Nerd Alert with Dan & Dean

In this episode, Dan & Dean discuss the ins and outs of sleep. The conversation covers the characteristics of sleep in humans and other animals, and explores the biological mechanisms of sleep, including the more recent understanding of the glymphatic system and its role in facilitating restorative sleep. 

In this episode, Dan & Dean take a look at the technology and practices behind capturing music throughout history. Beyond discussing consumer trends and characteristics of different music storage media, the conversation also dives into the science behind the storage and playback of all our favorite music. Thanks for Listening.

In this episode, Dan & Dean discuss LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, a large-scale physics experiment to detect and analyze gravitational waves. In addition to providing some background on why we are interested in gravitational waves and how they work, the discussion covers the design of LIGO itself and future directions for the research. 

In this episode, Dan & Dean cover the ins and outs of the planets in our solar system. After reviewing some interesting and surprising facts about each celestial body, we compare our rankings (with justification) for the planets we feel are the best and the worst. 

In this episode, Dan & Dean review The Berlin Patient, a case study which describes the first person to be considered cured of HIV. The discussion covers multiple patients who were similarly cured, as well as the mechanism for HIV infection and how patients are often treated for HIV present day.

In this episode, Dan & Dean talk about logical fallacies and how they can often be deceptive and falsify arguments and debates. The discussion also highlights several examples of common logical fallacies while also suggesting some appropriate responses to them if they are encountered in everyday interactions. 

In this episode, Dan & Dean discuss the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, an industrial disaster that affected over half a million people in the Indian city of Bhopal in 1984. The discussion covers the lead up to the disaster at the UCIL pesticide plant and the aftermath, including some legal proceedings and precedents that continue to this day.

In this episode, Dan & Dean discuss the different chemicals that give spicy foods their kick. Beyond the different sources of pungency, the episode covers the biological signaling mechanism for these molecules in humans and ends with a discussion on why humans have always had a thing for spicy foods. 

In this episode, Dan & Dean explore the history of nuclear energy and breakdown the inner workings of a modern nuclear power plant. In addition, the discussion covers consequences of acute radiation exposure and the current debate over the safety of a nuclear powered future.

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded in Late June 2022. While much of the history and background on Monkeypox Virus is still accurate, the scope and implications for the global Monkeypox outbreak may have changed since the episode was recorded. Please defer to local and federal government recommendations and guidelines to remain up to date on the latest information related to the outbreak.

In this episode, Dan & Dean discuss the current outbreak of Monkeypox Virus. In addition to describing the virus itself, the discussion involves an examination of both historical and present-day data to explore the future direction and implications of the ongoing outbreak.

In this episode, Dan & Dean discuss the Plague of Galen, also known as the Antonine Plague. The discussion explores the historical context of the plague and what modern science has to say about the viral culprit behind the pandemic.

In this episode, Dan & Dean talk about the physiological impact of space travel and the steps we take to keep humans healthy in space for extended periods of time. 

In this episode, Dan & Dean discuss Dinosaur DNA and question the viability of a Jurassic Park-like future where dinosaurs and humans co-exist. 

Trailer for Nerd Alert! with Dan & Dean