Holly Bik, UC Davis – Diversity of Microbial Life
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When you think “big-data,” you may not immediately think of the genetic contents of the deep sea. But, Holly Bik, a post-doctoral researcher at the UC Davis Genome Center, does! Her research analyzes sea-water in an effort to “barcode the…
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Jason Kalirai, Johns Hopkins University – Exploring Exoplanets
As increasingly powerful telescopes improve, so does our ability to study the vastness of the galaxy. Jason Kalirai, associate researcher at the Center for Astrophysical Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, specializes in the deepest of deep space studies. Dr. Jason…
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Jorge Zuluaga, University of Antioquia – Debunking “Pandora”
With the announcement of a series of sequels, now is a great time to discuss the scientific viability of the Avatar world. Jorge Zuluaga, an astronomer at Colombia’s Universidad de Antioquia, wants to emphasize the “fiction” in science fiction. In…
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David Henard, NC State University – What Makes a Hit Song?
What do: loss, desire, aspiration, breakup, pain, inspiration, nostalgia, rebellion, jaded, desperation, escapism and confusion have in common? According to a North Carolina State University researcher, these concepts are thematic in a large majority of hit songs. David Henard, Poole…
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Behind the Scenes: Producing The Academic Minute
Here’s another look behind the scenes at The Academic Minute! Dr. Lynn Pasquerella delivers an AM introduction as WAMC Program Director Katie Britton listens in!
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Matt Taylor, Washington State University – Knowledge Transfer
Computers are very useful in the classroom, but in the near future, they might be conducting the class! Matt Taylor, assistant professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Washington State University, is teaching computers how to…
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Thomas Albrecht-Schmitt, FSU – The Power of Californium
Research from Florida State University might change the way we build and store radioactive waste. Thomas Albrecht-Schmitt, the Gregory R. Choppin Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Florida State University, is working with atomic element number 98: californium. Professor Thomas…
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Geoff Ball, University of Alberta – Metabolically Healthy Obesity
UAlberta research shows: a study of 181 children with obesity aged eight to 17 years old showed that up to a third could be classified as “metabolically healthy,” meaning they’re not imminently at risk of developing insulin resistance—a precursor to…
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Volkan Topalli, Georgia State University – Cash vs. Credit and Crime
“Our study shows that even a small reduction of cash has a positive effect in reducing street crime.” Volkan Topalli, associate professor of criminal justice and criminology at Georgia State University, profiles the effect that switching government assistance funds from…
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This Week on the Academic Minute
Monday, June 30 Dr. Volkan Topalli of Georgia State University explains how switching government assistance funds from cash to credit might reduce street crime. Tuesday, July 1 Dr. Geoff Ball of the University of Alberta discusses metabolically healthy obesity. …