Big Picture Science

Could you have had a past life? Is it possible that some part of you is the reincarnation of a person – or maybe an animal – that lived long ago? We’ll hear the story of a young boy who started having nightmares about a plane crash. His parents thought he was the reincarnation of a downed, World War II fighter pilot. But his story might not fly. Also … is there any biological basis for reincarnation? Animals that indulge in the big sleep. Suspended animation is Hollywood’s favorite device for interstellar travel … But could we really put a dimmer switch on human metabolism? Learn how techniques for hitting the hold button for humans might be just around the corner. Guests: •  Cynthia Meyersburg – Research psychologist at Harvard University •  Tori Hoehler – Astrobiologist at the NASA Ames Research Center •  André Bormanis – Screenwriter, producer and former science consultant for “Star Trek” •  Matt Andrews – Biologist at the University of Minnesota, Duluth •  Phil Plait – Astronomer, and author of the Bad As