Tag: black

• Swallow the Slime and Wear the Fungus

  Researchers have developed a magnetic slime "robot" that can shift into different shapes to grab objects. It may be used to operate inside humans without the need for surgery. Anthony and Jeff discuss the notion of swallowing the magnetic slime, and the future of soft robots. Then, the nuclear meltdown in Chernobyl has given birth to a new type of slime that thrives in radioactive environments. Scientists hope it may be a biological key to creating ways for humans to survive in deep space. Jeff and Anthony talk about how sometimes awful events can reveal useful information. [more]

  May 10, 2022Episodes

• Vaccinate Aging and Humanity’s Black Box

  Vaccinating senescent cells was recently reported to improve changes associated with aging in mice. Anthony and Jeff discuss the ramifications for a wide range of disease - oh, and the notion of living forever? The, if climate change is really leading to the end of human civilization, maybe someone should record the process as a warning for subsequent forms of life. But how? Jeff and Anthony discuss the project taking shape to create Earth's black box. [more]

  January 10, 2022Episodes

• Black Hole Fun

  If you ever fell into a black hole, your body would most likely be ripped into shreds and become 'spaghettified' - At least that's the theory put forward by most physicists today. But a new study is challenging that claim by suggesting there may be some black holes that you could survive - although doing so may put you into a strange reality. These black holes would destroy your past life and trap you in a parallel universe with an infinite number of possible futures. Jeff and Anthony weigh their options. [more]

  March 9, 2018Episodes

• Black Bird Swinging in the Spread of Light

  The mating dance of the male superb bird of paradise is like nothing else on Earth, thanks to their feathers, which absorb 99.95 percent of light. That’s nearly none more black, and virtually identical to what Vantablack, the world’s darkest artificial substance, can absorb. And it’s all thanks to black feathers structured like a forest of chaos. Jeff and Anthony wonder whether or not Anish Kapoor can sue a bird. [more]

  January 22, 2018Episodes