Fuzzy Logic Science Show

What sort of population can Australia - and the world - afford? Do we need more people - or should we limit population? We interview federal MP Kelvin Thompson, outspoken commentator on population growth. And in a change of pace, we ask Kelvin to tell his story, of how he got into politics, and what it's like being in Federal parliament today. How does it feel to be monstered by the media and political oponents. Interview by Rod

This episode originally aired on April 1 and it became Fuzzy Fools Day. Your challenge is to work out what's real science and what is just a prank. Stuart, Rachel and Broderick fool around through a very entertaining episode. WARNING: Contains throat singing and bad Irish accents.

This week Fuzzy explores the lesser talked about and slightly confusing uncle in the science family: mathematics.  Dennis, Jamos and Broderick laugh their way through online auctions, error detection and some really amazing maths for detecting sarcasm. (I wonder if it picked that up?)

We've mapped the entire surface of the Moon and Mars, but we've only explored 1% of the Earth's oceans.  This week Fuzzy explores the depths of the ocean.  Broderick is joined by Jillian from the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre and Dr Chris Fulton from the Australian National University.  They're talking about marine parks, genetics in the ocean and biodiversity in the high seas.

This week Broderick & Alice talk to Gavin Young & Tim Senden, researchers from the Australian National University, about their exhibition "Old Bones, New Insights".  The exhibition includes fossils from Gogo, WA and Burrinjuck, NSW.  You can visit the exhibition at Canberra Museum & Gallery until February 26, 2012. Other topics covered this week include native species, cloning mammoths and belly button bacteria.

Do you find it difficult to follow conversations in pubs? People not speaking clearly? It may be that your ears don't work as well as the used to. There's a growing number of people across the planet who need help with hearing. It may be more than just a social inconvenience. Looking blankly at your boss is not good for your career. And did you know that if you let it go, you may permanently lose the ability to process some sounds. Today's guest on Fuzzy in an inspirational researcher and advocate for those who need help with hearing. Dr Elaine Saunders has a history with the pioneering cochlear implant project, and is now part of Blamey & Saunders. You may think of a hearing aid as just a small amplifier stuck on top of your ear, but for good hearing you need a lot than that. In this interview Dr Saunders describes new Australian technology  that strives to improve hearing for an affordable price. Interview by Rod

How do you sound to others? Your voice is one of your most important social assets. With it, you convey meaning, impressions, emotions, and the image you project. Our judgement of each other is heavily coloured by the sounds of our voice. Our guest on Fuzzy today is voice therapist, coach, researcher, Dr Cate Madill from the University of Sydney. Also joining us is fantasy writer KJ Taylor, with her own take on voices. Hosted by Rod

How can a pair of physicists / cosmologists have something new to say about cancer? Never mind that they are two luminaries in their field. Professors Paul Davies and Charley Lineweaver are exploring ideas that upend traditional views of why cancer occurs. Is it really just a case of rogue cells in a sort of internal Darwinism, or is it something else? And why did Rod drop a water bottle to illustrate a feature of fundamental significance to the universe? Does that sound like just a quirky stunt? No. To find out why not, check out this podcast. Prof Charley Lineweaver interviewed by Rod Correction:  Henrietta Lacks had cervical cancer.

Have you seen the classic movie Blade Runner? Philip K Dick was the quirky writer of sci-fi novels, and the author of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. Imagine what it would be like to encounter the robotic-artificial intelligence reincarnation of PK Dick. This was the product of a collaboration between robotocists and AI researchers in 2005 when they built the animated replica. Unfortunately it was left in  the luggage locker on a US domestic flight, and has not been seen since. Today on Fuzzy we interview David Dufty, author of Lost in Transit, The strange story of the Philip K Dick android. Recommended as an excellent read from another great guest on Fuzzy Logic. Hosted by Rod.

How can we help prevent falls?  What are the real hidden dangers of home renovation?  Could we be eating algae meat anytime soon?  Emma, Jen and Broderick answer these questions and more.  Includes a special demonstration of Auto-Tune software turning Emma's speech into song!

