Episodes
Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
Episode 159: Why Does It Work? Baking Soda and Vinegar as Cleaning Agents
Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
First of a recurring series featuring why, from a scientific perspective, things work they way they do. Today: Why, chemically, vinegar and baking soda are good cleaning agents and alternatives to other cleaning products.
Monday Aug 02, 2021
Episode 158: This Day in Science August 2
Monday Aug 02, 2021
Monday Aug 02, 2021
On this day in 1695, a patent for a portable barometer was issued to a British inventor. Such an invention was an important step towards our modern understanding of atmospheric pressure and weather systems. Learn more in this podcast. Video of this podcast, including images of the portable instrument, is available on YouTube (search for 'The Daily Bolt').
Saturday Jul 31, 2021
Episode 157: Mixed News on the 2021 Western Drought
Saturday Jul 31, 2021
Saturday Jul 31, 2021
I provide an update as to how the drought that much of the Western US has been experiencing through much of 2021 is progressing. There's some good news and some not-so-good news. Listen to find out!
Friday Jul 30, 2021
Episode 156: Who is Vladimir Zworkyin and Why Should We care?
Friday Jul 30, 2021
Friday Jul 30, 2021
On this date in 1889, Vladimir Zworkyin was born. Why should we care? If you own a television, you should certainly care. Listen to find out why!
Thursday Jul 29, 2021
Daily Bolt Episode 155: Coffee may be bad for your brain!
Thursday Jul 29, 2021
Thursday Jul 29, 2021
We briefly discuss a new study from the University of South Australia that suggests that people who drink more coffee daily end up with smaller brain volumes. And a bigger risk of developing dementia. Maybe it's time to switch to tea...
Thursday Jul 29, 2021
Episode 154: How Government Helps Form Scientific Consensus
Thursday Jul 29, 2021
Thursday Jul 29, 2021
In an originally unplanned addition to the discussion on Scientific Consensus, we discuss how government agencies and programs, by their ability to control research funding, can contribute to the formation of a specific consensus on a specific scientific issue. It's not as far-fetched as you might think. I've seen it in action.
Tuesday Jul 27, 2021
Episode 153: More on the Validity of "Scientific Consensus"
Tuesday Jul 27, 2021
Tuesday Jul 27, 2021
We continue the discussion as to instances when scientific consensus was wrong, and how the current call to "follow the science" , meaning, "follow the scientific consensus", could be dangerous.
Monday Jul 26, 2021
The Daily Bolt Episode 152: How Valuable is Scientific Consensus?
Monday Jul 26, 2021
Monday Jul 26, 2021
We tackle the idea of "scientific consensus" and whether it has value and under what conditions. Part 1 of 2.
Saturday Jul 24, 2021
Episode 151: Reflections on Humility from C.M. Christensen
Saturday Jul 24, 2021
Saturday Jul 24, 2021
In a first departure from science/education topics, a few wise words about humility from the late Professor C. M. Christensen of Harvard's Business school. There is much that applies in the current "cancel culture" climate.
Saturday Jul 24, 2021
Episode 150: We're Back...and: Using Drones for Rain Enhancement
Saturday Jul 24, 2021
Saturday Jul 24, 2021
We are BACK after a long hiatus, with some changes: more video episodes (see them on Facebook or YouTube), with audio for those episodes posted here; Expanded range of topics including my own words of wisdom and insight (when I have them!). And, no postings on Sundays.
ALSO: new research on uses for quad-copter drones to enhance rain electrostatically!