Episodes

  • Smart Rings, AI Wildfire Detection, and Extraterrestrial Agriculture w/ Ralph Bond

    Smart Rings, AI Wildfire Detection, and Extraterrestrial Agriculture w/ Ralph Bond
    May 29 2026
    Show Notes 29 May 2026
    This see-through smart ring translates sign language and almost works like magicRachit AgarwalDigital Trends
    https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/this-see-through-smart-ring-translates-sign-language-and-almost-works-like-magic/
    A Wireless Ring-Type Device for Sign Language TranslationScience Advances
    https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aec8995
    This thumb ring translates sign language into textPopular Science
    https://www.popsci.com/technology/sign-language-translator-ring/
    States Across the Wildfire-Prone Western US Are Using AI for Early DetectionAssociated PressWildland Firefighter
    https://www.wildlandfirefighter.com/2026/05/04/states-across-the-wildfire-prone-western-us-are-using-ai-for-early-detection/
    Recycled human waste could turn the dust on Mars and the Moon into fertile soil for cropsEric RallsEarth.com
    https://www.earth.com/news/recycled-astronaut-waste-could-turn-moon-and-mars-soil-into-farmland-for-crops/
    Scientists destroy COVID and flu viruses in the lab with sound wavesDavid NieldScienceAlert
    https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-destroy-covid-and-flu-viruses-in-the-lab-with-sound-waves
    Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A viruses by high-frequency ultrasoundScientific Reports
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-37584-x
    Spelman Students Invent a Way for Plants to Talk with PlantGPTSpelman College
    https://www.spelman.edu/news/2026/05/spelman-students-invent-a-way-for-plants-to-talk-with-plantgpt.html
    Spelman College students create 'PlantGPT' AI tool to help people communicate with plantsMadeline MontgomeryCBS News Atlanta
    https://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/spelman-college-plantgpt-ai-tool-people-communicate-plants/
    A Hemp-based Plastic Offers a Greener Alternative to Plastic PackagingUniversity of Connecticut
    https://today.uconn.edu/2026/05/a-hemp-based-plastic-offers-a-greener-alternative-to-plastic-packaging/
    Sugarcane waste concrete cuts CO₂ by up to 30% while boosting strengthRobert EganTech Xplore

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    35 mins
  • 3D-Printed Brain Sensors, Internal Ultrasound Light, and Automated Neural Surgery w/ Ralph Bond

    3D-Printed Brain Sensors, Internal Ultrasound Light, and Automated Neural Surgery w/ Ralph Bond
    May 22 2026
    Show Notes

    3D-printed brain sensors may unlock personalized neural monitoring
    Ty Tkacik

    Penn State website

    https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/3d-printed-brain-sensors-may-unlock-personalized-neural-monitoring

    Researchers use ultrasound to create light inside the body

    Stanford University Report

    https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2026/04/researchers-use-ultrasound-to-create-light-inside-the-body

    Neuralink builds surgical robot to speed up brain implant procedures for patients

    Mrigakshi Dixit

    Interesting Engineering
    https://interestingengineering.com/science/neuralink-unveils-surgical-robot-to-automate-bci

    MIT Laser Breakthrough Lets Scientists Watch Drugs Enter the Brain in Real Time

    Adam Zewe

    SciTechDaily.com
    https://scitechdaily.com/mit-laser-breakthrough-lets-scientists-watch-drugs-enter-the-brain-in-real-time/

    Helium-3 mining on the lunar surface

    The European Space Agency

    https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Preparing_for_the_Future/Space_for_Earth/Energy/Helium-3_mining_on_the_lunar_surface

    No batteries, just body heat: Demonstrating the potential of battery-free sensing

    Lisa Lock

    TechXplore.com
    https://techxplore.com/news/2026-04-batteries-body-potential-battery-free.html

    Scientists think a hidden source of clean energy could power Earth for 170,000 years — and they've figured out the 'recipe' to find it

    Sascha Pare

    LiveScience.com
    https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/geology/scientists-think-a-hidden-source-of-clean-energy-could-power-earth-for-170-000-years-and-theyve-figured-out-the-recipe-to-find-it

