Fuzzy Logic Science Show

Poltical Thinking

Today we step outside our usual science to meet a rising figure in the Australian Labor party.  Why would someone subject themelves to the brutal world of politics? We dicuss social capital, and the limits to growth. Is growth really what we need, and at what point to we say 'enough'?

Dr Andrew Leigh is Shadow Assistant Treasurer and Federal Member for Fraser in the ACT.

Interview by Rod, who discloses personal affiliations at the start of this interview.

Easter Eggstravaganza

In this pun-filled episode, Mitchell and Eleanor talk eggs. What are they? Where do they come from? Why are they egg-shaped? Does anyone truly know the answers to these questions?? 

Yes, they do, and you will too if you tune in.

Features echidna custard, broody octopuses, and the funkiest podcast outro ever conceived. 

She Sells Sea Shell to the Gentlemans' Club

Today's Fuzzy Logic is dedicated to Mary Anning, the remarkable woman who made a deep contribution to the emerging science of paleontology during the early 1800s.  In spite of the bias of her time, Anning was widely respected and consulted by the great thinkers, and her work helped shape our modern understanding of evolution.

Brought to you by Rod, and Phil Hore from the National Dinosaur Museum.

Twitter us @FuzzyLogicSci

Somebody's house is burning....

....down down. So goes the lyrics in today's Jimi Hendrix music break. It's hard to imagine what an aweful sight it would be to see your house burning.

And spare a thought for the fireys. They take risks to save you and your property. To protect themselves, they wear 23 kg of gear. Add hoses and other equipment, and they could be carrying 50 kg. They're phsyically active. It's hot. There's a fire.

Our expert guest today is Dr Anthony Walker, thermal phsyiologist University of Canberra, and a member of ACT Fire & Rescue. His research looks into managing heat stress among fire fighters.  We also talk about long term chronic effects, including PTSD.

Interview by Rod

Twitter: @FuzzyLogicSci
AskFuzzy [at] Zoho.com

Consciousness

What makes us think? What makes us aware? What makes us alive?  They say "cogito ergo sum"; I think, therefore I am.  But is it that simple?
In this weeks episode, Phoebe and Broderick are joined by Alyce to get deep and mix a little philosophy with science as they discuss consciousness.

Pain!

Why is pain good for you? This week Broderick and Phoebe are joined by special guest paramedic Liam to discuss the good, bad and ugly sides of pain. There's even an ice bucket challenge between Broderick and Phoebe to see who can withstand the most pain.  Listen in to see who is the ultimate pain master!

Don't forgot Fuzzy Logic is also on Twitter!  Tweet us @FuzzyLogicSci with any follow-up questions you might have or topics you'd like us to cover.

Waging War on Insects

Rod spent the morning spreading ant poison in his brand new shed and got to wondering about the chemicals killing his crawling critters. Could they be doing him some harm too? Luckily, we had Associate Professor Colin Jackson from the Research School of Chemistry at ANU in the studio to answer his questions. 

Tune in to learn about Colin's research into neurotransmitter sensors and insecticide resistance.

Hosted by Eleanor, who sometimes dreams about hedgehogs. (It's relevant, I promise.)
Twitter: @FuzzyLogicSci

Cute, Adorable. In Trouble.

It's hard to describe just how appealing the wombat is. They amazingly playful, affectionate animals. That's at least while they're young, but then they grow up, they get grumpy, so don't get too close.

But that's all part of what makes them special. These are tough creatures that can survive in the Australian bush.

Then, there are humans. Also the mange. Our handlers at Sleepy Burrows have dedicated their lives to caring for wombats. And, as we discovered, even their home!

Interview by Rod, with help from Katie, and impromptu appearance from Elliot, who skitters across the floor while we're talking!

We're publishing this interview to coincide with Katie's feature article in today's Canberra Times.

Fuzzy Logic is on Twitter: @FuzzyLogicSci

Ego, Intelligence, Cancer

Last week, we talked about smart (and naughty) monkeys, and today we look more closely at what 'smart' means. 
Intelligent? According to our astrobiologist guest today, it's a human-centric notion. We sit at the top of the evolutionary tree. Or at least, that's we want to believe.

And what of little green men, with sparkling intelligence?

Then we look at alternative an theory on the origin of cancer. Dr Charley Linweaver and his colleague, Prof Paul Davies bring an outside perspective.

Brought to you by Eleanor and Rod.


We're now on Twitter:  FuzzyLogicSci.  You can tweet during shows, Sundays 11-12am Canberra time.
Next week: chemistry with Dr Colin Jackson

Naughty Monkeys

If humans are supposed to be the clever ape, why do we keep eliminating other life on our planet? There's a long list of victims including the dodo, the moa, and the passenger pigeon.
These are fairly well known examples, but what's this thing called Silphium?  And why does it matter anyway?

Our guest today has been seen recently around Canberra...with a dodo. Phil Hore is from the National Dinosaur Museum. Also Eleanor, and Rod.