Fw:Thinking

The Problem With Nuclear Waste

25 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Nuclear power has a lot of advantages but one big disadvantage is the nuclear waste. Why is it such a problem? Learn more about your ad-choices at ht...

The Lighter Side of Tech

23 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What is the field of photonics really about? We examine how light could change computing forever. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.ihe...

Testing With Turing

18 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Should we come up with an alternative to the Turing Test for machine intelligence? We take a look at the test and what it means to AI. Learn more abo...

The Consciousness Problem

16 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What is consciousness and have researchers found the on/off switch? We look at what we know so far. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.i...

Quick! To the Zeppelin!

11 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What are airships and how might they come back in a big way? We take a look at the history and future of this type of aircraft. Learn more about your...

Kitchens of the Future

09 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

How is technology transforming kitchens into the communal cooking space of the future? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastn...

Smashing Particles for Science

04 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

How do particle accelerators work and what are they good for? We take a look at particle physics. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.ihe...

Tech Gets Bendy

02 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What's the secret of flexible electronics? What are the applications of tech that can bend around curves and corners? Learn more about your ad-choice...

Spider Tech

27 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Spiders are fascinating creatures. They play a crucial role in most of the world's ecosystems, and they could even teach us a lot about how to make ne...

Cryptically Quantum

25 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

We look at how the laws of quantum physics could allow us to communicate in perfect secrecy. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpo...

Biomimetics

20 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Humans can create some pretty astounding technologies, but it's hard to beat the R&D provided by 4 billion years of evolution. How do modern human...

Erasing Memories with Light

18 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

How reliable is your memory? What if you could make it stronger? Or even erase memories you don't want anymore? Learn more about your ad-choices at h...

Will future humans look different?

13 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Science fiction takes us tens of thousands of years into the future but sometimes imagines the range of human physical appearance will be about the sa...

Could video games be good for your brain?

11 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

It's a common belief that video games rot your brain, but some studies have shown that video games might actually improve cognitive capabilities. How ...

Sci-fi and Speech

06 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Will humans in the future talk like we do today? Or is the perfect English of a Jean-Luc Picard merely a convenience for sci-fi writers? Learn more a...

Bioplastics

04 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Plastics have changed the world in good and bad ways. Could bioplastics give us the benefits of plastic without the nasty downsides? We explore the fu...

Crowdfunding Satellites

30 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Science isn't free - it costs money to fund research. Could crowdfunding be the next revolution in funding scientific research? Learn more about your...

Mapping the Nervous System

28 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What is a connectome? Why is a worm's neural system so important? How difficult is it to make a complete neural map? Learn more about your ad-choices...

The Future of Bees

23 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Inspired by a wonderful message from a fan, we take a look at what bees mean to you and me. Are bee populations in decline? Could we survive without t...

Artificial Gravity

21 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

We tend to take Earth's gravity for granted. But without it, our bodies go on a long, sad journey of decline. Is there any way to create fake gravity ...

Making Computers Think Like Brains

16 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Computers and brains don't work the same way but that hasn't stopped us from trying to make computers that can "think." Learn more about your ad-choi...

Computers vs. Brains

14 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Futurists often talk about computers and brains as if they were interchangeable. Your hosts explore the many ways that computers and brains are fundam...

Predictions Are Hard!

09 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

We're old hands at making predictions but history is filled with inaccurate (and hilarious) guesses that were way off the mark. Learn more about your...

Print Your Dream Home

07 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to talk about 3D printing again. What are some of the advances we've seen over the last year? From houses to medical casts, we cover it all....

Getting Off the Grid

02 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to get off the grid? From electricity to water to just getting by, we take a look at how challenging it is to disconnect. Learn mor...

Our Two Cents On More Senses

30 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Are we limited by the senses we've evolved or can we extend them? From sensing magnetic fields to seeing in the dark, we look at how humans in the fut...

Batteries Are Included

25 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Why has battery technology lagged behind other advancements? Are we doomed to have batteries hold us back? Learn more about your ad-choices at https:...

Flying Solar

23 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Are solar vehicles practical? We look at how solar-powered vehicles are teaching us new lessons in engineering. Learn more about your ad-choices at h...

AI: Friend or Foe

18 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Can we create a friendly artificial intelligence? Is such a thing impossible? We look at the best and worst case scenarios. Learn more about your ad-...

Is the Singularity Coming?

16 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What is the concept of the Singularity? What are the different pathways? Is it really only a couple of decades away? Learn more about your ad-choices...

Making 100 the New 60

11 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

A recently launched project called Human Longevity Inc. intends, as co-founder Peter Diamandis put it, to "make 100 years old the new 60." How do they...

Rovers Get Around

09 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What's the perfect way for rovers to get around? Why settle on the wheel? We look at the challenges of designing rover mobility systems. Learn more a...

Food Replicators

04 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

You've seen replicators feed the crew of Star Trek, but will real humans ever be able to press a button and zap an entire meal into existence? If so, ...

Your Next Surgeon Might Be a Robot

02 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

How are robots used in medical procedures today? We look at the history, present and future of robotic surgery. Is it effective? Learn more about you...