    Evolution Favored Genes Linked to Red Hair – And Vitamin D May Be Why

    David Nield

    ScienceAlert.com
    https://www.sciencealert.com/evolution-favored-genes-linked-to-red-hair-and-vitamin-d-may-be-why
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    36 mins
  • Shapeshifting Wings and Artificial Neurons w/ Ralph Bond

    Shapeshifting Wings and Artificial Neurons w/ Ralph Bond
    May 8 2026
    Show Notes 8 May 2026

    This 'gas battery' turns CO2 and NOx pollution into electricitySungkyunkwan UniversityTechXplore.com
    https://techxplore.com/news/2026-04-gas-battery-pollution-electricity-air.html
    https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2026/ee/d5ee06789h
    Humanoid robot takes first steps on construction siteMark GloverConstruction Management
    https://constructionmanagement.co.uk/humanoid-robot-takes-first-steps-on-construction-site/
    AI-controlled morphing wings take flight as DLR tests aircraftJay MenonAerospace Global News
    https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/dlr-ai-controlled-morphing-wings-aircraft/
    Scientists invent artificial neurons that 'talk' to real brain cellsMarianne GuenotLiveScience.com
    https://www.livescience.com/health/neuroscience/scientists-invent-artificial-neurons-that-talk-to-real-brain-cells-paving-way-to-better-brain-implants
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-026-02149-6.epdf
    The next big thing in sustainable construction: Iron-fortified wood?Anthropocene Magazine
    https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2025/05/the-next-big-thing-in-sustainable-construction-iron-fortified-wood/
    Scientists Discover an Amazing New Use for Your Leftover Coffee GroundsMichael IrvingScienceAlert.com
    https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-discover-an-amazing-new-use-for-your-leftover-coffee-grounds
    Implantable ‘living pharmacy’ produces multiple drugs inside the bodyAmanda MorrisNorthwestern University
    https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2026/03/implantable-living-pharmacy-produces-multiple-drugs-inside-the-body
    Sound Waves Could Be Used to Remotely Reprogram Material StiffnessLiezel LabiosUC San Diego Website
    https://today.ucsd.edu/story/sound-waves-could-be-used-to-remotely-reprogram-material-stiffness-study-shows
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAIvkSN_N1c
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    33 mins
  • Sustainable Tech: From Century-Long Plane Parts to Glow-in-the-Dark Streets w/ Ralph Bond

    Sustainable Tech: From Century-Long Plane Parts to Glow-in-the-Dark Streets w/ Ralph Bond
    May 1 2026
    Show Notes 1 May 2026New Self-Healing Material Could Extend Life of Planes, Cars by Centuries Soo Kim Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/self-healing-material-could-extend-life-planes-cars-centuries-11833122Chinese Scientists Bioengineering Plants with Firefly Genes to Glow Frank Landymore Futurism.com https://futurism.com/science-energy/bioengineering-plants-glow-light-cities https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1FAPvC123Q&t=1sScientists use AI to create ultra-strong, rust-proof steel for 3D-printed parts Christopher McFadden InterestingEngineering.com https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/ai-creates-rust-proof-steel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMRDl64Ixq4&t=9sSmart contact lens monitors eye pressure and delivers glaucoma drugs Annalisa Merelli Statnews.com https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/08/glaucoma-smart-contact-lens-combines-monitoring-drug-delivery/ https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.ads9541Low-frequency wireless sensor tracks artery stiffening in real time BioTechToday.com https://biotech-today.com/low-frequency-wireless-sensor-tracks-artery-stiffening-in-real-time-with-less-interference/A Bizarre Worm Could Teach Humans to Regenerate Darren Orf Popular Mechanics https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/animals/a69047453/stem-cell-worm-regeneration/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNQK2-XdZD0Common Vitamin May Reduce Buildup of Alzheimer's Proteins David Nield ScienceAlert.com https://www.sciencealert.com/common-vitamin-may-reduce-buildup-of-alzheimers-proteins-study-findsScientists Found a Way to Grow Potatoes Under Solar Panels Now Solar
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    31 mins
  • AI Tanks, Data Center Efficiency, and Hydrogen from Breadcrumbs w/ Ralph Bond

