Wednesday
Aug. 25th
noon-1pm
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Why Plants Don't Want to be Turned into Gasoline
Jeremy Smith of the Center for Molecular Biophysics at Oak Ridge National Laboratory joins us to discuss what can we do with supercomputers and neutrons to help quietly persuade these plants to cooperate (it could be very good indeed for the environment and our energy independence).
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Wednesday
Aug. 18th
noon-1pm
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Meet George Jetson
Our last discussion on robots featured comedian Bill Dwyer on his experience hosting Battlebots. Now we are getting serious and talking with Charlie Kemp of the Wallace H. Coulter Dept. of Bioengineering about the current state of robot technology and what we need to do to make it to the age of the Jetsons.
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Wednesday
Aug. 11th
noon-1pm
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Zymurgy: the chemistry lecture you won't sleep through
Zymurgy is the chemistry of fermentation. Tracy Hamilton from the Dept. of Chemistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham will join us to talk about the chemistry of beer. Tracy is a tour speaker for the American Chemical Society's Speaker Service and talks about everything from the chemistry of coffee to the chemistry of beer.
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Wednesday
Aug. 4th
noon-1pm
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dQ/T < dS - Not Just a Good Idea...It's the Law
Sam Shelton, the founding director of the Georgia Tech Strategic Energy Institute joins us to discuss energy systems and their potential application to our current energy challenges
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Wednesday
July 28th
noon-1pm
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Cancelled
Our show with Chris Williams of the Chemical Computing Group on molecular modeling was cancelled due to technical difficulties. Chris will join us in September
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Wednesday
July 21st
noon-1pm
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Hard Facts about Software
Don Cooper, software engineer and international man of mystery, joins us to talk about the field of software engineering.
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Wednesday
July 14th
noon-1pm
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Potpourri
We haven't done a potpourri show in quite a while so here is a chance for our listeners to call in and chat about any aspect of science and technology (404) 894-2468.
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Wednesday
July 7th
noon-1pm
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Lost in the Stacks
Charlie Bennett and Ameet Doshi, host of Lost in the Stacks the World's only Research Library Rock & Roll Radio Show on WREK join us to discuss new ways to get people engaged in the modern library. As the internet makes books and journals more accessible on-line, people are now visiting the library for information needs unheard of 20 years ago.
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Wednesday
June 30th
noon-1pm
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Scientific Research - It's Your Money
In 1980, the Bayh-Dole Act allowed the commercialization of government-sponsored research. Nigam Acharya, an attorney from the Atlanta office of Barnes & Thornburg, will join us to discuss the ramifications of this law on scientific research.
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Wednesday
June 23rd
noon-1pm
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Classic Rewind
We will be rebroadcasting some of your favorite Inside the Black Box programs becuase we are not broadcasting through much of June as the broadcast tower is being painted. Sorry but this is beyond our control.
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Wednesday
June 16th
noon-1pm
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Classic Rewind
We will be rebroadcasting some of your favorite Inside the Black Box programs becuase we are not broadcasting through much of June as the broadcast tower is being painted. Sorry but this is beyond our control
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Wednesday
June 9th
noon-1pm
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Classic Rewind
We will be rebroadcasting some of your favorite Inside the Black Box programs becuase we are not broadcasting through much of June as the broadcast tower is being painted. Sorry but this is beyond our control
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Wednesday
June 2nd
noon-1pm
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Classic Rewind
We will be rebroadcasting some of your favorite Inside the Black Box programs becuase we are not broadcasting through much of June as the broadcast tower is being painted. Sorry but this is beyond our control
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Wednesday
May 26th
noon-1pm
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The Science Behind the Science of the Big Bang Theory
David Saltzberg of the UCLA Dept. of Physics and Astronomy and technical consultant on the hit CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory will discuss his dual life. Can a nerd who studies neutrinos teach the public about physics through the lives of 4 TV geeks and the girl next door? Check out David's Blog on the physics behind the show: The Big Blog Theory.
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Wednesday
May 19th
noon-1pm
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Power to the People
Tom Fuller of the Georgia Tech Research Institute and the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering will join us to discuss recent advances in fuel cell and battery technology
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Wednesday
May 12th
noon-1pm
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It's a Bug's LIfe
Kostas Konstantinidis of the Georgia Tech School of Civil and Environmental Engineering will discuss the important role that microorganisms play in the global biogeochemical and life cycles on the planet
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Wednesday
May 5th
noon-1pm
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Speech Synthesis - from Darth Vader to Princess Leia
Tom Barnwell, from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech, joins us to discuss the history of research and development on speech theory, processing and synthesis and how the synthesized voice is a bit less scary than it used to be.
