Fuzzy Logic Science Show

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

Sometimes it feels like science is a constant in our lives. The facts are facts and that's the way it is. But that isn't always the case. Today Broderick talks about how science has changed with new information and new discoveries over the years. This episode originally aired on March 24, 2019

This episode originally broadcast on St Patrick's Day- hence the green theme! Broderick discusses Irish science and then delves into the world of colour to understand what it means to be green!

One of Australia's most loved animals is the platypus. They are more common than you might imagine because they're fairly shy. But if you look they're you can see them, even in unexpected places. Geoff Williams is a self confessed platypus enthusiast from the Australian Platypus Conservancy. With some citiizen science you can help monitor the numbers of this wonderful creature. www.platypus.asn.au Interview by Rod

...as long as it's in the ground. We caught up briefly with Bob Brown at the Adani rally in Canberra today. A chat more than an interview; by Rod

Some say kids should be in school. Instead they should stay quiet about about what we are doing to the Earth's climate. These kids are ignoring that message, and turning out to voice their thoughts. We found a large, energised crowd at Gungahlin with some articulate speakers. Interviews by Rod.

We all hate weeds, right? But what is a weed anyway? How about say, wheat. Or corn, or oats. Are they weeds? The battle in Australia with prickly pear is legendary, and there's even a memorial to the Cactoblastis moth that helped bring them under control. It turns out that the prickly pear could be a valuable nutritious crop that grows in our drying land, and our guest today is a self-admitted fan. Caroline Gouws is a PhD student at the University of Canberra who's looking at its processing and nutrional benefits. Maybe the spikey invader has a place after all if we're prepared to give it a go. We even sampled some on-air. But careful to not wipe it on our cloths...because it's also a nifty dye! Interview by Rod   While you're here Present your research at the New Investigator Forum, 6 June at JCSMR You can help Fuzzy Logic by subscribing to 2xx. Thanks!    

What happens when you or a family member can no longer drive because of dementia? It's a major milestone in a person's life, not just because it signals cognitive decline, but because it also introduces a practical burden. How do you go to the shops or visit a friend if you can't drive? The CarFreeMe program being developed by the University of Queensland. Occupational therapist Any Nussio and PhD candidate Nathan D'Cunha are evaluating this program in Canberra. If you would like to be involved, contact Amy on 0457 779 766 or a.nussio[at]uq.edu.au. Participation is free. Interview by Rod