    AI Tanks, Data Center Efficiency, and Hydrogen from Breadcrumbs w/ Ralph Bond
    Apr 27 2026
    Show Notes 24 April 2026XM30 Lynx: The US Army’s New 50mm Cannon‑Powered Robot War Machine Alex Barrientos GadgetReview.com https://www.gadgetreview.com/xm30-lynx-the-us-armys-new-50mm-cannon%e2%80%91powered-robot-war-machineNew software could cut cooling energy use by 25% in data centers Ty Tkacik PennState website https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/new-software-could-cut-cooling-energy-use-25-data-centersChemists make hydrogen from breadcrumbs in groundbreaking reaction that could replace some fossil fuels Victoria Atkinson LiveScience.com https://www.livescience.com/chemistry/chemists-make-hydrogen-from-breadcrumbs-in-groundbreaking-reaction-that-could-replace-some-fossil-fuelsGraphene 'scaffold' recruits bone cells and helps the body repair fractures Robert Egan Phys.org https://phys.org/news/2026-04-graphene-scaffold-bone-cells-body.htmlEco-Friendly Laser Method Turns Leather into Flexible Wearable Tech Tomorrow’s World Today https://www.tomorrowsworldtoday.com/sustainability/eco-friendly-laser-method-turns-leather-into-flexible-wearable-tech/KAIST Develops Electrode Technology Achieving 86% Efficiency for Converting CO₂ into Plastic Precursors Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology website https://www.kaist.ac.kr/newsen/html/news/?mode=V&mng_no=60350Scientists gene hacked a plant so it grows five types of psychoactive drugs at once Victor Tangermann Futurism.com https://futurism.com/health-medicine/gene-hacked-plant-grows-five-types-psychedelic-drugsScientists Just Discovered There’s Actually Something Faster than the Speed of Light Darren Orf Popular Mechanics https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a70885429/darkness-faster-than-light/
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    37 mins
  • 3D Printed Organs, AI Blood Tests, and Bionic Touch w/ Ralph Bond

    3D Printed Organs, AI Blood Tests, and Bionic Touch w/ Ralph Bond
    Apr 17 2026
    Show Notes 17 April 2026


    Researchers Develop 3D Printed Lab-Grown Ear Cartilage

    3DPrinting.com https://3dprinting.com/news/researchers-develop-3d-printed-lab-grown-ear-cartilage/

    3D Printed Ear Video ETH Zurich YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01U6KC35dKw

    Novel prosthetic design combines AI and 3D printing to improve fit

    Robert Egan MedicalXpress.com

    https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-03-prosthetic-combines-ai-3d.html

    AI blood test finds silent liver disease years before symptoms

    Johns Hopkins Medicine

    ScienceDaily.com https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260305223204.htm

    AI Liver Disease Research Paper Science Translational Medicine

    Science.org

    https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adw2603

    The Future of Mobility: How Advanced Robotic Prosthetics are Restoring Touch and Motion

    Kevin Famuyiro

    Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/doctors-scientists/innovations/technology/story/advanced-robotic-prosthetics-surgery-sensors-bionic-limbs

    Inside world's first hydrogen-powered cruise scheduled to set sail this year

    Erin Deborah Waks

    MSN

    https://www.msn.com/en-ae/travel/cruises/inside-world-s-first-hydrogen-powered-cruise-scheduled-to-set-sail-this-year/ar-AA1ZspvQ

    Life May Have Started as Sticky Goo, Long Before Cells Even Existed

    Jess Cockerill

    ScienceAlert.com

    https://www.sciencealert.com/life-may-have-started-as-sticky-goo-long-before-cells-even-existed

    Bioengineered neuronal ‘circuit board’ mimics conditions of the human brain

    Biotech-today.com

    https://biotech-today.com/bioengineered-neuronal-circuit-board-mimics-conditions-of-the-human-brain/

    Chinese Scientists Create ‘Organic’ Electric Car Batteries Using Plastic

    Neha Bhatia

    GreenMatters.com

    https://www.greenmatters.com/pn/chinese-scientists-create-organic-electric-car-batteries-using-plastic-in-breakthrough-research
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    37 mins
  • Wave Energy, Mushroom Packaging, and Robotic Skin w/ Ralph Bond

