Brains Matter ©

Dr Richard Stancliffe is a postdoctoral researcher from the UK (Oxford and Cambridge) who is currently working at Monash University, Australia. He is an expert in stellar evolution, and talked to me about First Stellar Generations.

This is the second of a two-part series – if you missed part one, please go back and listen to episode 75.

Download MP3 of Ep 76

This episode of Brains Matter is brought to you by Swinburne Astronomy Online

You can donate by clicking on the button above, and subscribe by subscribing in iTunes

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Dr Richard Stancliffe is a postdoctoral researcher from the UK (Oxford and Cambridge) who is currently working at Monash University, Australia. He is an expert in stellar evolution, and talked to me about First Stellar Generations.

What are they? How can we determine what generation a star belongs to? What does it mean? Listen into this introductory episode, which is the first of a two-part series and find out.

Also featured in this episode are the listener of the episode, and some listener feedback.

Download MP3 of Ep 75

This episode of Brains Matter is brought to you by Swinburne Astronomy Online

You can donate by clicking on the button above, and subscribe by subscribing in iTunes

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2009 is the International Year of Astronomy, for those who aren’t already aware of it. The International Astronomical Union is planning on holding many events to celebrate IYA across the world, so keep your eyes and ears peeled for things you can get involved in – from listening to podcasts (this one included!) which will feature interesting astronomy stories, to things you can get out and about and physically participate in.

Please go and check out the web site http://www.astronomy2009.org to learn more about IYA

You’ll also notice in the Portal To the Universe section a couple of astronomers who have previously been guests of the show as well!

You can find further astronomy blogs and podcasts (including this one of course) at http://www.portaltotheuniverse.org/EarlyBirdReg/AstroFeeds.php

So please have a look and see what may tickle your interest.

OG

In this episode, which is the second part of a 2 part interview, I talk to Professor Roger Short from the University of Melbourne on Asian Elephants. We discuss what evolution is doing to tusks of elephants, what elephants are used for today and what is causing their extinction, some history of elephants in ancient battles, and the tradition of mahoots – elephant keepers.

Some images courtesy of Professor Short:

The tooth of an Asian elephant

Comparing an Asian elephant’s tooth to that of a mammoth – very similar!

A Mahoot’s Ankus – what they use to control tamed elephants

Download MP3 of Ep 74

You can donate by clicking on the button above, and subscribe by subscribing in iTunes

In this episode, which is the first part of a 2 part interview, I talk to Professor Roger Short from the University of Melbourne on Asian Elephants. We discuss what got Professor Short interested in elephants to start with, his quest on finding out why elephants have a trunk, the evolution of elephants and their unusual lungs, and what the biggest threat to elephants are today.

Some images courtesy of Professor Short:

The image from Rudyard Kipling that Professor Short mentions in the interview

A tiny elephant embryo

The tooth of a mammoth

A 100,000 year old tusk of a mammoth, dredged up from the North Sea! Yes, I was privileged enough to hold it!

Download MP3 of Ep 73

Please vote for this podcast this month at

You can donate by clicking on the button above, and subscribe by subscribing in iTunes

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Hi all,

In the future, Marc West and I are planning on doing another crossover podcast – the topic of the next crossover podcast is going to be science songs.

What scientific based songs can you think of?

There are classics such as
“She blinded me with science” by Thomas Dolby
“Weird Science” by Oingo Boingo
“Astronomy Domine” by Pink Floyd…

What else can you add to this list?

OG

Imagine being called up by the pope and being told you’re doing the “devil’s work” What kind of work could cause such a reaction? It’s actually research work in trying to help humanity – in particular, stem cell research.

Dr Orly Lacham-Kaplan is a senior research fellow at the Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

Listen in to this episode to find out about what stem cells are, how stem cell research can benefit medical science, and some of Dr Lacham-Kaplan’s research into infertility – and how stem cells are a key component in that research.

Download MP3 of Ep 72

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A public forum on Stem Cell Awareness is being run at Monash University on Thursday the 25th of September, 2008.

Details are as follows:

Date: Thursday 25/9/2008
Time: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Location: Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton Victoria 3800, Australia

Further information: http://www.stemcellawarenessday.com

Stem cells have generated unprecedented excitement in medical research because of their potential to treat a wide range of the most devastating degenerative and induced diseases including those of the cardiac, nervous (including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease), vascular and respiratory systems, autoimmune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus), immunodeficiency states, and cancer. Stem Cell therapies may also be useful to treat a wide range of sporting or other physical injuries, and may assist in the recovery from surgery. Stem cells have both human and veterinary applications. They are also the inspiration for a whole new generation of research scientists, astonishing technical breakthroughs and thriving commercial opportunities.

However, the enthusiasm for Stem Cell Research has been tempered by unrealistic promises and expectations, and significant confusion and controversy in the community, often due to inadequate public education, ethical concerns associated with the use of embryonic stem cells, and the perceived threat of human cloning. These concerns are contrasted with sensationalist stories of “miracle cures,” often in poorly regulated environments but still driving a thriving medical tourism industry, because of the desperate needs of many patients for a better quality of life.

With the media spotlight on climate change, alternative energies have been looked at as serious contenders to the energy needs of the world. Given that fossil fuels have been shown to have dire side effects in terms of carbon emissions, scientists have intensified their research into cheap, accessible, and clean energy forms. We’ve heard about solar, we’ve heard about wind energy, and we’ve heard debates about nuclear. In this episode, I talk to Professor Mike Sandiford from the University of Melbourne to talk about Geothermal Energy.

Download MP3 of Ep 71

Please vote for this podcast this month at

You can donate by clicking on the button above, and subscribe by subscribing in iTunes

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