Temporary Experts

Black Holes: The Gravity of the Situation

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 20:32:06 +0000

With the latest images of the Milky Way's very own black hole Sagittarius A* hitting the airwaves, join Sarah and Davis as they explore the science behind imaging black holes, and learn about that fundamental force that keeps us all glued to planet Earth... Gravity

Genome Sweet Genome

Fri, 06 May 2022 23:12:36 +0000

Unlock the secrets of genetics! Join Sarah and Davis as they explore the science of genomics and the significance of sequencing the complete human genome. From the basics of DNA structure, to how our experiences can shape gene expression this episode is sure to help you 'inherit' some genetics knowledge!

'Sup with that Language, bro?

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 18:54:13 +0000

Language, it's integral to our experience as humans, but where did it come from? What makes human language so unique among communication in the animal kingdom? How does language evolve, change, and even die out? And are computer languages anything like human ones? Explore these questions and more as Sarah and Davis take a deep dive into the world of language and explore its deep connection to our success as a species, our biology, and how it shapes society.

Shakespeare Scene Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPlpphT7n9s&t=533s

Editor's Note: due to an issue with our recording software (read Davis dun goofed) this episode may sound a bit quieter than others.

Alcohol: A St. Paddy's Day Bonanza

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Whether it be green beer, glasses in the shape of boots, or a homecoming bash, humans have created nearly endless holidays and festivals centred around imbibing one of our oldest drugs... Alcohol! Join Sarah and Davis as they embark on a St. Paddy's day special to explore the science of alcohol, brewing, and our fermented friends' role in shaping human culture throughout history.

Fission/Fusion: The Power of the Atom

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 16:19:02 +0000

From ancient times to the stuff of science fiction join Sarah and Davis as they explore humanity's quest to better understand that fundamental building block of the universe, the atom, and harness its power. From the earliest nuclear reactors underneath squash courts, the legacy of the Manhattan Project, and the bright future promised by Nuclear Fusion we take a look at the science, engineering, and political landscape that drives these innovations in this latest episode of Temporary Experts.

Love: it bonds us together

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 15:46:30 +0000

Celebrate everyone's favourite Hallmark Holiday with Sarah and Davis as they explore the science of love and attachment. Take a look at the chemicals that drive our attraction and the effect of love on the brain, the role they play in bonding between infants and caregivers, and how dating apps have changed the game for singles everywhere.

Habits: Not so New Year's Resolutions

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 02:19:43 +0000

One month into the New Year and how are your resolutions coming along? Sarah and Davis take a look at the science of forming habits and what tricks might help us power through to our lofty goals! Learn how the psychology and neuroscience of habit forming can help us 'hack' our reward systems and build sustainable long term habits or break bad ones. Even take a look at how scientists are using our understanding of the brain to learn about hypnosis and mind-control

The James Webb Telescope: a Very NASA Christmas

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 17:29:49 +0000

Feliz NASAvidad... from SPACE! Join Sarah and Davis as they discuss recent space news from the testing of Anti-Satellite weaponry, hypersonic missiles, to NASA's mission to deflect an asteroid, and the impending launch of the much anticipated James Webb Telescope which is set to redefine our view of the universe.

For more info on mega-constellations check out: github.com/hannorein/megaconstellations

Cannabis: A Different Green Revolution

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 17:26:01 +0000

Cannabis, Marijuana, Weed. Is it really the devil's lettuce or the miracle cure for all your ailments? Join Sarah and Davis as they explore the history of hemp, cannabis, and its prohibition. Discover how cannabis affects the human body, and how legalization is changing our understanding of this eponymous plant.

Alternative Energies: Bringing the Green Balance

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 20:19:21 +0000

Water, Solar, Wind, Nuclear: Together these four green energy alternatives will help pave the way towards humanities zero-emissions goals. Join Sarah and Davis as they discuss the history and science behind these technologies and the role they'll play in meeting the 2050 targets promised by countries around the world at this years COP26 meeting in Glasgow.

You don't mess with Time!

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 02:38:34 +0000

But that doesn't stop us from trying! Join Sarah and Davis as they discuss the history of timekeeping, how our living things keep time with circadian rhythm, why Daylight Savings Time exists and how it could be harmful to your health!

The Real Truths About Volcanoes

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 19:32:53 +0000

What is volcano? Why is volcano? ... Who is volcano??? Join Sarah and Davis as they push metaphors to their limits while explaining the science behind volcanoes, types of eruptions, volcanic rocks, and some of the most famous eruptions of modern history!

