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  • AMSE Science Report with guest Keith Houston

    AMSE Science Report with guest Keith Houston
    2025/02/17

    Keith Houston, author of the book, Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator joined us to recently to speak on our podcast AMSEcast. We talked about counting and ciphering from the earliest days of humanity up to the momentous creation of those wonderful pocket devices in the 1970’s. One of the historic models we spoke about was the TI 81 that became a worldwide sensation for Texas Instruments.
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    4 分
  • AMSE Science Report with guest Saul David

    AMSE Science Report with guest Saul David
    2025/02/14

    Part of our mission at the AMSE Foundation is to tell the story of the Manhattan Project and to do that, we must discuss the horrible conflict that led to that massive effort to build the atomic bomb. With that in mind, I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Saul David, author of Crucible of Hell: The Heroism and Tragedy of Okinawa, 1945. Saul explains, Okinawa, for many reasons, was seen as a natural stepping stone to an invasion of the Japanese home islands.
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    4 分
  • Nuclear Safety Innovation with Ashley Stowe

    Nuclear Safety Innovation with Ashley Stowe
    2025/02/12
    Dr. Ashley Stowe is the director of the Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center (ORETTC) at Y-12 National Security Complex, and he joins AMSEcast to discuss his career and the mission of Y-12. With a PhD in chemistry and an MBA, Dr. Stowe leads efforts to support nuclear deterrence, fuel the nuclear navy, and advance global security. Opened in 2023, ORETTC trains first responders using cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality to simulate nuclear scenarios. Upcoming projects include a second facility with advanced capabilities and tools like immersive LED volumes and holographic tables, ensuring effective training, workforce development, and leadership in global nuclear security. Guest Bio Dr. Ashley Stowe is the director of the Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center (ORETTC) at Y-12 National Security Complex, a role he has held since 2021. Joining Y-12 in 2007, Dr. Stowe has served in various leadership positions, including senior development chemist, Googin Fellow, and director of the Nuclear Forensics and Detection Initiative. He also led CNS’s university and minority-serving institution partnership programs. Dr. Stowe holds a PhD in chemistry from Florida State University and an MBA from the University of Tennessee. An accomplished researcher and adjunct professor, he is widely recognized for his contributions to nuclear science. Show Highlights
    • (0:35) Introducing Dr. Ashley Stowe
    • (1:40) How Ashley began his journey to Y-12
    • (3:49) Y-12’s overall mission and how it’s operated
    • (7:22) How people who receive ORETTC training are chosen and where they find trainers
    • (9:54) The technology used during training at ORETTC
    • (11:00) The types of facilities ORETTC is training to address during emergencies
    • (14:23) How Ashley evaluates the effectiveness of training
    • (20:15) Steps students and others can take to follow in Ashley’s footsteps
    • (25:12) What’s next for ORETTC
    • (28:58) ORETTC’s LED volume
    Link Referenced
    • Ashley Stowe email: ashley.stowe@pxy12.doe.gov
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    34 分
  • AMSE Science Report with Katie McKissick

    AMSE Science Report with Katie McKissick
    2025/02/02

    Katie McKissick, author of the book DNA is You: The Marvelous Science Behind Your One-Of-A-Kind-Ness is our guest on this episode of The AMSE Science Report. Our wide ranging conversation looks at the mechanisms of DNA and how it shapes our lives.
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    4 分
  • Building the Empire of the Sum with Keith Houston

    Building the Empire of the Sum with Keith Houston
    2025/01/29
    Keith Houston is the author of Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator. He joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to discuss the history of calculating. From the ancient Lebombo bone to mechanical calculators, Keith covers the evolution of calculating tools. This includes modern milestones like John Napier’s logarithms, the HP-35 scientific calculator, and the TI-81’s impact on U.S. classrooms. Keith also discusses his forthcoming book, Face With Tears of Joy. In this book, he explores the history, culture, and governance of emojis. Guest Bio Keith Houston is the author of many books. In Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator, he explores the story behind this revolutionary tool. Keith is also the creator of the Shady Characters blog where he covers the history of punctuation and typography. He is working on a new book that dives into the history of emojis. Show Highlights
    • (1:55) When humans started counting
    • (4:37) How the abacus and counting board advanced our ability to calculate
    • (6:28) The creation of the algorithm
    • (11:13) Why the Curta stands out in the evolution of the calculator
    • (18:00) Why the Pocketronic from Texas Instruments was so groundbreaking
    • (25:44) How the HANDY-LE fits into the story of calculating
    • (26:30) HP’s role in revolutionizing calculating with the HP-35
    • (29:05) How the TI-81 was able to be found in classrooms around the world
    • (34:15) America’s reaction to calculators in the classroom setting
    • (36:17) What’s next for Keith Houston
    Links Referenced
    • Shady Characters: https://shadycharacters.co.uk/
    • Shady Characters: The Secret Life of Punctuation, Symbols, and Other Typographical Marks: https://www.amazon.com/Shady-Characters-Punctuation-Symbols-Typographical/dp/0393064425
    • The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Cover-Cover-Exploration-Powerful/dp/1324086351/
    • Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator: https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Sum-Reign-Pocket-Calculator/dp/0393882144
    • Face With Tears of Joy: https://www.amazon.com/Face-Tears-Joy-Natural-History/dp/1324075147
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    40 分
  • AMSEcast Conversations: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush

    AMSEcast Conversations: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush
    2025/01/15
    Alan Lowe, Executive Director of the American Museum of Science and Energy, launches AMSEcast Conversations with a compelling discussion on Jay Hakes’ book, The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush. The panel, featuring Hakes alongside energy experts David McCollum and Charles Sims, traces the origins of modern climate science to the 1950s work of Roger Revelle and Dave Keeling. The panel explores the evolution of climate science, the challenges of political resistance, and the growing urgency of action in the face of today’s visible climate impacts. Their discussion emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and persistence in addressing global climate challenges. Guest Bio Jay Hakes is an accomplished author and energy policy expert whose latest book, The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush, explores the intersection of science and leadership. Previously, Jay authored Energy Crises: Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Hard Choices in the 1970s. He served for 13 years as Director of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta and was Administrator of the Energy Information Administration during the Clinton administration. Jay also worked under President Obama as Director of Research and Policy for the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Commission, bringing deep expertise to critical energy challenges. David McCollum is a leading expert in energy and environmental policy, serving as part of the distinguished R&D staff in the Mobility and Energy Transitions Analysis Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). He also holds a joint faculty appointment at the University of Tennessee’s Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs in Knoxville. David’s work focuses on the critical intersections of energy systems, transportation, and sustainability, bringing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a low-carbon future. His expertise bridges research and policy, making him a key voice in addressing global energy and climate issues. Charles Sims is an expert in energy and environmental policy, currently serving as the director of the Center for Energy, Transportation, and Environmental Policy at the University of Tennessee (UT) in Knoxville. He holds the TVA Distinguished Professorship of Energy and Environmental Policy at UT's Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs and is also an associate professor in the Department of Economics. Charles' work focuses on the economic and policy implications of energy systems and environmental challenges, offering valuable insights into the complex relationship between energy, transportation, and sustainable development. Show Highlights
    • (2:49) When scientists realized that climate was changing and human activities were the major cause
    • (4:35) The Keeling Curve
    • (7:18) Why the public’s perception of climate change has shifted over the years
    • (17:14) Eisenhower’s introduction to climate change and its impact on Atoms for Peace
    • (20:49) JFK’s awareness of the climate change issue
    • (26:38) How climate change factored into decisions made during LBJ’s Great Society
    • (31:20) President Nixon and climate change
    • (38:23) The failed marriage between climate science and nuclear power
    • (41:36) Facing climate change on an international scale
    • (48:42) How to test sources on climate change and the importance of good communication
    • (54:16) Are there any positive outlooks on climate change at this point in time?
    Links Referenced
    • The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush: https://www.amazon.com/Presidents-Planet-Climate-Politics-Eisenhower/dp/0807181900
    • Energy Crises: Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Hard Choices in the 1970s: https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Crises-Choices-Environment-America/dp/0806168528
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    1 時間 3 分
  • A Theory of Everyone with Michael Muthukrishna

    A Theory of Everyone with Michael Muthukrishna
    2025/01/02
    Dr. Michael Muthukrishna, Associate Professor at LSE, joins Alan to explore his book, A Theory of Everyone. It reveals how cultural evolution—our “software” of beliefs, language, and logic—shaped humanity's unique trajectory. He explains the "laws" of energy and innovation: energy abundance fuels cooperation and progress, while innovations like the steam engine drive efficiency and competition. Michael highlights the "paradox of diversity," where fresh ideas thrive amid aligned communication and norms. He links societal challenges like division and inequality to resource scarcity and calls for leveraging technologies like AI and startup cities to foster collaboration, sustainable innovation, and global progress. Guest Bio Dr. Michael Muthukrishna is an Associate Professor of Psychological and Behavioral Science at the London School of Economics, with a unique academic foundation in software engineering and psychology from the University of Queensland, and advanced degrees from the University of British Columbia. He has held prestigious roles at Harvard, Yale, and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. Recognized for his groundbreaking work, Michael has received accolades like the 2024 Excellence in Quantitative Methods Research Award and a John Templeton Foundation grant. He is the author of the acclaimed book, A Theory of Everyone, which redefines how we understand human evolution and progress. Show Highlights
    • (2:24) What A Theory of Everyone entails
    • (12:14) The fundamental “law” of energy
    • (20:31) The “law” of innovation
    • (22:47) COMPASS - the seven secrets of innovation
    • (26:22) The paradox of diversity
    • (30:20) How humans’ big heads have affected our evolution
    • (38:11) The next level of human cultural evolution
    • (46:25) The necessary steps to the next stage of tying societies back together
    • (52:10) How to protect the engine of growth amidst negative circumstances
    • (54:23) What’s next for Michael Muthukrisha
    Links Referenced
    • A Theory of Everyone: The New Science of Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We’re Going: https://www.amazon.com/Theory-Everyone-Science-where-Going/dp/026204837X
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    58 分
  • AMSE Science Report The Physics of Santa

    AMSE Science Report The Physics of Santa
    2024/12/21

    A few thoughts on the 24 hour, madcap & meteoric flight across the planet
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    4 分