Episodes

  • Einstein Was Wrong: John Clauser on Bell's Theorem and the Nature of Reality
    Nov 25 2024

    In this episode, we sit down with Nobel laureate John Clauser to discuss his experiments from the early 1960’s, testing Bell's inequalities and quantum entanglement. Clauser shares the story of how, as a graduate student, he proposed testing quantum mechanics against Einstein's local realism - an idea that most prominent physicists, including Richard Feynman, dismissed as a waste of time. Despite the skepticism, Clauser persisted and conducted the first experimental tests that showed quantum mechanics was correct and Einstein was wrong about quantum entanglement.

    Clauser walks us through the technical challenges of the experiments, from building equipment from scratch on a minimal budget to collecting data over hundreds of hours—using punch cards and paper tape. He also discusses the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics and his current views on climate science.

    02:29 The Birth of Bell's Theorem
    05:00 The Struggle to Prove Einstein Wrong
    08:13 The Evolution of Quantum Mechanics Testing
    13:15 Understanding Quantum Entanglement
    22:14 The Historical Context of Quantum Mechanics
    34:56 The Wave-Particle Duality Debate
    41:01 Experimental Challenges and Breakthroughs
    01:09:06 Polarizer Angles and Experimental Errors
    01:11:57 Philosophical Implications of Quantum Entanglement
    01:13:54 Plasma Physics and Particle Interactions
    01:24:29 Quantum Communication and Networking
    01:28:15 Fusion Research and Cold Fusion Controversy
    01:32:59 Critique of Climate Change Science
    01:50:46 Advice for Young Scientists
    01:53:59 Reflections on Experimental Physics and Career

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    Xinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYin

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    2 hrs and 10 mins
  • The Science of Drug Discovery: Insights from Artem Evdokimov
    Nov 18 2024

    In this episode, drug discovery scientist Artem Evdokimov discusses the science of pharmaceutical development, from historical breakthroughs to the current landscape. He shares insights on antibiotics resistance, the obesity drug Ozempic, and technical details of drug screening methods like DNA-encoded libraries.

    The conversation covers the economics of drug development, the potential of AI, and broader philosophical questions about human health and medicine. Evdokimov emphasizes the importance of avoiding oversimplification in science while highlighting both the triumphs and ongoing challenges in pharmaceutical research.

    03:18 Historical Roots of Medicine
    05:33 Evolution of Drug Delivery Methods
    12:52 Modern Drug Discovery and Challenges
    45:39 Understanding the Drug Discovery Process
    47:30 Challenges in Gene Therapy
    49:26 Complexities of Human Physiology
    53:14 The Role of Receptors and Hormones
    01:28:12 The Selenium Shortage and Shampoo Dilemma
    01:28:54 Challenges in Drug Manufacturing and Distribution
    01:34:23 Antibiotic Resistance: A Growing Concern
    01:45:18 The Future of Drug Discovery and AI
    02:11:01 Exploring AI and Drug Discovery
    02:11:41 Outsourcing in Pharma: Pros and Cons
    02:13:56 High Throughput Screening and Machine Learning
    02:16:37 Challenges and Future of Drug Discovery


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    Xinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYin

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    WEBSITE:
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    2 hrs and 50 mins
  • Optical Metatronics: Nader Engheta on Electromagnetics and Scientific Curiosity
    Nov 11 2024

    In this episode of the 632nm podcast, Nader Engheta shares his journey and experiences within the field of electromagnetics, from his early days at the University of Tehran and Caltech, to his current research in optical metatronics and nonlinear dynamics.

    He discusses the importance of motivation and curiosity in scientific research, the potential of optics in AI, and the exciting new possibilities for combining knowledge from different fields. Engheta also touches on his experiences in industry, interdisciplinary teaching, and offers advice to young researchers.

    02:19 Fascination with Electromagnetics
    03:14 Journey from Tehran to Caltech
    05:39 Exploring Chirality and Metamaterials
    08:21 Innovations in Polarization Imaging
    36:12 Exploring Antennas and Metatronics
    36:46 Dream Job in the Tech Industry
    37:24 Optics and Artificial Intelligence
    39:44 Brain Waves and Neuroscience
    53:20 Optical Computing vs. Electronics
    01:15:55 Exploring Optical and Electronic Constraints
    01:17:47 Optical Computing: Efficiency and Challenges
    01:20:58 Historical Insights and Modern Applications
    01:26:20 Nonlinearity in Optical Systems
    01:32:59 Future Directions and Advice for Young Researchers

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    1 hr and 55 mins
  • Quantum Computing: Peter Zoller and Ignacio Cirac on the Quantum Revolution
    Nov 4 2024

    In this episode of the 632-nanometer podcast, we explore the evolution of quantum computing with theoretical physicists and experimentalists Peter Zoller and Ignacio Cirac, two pioneers in the field. They recount their personal journeys and discuss key breakthroughs in the development of trapped ion quantum computing.