    Wave Energy, Mushroom Packaging, and Robotic Skin w/ Ralph Bond
    Apr 10 2026
    Show Notes 10 April 2026


    Scientists may have figured out how to unlock the energy of ocean waves David Nield ScienceAlert.com
    https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-may-have-figured-out-how-to-unlock-the-energy-of-ocean-waves
    Power in Motion: Transforming Energy Harvesting with Gyroscopes University of Osaka Asia Research News
    https://www.asiaresearchnews.com/content/power-motion-transforming-energy-harvesting-gyroscopes
    Researchers use fungus to create plastic-free food packaging University of Maine University of Maine News
    https://umaine.edu/news/2026/02/researchers-use-fungus-to-create-plastic-free-food-packaging/
    Mushroom Packaging Video University of Maine YouTube
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be_SnPFJodo
    Graphene-based ‘artificial skin’ brings human-like touch closer to robots University of Cambridge University of Cambridge Research
    https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/graphene-based-artificial-skin-brings-human-like-touch-closer-to-robots
    Graphene Artificial Skin Video University of Cambridge YouTube
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGr28Xm1bu4
    Artificial Skin Research Paper Nature Nanotechnology Nature.com
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-026-02508-7
    Scientists create cancer-fighting immune cells right in the body Sarah C.P. Williams University of California, San Francisco
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10235-x
    H&M wants to make clothing from CO2 using this startup’s tech Tim De Chant TechCrunch.com
    https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/17/hm-wants-to-make-clothing-from-co2-using-this-startups-tech/
    Construction Robotics in 2026: 4 Workflows Where Robots Are Actually Working on Construction Site Martin Piekarz Bricks and Bytes
    https://bricks-bytes.com/technology/construction-robotics-in-2026/
    Japan: World’s First Onshore Operation of Hydrogen-Fueled Engine for Large Ships Begins FuelCellWorks FuelCellWorks.com
    https://fuelcellsworks.com/2026/03/30/energy-innovation/japan-world-s-first-onshore-operation-of-hydrogen-fueled-engine-for-large-ships-begins
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    39 mins
  • From Interplanetary Light Sails to Sub-Millimeter Quantum Measuring w/ Ralph Bond

    From Interplanetary Light Sails to Sub-Millimeter Quantum Measuring w/ Ralph Bond
    Apr 3 2026
    Show Notes 3 April 2026

    Researchers Develop Photonic Crystal Light Sails for Interplanetary Exploration National
    Today.com
    https://nationaltoday.com/us/al/tuskegee/news/2026/03/06/researchers-develop-photonic-crystal-light-sail-for-interplanetary-exploration/

    Fuel-free interplanetary travel:
    Photonic crystal sail could help laser beams push spacecraft MSN
    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/fuel-free-interplanetary-travel-photonic-crystal-sail-could-help-laser-beams-push-spacecraft/ar-AA1XLjxK
    Design and manufacture of a photonic crystal light sail SPIE Digital Library
    https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/journals/journal-of-nanophotonics/volume-19/issue-04/046008/Design-and-manufacture-of-a-photonic-crystal-light-sail/10.1117/1.JNP.19.046008.full
    NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) NASA
    https://www.nasa.gov/mission/acs3/
    How UCLA scientists helped reimagine a forgotten battery design from Thomas Edison UCLA
    https://www.chemistry.ucla.edu/news/how-ucla-scientists-helped-reimagine-a-forgotten-battery-design-from-thomas-edison/
    A Fast-Charging, High-Stability Nickel-Iron Battery via Protein-Induced Biomineralization Wiley Online Library
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/smll.202507934
    Quantum-inspired laser system delivers distance measurements with sub-millimeter accuracy Phys.org
    https://phys.org/news/2026-03-quantum-laser-distance-millimeter-accuracy.html
    How your virtual twin could one day save your life IEEE Spectrum
    https://spectrum.ieee.org/living-heart-project-virtual-twins
    The Living Heart Project Dassault Systèmes
    https://www.3ds.com/heart
    The Living Heart Project: A Decade of Innovation YouTube
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae_IqlxgCME
    Lab-grown algae removes microplastics from water University of Missouri
    https://engineering.missouri.edu/2026/lab-grown-algae-removes-microplastics-from-water/
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    43 mins