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Wednesday
Apr. 28th
noon-1pm
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Women, Science and Technology
The co-directors of the Georgia Tech Women, Science and Technology program, Carol Colatrella, Mary Frank Fox and Mary Lynn Realff, join us to talk about the changing role of women in science and engineering.
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Wednesday
Apr. 21st
noon-1pm
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Where Did We Come from? - The Ribosome
Two former guests, Loren Williams and Nick Hud will discuss the molecular origin of life and research in Georgia Tech's new NASA-funded Center for Ribosomal Evolution and Adaptation.
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Wednesday
Apr. 14th
noon-1pm
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Invention + Adventure = Inventure
Prof. Craig Forest, of the Georgia Tech Inventure Prize, a competition that finds and nutures the best undergraduate inventors on campus, joins us with the winners Patrick Whaley and Sarah Vaden to talk about this amazing event and the importance of technical innovation.
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Wednesday
Apr. 7th
noon-1pm
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WARNING - Darwin in Science Class
Jeff Selman, lead plaintiff in the landmark case Selman vs. Cobb County School District, will join us to talk about the fallout from this 2002 attempt to constrain the teaching of evolution in Georgia. We will also explore relevant issues regarding evolution in the classroom since this court case.
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Wednesday
March 31st
noon-1pm
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Classic Rewind
Pete is out of town so we will be playing a previous show.
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Wednesday
Mar. 24th
noon-1pm
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Biomaterials - from wooden legs to nanomaterials
Julie Champion, of the Georgia Tech School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, talks with us about synthetic biomaterials and their numerous applications to improving health.
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Wednesday
Mar. 17th
noon-1pm
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Green Business
Bob Drew, of ECOVIE Rainwater Collection Systems, will be discussing how we can do business in an environmentally friendly way.
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Wednesday
Mar. 10th
noon-1pm
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Piezoelectricity - from Sonar to AFM
Art Ballato will join us to discuss the history and science behind everyone's favorite physical phenomenon, piezoelectricity.
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Wednesday
Mar. 3rd
noon-1pm
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Science from Science Fiction
We will be joined by the Lisa Yazsek and her co-hosts of WREK's SciFiLab to discuss science fiction that has turned into science. Pete and Bill will also join SciFiLab to cover this topic on Sunday March 7th
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Wednesday
Feb. 24th
noon-1pm
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Nanotechnology - Size Does Matter
David Gottfried from the Georgia Tech Nanotechnology Research Center will join us to talk about the role that Nanotechnology plays in your life everyday. |
Wednesday
Feb. 17th
noon-1pm
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Stem Cells - Cells Not Sure What They Want to Do When They Grow Up
Todd McDevitt, director of the Stem Cell Engineering Center at Georgia Tech, talks about Stem Cell technology and its potential applications. |
Wednesday
Feb. 10th
noon-1pm
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Science on Stage
Lauren Gunderson, the first ever playwright in residence at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical physics at the University of Santa Barbara has authored numerous critically acclaimed plays about science. She will discuss the juxtaposition of science and the performing arts and her recent projects in this area. |
Wednesday
Feb. 3rd
noon-1pm
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Sir Harry Kroto
Sir Harry Kroto, who shared the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery of buckministerfullerene will join us to talk about science, society and education. |
Wednesday
Jan. 27th
noon-1pm
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Fluids with an Attitude
Amyn Teja from the Georgia Tech School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering will join us to talk about the thermodynamics and applications of supercritical fluids. They are not quite as critical as your mother-in-law, but they have applications for everything for making de-caffeinated coffee to dry cleaning. |
Wednesday
Jan. 20th
noon-1pm
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POT-Pourri
Our nanotechnology guest had to reschedule so we did a pot pourri show. The Science in the News article was on medical marijuana research which generated lots of discussion regarding how lots of policy decisions are made independent of science. We also discussed how the scientific method may be used for seemingly unscientific problems. |
Wednesday
Jan. 13th
noon-1pm
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Coffee Chemistry
Tracy Hamilton from the Dept. of Chemistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham will join us to talk about the chemistry of coffee. Tracy is a tour speaker for the American Chemical Society's Speaker Service and talks about everything from the chemistry of coffee to the chemistry of beer. |
Wednesday
Jan. 6th
noon-1pm
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High Speed Rail: When the Wait is Longer than the Flight
Allen M. Zerembski, President of Zeta Tech, a consulting firm in the rail and transportation industry, will join us to discuss details if high speed rail and its prospects in the U.S. |
Wednesday
Dec. 30th
noon-1pm
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Classic Rewind
Bill, Pete and Trent will take a holiday hiatus, so tune in for a classic rewind of Inside the Black Box. |
Wednesday
Dec. 23th
noon-1pm