    What are the fundamental challenges of quantum computing, and how did researchers overcome them? What detection methods were initially considered, and how has the approach evolved? In this podcast, you'll find the answers to these questions and learn about significant milestones, including the early experiments by Dave Wineland and Chris Monroe, as well as the role of fault-tolerant quantum computing and error correction in shaping the future of this technology.

    We also discuss the commercialization of quantum computing, its potential applications, and the future opportunities it presents for young scientists. Zoller and Cirac address foundational questions about quantum physics, the broader implications of their work for science and technology, and share strategic advice for aspiring researchers entering the field.

    01:33 The Meeting of Minds: How We Met
    02:19 Early Collaborations and Research
    03:35 The Birth of Trapped Ion Quantum Computing
    05:51 Challenges and Innovations in Quantum Computing
    08:47 The Role of Atomic Clocks and Other Systems
    15:20 Overcoming Skepticism and Technical Hurdles
    21:28 Advancements and Future Directions
    36:38 Exploring Magnetic Field Gradients in Quantum Computing
    37:00 NMR vs. Ion Trap Quantum Computing
    37:40 Reflecting on Influential Papers and Collaborations
    38:48 Quantum Simulators and Optical Lattices
    40:50 Quantum Communication and Entanglement
    47:42 Solid State vs. AMO Systems
    53:49 The Future of Quantum Computing
    01:02:54 Philosophical and Speculative Questions in Quantum Physics

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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Gravitational Waves: Rainer Weiss (Nobel Prize 2017) on Laser Interferometer Observation
    Oct 28 2024

    In 1916, Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves, however, it took almost a century for researchers to detect them. In this episode of the 632-nanometer podcast, the team has a fireside chat with Rainer Weiss, the man behind the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory and winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics for the observation of gravitational waves.

    What are gravitational waves, where do they come from, and why are they so difficult to detect? What detection approaches were considered and how did they eventually succeed? In this podcast, you will find the answers to these questions and hear many other insights from Rainer Weiss about science and life in general.

    We also discuss space-time distortion, Einstein's theories, the evolution of black hole theory, the pioneering efforts of Joseph Weber, the limitations of early detection methods, the discovery of the interferometry approach, the significance of inflation, technological challenges faced by current detectors like LISA, the role of Richard Isaacson in securing LIGO's success, proposals for moon-based colliders, the role of AI in physics, the operational and financial challenges in large-scale scientific projects, and lots of strategic advice for future researchers.

    01:26 Explaining Gravitational Waves
    02:06 Challenges in Measuring Gravitational Waves
    04:21 Einstein's Predictions and Misconceptions
    08:12 The Role of Black Holes in Gravitational Waves
    21:00 Historical Experiments and Controversies
    41:54 Exploring Vacuum Fluctuations
    42:41 A Personal Story: Leaving MIT
    43:27 Dream Physics Experiment
    44:20 Understanding Inflation and Gravitational Waves
    46:36 Challenges in Gravitational Wave Detection
    52:22 The Role of Richard Isaacson in LIGO's Success
    56:06 Engineering Marvels of LIGO
    01:19:02 Philosophical Reflections and Future Prospects

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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Synthetic Biology: George Church on Genome Sequencing and De-Extinction
    Oct 22 2024

    The great George Church takes us through the revolutionary journey of DNA sequencing from his early groundbreaking work to the latest advancements. He discusses the evolution of sequencing methods, including molecular multiplexing, and their implications for understanding and combating aging. We talk about the rise of biotech startups, potential future directions in genome sequencing, the role of precise gene therapies, the ongoing integration of nanotechnology and biology, the potential of biological engineering in accelerating evolution, transhumanism, the Human Genome Project, and the importance of intellectual property in biotechnology. The episode concludes with reflections on future technologies, the importance of academia in fostering innovation, and the need for scalable developments in biotech.

    02:38 Innovations in DNA Sequencing
    03:15 The Evolution of Sequencing Methods
    07:41 Longevity and Aging Reversal
    12:12 Biotech Startups and Commercial Endeavors
    17:38 Future Directions in Genome Sequencing
    28:10 Humanity's Role and Transhumanism
    37:23 Exploring the Connectome and Neural Networks
    38:29 The Mystery of Life: From Atoms to Living Systems
    39:35 Accelerating Evolution and Biological Engineering
    41:37 Merging Nanotechnology and Biology
    45:00 The Future of Biotech and Young Innovators
    47:16 The Human Genome Project: Successes and Shortcomings
    01:01:10 Intellectual Property in Biotechnology
    01:06:30 Future Technologies and Final Thoughts


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    1 hr and 11 mins