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Episode 69, 33 MIN 41 SEC , MP3 FORMAT
Geothermal Energy from Uranium Deposits
Geothermal energy is most frequently associated with volcanic activity. However, new research suggests the possibility of producing commercially viable geothermal energy from uranium deposits. Prof Mike Sandiford and Dr Sandra McLaren discuss the science behind this endeavor to produce clean energy. With host Dr Shane Huntington.
Prof Mike Sandiford - Director, Melbourne Energy Institute, and School of Earth Sciences
Dr Sandra McLaren - Lecturer, School of Earth Sciences
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Episode 68, 18 MIN 57 SEC , MP3 FORMAT
Pakistan: A State for Devolution
Dr Nadeem Malik ponders the question of why stable and robust democratic institutions have eluded Pakistan. Since its formation in 1947, military rule has been a recurrent theme for Pakistan, and true devolution of power to the local level is still a quest. With host Jacky Angus.
Dr Nadeem Malik - Lecturer in Development Studies in the School of Philosophy, Anthropology and Social Inquiry
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Episode 67, 29 MIN 32 SEC , MP3 FORMAT
400 Years of Astronomical Telescopes
Astrophysicist Prof Rachel Webster discusses the evolution of the astronomical telescope - from Galileo's version in 1609 to the iconic Hubble space telescope, and then onto a sneak peek of the upcoming James Webb space telescope which will be parked so far from earth that it can't be repaired. Every improvement to the telescope has extended our understanding of the universe around us. 2009 is both the International Year of Astronomy and the 400th anniversary of Galileo's astronomical telescope. With host Dr Shane Huntington.
Prof Rachel Webster - Chair of the Space Telescope Science Institute Visiting Committee, and the Astrophysics Group, School of Physics
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Episode 66, 26 MIN 18 SEC , MP3 FORMAT
Understanding Cooperation through Behavioural Economics
Behavioural Economist Dr Nikos Nikiforakis explains how Behavioural Economics challenges one of the fundamental premises of traditional Economics - the rational, self-serving Homo Economicus. Through laboratory and field experiments, Nikos also develops a model for understanding social cooperation. With host Jennifer Cook.
Dr Nikos Nikiforakis - Lecturer, Department of Economics
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Episode 65, 30 MIN 53 SEC , MP3 FORMAT
Effects of Climate Change on Biodiversity
Prof Ary Hoffmann and Dr Michael Kearney discuss the effects of climate change on biodiversity, and how our quality of life could be adversely affected. With host Shane Huntington.
Prof Ary Hoffmann - Director of the Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research (CESAR)
Dr Michael Kearney - Department of Zoology
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Episode 64, 28 MIN 49 SEC , MP3 FORMAT
Medical Bionics: Cochlear Implants and Beyond
Prof Robert Shepherd and Prof Tony Burkitt explain ear function, hearing loss, and how cochlear implants have improved the lives of many people. Also, bionic interventions in other parts of the body. With science host Dr Shane Huntington.
Prof Robert Shepherd - Director of the Bionic Ear Institute and Professor of Medical Bionics in the Department of Otolaryngology.
Prof Anthony Burkitt - Director of Bionic Vision Australia and Chair of Bio Signals and Bio Systems, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
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Episode 63, 20 MIN 20 SEC , MP3 FORMAT
Parental Angst and Acceptance in the Digital Age
Drs Mike Arnold and Martin Gibbs discuss the impact on families of the seemingly unstoppable wave of digital and virtual communications technologies.
Dr Michael Arnold - History and Philosophy of Science, School of Philosophy, Anthropology and Social Inquiry
Dr Martin Gibbs - Interaction Design Group, Department of Information Systems
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Episode 62, 17 MIN 50 SEC , MP3 FORMAT
Please Explain: Islamic Banking
Prof Abdullah Saeed explains the concepts, history and modern-day practice of banking and finance according to Islamic law. With host Jacky Angus.
Prof Abdullah Saeed - Sultan of Oman Professor of Arab and Islamic Studies, and Director of the National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies, and Asia Institute at the University of Melbourne.
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Episode 61, 00 HR 24 MIN 08 SEC , MP3 FORMAT
Deconstructing / Reconstructing the Tasmanian Tiger
Biologists Prof Marilyn Renfree and Assoc Prof Andrew Pask talk Tassie Tiger, and explain how the humble mouse has aided genetic understanding of the extinct marsupial, the Thylacine. With host Dr Shane Huntington.
Prof Marilyn Renfree - Ian Potter Professor of Zoology, The University of Melbourne
Assoc Prof Andrew Pask - Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut
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Episode 60, 21 MIN 36 SEC , MP3 FORMAT
Harpooning the Myths: Japan and Whaling
Maritime historian Dr Charles Schencking joins host Jennifer Cook to separate the myths from the facts surrounding the contentious practice of whaling by Japan.
Dr Charles Schencking - Asia Institute and the School of Historical Studies
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