We have a packed show today including special interview with Prof Tevor Ireland from the ANU who's in the news this week with results from the Hayabusa mission to collect dust from the Itakawa asteroid.  And what a story it is! The little spacecraft went on an extraordinary journey with lots of trials a tribulations along the way. Plus fresh from our visit to the USA we interview Prof Jean Brodie, UC Santa Cruz. We talk about dark matter, and the origin of galaxies. And we have tales from the USA, anecdotes and observations from the SW USA. Why does Vinnie suck his forearm? Also some bleak thoughts on how development is done in this part of the world. Brought to you by Michael and Rod

Things heat up this week as Fuzzy talks about how bushfires affect climate change, what HIV and dementia have in common, why bees honey is so good for you and who crows can recognise. Presented by Rachel & Broderick.   Originally broadcast on 03/07/2011.

In this episode of Fuzzy we learn why a sawfish has a saw, how plant gels could help people walk again, where bees travel around canberra and whether being a leftie really does make you smarter. Presented by Nat & Broderick.  Originally broadcast 12/06/2011.

Today's guest with wonderfully eclectic range of topis, is pioneering neurologist Dr Colin Andrews. He works with leading edge treatments of neuro-diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinsons Disease. He was recently on the 7:30 Report after successfully treating an MS patient with a combination of chemo therapy and bone marrow replacement. Along the way we also talk about drugs, accidents, alcohol, and the movie Awakenings. Plus....a surprising use for botox! Hosted by Pallavi and Rod.     We're on Facebook.

The poor old cockroach, the insect everyone loves to hate. But there's a lot more to the humble roach. Did you know some varieties live for 15 years? Did you know some rear their young? And then there's another poor friend, the slug (no, not an insect).  Our guest today, Martyn Robinson from the Australian Museum reveals an unexpected way you might actually find them useful. They can do more than just eat your garden. Then we visit the NICTA research labs for a look at some some hi-tech projects. Foosball and Femtocells! Brought to you by Rod

We all use paper. Lots of paper. But we also love trees, and do we ever think about how many trees it takes to make our paper? And building paper pulp mills in Australia is very controversal. We talk to Dr Tom Rainey from the Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities, QUT who's been looking at how we make paper, and sugar can bagasse as an alternative source for pulp. Interview by Kiri, Michael and Rod.

We avoided yesterdays apocalypse and managed to broadcast another episode of Fuzzy Logic.  Broderick & Pallavi discuss the psychology behind the apocalypse, dark energy and the genes for your teeth.  They are also joined by Australia's most respected amateur astronomer, David Reneke and Claire Grylls takes you into the wild with some scary animals.

Imagine your world without sight. What would it be like if you could not see? The artificial cochlea is a renowned Australian invention bringing some hearing to those who would be deaf as well as growing into a successful industry. The challenge is now to repeat this for the eye, but it is hugely complicated. Dr Chris McCarthy from NICTA and Dr Brendan O'Brien ANU are collaborating on the bionic eye. You may have seen this project on the ABC Catalyst program recently. Interview by Rod with special guests Erin, Luke, Simon and Alison along for the ride.

Last week we recorded Dr Fiona Wood at the ANU, talking about her life, her work, and her passion. Her energy, her skill, and her passion were evident, and I believe everyone in the room was moved by her words. It was also great to meet her after our phone interview a couple of weeks earlier. Not apparent to Fuzzy listeners was the fact that her phone was on the blink as we were trying to make the call. Ah, technology. But now we could have a good laugh about it.

How do you treat sleep apneoa? Here's are some intriguing cures you might not have heard of. Today we combine two personal stories, one on sleep apneoa, and the other hydrocephalus (literally "water brain") with expert commentary from Prof Lynne Bilston (check out her interesting bio). Plus a look at seatbelt and motorcycle helmet safety. (Note this podcast includes interviews with Debbie and Karl which were posted earlier). Interview by Rod