Fuzzy Logic Science Show

Our guest today has been researching one of big questions: what are we made of? There seems to be a progression from older, simpler forms of life up to more complex forms such as ourselves. As we move 'up' the tree of life, we use more and more of the available types of matter. Older life forms use fewer elements than newer forms. You could say, they accessorise themselves with a greater number of elements. Aditya Chopra, is a PhD student at the Planetary Science Institute at the ANU, and a student of past Fuzzy guest, Charley Lineweaver. Read about Aditya in today's Canberra Times. Also, today we bring you some of the science behind goings on at the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, on the Deepwater oil rig. We talk about the risks, and the extreme efforts we now have to go through to secure our oil supplies. PS we play a sneak preview of our new Charley Lineweaver Fuzzy promo....but....our silly presenter did not play the version promised as created by Tom McCoy.  Next time... MP3 57 min, 26MB Now available through iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=371913970

It seems no part of world is safe from development. I remember a time when the Kimberley region of West Australia was considered so remote that for many people, visiting it was a major exercise. These days it's a popular destination, and now it seems set for large scale resource development. In the light of oil disasters there and in the Gulf of Mexico, this interview is a timely reminder of what's at stake. Josh Coates is a marine scientist with the Wilderness Society, and here is interviewed by Rod about proposed development there. From the archives, November 2008.  8MB MP3, 16 min.

Professor Robert Street, AO is one of the pioneers of nuclear engergy, and worked on one of the first reactors ever constructed in Harwell, Great Britain. He is an advocate of the peaceful use of nuclear energy as a way to combat greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Robert was a dear friend of my late father, and were part of group of eminent people calling themselves E4E - Energy For the Environment, promoting nuclear energy.

Not long after Dad died, I recorded this interview at his home in Perth. He is a wonderful, humble man, who represents a seminal moment in science. In this interview you'll hear him describe their approach to the reactor pile, and his attitude to the bomb.

After this recording, we dined at a local club with his wife Jean. I made a special point of asking her about her experiences during the war. I'm very glad I did, because it turns out she was stationed and the famous Bletchley Park. If you don't know that story, have a look because it is an amazing episode, crucial to the Allied victory.

I wish I had interviewed her too. Rod Taylor, recorded 28 October 2008

Postscipt Robert Street died in 2013. Here's a tribute to his life.

Most of us only ever see our food delivered in plastic wrapping on the supermarket shelf. But where does it really come from? Who grew it, and how? How does fertilizer, salt, and water fit in all this. And what is going to happen as the world supply of oil and gas can no longer meet demand. You've heard of Peak Oil, but what of Peak Phosphorus? Also a look at what it means to get your science book published. Richard Stirzaker, author of Out of the Scientist's Garden joins Nyssa Skilton and Rod for this show. Find us on FaceBook. 53 Min 24MB MP3

What do oceanographers know about global warming? Hear evidence from one who knows it first hand. Dr Brad Opdyke, paleo climatologist is our guest today. Interviewed by Pallavi from the BBC, and Rod from Fuzzy Logic. Find us on Facebook. 58min 27MB

Why did we evolve that large bony box on top of our shoulders? Presumably to house something important. That would be our brain. We talk about the basic organisation of the brain, types cortex, left and right hemispheres. Brendan describes the groundbreaking research on the bionic eye now going on in Australia. Fascinating stuff. Rod interviews Brendan O'Brien from the ANU School of Psychology, and Mic Cavazzini from the John Curtin School of Medical Research. Brains were stretched, but none were harmed during the course of this interview. Fuzzy Logic is now on Facebook. 24MB 53min.

Of all issues facing the nation right now, the future of the Murray Darling river system is near the top.  How is our most important river system going to feed a growing population? The Murray Darling Basin Authority is soon to release its landmark plan for how we manage the system. Fraser McLeod is executive director of the basin plan for the MDBA. Interview by Rod 12.9MB MP3 28min.

Do, re, mi, fuzzy!  This week we talk about the science of music and show some music about science.  Sally, Priyanka and Broderick sing their way through the episode. Unfortunately, the podcast only caught the last fifteen minutes of the show, but you can still listen to some fantastic fuzzy-ness including Sally's original songs about genetics.  Listen to learn and laugh! Broadcast live on February 28th, 2010

Get your thinking caps on for this interview with Charley Lineweaver, ranging over deep topics. No subject out of bounds as we discuss entropy in the universe, multiverses, religion. What is life, and would we recognise it anyway? How about a dust devil? Does tidying your room decrease entropy? Find out here. Interview by Nyssa Skilton and Rod Taylor. 1Hr, 27MB

Where did laughter come from? Are imaginary friends useful? Flies aid hearing research. Jo and Rod present a fun assortment of science stories. Oh, and I should confess - at one point you'll hear me saying "motor" neurons. Astute listeners will know that I really mean "mirror" neurons.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror_neuron. 24MB 53min