Cities in the Sky

28 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Is antigravity possible? From impractical flying machines to cities in the clouds, we take a look at science fiction technology that allows us to slip...

Fw:Thinking Catches Some Zs

26 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What is the future of sleep? Sleep is an important biological function - but could we engineer a way to eliminate it? Learn more about your ad-choice...

The Power of Thorium

21 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Is thorium the answer to our energy needs? We discuss the benefits and drawbacks of thorium as an energy source. Learn more about your ad-choices at ...

We Get Back In Time

19 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Seriously, is time travel possible? We take a look at the philosophy and physics of time travel. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.ihea...

How Clean is Too Clean?

14 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Why does science fiction often depict a (literally) sanitized future? How has the need for clean environments evolved with science and technology? Is ...

Back to Life, Back to Reality

12 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Is it possible to bring extinct species back to life? We look at the science and controversy around de-extinction. Learn more about your ad-choices a...

The Antibiotic Dilemma

07 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

How could antibiotic misuse lead to catastrophic results? We look at the way antibiotics work and how mismanagement is a bad idea. Learn more about y...

Machines Hate Natural Language

05 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Why do machines have so much trouble understanding natural language? We look at how machines process information and the challenges of making natural ...

Robot Love

28 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Will robots and humans ever marry each other? We examine human-robot relationships and the ethical problems associated with them. Learn more about yo...

The Big Deal About Small Stuff

26 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

How is the world of nanotechnology different from the macro scale? We look at how nanotech could shape the future of everything from computing to medi...

Robo Sitters

21 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Will robots one day look after our children? What's the future of robotic servants and will we trust them with the care of kids? Learn more about you...

Robo Pets

19 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Will your next dog be a purebred puppy, a mutt or a robot? We take a look at the history and future of robotic pets. Learn more about your ad-choices...

Babies in Space? That's Heavy. (Part 2)

14 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

How would microgravity affect a baby's development in space? We look at what science has to say about it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https:/...

Babies in Space? Inconceivable! (Part 1)

12 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What risk does cosmic radiation pose to the future of humanity and space travel? Would it be safe to conceive a baby in space? Learn more about your ...

What does HAARP do?

07 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What's the purpose of HAARP, the mysterious facility in Alaska? We sort the truth from the fiction in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices ...

Show Me the 00100100

05 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

How are computer algorithms changing global finance? Machines make and lose fortunes in less time than it takes to blink your eyes. Is it a brave new ...

Look Ma, No Wires!

31 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Could our future be powered wirelessly? We examine the possible ways we might harness and transmit power in the future. Learn more about your ad-choi...

I Am Iron Man

29 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What's the low down on powered exoskeletons? Could a powersuit be the next step toward cyborgs or is it an engineering nightmare? Learn more about yo...

Save Your Spacebucks

24 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If private space travel is in our future, how can we make it affordable? We explore the proposals and projections. Learn more about your ad-choices a...

Tourists In Spaaaaace!

22 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Will space tourism become a reality for more than a handful of rich people? We look at the history and future of space travel for regular folks like y...

Ephemera and Eternity

17 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

The rise of "non-permanent" social media like Snapchat might be changing the way we envision digital permanence. How do our online personalities affec...

Are Fuel Cells the Future?

15 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Could fuel cells be the future of energy? We look at how fuel cells work, their benefits and the challenges we face to make them a bigger part of the ...

Mosquitoes vs. Humans - Battle for the Future

10 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Even if you're a nature lover, you have to admit mosquitoes pose a big problem for our species. Will we ever claim victory over these notorious spread...

Gadgets, Trends and Vaporware

08 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

While CES wraps up, we look at some of the gadgets, trends and failed experiments. Which gadgets will shape our future? Learn more about your ad-choi...

Energy on the Kardashev Scale

03 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

How does the Kardashev scale classify hypothetical extraterrestrial civilizations? We look at the relationship between energy, technology and the sear...

Dude, Where's My Flying Car?

01 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What's up with flying cars? It's time to talk about the challenges of bringing a real flying car to the consumer market. Will we ever see one? Learn ...

Science! A 2013 Year in Review

27 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What were the big science stories of 2013? Join the podcast crew as they talk about their favorite science stories from the past year. Learn more abo...

Fashion Sensors

25 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What's the future of clothing? From self-cleaning outfits to a suit that recharges your electronics, the crew takes a look at the clothing of the futu...

From Q*bert to Qubits

20 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

How does quantum computing work? From superposition to quantum entanglement, we tackle the concepts behind quantum computers and explain what they'd b...

Does Your Computer Know Chinese?

18 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Can a computer be aware of what it's doing? We look at the famous Chinese Room thought experiment and the possibility of smart AI. Learn more about y...

More Real Than Real

13 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

How could augmented reality change our world? From video games to exploration, augmented reality has the potential to change the way we view our world...

Droning On

11 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Are drones the pizza delivery guys of the future? We look at companies that are experimenting with drone delivery. Is it hype or will we be tipping in...

Indestructible Materialism

06 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Why is the idea of an indestructible material so attractive? Is there actually such a thing? What are some materials that, while not indestructible, m...

