New York Academy of Sciences Podcast

Two researchers talk to Science & the City about petroleum dependence and the future of the automobile in the 21st century—from the new electric car to advanced biofuels.

Actor/director Alan Alda talks to us about problems in science communication today and why improv—yes, improv—can help scientists connect better with their audience. Physicist and World Science Festival co-founder Brian Greene joins in the conversation as Science & the City goes behind the scenes of the 2011 Festival.

Two autism researchers offer a behind-the-scenes look at novel technologies and treatments that could redefine how we understand this developmental disorder.

Oncologist and acclaimed author Siddhartha Mukherjee takes us on a journey through the long and complex history of cancer, and discusses what it took to bring his Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer, to life.

Good oral hygiene helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but the health of your mouth may have a big impact on the rest of your body too—especially if you have diabetes. Find out more in this special edition podcast from The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science.

Scientist and award-winning chef Nathan Myhrvold came to the Academy this March as part of a whirlwind tour for his much anticipated new cookbook Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking.

Drawing on strange and thought-provoking case studies, eminent neurologist V. S. Ramachandran offers unprecedented insight into the evolution of the uniquely human brain in his new book, The Tell-Tale Brain.

Harvard science historian Steven Shapin discusses the history of food science and the human view of nutrition from dietetics to modern moderation in this podcast presented by The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science at the New York Academy of Sciences.

Carl Schoonover’s book Portraits of the Mind provides a stunning visual history of neuroscience through the ages, from the earliest, abstract concepts of the mind to modern-day, full-color imagery. He spoke at the Academy on December 15, 2010. We caught up with him for a brief interview, but you can download the full lecture and slides .

Nicholas Carr, author of The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains, presents a case for stepping away from your computer, now and then, if you can.

History professor David Christian's riveting account of the known world is acclaimed for synthesizing the history of everything, including the sciences, into one framework. So says Bill Gates. See accompanying slides.

Three experts who spoke at a recent Academy conference discuss what personalized medicine is, the technology behind it, and how it will change the patient's experience.

Can we all be wise old owls? Science journalist Stephen Hall and neuroscientist Andre Fenton dissect what we call wisdom, from the neurons in our brain, to the social constructs behind it.

Neuroscientist Richard Restak thinks with the right mental exercises, our brains can be much better. Today he teams with writer Susan Orlean to talk about our brainy potential.

With our economy a shambles and our environment threatened, is there any reason to be optimistic about the future? Matt Ridley says there's scientific proof to say we should be.