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The Logic of Voting
Voting activist Bernie Ellis, who joined us previously to talk about how high tech voting machines aren't always the best solution, returns to our show. He will provide us with an update on what is going on in Tennessee regarding this important issue. |
Wednesday
Dec. 16th
noon-1pm
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It's all Relative
Pablo Laguna from the Georgia Tech School of Physics will join us to talk about General Relativity, Gravity and what happens when Black Holes collide.Georgia Tech Graduate Student Adam Wathen will also be on hand to moderate questions from a physics class with which he has been working at Cedar Grove H.S. in Ellenwood GA. |
Wednesday
Dec. 9th
noon-1pm
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Newton and the Counterfeiter
Thomas Levinson, director of the graduate program in Science Writing at MIT will join us to discuss his latest book "Newton and the Counterfeiter: the Unknown Detective Career of the World Greatest Scientist". In addition to discussing Isaac Newton and his second career with the Royal Mint, we will chat about science writing and journalism. |
Wednesday
Dec. 2nd
noon-1pm
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Between Magic & Science
Pete and Bill chat with our listeners about the interface between magic and science and Arthur C. Clarkes third law: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistiguishable from magic". |
Wednesday
Nov. 25th
noon-1pm
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Nothing Funny about Ethics
Roberta Berry, from the Georgia Tech School of Public Policy will discuss the ethics problems that arise with advances in science and technology. We will be joined by Mr. Martin Shelton (PhD student in biomedical science, Morehouse School of Medicine) and Ms. Megan Daugherty (law student, Georgia State University College of Law) who are Roberta's students in a new class in this area being developed under a National Science Foundation grant. |
Wednesday
Nov. 18th
noon-1pm
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Grad School - funnier than you think
Jorge Cham, creator of PhD Comics will join us to discuss the lighter side of graduate school. Called "Hilarious" by the Chronicle of Higher Education it appears in periodicals from coast to coast and may be the only comic strip every reviewed by the journal Nature. |
Wednesday
Nov. 11th
noon-1pm
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Drug Design and the Male Ego
Kerry Fowler, medicinal chemist and industry consultant, formerly of G.D. Searle and the late ICOS corporation will join us to talk about medicinal chemistry, drug design and his role in the development of Cialis, the erectile dysfunction drug. |
Wednesday
Nov. 4th
noon-1pm
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The Music of Science
We’ll be joined by our friend and former guest Steve Harvey from the School of Biology here at Georgia Tech. We will be listening to some of the music from a new album entitled “Here Comes Science” by the group They Might Be Giants and other music about science that will make you wonder why we don’t have a Science category at the Grammy Awards.
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Wednesday
Oct. 28th
noon-1pm
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Don't know much about science
Chris Mooney, author of the New York Times bestseller, ”The Republican War on Science”, and co-author of “Unscientific America: How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens Our Future” joins us to discuss the numerous ramifications of the lack of scientific knowledge in society. Chris is currently a Knight Fellow in Scientific Journalism at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
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Wednesday
Oct. 21st
noon-1pm
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It's Elemental
"Chemistry - It's Elemental" is the theme of this year's National Chemistry Week, sponsored by the American Chemical Society. We will have a panel of chemistry geeks answering questions from science students at Apalachee H.S. in Barrow County, GA and from North Hall H.S. in Hall County, GA. Warren Matthews from Georgia Tech is arranging video teleconferencing with our two High Schools. Our panel includes Facundo Fernandez,Dave Sherrill, and Christine Payne from the Georgia Tech School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, David Gottfried from the Georgia Tech Center for Nanotechnology and Vernita Lockhart from the Coca Cola Corporation. The American Chemical Society has various activities planned for National Chemistry Week. Click Here to hear Tom Lehrer's song about the elements.
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Wednesday
Oct. 14th
noon-1pm
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Classic Rewind
Pete & Bill are out of the studio, so we will be playing a classic rewind of Inside the Black Box.
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Wednesday
Oct. 7th
noon-1pm
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Nobel Pursuits
Pete and Bill will be discussing some of the recently awarded Nobel Prizes, and will be taking listener calls on these recent prizes and all aspects of science and technology. Give us a call at 404-894-2468.
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Wednesday
Sept. 30th
noon-1pm
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Quantum Weirdness
Carlos Stroud, professor in the Department of Physics in the Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester, and the director of the Center for Quantum Information will discuss some really weird stuff on physics. Join as we explore whether the principle of quantum entanglement might ever be used to transmit information across the universe faster than the speed of light.
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Wednesday
Sept. 23rd
noon-1pm
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Ins and Outs of Invention
The patenting of a technical invention is critically important to innovation in science and engineering. Nigam Acharya, an attorney from the Atlanta office of Barnes & Thornburg will join us to talk about how patents work and where to begin if you think you have a patentable idea.
