Fuzzy Logic Science Show

Eye Robot

Imagine your world without sight. What would it be like if you could not see? The artificial cochlea is a renowned Australian invention bringing some hearing to those who would be deaf as well as growing into a successful industry. The challenge is now to repeat this for the eye, but it is hugely complicated. Dr Chris McCarthy from NICTA and Dr Brendan O'Brien ANU are collaborating on the bionic eye. You may have seen this project on the ABC Catalyst program recently. Interview by Rod with special guests Erin, Luke, Simon and Alison along for the ride.

A way through burns

Last week we recorded Dr Fiona Wood at the ANU, talking about her life, her work, and her passion. Her energy, her skill, and her passion were evident, and I believe everyone in the room was moved by her words. It was also great to meet her after our phone interview a couple of weeks earlier. Not apparent to Fuzzy listeners was the fact that her phone was on the blink as we were trying to make the call. Ah, technology. But now we could have a good laugh about it.

Seat belts, sleep apneoa, hydrocephalus

How do you treat sleep apneoa? Here's are some intriguing cures you might not have heard of.

Today we combine two personal stories, one on sleep apneoa, and the other hydrocephalus (literally "water brain") with expert commentary from Prof Lynne Bilston (check out her interesting bio). Plus a look at seatbelt and motorcycle helmet safety.

(Note this podcast includes interviews with Debbie and Karl which were posted earlier).

Interview by Rod

Prof Frank Fenner, Rabbits

I never met Prof Frank Fenner, but by all accounts he was a generous and talented scientist. Rabbits however, would not mourn his passing. Find out why in this personal tribute by the current director of John Curtin School Medical Research, Prof Julio Licinio. In this wide ranging interview we also discuss obesity, deep brain stimulation, and what it takes to translate advances in medicine into real world results. Prof Julio Licinio interviewed by Rod and Pallavi.

Inspiring Australia

We all like to make a difference, but some do more than others. Dr Fiona Wood, Australian Living Treasure, former Australian of the Year, known to many Australians for her work on treating burns.  She is best known for the 'spray on skin' treatment, but her work is much more extensive than that. What does a burn do, how does the body react, and how can we treat them?  Also an interesting look at what and why researchers need to dip into that strange world - commercialisation. Interview by Rod with special thanks to Margaret McIver. And we're on Facebook

A Square Kilometer

To peer deeper into the bowels of the universe we need to take the next big step in radio astronomy.  How about one that's a square kilometer?  No, that's not the size of the paddock, that's the surface of the collecting area. We're talking about a big project. Think the Snowy Mountains scheme, think the Large Hadron Collider. Big. Australia is in the running to host the SKA. Special guests today, Prof Frank Briggs, and David Reneke.  Hosted by Rod with thanks to Annie Harris.

Miscellaneous Fun

Ben and Broderick were a bit fuzzy this week and put together a bunch of science from a huge range of disciplines.  Online dating, trips to mars and Van Gogh's paintings make up the miscellaneous fun.  Special guest Claire phones in from Sydney to share some of her stories from the wild.

Heart of the 'Dark' Matter

Ever wondered whether dark matter is really dark or how galaxy clusters are formed in a rapidly expanding universe wherby galaxies seem to be racing away from each other. Listen to Prof Ken Freeman from the Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics, ANU, on fuzzy along with the weekly doze of other stories rocking the world of science.   Eamon and Pallavi present...

Transforming Logic, Fuzzy Perceptions

In this special collaboration between mental health show Transforming Perceptions and Fuzzy Logic, we talk about drugs and the mind. How are drugs used in psychiatry, what are cultural perceptions on mental health and treatment. Dr Jeffrey Looi, Research Centre for the Neurosciences of Ageing, ANU Medical School is our guest today. Interview by Aine, Rod, Fiona

My Fuzzy talks to aliens

What are the limits to life? If it does exist elsewhere, what might it be like? Carbon or silicon, two legs or three, and is intelligence really special. Dr Charley Lineweaver returns to Fuzzy for a fascinating discussion on the nature of life. Charley was recently in a documentary on SBS "My Mum Talks to Aliens". He questions the human urge to think we are the pinnacle of evolution. Interview by Rod. 29MB