Ross
    • Hello to all,I want to start by saying that I love the Podcast. I am not a scientist nor do I play one on T.V., but I can sense BS a mile off and enjoy listening to like minded thinkers.During my teen years I was ‘diagnosed’ as an Alcoholic and spent many years using that as an excuse to continue drinking. At that time I spent most days and nights drunk. At age 28 I decided to take ownership of my life and insisted that I was no longer an alcoholic and to put a stop to it. Now at 43 I am still sober and loving life.Is Alcoholism a real disease as is the common wisdom, or is it a lot of BS and pandering to people in an overly PC society.On a side note, is there a chance that Rebecca will make a Bikini or Lingerie Calendar any time soon, you could donate the proceeds to science education.Best Regards, from a true fan of RebeccaFrank NamecheNew Boston, NH USA

    Science or Fiction

    • Item #1 Science

      Georgia Tech researchers have developed a fuel combustion engine that produces almost zero emissions.

    • Item #2 Science

      Georgia Tech researchers have developed a system to identify and neutralize digital video and still cameras, to prevent unwanted photography.

    • Item #3 Fiction

      Georgia Tech researchers, together with a team from IBM, announced the creation of the first Terahertz silicon-germanium transistor.

    Skeptical Quote of the Week.