Episode List

Episode 80

Do your genes determine your success in life? with Kathryn Paige Harden

In new book, behavior geneticist debates the role genetics play in social inequality

DNA strands
In new book, behavior geneticist debates the role genetics play in social inequality

Episode 79

How the UN aims to save humanity, with Chris Williams and Luis Bettencourt

Examining the 17 goals that could achieve a sustainable global future

Global city
Examining the 17 goals that could achieve a sustainable global future

Episode 78

Combating Our Global Water Crisis Using AI, with Junhong Chen

UChicago-Argonne scientist explores more sustainable ways to make use of water

Water treatment plant
UChicago-Argonne scientist explores more sustainable ways to make use of water

Episode 77

Revolutionizing technology at the nanoscale, with Paul Alivisatos

UChicago president discusses his field-defining research, how universities can support scientific discovery

Paul Alivisatos
UChicago president discusses his field-defining research, how universities can support scientific discovery

Episode 76

The science behind forming better habits, with Katy Milkman

Big Brains podcast: The science behind forming better habits, with Katy Milkman

Abstract illustration of a brain

Big Brains podcast: The science behind forming better habits, with Katy Milkman

Episode 75

The Secret Nazi Past and Billionaire Future of U.S. Space Innovation with Jordan Bimm

Space historian examines our militaristic relationship to the stars, and how it still shapes our future

Outer space
Space historian examines our militaristic relationship to the stars, and how it still shapes our future

Episode 74

How a Genetic Breakthrough Could Address Global Hunger, with Chuan He

By tweaking RNA, scientist boosts crop yields by 50%, increases drought tolerance

A farming machine gathers crops on a wheat field
By tweaking RNA, scientist boosts crop yields by 50%, increases drought tolerance

Episode 73

The Deadly Flaw in Our Judgment, with Cass Sunstein

Scholar examines the persistent flaw clouding our decision-making and institutions

Illustration of two people thinking
Scholar examines the persistent flaw clouding our decision-making and institutions

Episode 72

A scientist’s beef with the meat industry, with Impossible Foods’ Pat Brown

Founder and CEO ‘cracking the code’ of plant-based products to help save humanity

Impossible burger
Founder and CEO ‘cracking the code’ of plant-based products to help save humanity

Episode 71

A Surprising Economic Solution To Climate Change, with Michael Greenstone

Big Brains podcast: A surprising economic solution to climate change

Air pollution

Big Brains podcast: A surprising economic solution to climate change

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