Episode 100: Unsolved Problems in Science

Episode 100: Unsolved Problems in Science

Author: James Fodor January 19, 2020 Duration: 1:22:17
In this special celebratory 100th episode, I discuss six major unsolved problems in science: the P vs NP problem in computer science, the mystery of dark matter in physics, the existence of the island of stability in chemistry, the historical occurrence of a snowball Earth scenario from geology, the protein folding problem from biochemistry, and the origin of the Cambrian explosion in evolutionary biology. I also discuss some important ideas relating to the future of the podcast. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything

Curiosity about how the world works is a universal trait, and The Science of Everything Podcast is built on that very impulse. Host James Fodor guides conversations that roam freely across disciplines, from the physics of black holes to the complexities of human behavior studied in social sciences. Each episode feels like a deep dive into a new subject, where the common thread is a rigorous yet accessible application of the scientific method. You’ll hear explanations that break down complex ideas without oversimplifying them, focusing on the fascinating insights that research reveals about our universe and our place within it. This isn't a lecture series, but rather an exploration driven by genuine inquiry. Whether the topic is rooted in biology, chemistry, sociology, or astronomy, the aim is to connect the dots between abstract principles and the tangible reality we experience. The result is a consistently engaging audio experience that reminds us just how much there is left to discover. Tune in to this thoughtful podcast for a regular dose of understanding, designed to satisfy both the casual question-asker and the dedicated lifelong learner.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Science of Everything Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 152: Obesity, Diabetes, and Hypertension [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:34
A review of the science between the metabolic syndrome, including discussion of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. We discuss the pathophysiology of how enlargement of adipocytes disrupts metabolic sign…
Episode 151: Diet and Nutrition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:45
An introduction to human nutrition, in which we discuss the nutritional importance and role of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, before considering the effects of malnutrition, how it is measured, an…
Episode 150: How Home Appliances Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:11
An exploration into the exciting world of home appliances and devices. We begin with a journey through the kitchen, discussing the design and operating principles behind the refrigerator, rice cooker, convection oven, mi…
Episode 149: The Psychology of Personality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:58
An introduction to the psychological study of personality, beginning with a definition of what is and is not personality and a brief history of the development of the field from Freud and Jung through the Myers-Briggs In…
Episode 148: Control of Gene Expression [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:05
An introduction to the processes by which cells control which genes are expressed. We begin with an overview of why genetic regulation is necessary and the key stages where such regulation occurs, including key concepts…
Episode 147: Genetic Mutation and Repair [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:51
Here we survey of the causes and consequences of genetic mutation, including a discussion of mechanisms of endogenous and induced mutations, rates of mutation, types of single nucleotide mutations, and the phenotypic eff…
Episode 146: Mendelian Genetics and Inheritance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:34
An introduction to classical Mendelian genetics, in which we discuss Mendel's experiments with peas and the laws of heredity that he discovered, including inheritance of one allele from each parent, the law of dominance,…
Episode 145: Relativity and Black Holes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:43
Continuing our series on General Relativity, we discuss the derivation of the Schwarzschild metric as a vacuum solution to Einstein's Field Equations, and analyse the physical meaning of this solution, including the prop…
Episode 144: Anthropogenic Climate Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:48
Our climate change series concludes with a discussion of the various lines of evidence indicating that recent warming is the result of human-produced greenhouse gases, including greater warming at night, cooling of the s…
Episode 143: Climate Modelling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:50
An overview of climate models, beginning with a summary of the major types of models, and then a more detailed disussion of hte primitive equations and parameterised feedbacks that characterise the widely used Atmospheri…