NorthwesternU

Podcast by Northwestern University

  • 19 minutes 54 seconds
    Message from space unlocks secrets of the cosmos
    On August 17, 2017, the universe sent a message that, for the first time, humans were able to decode. Two neutron stars collided in space, sending both gravitational waves and electromagnetic waves barreling toward Earth. The combination of signals from those two sets of waves provided the key to unlocking a secret trapped in the cosmos for billions of years. Northwestern University's CIERA astronomy research center already played a key role in solving one cosmic mystery, and they are likely to solve many more as this new field of multi-messenger astronomy develops.
    16 October 2017, 1:54 pm
  • 14 minutes 41 seconds
    'Edison of Medicine" honored with 2017 Kabiller Prize
    Robert S. Langer, the prolific inventor and MIT professor known as the "Edison of Medicine," shares how a children's toy propelled him toward a career that earned him the 2017 Kabiller Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine, established by Northwestern's International Institute for Nanotechnology. Liangfang Zhang, professor of nanoengineering at the University of California, San Diego, and recipient of the 2017 Kabiller Young Investigator Award, also discusses his work, including a strong connection to the research of Dr. Langer.
    27 September 2017, 1:59 pm
  • 14 minutes 1 second
    Cents and Sensibility: What Economics Can Learn from the Humanities
    From Brexit to Russia’s self-destructive response to U.S. sanctions, economists’ predictions have missed the mark recently on several important fronts. So what can be done to make economic models more accurate and more reflective of actual human behavior? In their new book, “Cents and Sensibility: What Economics Can Learn from the Humanities,” Northwestern University president and economics professor Morton Schapiro and Slavic languages and literatures professor Gary Saul Morson discuss how the field of economics would benefit from collaboration with scholars of literature and the humanities. Purchase a hardcopy or e-book edition of "Cents and Sensibility: What Economics Can Learn from the Humanities" through Princeton University Press.
    28 July 2017, 2:43 pm
  • 22 minutes 32 seconds
    Gravitational waves drive new field of astronomy
    The discovery that gravitational waves exist proves part of Einstein's theory of relativity and opens a whole new field of astronomy. But why should you care? Northwestern astrophysicists Vicky Kalogera and Shane Larson and engineer Selim Shahriar explain how this fundamental science could impact your daily life.
    1 June 2017, 3:05 pm
  • 13 minutes 14 seconds
    Dover Quartet drives evolution of classical music
    Two members of the Dover Quartet - one of the most celebrated quartets in the country - discuss the rehearsal techniques that lead to their unusual tone. They also discuss the changing landscape of classical music and reveal the unexpected teacher who has influenced their sound evolution over the course of their two year residency at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music.
    12 May 2017, 7:15 pm
  • 7 minutes 34 seconds
    Physical benefits of positive thinking in HIV treatment
    It's a breakthrough in the realm of HIV treatment — a simple, yet impactful therapy that could drastically reduce the spread of HIV on a national level and improve life expectancy for patients. Feinberg School of Medicine researcher Judith Moskowitz explains the physical benefits of positive thinking.
    13 April 2017, 12:32 pm
  • 11 minutes 30 seconds
    Fraser Stoddart's bonds transform science
    Fraser Stoddart, 2016 Nobel laureate in chemistry and creator of the groundbreaking mechanical bond, which he stresses has everything to do with the human bonding that takes place inside and outside the lab, will leave an impact for generations to come
    14 February 2017, 5:02 pm
  • 7 minutes 54 seconds
    Wirtz Center production raises questions of political agency, justice and morality
    BBC Radio's adaptation of "Agamemnon" makes its world-premiere staging at the Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts.
    19 January 2017, 4:51 pm
  • 9 minutes 13 seconds
    Depression relief now as quick as finding good sushi
    A novel suite of 13 speedy mini-apps called IntelliCare significantly lessened depression and anxiety for people who used them on their smartphones. Dr. David Mohr, director of Northwestern's Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, designed the apps and explains how they promote what he calls a "third revolution" in mental health treatment.
    5 January 2017, 3:27 pm
  • 11 minutes 29 seconds
    Couples podcast: Synergy of science and globalization
    This couple believes science and globalization exist in a symbiotic world, each theme enhancing the other’s success. International relations expert Devora Grynspan and scientist Sam Stupp leverage each other’s connections to enhance the University’s brand at home and abroad.
    19 December 2016, 4:59 pm
  • 11 minutes
    Couples podcast: Written in the stars
    Astrophysicists Fred Rasio and Vicky Kalogera actively avoid collaborating on research. That decision once came into play in the announcement of one of the biggest discoveries in modern science.
    30 November 2016, 4:09 pm
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