Fuzzy Logic Science Show

Landcare

With ever growing pressures on the environment, caring for our land is become urgent. In this interview with Rod, Tom Baker from Landcare gives a sense of the breadth of work that organisation performs.

There are a few ways to get involved:

• Landcareact.org.au the landcare Calendar for activities in your area.
• Parkcare Hub at parks.act.gov.au to work on a patch with Rangers, assist the Wildlife Team in managing wildlife or volunteering to work with park visitors. Ph 62057384. 
• Friends of Botanic Gardens 

What makes a radio station?

Did you know Fuzzy Logic is one of Australia's longest running science radio shows? Its heritage is a bit misty, but we do know that 2XX was broadcasting The Science Program in May 1981.

In this interview, one of the earliest station technicians, Kimmo Vennon describes those early days. Recorded by Rod from the tower in Canberra where 2XX first broadcast in 1976. The building nearby housing communications equipment was destroyed by probable arson in 1988.

That tower dates back to 1928, making it a historical artefact, especially significant because it's a rare example of a free-standing radio tower. As Kimmo tells us, there's a surprising amount going on under the ground at this site.

Remember this

Is your memory like something that can recorded and retrieved on magnetic tape? No. We can discard that as an extremely poor analogy.

Our guest on Fuzzy Logic today is an expert on how memories are laid down and recalled. It's a subtle, complex thing with many facets that we don't entirely understand. For one thing, there are different types of memory, and it's far from an immutable record. It has links to autism and PTSD, among other things.

We discuss the recent pronouncements from the USA about Tylenol 'causing' autism. Official Fuzzy Logic policy states that we support critical thinking, which means we strongly reject assertions made without evidence, especially where they relate to public health.

Dr Shaam Al Abed is a Postdoctoral Fellow from the Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, at the ANU.

Interview by Tara and Rod

We love snakes

Snakes are among the creatures most despised in all creation. Unfairly, we suggest. When treated with respect, a snake should inspire wonder more than fear.

With some justification, people are afraid of their venom which can be lethal. But if you look at it from the snake's point of view, it's not in their interest to bite a human. They just want to go and do their own thing, unmolested.

Emma Carlson is a registered snake catcher. In a surprise visit, she brought Cooper the rough-tailed python into the studio and after our interview, we were able to handle him. Cooper then slithered across the audio console without interfering with any vital buttons.

Cooper, we can assure you, has the most appealing face like a big cheerful puppy.

Interview by Rod, who did not require medical attention as a result.

National Science Week 2025

We speak to two event holders from National Science Week in 2025

National Science Week Preview

Hear from three event holders from 2025 National Science week in Canberra

Personalised nutrition

Of all the effects of ageing, perhaps the most dreaded, is dementia. It's confronting for the person, their family, and everyone around them. The common perception is that there isn't much that can be done if you get it. That, however, is probably not true.
Tara Jewell is studying this question for her PhD at the University of Canberra. Her work centres around
the brain and healthy ageing. In particular, she's looking at personalised nutrition. Tuning nutrition for the individual is a new and promising field that has many sides, including genetics and AI. 

Tara is studying at the Centre for Ageing Research and Translation at the University of Canberra.
Interview by Lucy and Rod. 

The ancient life story

What was the world like ten, twenty or a hundred thousand years ago? What was the environment, the plants, the animals and the insects? And, importantly, how did these mesh into an ecosystem?

To answer these questions about deep time, we need, not just sophisticated techniques, but the skill and passion of people like our guests today. Dr Alex Wall and PhD Student Jalen Nalbant are paleoecologists.

In this interview by Sophia and Rod, we look at what that means and why it matters today.

 

You can help our paleoecology friends by putting a pollen trap in your garden. The samples you collect will be used to refine the models showing how pollen is distributed over an area. Simple & fun for both urban and rural.

https://www.jcu.edu.au/college-of-science-and-engineering/vegemap

The Joy of Soil

Let's start with a big question: what are the pillars of civilisation?

There are a few possible answers, but our guests today might argue that the list should include soil. Humble, dirty dirt, crawling with larvae, fungus and bacteria is an under-appreciated champion because, without it, we would not be here.

To celebrate the magic of soils, Sophia Dacy-Cole has just submitted her PhD which includes an exhibition that celebrates soil (Instagram and website).

Joining us is Dr Alex Wall, a paleoecologist from the ANU. We want to know more about paleoecology; stay tuned.

Interview by Lucy and Rod.

Mission of Gravity

Image source: https://physics.anu.edu.au/news_events/?EventID=457

One of the joys of science is delving into the deepest mysteries of the universe. What holds it all together? Part of the answer, of course, is gravity. That's the force that allows us to sit or stand without floating off into space. But it's much more than that, because without gravity, there would be no Earth and no Sun.

In this episode we enjoyed a conversation with Distinguished Prof Susan Scott from the ANU. Professor Scott is one of the key people involved with the first confirmed detection of gravitational waves by the LIGO detectors.

She is a passionate advocate for science and mathematics and promoting the cause of women in science.

Interview by Rod.