NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast

Dark Matter

Invisible dark matter is estimated to make up as much as 95% of the universe, but we can only see it by the gravitational effects on other, visible objects. Researchers at NYU, including graduate student Cara Giovanetti have developed a better way to model the cosmological signatures of dark matter. We’ll here from her as well as astrophysicist Dr. Joseph Pesche as we ask does dark matter exist, and if so, what is it made of?

Brightest Materials

  Liquid fluorescents play a role in many materials of today but have traditionally had a limitation when turned into a solid form. Researchers at Indiana University and the University of Copenhagen have created a new material, transforming liquid fluorescent dyes into solid, while maintaining brightness at levels never before possible. This breakthrough could dramatically improve the clarity of displays, the efficiency of solar panels, and revolutionize laser usage in medical procedures. We are joined by Professor Amar Flood, a co-creator of this new material.   Discover how the U.S. National Science Foundation is advancing research at nsf.gov

Killing Coral

Every year swimmers leave 6,000 tons of sunscreen washing through reefs, an organic compound found in many sunscreens can be harmful to corals. Researchers including guest Djordje Vuckovic at Stanford University are looking to better understand coral defense mechanisms and the relationship between this organic compound and sunlight. Providing additional coral commentary Marine Ecologist, Dr. Paul Sikkel. Discover how the U.S. National Science Foundation is advancing research at nsf.gov

Spinning Food Solutions

Researchers at Materials Research Science and Engineering Center at Harvard University are using a unique approach to address food spoilage and the illnesses that are born of it.  Could an innovative technology born on the battlefield point to the solution? We speak with Dr. Wuibin Chang and Professor Kit Parker to learn more. Discover how the U.S. National Science Foundation is advancing research at nsf.gov

Swallow A Robot?

Researchers at Stanford University are working on a unique small-scale robot. This magnetic miniature machine moves by dynamic origami inspired folding and has amphibious capabilities. We speak with Dr. Renee Zhao, to hear firsthand about how her soft robotic systems operate and how you might end up ingesting them in the future.   Discover how the U.S. National Science Foundation is advancing research at nsf.gov

Consuming Stars

Researchers have discovered what they believe to be a rare “Black Widow” binary star system out in space some 3,000 light years from Earth. We’ll explain why this star is feeding on its companion, explore how this celestial object was spotted, and examine what makes this distant star system unique.   We are joined by researcher Dr. Kevin Burdge, and Astrophysicist Dr. Joseph Pesce. Subscribe wherever you get podcasts, and if you like our program, consider leaving a review. Discover how the U.S. National Science Foundation is advancing research at nsf.gov

Megalodon, King of the sharks

Megalodon was a gigantic, prehistoric shark with teeth as big as a human hand that ruled the oceans 3-16 million years ago. We’ll explore the Meg’s place in the ancient food web from traces of food left behind in the fossilized enamel of their teeth and look for insights into why the Megalodon went extinct. We are joined by researcher Dr. Emma Kast and Paleontologist Dr. Bruce MacFadden. Subscribe wherever you get podcasts, and if you like our program, consider leaving a review. Discover how the U.S. National Science Foundation is advancing research at nsf.gov

NSF’s Discovery Files Coming Soon!

This is the Discovery Files Podcast from the U.S. National Science Foundation. Where we will look at some of the latest research in the world of science, with commentary from the scientists making these discoveries. Join us as we explore the world of scientific research, coming soon from the US National Science Foundation. Subscribe wherever you get podcasts.