8 episodes

Device is a monthly book discussion with a science-based twist. In each episode, we discuss a story that uses science to drive the action of the plot and dissect it for scientific integrity. Frequently, authors incorporate scientific phenomena as a plot device in their fictional stories. This can create thrilling tension, progress the plot, and/or provide the foundation for a philosophical debate. Often a caricature of science is described; it isn't always realisitically plausible. In San Diego, we have top-class research institutions and innovative technology start-ups which can help us review various scientific plot devices critically. We'll discuss the alterations made, if any, for the sake of the story. How much was intentional hyperbole, willful manipulation, or perhaps ignorance? Were the alterations minor, and the device highlights a natural wonder? Or does it contribute to the public’s misunderstanding of science? In short, does it pay off?

Device Interviews Emily T. Griffiths

    • Science
    • 5.0 • 1 Rating

Device is a monthly book discussion with a science-based twist. In each episode, we discuss a story that uses science to drive the action of the plot and dissect it for scientific integrity. Frequently, authors incorporate scientific phenomena as a plot device in their fictional stories. This can create thrilling tension, progress the plot, and/or provide the foundation for a philosophical debate. Often a caricature of science is described; it isn't always realisitically plausible. In San Diego, we have top-class research institutions and innovative technology start-ups which can help us review various scientific plot devices critically. We'll discuss the alterations made, if any, for the sake of the story. How much was intentional hyperbole, willful manipulation, or perhaps ignorance? Were the alterations minor, and the device highlights a natural wonder? Or does it contribute to the public’s misunderstanding of science? In short, does it pay off?

    Indy game designer E McNeill and Derrick Acosta from Mega64 - S1E5 - Presence Mechanism

    Indy game designer E McNeill and Derrick Acosta from Mega64 - S1E5 - Presence Mechanism

    Conversation between myself, indy game designer E McNeill, and co-producer Derrick Acosta! This interiew was featured in episode 5 of Device, Presence Mechanism.

    Minecraft article (From NYT Mag, not Newsweek): https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/17/magazine/the-minecraft-generation.htmlCheck out www.emcneill.com to learn more about E’s VR and PC games!Mega64: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgc4xqIMDoiP4KOTFS21TJAwww.mega64.com

    Dr. Michael Wall from the San Diego Natural History Museum - S1E4 - Ants, Ants, Revolution

    Dr. Michael Wall from the San Diego Natural History Museum - S1E4 - Ants, Ants, Revolution

    Dr. Michael Wall, curator of entomology and Vice President of Science and Conservation at the San Diego Natural History Museum, sits down with me to spread a little insect appreciation! This interview was recorded for episode 4 of Device, Ants Ants Revolution.

    Information on the quino checkerspot butterfly:https://www.sdnhm.org/science/entomology/resources/quino-checkerspot-up-close/https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?sId=5900https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrwxPwwHF7o

    San Diego bees!https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/sdut-environment-bee-diversity-james-hung-2014jun08-story.htmlhttps://sdnativebees.tumblr.com/https://ucnrs.org/foreign-bees-monopolize-southern-california-flower-resources/San Diego Natural History Museum’s Field Guide and insect ID:https://www.sdnhm.org/entoblog/http://archive.sdnhm.org/fieldguide/inverts/index.html

    David Holway from University of California, San Diego - S1E4 - Ants Ants Revolution

    David Holway from University of California, San Diego - S1E4 - Ants Ants Revolution

    Full interview with David Holway from UCSD, Department of Biological Sciences. David was a guest on episode 4 of Device: Ants, Ants, Revolution.

    HUGE CORRECTION. Repeatedly I refered to David as Dr. Holloway rather than his correct name, HOL-WAY. Apologies, David! Sometimes my mind and my mouth don’t have a clean line of communication between them.

    Dr. HOLWAY’s website: http://holwaylab.com/

    Morning Glories, Argentine ants, and pollinators: https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1890/14-0542.1

    Papers about the Argentine ant:

    How much human development supports the Argentine ant and displaces native species: https://www.life.illinois.edu/suarez/publications/HolwaySuarez2006BiolCon.pdf

    Why the Argentine ant is so good at displacing other ants: http://www.life.illinois.edu/ib/453/Comm%20Ecol%20papers/Holway.pdf

    The broader picture of ant invasions: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lori_Lach/publication/297345408_The_causes_and_consequences_of_ant_invasions/links/56e6aa4608aedb4cc8af6f25/The-causes-and-consequences-of-ant-invasions.pdf

    Lisa Will and Shane Haggard from San Diego City College - S1E3 - Loom Moon

    Lisa Will and Shane Haggard from San Diego City College - S1E3 - Loom Moon

    Our interview with Lisa and Shane for the third episode of Device!

    The Sky Tonight: https://www.rhfleet.org/events/sky-tonight

    Astronomy on Tap San Diego: https://astronomyontap.org/author/aotsandiego/

    • 37 min
    Dr. Heidi Dewer from the National Marine Fisheries Service

    Dr. Heidi Dewer from the National Marine Fisheries Service

    Full interview with Heidi Dewer, a marine biologist at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center division of the National Marine Fisheries Service based in La Jolla.

    Links:

    Status review of the northeastern Pacific population of white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) under the Endangered Species Act: https://swfsc.noaa.gov/publications/TM/SWFSC/NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-523.pdf

    White Shark Cafe: www.whitesharkcafe.org

    Wendy Benchley Shark Advocate

    Wendy Benchley Shark Advocate

    Full interview with Wendy Benchley, shark conservation advocate and widow of Jaws author, Peter Benchley.

    Links:
    More about the Benchleys: http://www.peterbenchley.com/
    Live from the White Shark Cafe, with Barbara Block: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_HsAZrjDpg
    Voyage to the White Shark Cafe // Schmidt Ocean Institute: https://schmidtocean.org/cruise/voyage-white-shark-cafe/
    Peter Benchley article in National Geographic: http://www.peterbenchley.com/sites/default/files/article-flipbooks/NatGeo_2000_April/files/assets/basic-html/page1.html

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
1 Rating

1 Rating

Top Podcasts In Science

Something You Should Know
Mike Carruthers | OmniCast Media | Cumulus Podcast Network
Hidden Brain
Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
Radiolab
WNYC Studios
Ologies with Alie Ward
Alie Ward
StarTalk Radio
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Crash Course Pods: The Universe
Crash Course Pods, Complexly