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Wednesday
Sept. 9th
noon-1pm
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Calculus: Math in Motion
One of Georgia Tech's favorite Calculus Professors, Tom Morley will join us to talk about Calculus. We won't just cover why it impresses people at cocktail parties, but actually talk about what it is and how it is useful.
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Wednesday
Sept. 2nd
noon-1pm
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The World According to Bud
The 11th President of Georgia Tech, Dr. G. P. (Bud) Peterson has been advising government, industry and academics on science and technology for years. He will sit down with us to discuss the future of science and technology in the U.S. and beyond.
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Wednesday
August 26th
noon-1pm
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Borderless Engineering
Bernard Amadai, Director of the Mortenson Center for Engineering in Developing Communities at the University of Colorado and the U.S. founder of Engineers Without Borders - USA will talk to us about the importance of engineering in the developing World.
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Wednesday
August 19th
noon-1pm
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PVC and other scary chemicals
Pete & Bill will look at dangers associated with Poly(vinyl chloride) and chemical safety in general after this topic was suggested by Paul, one of our regular listeners. We will look at the Greenpeace campaign to rid us from this plastic and will try to separate the science from the hype. For information about this on the consumer/environmental side see the Center for Health and Environmental Justice and for the PVC industry side see the Vinyl Institute.
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Wednesday
August 12th
noon-1pm
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Hackers, Crackers and Slackers, Oh My
Our ow Chief Engineer, Trent Altman joins us to discuss software security.
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Wednesday
August 5th
noon-1pm
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What I did on my Summer Vacation
Pete is back and will catch up on Science in the News and take general questions from callers. He will also discuss technical education in Europe and the Middle East and other things he learned on his summer travels.
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Wednesday
July 29th
noon-1pm
REBROADCAST |
SCIENCE & YOUR MONEY
Willie Belton, from the Georgia Tech School of Economics will talk about the basics behind this field and use it to explain what is happening with the current economic crisis. If you are as confused about this as Bill and Pete call in with your questions during the second half of the hour.
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Wednesday
July 22nd
noon-1pm
REBROADCAST |
Weapons Grade Allegations
Dan Tedder, former staff member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will discuss shortcomings of the NRC to enforce its own regulations regarding the design of nuclear facilities.
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Wednesday
July 15th
noon-1pm
REBROADCAST |
Technically Funny
Don McMillan, will join us to discuss the juxtaposition of humor and technology. Don has an M.S. in electrical engineering from Stanford University and previously designed integrated circuits but now he is the World's most well-known technical comic and Pete's and Bill's personal hero. Don has appeared on the Tonight Show, but also does comedy with Powerpoint slides.
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Wednesday
July 8th
noon-1pm
REBROADCAST |
Medical Imaging: Way Beyond X-Ray Specs
Join our guest Allen Tannenbaum from the Georgia Tech School of Electrical & Computer Engineering in discussing how large amounts of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ultrasound data are manipulated to produce important diagnoses. Specifically he will talk about the virtual colon fly-through and how it compares to the latest rides at Six Flags over Georgia..
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Wednesday
July 1st
noon-1pm
REBROADCAST |
Einstein's Hair - Big Bangs or Supernova
Professor Andy Zangwill from the Georgia Tech School of Physics, a science history enthusiast joins us to talk about Albert Einstein, the man, the hair and the science. We will discuss the unusual celebrity of this noted scientist and debunk some common misconceptions.
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Wednesday
June 24th
noon-1pm |
SETI: Is it science, or are we just lonely?
Seth Shostak, from the SETI Institute joins us to discuss the science behind the search for extraterrestrial intelligence while he searches for intraterrestrial intelligence among Bill and Pete in the studio. Seth is the author of several books on this topic including his most recent Confessions of an Alien Hunter: A Scientist's Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence".
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Wednesday
June 17th
noon-1pm |
Here Comes the Sun
Michael Filler, from the Georgia Tech School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, joins us to discuss the technology behind solar cells and other methods for deriving renewable energy from the sun.
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Wednesday
June 10th
noon-1pm |
The Science Behind the Music
Physicist and musician, Henry Valk, will discuss our current scientific understanding of the mecanisms that give rise to musical sound, from its production by an instrument to its being heard by a listener.
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Wednesday
June 3rd
noon-1pm |
Dark Chocolate: Is it Dark Matter or Dark Energy?
Join our guest Hakeem Oluseyi from the Department of Physics and Space Science at the Florida Institute of Technology in discussing cosmology from dark matter to dark energy and the importance of diversity in physics. Hakeem is also a contributor to the television program Brink on the Science Channel.
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Wednesday
May 27th
noon-1pm |
How Did I Get Here?
