Fuzzy Logic Science Show

In this show scientist Lennart Bach from the Institute in Marine and Antarctic Studies in Tasmania talks about the possible side effects of negative emission technology, ocean acidification's effect on marine plankton communities and other thoughts on our climate future. 

On todays episode Jamie Kirkpatrick, geographer and conservation ecologist from the University of Tasmania talks about bushfires. Zanna Chase, professor of oceanography at the University of Tasmania, talks about some of her research into oceanic drivers of climate change.

There are only seven meals between civilisation and anarchy. But we're okay in Australia, right? There's always food in the supermarket and shortages are what happens in other places. Not here. The horrendous current drought, record heat and devastating fires across our country are a hint that we should lose our complacency because Australia is vulnerable. In spite of what our Prime Minister seems to think, climate change is here and it's happening right now. Julian Cribb's latest book is Food or War. It's a fascinating dive into the history of civilisations that went hungry. With foresight we can avoid it, but how? Spoiler alert: we must act soon. Interview by Rod and Tom.

The climate clock is ticking. Actually, it's not just ticking because the alarms are going off with deafening roar. If ever we needed visible evidence of what climate change means, the start to 2020 is it. We invited Emeritus Professort Will Steffen to put this in perspective. Are the bushfires devastating our country unexpected? Will there be more? And what can we do about it? Prof Will Steffen is a world recognised authority on climate and the Anthropocene. Interview by Rod. Music by Shock Octopus who you can find on Bandcamp.  Proceeds from the single go to Extinction Rebellion.    

This week on Fuzzy Logic, Broderick is joined by some local experts to share the science behind the bushfires that are currently the focus for all Australians. Dr Geoff Cary from the Fenner School at the Australian National University shares his research and all the science behind bushfires, while Dr Arnagretta Hunter, a local cardiologist and member of Doctors for the Environment Australia, shares some insights behind what long term health effects might be caused by these fires, both physically and mentally.

Join Broderick for a very merry, sciencey time as he shares the psychology behind wrapping presents, the maths behind Christmas birthdays and the science behind what we eat. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

On this episode of Fuzzy Logic we had three researchers from the Australian National University (ANU): Alena Kimbrough a paleoclimate scientist who has been researching rainfall in Indonesia over the past 380, 000 years by analysing stalagmites from caves in Sulawesi. Katharine Grant,also a paleoclimate scientist who uses ocean sediment cores to gain understanding of the earth's past climate even further back in time. Rebecca Colvin,  a social scientist who is working to understand how human group behavior effects our relationship with issues such as climate change.  

As population soars in a rapidly deteriorating global environment, it's hard to remain optimistic. We ask ourselves, what does it mean to have hope? Do we give up and fall into despair? This is the question our two guests touch on in these interviews. Clive Hamilton is a the well-known author of books such as Requiem for a Species and Earthmasters. Robyn Williams is the renowned presenter of the ABC Science Show. Interviews by Rod.  

Peak Oil, remember that? Back in 2008 we interviewed Robert Rapier, a respected analyst in the energy business. It's interesting to look back and see what has - and hasn't changed since then. Oil is as dirty a source of CO2 as it ever was. Or arguably, it's dirtier now because it requires ever more energy to extract as easier sources are depleted. Fears of Peak Oil have largely faded as unconventional reserves are exploited, especially in the USA. But, the day must come when oil declines. In a recent blog post, Robert Rapier refers to US shale oil: "depletion of the best drilling locations, and too many wells drilled too close together for the slowdown."

The mountains of waste we produce are a growing problem. Surely we can do better than just burying all that stuff in a hole. Recycling is an obvious part of the solution, but it's tricky because waste usually arrives as unsorted piles. To recover the value, first we must sort it. That's what David Hinwood aims to do with his robotic hand. For now, he's focussing on sorting textiles, which is more complicated than it looks at first sight. Brought to you by Caroline and Rod.

On Fuzzy Logic we get into the science of dancing. With movement, music, biomechanics and helping us age disgracefully, we learn that science is as much about being alive as it is about cold numbers. Professional dancers Liz Lea and Philip Piggin describe how science informs their work - and how their work communicates science. To learn more about Dance for Wellbeing which helps people with Parkinson's, Dimention and other conditions, visit BelconnenArtsCentre.com.au. Liz Lea is Creative Director of Ausdance ACT www.ausdanceact.org.au Luckily you can't see Rod's Jive during this interview.

Political leaders are fond of saying we need a Big Australia, but what does that really mean? How long can our beautiful arid land keep supporting more and more people? Do we need to keep growing to pump the economy? Lish Fejer from ABC local radio interviews Rod from Fuzzy Logic. During the broadcast, Lish mentions Worldometers which shows startling real-time numbers for world population and other statistics.

A human body is a complicated thing, so it can be really difficult to know what happens when you stuff things - food - into it. We eat so many different things that each interact, and we don't even remember exactly what we ate in a day...let alone honestly tell a researcher. New Scientist recently ran a story, highlighting the nutrition muddle caused by endless conflicting advice. What are we to make of this?  Dr Nenad Naumovski and Nathan D'Cunha from the University of Canberra join Tom to untangle some of this.  

If growth is good, lots of growth must be very good. If we like people, then lots of people must be good, right? It took 123 years from 1804 to 1927 to add a billion people to the world's population. It took 12 years to 2011 to add another billion, and now there are over 7.5 billion people on the planet. Michaeal Bayliss from Sustainable Population Australia talks us through some reasons why we should care. But is that racist? Why not just recycle? Music we play during the show are from his band Shock Octopus. Interview by Rod and Tom

This week, Andy is talking with the many wonderful people running events in an around Canberra for National Science Week 2019.  Find events near you here: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/

This week, Broderick takes a step back 50 years and shares the news of July 1969. Relive the hype and the mystery that surrounded the space race and the Apollo 11 mission.

Today on Fuzzy Logic we look at how the first Australian's arrived and Broderick delves into the world of animals and accents. Episode originally aired on 23 June, 2019.

This week, Broderick brings you a mixed bag of science news from the week that has just gone. Episode originally broadcast on June 16, 2019

Here's a quick quizz: what's the dominant form of life of Earth?  Humans...dinosaurs...insects? None of the above! If you consider the entire lifespan of our planet, the creatures that have spanned the longest are stromatolites. Not only are they are the earliest fossil evidence of life, their time here far outlasts other forms of life. Plus they released vast quantities of oxygen into the atmosphere - which enabled life such as you and I. Hamelin Station is operated by Australian Bush Heritage to conserve this precious landscape on the edge of the World Heritage area. Michelle and Ken Judd are the station managers talk to Rod about what it means to run a place like this.

This week Broderick talks to some of the Canberra speakers from Pint of Science 2019. Guest scientists include Belinda Wilson, Dr Jason Sharples, Dr Fiona Panther and Dr Rose Ahlfeldt. This episode originally aired on May 19, 2019