Virtual Eventuality

04 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

After so many bad incarnations over the years, is virtual reality dead? How does virtual reality potentially enhance a gameplay experience? What new i...

A Stunning Technology

29 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Is there a safe way to stun? In Star Trek, setting phasers to stun was a way to incapacitate a threat safely. Where are we on stun technology today? ...

You Can't Get There From Now

27 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What's the future of air travel? The team takes a look at aircraft designs that could get you there faster, cheaper and more efficiently. Learn more ...

Under the Dome-like Thing

22 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Can we make biospheres work? Colonizing the galaxy is going to require some tricky technology. Could we take our environment with us? Learn more abou...

Send in the Clones

20 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What is the future of cloning? The podcast team discusses the scientific breakthroughs, the barriers and the ethical questions about cloning. Learn m...

Warp Your Mind Around It

15 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

How would a warp drive work? Does warp drive violate Einstein's theory of relativity? Is it really possible to make one? Learn more about your ad-cho...

Blowing in the Wind

13 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

How does wind power work? What's the future of wind power? What are the pros and cons of wind power? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www....

Robot, You Can Drive My Car

08 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What was the DARPA Grand Challenge? When did Google begin working on autonomous cars? Are robots better drivers than humans? Learn more about your ad...

Is There Anybody Out There?

06 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Is there intelligent life outside of our solar system? What is the Drake equation? What is Fermi's paradox? Learn more about your ad-choices at https...

Space and Junk

01 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What is space junk? Where did it come from? Why is it a problem? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystud...

Would a Rose Smell as Sweet?

30 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What is in the power of a name? What's the dispute on the social effects of names? Does naming your possessions create an emotional bond? Learn more ...

Give Me Liberty or Unplug Me

25 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

As robots become more sophisticated, will we give them rights? Why did Jonathan vote against robot rights in a game? Who benefits from robot rights? ...

The Office of the Future

23 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What are the trends in office spaces? Is the open office floor plan effective? How has teleworking affected the office? Learn more about your ad-choi...

Better Living Through Fitness Science

18 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Why are there so many theories about how to get fit? How can you separate fitness fact from fiction? What's the real deal with barefoot running, perfo...

Game Your Way to Fitness

16 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

How do fitness trackers work? How can console games and mobile apps help you get fit? What's the future of fitness gamification? Learn more about you...

I Claim This Asteroid for Spain!

11 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

How will owning property in space work? What does the 1967 space treaty say? What are some proposed solutions to the problem? Learn more about your a...

Dating in the Digital Age

10 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

How do dating sites match people up? How have social networks changed dating? Is it easier to find your perfect match online? Learn more about your a...

Fixing the Climate

04 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What can we do to mitigate climate change? Will technology fix the problem? What are carbon caps? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.ihe...

Cruel Summer

02 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What is the difference between global warming and climate change? What's the evidence to support the anthropogenic nature of climate change? What is a...

Will the Next Great Composer Be a PC?

27 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

How have we used computers to compose music? Will we ever have an AI that can write music the average person would enjoy? How can data turn into music...

Play That Funky Music, Android

25 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What's the history of musical instruments? How have developments in musical instrument tech changed music itself? What are some cutting-edge instrumen...

You Aren't From Around Here Are You

20 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Why do aliens in science fiction films look like us more often than not? Is it likely we'll find aliens that look humanoid? Will alien life be carbon-...

Work With Me On This

18 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

How does collaboration affect innovation? What are some examples of multidisciplinary approaches? Why is collaboration important? Learn more about yo...

Do Robots Write of Electric Sheep?

13 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What is the Turing Test? Why is a computer-written novel a non-trivial problem? Will computers ever be able to copy the style of deceased authors? Le...

Let's Tell a Story

11 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What is interactive storytelling? What are the challenges of interactive storytelling? Can technology let us tell the largest story ever told? Learn ...

The Most Expensive Burger In The World

06 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

How expensive was the world's first lab-grown burger? What are the benefits to growing meat in the lab? What are other alternatives to beef? Learn mo...

GMOs, Food and FUD

04 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What's the deal with transgenic crops? Are these crops inherently dangerous? What are the pros and cons? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://...

Fuel Economy: Good to the Last Drop

30 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

How do we determine a vehicle's mpg rating? How have engineers improved fuel economy over the years? How do vehicles like EVs and hybrids stack up? L...

4D Printing is 1 D Better

28 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What is 4D printing? What are programmable materials? What's the potential for 4D printing? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpod...

There's a Gene for That

23 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What are gene therapy and gene doping? How do researchers reprogram viruses to carry human genes? Will messing with our genes make us less human? Lea...

Genes 101

21 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What are genes? What roles do they play in making us who we are? How much do we know about the human genome? Learn more about your ad-choices at http...

It's Coming Right For Us

16 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What's our current plan should an asteroid come hurtling toward Earth? Is the Armageddon scenario feasible? What are alternatives? Learn more about y...

How to Mine an Asteroid

14 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

How do companies like Planetary Resources plan to mine asteroids? What will happen with the mined material? What's the timeline like for asteroid mini...