Nick Hud from the School of Chemistry will attempt to provide an answer to this question posed by David Byrne of the Talking Heads. Coordinator of The Origins Project a Chemical Bonding Center funded by the National Science Foundation, Nick will discuss the chemistry requirements for the appearance of life on earth (at least all life except for Bill who we still suspect is some kind of alien). |
Wednesday
May 20th
noon-1pm |
Preempted for ACC Baseball
The ACC baseball Tournament will be broadcast during our regular time slot. We will be back next week with a new episode of "Inside the Black Box". |
Wednesday
May 13th
noon-1pm |
Gas and Hypotheses
This is one of our Potpourri shows where we will wander through the ins and outs of science and technology. We plan to discuss new gasoline additives in the news and how scientific hypotheses are first formed. Feel free to call in with questions you have. |
Wednesday
May 6th
noon-1pm |
What's New with Chips
Cliff Henderson, from the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at Georgia Tech will discuss the latest developments in microelectronics research and how this is being used to make computer chips for the next generation of cool electronics. |
Wednesday
April 29th
noon-1pm |
Fun with Epidemiology
Our guest James Sezter, a consultant with Abt Associates Inc., will discuss how to logically interpret all the scary stories about infectious disease in the media. A former instructor at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory, Jim now travels the World advising governments on how to best address important health issues. |
Wednesday
April 22nd
noon-1pm |
Why Johnny Can't Communicate
The public's understanding of science and technology is only as good as the ability of scientists and engineers to communicate its significance. Jacqueline Mohalley Snedeker and Christina Bourgeois, who are responsible for teaching Georgia Tech's Chemical and Electrical Engineers how to write, join us to discuss the importance of good communication skills for geeks. |
Wednesday
April 15th
noon-1pm |
Hot Research from the Coldest Place on Earth
Ignacio Taboada from the School of Physics joins Pete and his special guest host Andy Zangwill to discuss Astrophysics at the South Pole. Using a cubic kilometer of ice, Prof. Taboada traps neutrinos in order to map activity of some of the hottest objects in the Universe. |
Wednesday
April 8th
noon-1pm |
Science Education in the Trenches
Two teachers trained as engineers (not educators) Tiffany Stark and Linda Patterson from the science magnet program at Wheeler H.S. in Marietta, GA will discuss the current state of H.S. science education. We will discuss what needs to be addressed in H.S. science education and some of the programs Wheeler is implementing to do just this. |
Wednesday
April 1st
noon-1pm |
CHEMISTRY - IT'S EVERYWHERE
Thomas Lane, President of the American Chemical Society (ACS) will join us by phone to explain the importance of chemistry in everyday life. If you don't believe us just take a look at the ingredient labels on consumer products. Tom will also discuss the vision of the ACS and what this means to those of us who aren't chemists. |
Wednesday
March 25th
noon-1pm |
I Robot - Georgia Tech Style
Bill Singhose, from the Georgia Tech School of Mechanical Engineering will this year's design competition associated with the ME2110- Creative Decisions and Design Course. We'll discuss the educational issues associated with such open-ended design projects and what we might expect from Bill's students who are applying their design talents to Personal Transporters and Economic Bailouts. |
Wednesday
March 18th
noon-1pm |
The Art of Approximation
Pete and Bill will discuss the favorite approximations used by scientists and engineers including everything from linear models and harmonic oscillators to first order decay and ideal systems. We will explore how such simple approximations allow us to describe so much of what we see in nature. |
Wednesday
March 11th
noon-1pm |
High Tech Start-ups: more than high tech
Join us as we talk with John Ketchersid, Chief Technology Officer for the Atlanta Seed Fund about issues relevant to start-up companies in the high tech arena.
