Brains Matter ©

I talk to Dr Seth Shostak, from the SETI Institute, on the topic of science and the movies. We cover: – The portrayal and accuracy of science in entertainment – Seth’s role as science adviser in the movie remake of “The Day the Earth Stood Still” – What does a science adviser in a movie […]

I talk to Dr Rosemary Mardling, an astrophysicist from Monash University on the topic of extra-solar planets. Topics we cover include: – What is an extra solar planet? – How do we find extra solar planets? – How do we estimate the size and form of these extra solar planets? – How do we explain […]

I talk to Dr Ginger Campbell, the host of the Brain Science Podcast and Books and Ideas on the fascinating topics of – brain chemistry – what do we know about how chemicals may or may not influence us, – brain plasticity, learning languages or new skills and how to keep yourself young and vital […]

Dr Andrew Prentice from Monash University continues his discussion with me about his theories of the formation of the solar system. In this episode, we concentrate on the Saturniun system, satellites such as Titan and some of the observations in comparison to his predictions, and conclude by reflecting back on what was discussed in the […]

I continue my talk to Dr Andrew Prentice from Monash University, extending on the discussion in part 1 of this interview series on Supersonic Turbulence, to talk about the Modern Laplacian Theory, and how it helps describe planetary and satellite formation, and it’s weaknesses. The discussion on satellites, and especially Titan, is fascinating. This is […]

I talk to Dr Andrew Prentice on the topic of Supersonic Turbulence, a theory he proposed which helps in understanding his predictions on the objects within the solar system and formation of the solar system. Dr Prentice has also made some astounding predictions as has been documented here This is the first of a 3 […]

We’ve all wondered about the creation of the universe – from the big bang onwards. What next? Is the galaxy going to slow down from the big bang? Will there be multiple big bangs and big crunches? The reality of the matter is astounding. In 1994, Dr Brian Schmidt, along with some colleagues from around […]

I talk to Dr Maria Lugaro on the topic of pre-solar grains. Topics we cover include: – What are pre-solar grains? – Do they only exist in our solar system? – How big are they? – How do we capture pre-solar grains on Earth? – How do we determine if grains are pre-solar? – How […]

Those of you who follow the 365 Days of Astronomy podcast will have noticed that todays episode is a Brains Matter production. Listen here

I talk to Dr Amanda Barnard, an expert in nanoscience, from the CSIRO on nanotechnology. We discuss: – What are nanoparticles? – What are nanorods? – What properties of a substance make it a useful nanoparticle? – What makes nanoparticles useful? – What do you need to know to understand nanotechnology? – What are some […]