Natural Disasters: Earthquakes and Hurricanes

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 14:05:43 +0000

With hurricane season wreaking havoc on the East Coast and earthquakes shaking things up across the world, Sarah and Davis explore the science behind these natural disasters, how they happen, and how humans prepare our infrastructure to tolerate them.

To support victims of Hurricane Ida and the Haiti Earthquake follow the links below:

https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief/hurricane-relief/hurricane-ida-relief.html

https://nymag.com/strategist/article/haiti-earthquake-where-to-donate.html

Light of my Life... and Lasers

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 19:16:32 +0000

Did cities ruin the night sky? Are gamma rays useful for more than creating Hulks? What really is a laser?! Davis and Sarah tackle these questions and more as they explore the entirety of the electromagnetic spectrum and how the many forms of light were discovered and are used throughout science and technology and in our everyday lives! Thank you to Kyle for requesting the topic, we hope it lives up to your expectations ;)

The Olympics: Higher, Better, Faster, Stronger... Through SCIENCE!

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 15:40:13 +0000

The Tokyo Olympics are forging ahead! Join Sarah and Davis as they take a look at the evolution of sport science since the early 1900s and how it's allowed athletes to reach higher highs. Also, take a dive into the arms race between doping and detection, and how the pursuit of cheaters has put some athletes' natural advantage under unfair scrutiny.

Climate Change: Life Under the Heat Dome

Sat, 10 Jul 2021 16:20:37 +0000

From heat domes, to forest fires, yeast, fungi, and jet streams, there's hardly anything that isn't affected by climate change. After the historic heat wave in western Canada and the US, Sarah and Davis discuss the growing incidents of extreme weather around the globe and why the expanding effects of climate change are here to stay.

Summer of Bugs: The Good, the Bad, and the Many-Legged

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 13:32:34 +0000

Well, really it's more about spring bugs, but that didn't have as nice a ring to it. Join Sarah and Davis as they discuss – Nature's Deadliest Predator – among other creepy crawlers and flyers. Take a journey through the Alberta bug-o-sphere, learn some tips on how to avoid getting eaten alive, and explore a particular insect you may be glad not to have next door. (Also enjoy some lovely thunder sounds captured during recording)

Thanks for listening!

Crypto: It's off the (Block)-Chain!

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 14:34:17 +0000

Bitcoin, Etherium, Doge Coin, Elon Musk, Oh My! This week Sarah and Davis dive into the complex world of cryptocurrency to understand the underlying technology that has made it all possible, blockchain. What makes this technology so special, why it has become synonymous with cryptocurrency, how it relates to the growing craze around NFTs, and where this technology may take us in the future.

A huge thank you to Cooper and Michael who helped with research for this very special episode!

Thanks for listening!

Space Junk: Was Chicken Little Right!?

Fri, 21 May 2021 03:14:44 +0000

The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Well no, not really, but for a few days that was the concern as the world awaited the uncontrolled re-entry of China's Long March rocket. While ultimately it landed harmlessly in the Indian Ocean it didn't stop our imaginations from running wild, so we thought we'd take a look at the growing problem of space junk, the laws governing space exploration, and how the growing commercialization of space will create challenges for both.

Early Childhood Education: Childhood Brains for Longterm Gains

Fri, 07 May 2021 19:28:31 +0000

What do pizza, dogs, and marshmallows have to do with early childhood and brain development? Come find out as Sarah and Davis discuss the science of our developing brains from infancy to adolescence, and the value of creating a universal child care system in Canada.

Springtime!/Swingtime!

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 18:47:38 +0000

The birds are returning, the days are lengthening, and the baseballs are flying, that must mean it's time for Spring! Join Davis and Sarah as they explore what brings about the changes of Spring for plants, animals and humans, how to set up your garden for success all season long, and we take a look at a surprisingly scientific game of Baseball as the season kicks off.

Vaccines: Covid Vaxx Facts!

Sun, 28 Mar 2021 15:16:33 +0000

While many of us wait patiently for our Covid vaccine we thought we'd take a look back at vaccines through history, how they work, and what makes this vaccine campaign so significant. Let's explore what makes these vaccines different but equal, and how COVID fatigue is making the final stretch harder and harder to endure as we await our own turns for the shot

Let us know your thoughts and what you might like to see discussed in future episodes!

Thanks for listening!

Mars: The Lost Missions

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 02:00:00 +0000

The landing of Perseverance presents a whole new era for Mars exploration! Sarah and Davis discuss this new mission's objectives, and the failure filled history of Mars exploration!

Links:

First Soviet transmission from the surface of Mars

NASA supercut of Perseverance touchdown