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Wednesday
March 4th
noon-1pm |
Science of SCUBA Diving
Bill and Pete will discuss the physics and chemistry of Pete's favorite hobby - SCUBA Diving. Who says science can't be fun. |
Wednesday
February 25th
noon-1pm |
Complex Systems
This started out as a potpourri type show be evolved into a discussion of the modeling and investigation of complex systems. The behavior of systems such as the global climate and economy are impossible to predict with a large degree of accuracy. That is why models and theories are constantly being updated. |
Wednesday
February 18th
noon-1pm |
Classic Rewind
Pete and Bill are out of town so we hope you will enjoy this previously broadcast episode of INSIDE THE BLACKBOX. |
Wednesday
February 11th
noon-1pm |
Technical Entrepreneurs - An Alternative to Today's Job Market
Craig Forest, veteran of the American Inventor TV show, will join us to discuss technical innovation and the Georgia Tech Inventure Competion's impact on creating a culture of innovation among undergraduate students. Previously the technical start-up company was the high risk option, but in today's job market that may no longer be true.This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
February 4th
noon-1pm |
Technically Funny
Don McMillan, will join us to discuss the juxtaposition of humor and technology. Don has an M.S. in electrical engineering from Stanford University and previously designed integrated circuits but now he is the World's most well-known technical comic and Pete's and Bill's personal hero. Don has appeared on the Tonight Show, but also does comedy with Powerpoint slides.This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
January 28th
noon-1pm |
Human Augmentation - How Far is Too Far
Steve Deweerth, from the Georgia Tech School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Biomedical Engineering will join us to talk about human augmentation, what it is and how it's reality may differ from how it is portrayed in the movies. Steve is a primary faculty member with the Laboratory for Neuroengineering at Georgia Tech will discuss both simple and complex examples human augmentation. This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
January 21st
noon-1pm |
Baby It's Cold Outside
Michael Chapman, from the Georgia Tech School of physics will join us to talk about his work on a fascinating low temperature pheneomenon called "Bose-Einstein Condensation". The 201 Nobel Prize in physics was awarded for the first experimental evidence of the unique phase of matter to scientists from the University of Colorado and MIT.This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
January 14th
noon-1pm |
Weapons Grade Allegations
Dan Tedder, former staff member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will discuss shortcomings of the NRC to enforce its own regulations regarding the design of nuclear facilities. This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
January 7th
noon-1pm |
Science and Sports, Do They Mix?
Dan Radakovich, the Georgia Tech Athletic Director will join us to talk about the challenges of maintaining a top athletic program at a school with top science and engineering programs. Also joining us with the student/athlete perspective will be All-ACC Diver and Tech Student Stephanie England.This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
December 31st
noon-1pm |
Year in Review
Pete and Bill will review our first year after moving the show to WREK radio and take any and all questions from our listeners |
Wednesday
December 24th
noon-1pm |
Black Box Classic Rewind
Pete and Bill are both doing holiday stuff this week and we're not important enough to have local radio personalities want to fill in for us. |
Wednesday
December 17th
noon-1pm |
Black Box Classic Rewind
Pete and Bill are both out of town this week and we're not important enough to have local radio personalities want to fill in for us. |
Wednesday
December 10th
noon-1pm |
High Tech Babies
Mark Perloe, Medical Director at Georgia Reproductive Specialists will discuss the latest technological developments in reproductive medicine and infertility treatment.
This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
December 3rd
noon-1pm |
Following the Sweat
Haskell Beckham from the Georgia Tech School of Polymer and Textile Fiber Engineering will discuss the basics of, and some interesting applications for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Specifically he will talk about some recent applications to determine how modern athletic clothing wicks persperation away from your skin.
This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
November26th
noon-1pm |
What's In the Water
Larry Bottomley, from the Georgia Tech School of Chemistry and Biochemistry will discuss the basics of the analytical chemistry you might watch on TV shows like CSI. He will illustrate these techniques by talking about looking for impurities in your drinking water.
This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
November19th
noon-1pm |
Libraries in the 21st Century: No Longer Moss Covered
Our Guest Charlie Bennett of the Georgia Tech Main Library will talk about the changing face of libraries.
This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
November12th
noon-1pm |
The Science of Music
Our own co-host Bill Hunt will discuss musical acoustics. Bill actually teaches a class on this at Georgia Tech. We will be joined by Paul Neitzel of the School of Mechanical Engineering who is interested in the application of this field to guitars.This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
November 5th
noon-1pm |
UNIT UNITS EVERYWHERE
Pete and Bill with discuss everyone's favorite part of science and technology - UNITS. The units used for measured quantities are extremely important but often misunderstood. Call us with your questions or comments about this really cool topic. This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
October 29th
noon-1pm |
WOMEN IN ENGINEERING II
Wendy Cocke, president of the Atlanta Chapter of the Society of Women Engineers will join us to discuss some recent studies that update the status of women in engineering. Two of Pete's students, Sarah Begley and Ashley Newton will be joining us to give the Georgia Tech Student perspective.This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
October 22nd
noon-1pm |
SCIENCE & YOUR MONEY
Willie Belton, from the Georgia Tech School of Economics will talk about the basics behind this field and use it to explain what is happening with the current economic crisis. If you are as confused about this as Bill and Pete call in with your questions during the second half of the hour. This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
October 15th
noon-1pm |
CLASSIC REWIND
Pete and Bill are both out of town so we will be playing a classic rewind of Inside the Black Box |
Wednesday
October 8th
noon-1pm |
Voting: Is High Tech Always Best
Voter activist Bernie Ellis will join us to discuss efforts to educate citizens and leaders to the threats of nonverifiable voting systems and other practices which work to disenfranchise voters and discourage participation in the election process. While trained as a public health epidemiologist who has done important work on intervention programs to reduce cancer, substance abuse and AIDS, his voting activism proves that us geeks can do more than one thing at a time |
Wednesday
October 1st
noon-1pm |
Large Hadron Colliders: What's All the Fuss About
Physicist Eric Prebys, Program Leader at the Fermi National Accelerator Lab will talk about colliding Hadrons and why us geeks are excited about this topic. The Fermi Lab accelerator is currently the highest energy collider on the planet, but the CERN collider is now coming on line. In addition to high energy physics, Eric will talk about his favorite hobby Perpetual Motion Machines. |
Wednesday
September 24th
noon-1pm |
High Tech Weather
Bruce Rose, Vice President of Weather Systems from the Weather Channel will talk to us about modern weather monitoring and prediction and how this information flys all over the World and ends up on your TV, computer and smart phone. Don't let the V.P. title fool you. Bruce has a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Scienced from Pete and Bill's alma mater the University of Illinois. Bruce is also an experienced computer geek and we hope to get the high tech perspective that you just can't get from the on-air talent. |
Wednesday
September 17th
noon-1pm |
Medical Imaging: Way Beyond X-Ray Specs
Join our guest Allen Tannenbaum from the Georgia Tech School of Electrical & Computer Engineering in discussing how large amounts of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ultrasound data are manipulated to produce important diagnoses. Specifically he will talk about the virtual colon fly-through and how it compares to the latest rides at Six Flags over Georgia. |
Wednesday
September 10th
noon-1pm |
The Goo in your Shampoo
Victor Breedveld from the Georgia Tech School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering will discuss the fluid mechanics of complex fluids (rheology). He will illustrate the unique behavior of these materials by discussing all the thickeners (viscosity modifiers) you see in consumer products from shampoo to paint. These strange chemicals on your consumer product labels are the things that keep Bill up and night, and if you have similar nightmares be sure to join us. CLICK HERE for a cool video of walking across a pool filled with a shear thickening fluid (cornstarch in water).This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
September 3rd
noon-1pm |
The Politics of Science
We were hoping to get some weather geeks from the Weather Channel on the show, but they are busy tracking hurricanes this week. So instead we discussed the major parties platforms and what they say about science and took listener calls. |
Wednesday
August 27th
noon-1pm |
The Gorey Details of Technical Innovation
The unique management style of W.L. Gore and Associates was recently featured in Malcolm Gladwell’s best-selling book “The Tipping Point”. Gladwell points out that Gore limits the size of their facilities to improve connections between employees. This, along with an egalitarian management structure is used to improve technical innovation in the application of fluorinated polymers. Gordon McGregor, Leader of New Business Development for the Industrial Products Division at W.L. Gore and Associates will use a product development example to illustrate the effect of such management structure on technical innovation. This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
August 20th
noon-1pm |
Welcome Back Bill
In addition discussing what Bill did on his summer vacation we will be taking calls from our loyal listeners on any topic in science and technology. |
Wednesday
August 13th
noon-1pm |
The Patent Game
Intellectual property law is important to technical innovation. Andrew Torrence from the University of Kansas School of Law, will discuss patent law and technical innovation. He will also discuss some results from the Patent Game, the patent simulator he has developed and what it tells us about the relationship between patents and innovation. This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
August 6th
noon-1pm |
NERD GIRLS
We will chat with Karen Panetta of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tufts University about the Nerd Girls Project. She is joined by Allison Bedwinek, a Nerd Girl and mechanical engineer who now designs medical devices. Recently featured on the NBC Today Show and MSNBC and in Newsweek this project attempts to break the stigmas and stereotypes of women in technical fields. Nerd Girls started in 2000 with Dr. Panetta's efforts to empower female engineering students working in male-dominated technical fields. This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
July 30th
noon-1pm |
Potpourri
Due to scheduling issues with our guest for the show on patent law and technical innovation we had no guest today. Instead we answered general questions from callers and discussed green energy. This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
July 23rd
noon-1pm |
Science and Cooking
We will discuss science and its relevance to cooking. Give us a call with questions or comments about your scientific adventures in the kitchen. For more details see "What Einstein Told His Cook: Kitchen Science Explained," by Robert Wolke and "What Einstein Told His Cook 2: The Sequel: Further Adventures In Kitchen Science," by Robert Wolke and Marlene Parrish. This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
July 16th
noon-1pm |
Science and the Movies
Just for fun, Pete will discuss science and its depiction in the movies. See some reviews of science in the movies by Charlie Anders, Phil Plait or see the Insultingly Stupid Movie Physics book and website by Tom Rogers. This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
July 9th
noon-1pm |
Engineers - What Do They Do?
Pete & Bill will discuss a recently released report from the National Academy of Engineering on the Public Understanding of Engineering. This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
June 4th
noon-1pm |
CLASSIC REWIND
Pete & Bill were out of town this week so we replayed our show on polymers that originally aired on April 13th, 2008. |
Wednesday
June 25th
noon-1pm |
Don't know much about Algebra
Dr. Alvin Thaler, program director at the National Science Foundation will address the importance of math. |
Wednesday
June 18th
noon-1pm |
Computers - Not Just for Geeks Anymore
Joel Linderman Georgia Tech's favorite computer geek and the director of Georgia Tech Multimedia Center will discuss the more creative uses of computers that can help enhance the educational experience. This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
June 11th
noon-1pm |
Sex & the Sea
Julia Kubanek from the Georgia Tech School of Biology and Chemistry and Biochemistry will discuss the limited role of males in reproductive cycles for various marine microorganisms called rotifers. OK, it is not quite as exciting as the adventures of Kerry Bradshaw and friends, but it is fascinating science. This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
June 4th
noon-1pm |
NO SHOW
Pete & Bill were out of town this week. |
Wednesday
May 28th
noon-1pm |
Control Freaks of Science & Engineering
Almost everything from complicated industrial processes to the simplest tasks carried out by your household appliances is manipulated to modern control schemes. Prof. Martha Gallivan of the Georgia Tech School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering will join us to talk about the important and often overlooked field of process control.This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Wednesday
May 21st
noon-1pm |
NO SHOW
This weeks show is bumped due to the ACC baseball tournament. |
Wednesday
May 14th
noon-1pm |
The Scientific Method
Pete and Bill discuss the basics of the scientific method as well as its application to everyday life. This is a pre-taped show |
Wednesday
May 7th
noon-1pm |
Ripping Off Mother Nature
Over the years, scientists and engineers have discovered the utility of many of the design principals that occur in nature. Marc Weissburg, co-director of the Center for Biologically Inspired Design will illustrate how scientists and engineers are turning to Mother Nature for new ideas. |
Wednesday
April 30th
noon-1pm |
Luring Undergraduates into Research
Prof. James Gole from the School of Physics at Georgia Tech will be discussing the importance of undergraduate research. James won the 2008 Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor Award at Georgia Tech and has been doing research with undergraduates for 30 years. His current research focuses on the interfaces at the nanometer scale and increasing the sensitivity of devices. This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Sunday
April 27th
noon-1pm |
NO SHOW
We are in the process of switching times, so stay tuned for INSIDE THE BLACK BOX on Wednesdays at noon |
Sunday
April 20th
noon-1pm |
NO SHOW
We were yet again bumped by Georgia Tech Baseball that was rained out on Saturday. This was the 2nd time our guest Allen Tannenbaum was bumped and we hope to have him on the program again once he is speaking with us again. Pete lost it and this is why we are now switching to Wednesdays at noon. |
Sunday
April 13th
noon-1pm |
One Word - Plastics
This single line from the movie "The Graduate" underscores the importance of polymeric materials in our everyday lives. Pete and Bill will discuss the properties that make polymer materials useful in many applications. This will be a live show so call us at (404) 894-2468 with your questions and comments. |
Sunday
April 6th
noon-1pm |
NO SHOW
We were bumped by a replay of a double header of Georgia Tech Baseball that was rained out on Saturday. The irony of this clear example of prioritizing collegiate sports over collegiate education was not lost on us and may be the subject of a future show. |
Sunday
March 30th
noon-1pm |
Science Education from the Trenches
We talk with the top finishers of the recent science fair at North Springs High School, a Charter School in both Arts and Sciences to determine how best to reach young people in science and technology. Our guests are Sean McGee, Stoyan Ivanov, and Phil Winsor from North Springs High School. |
Sunday
March 23rd
noon-1pm |
Ripping Off Mother Nature
Over the years, scientists and engineers have discovered the utility of many of the design principals that occur in nature. Marc Weissburg, co-director of the Center for Biologically Inspired Design will illustrate how scientists and engineers are turning to Mother Nature for new ideas. THIS SHOW WAS NOT ACTUALLY AIRED DUE TO A PROGRAMMING ERROR - IT WILL BE AIRED AT A LATER DATE |
Sunday
March 16th
noon-1pm |
Chemistry and why we hate it
We chat with Loren Williams of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty at Georgia Tech about why only geeks like us appear to find chemistry engagin andhow we might improve the way we teach chemistry. |
Sunday
March 9th
noon-1pm |
The Birds & the Bees, without the Birds
Professor Michael Goodisman from the Georgia Tech School of Biology will discuss the social nature of Bees and other social insects. |
Sunday
March 2nd
noon-1pm |
Einstein's Hair - Big Bangs or Supernova
Professor Andy Zangwill from the Georgia Tech School of Physics, a science history enthusiast joins us to talk about Albert Einstein, the man, the hair and the science. We will discuss the unusual celebrity of this noted scientist and debunk some common misconceptions. |
