Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast 632nm
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravitational Waves: Rainer Weiss (Nobel Prize 2017) on Laser Interferometer Observation | 28 Oct 2024 | 01:21:56 | |
In 1916, Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves, however, it took almost a century for researchers to detect them. In this episode of the 632-nanometer podcast, the team has a fireside chat with Rainer Weiss, the man behind the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory and winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics for the observation of gravitational waves. What are gravitational waves, where do they come from, and why are they so difficult to detect? What detection approaches were considered and how did they eventually succeed? In this podcast, you will find the answers to these questions and hear many other insights from Rainer Weiss about science and life in general. We also discuss space-time distortion, Einstein's theories, the evolution of black hole theory, the pioneering efforts of Joseph Weber, the limitations of early detection methods, the discovery of the interferometry approach, the significance of inflation, technological challenges faced by current detectors like LISA, the role of Richard Isaacson in securing LIGO's success, proposals for moon-based colliders, the role of AI in physics, the operational and financial challenges in large-scale scientific projects, and lots of strategic advice for future researchers. 01:26 Explaining Gravitational Waves FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: SUBSCRIBE: WEBSITE: | |||
| Synthetic Biology: George Church on Genome Sequencing and De-Extinction | 22 Oct 2024 | 01:10:39 | |
The great George Church takes us through the revolutionary journey of DNA sequencing from his early groundbreaking work to the latest advancements. He discusses the evolution of sequencing methods, including molecular multiplexing, and their implications for understanding and combating aging. We talk about the rise of biotech startups, potential future directions in genome sequencing, the role of precise gene therapies, the ongoing integration of nanotechnology and biology, the potential of biological engineering in accelerating evolution, transhumanism, the Human Genome Project, and the importance of intellectual property in biotechnology. The episode concludes with reflections on future technologies, the importance of academia in fostering innovation, and the need for scalable developments in biotech. 02:38 Innovations in DNA Sequencing
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| Quantum Computing: Peter Zoller and Ignacio Cirac on the Quantum Revolution | 04 Nov 2024 | 01:16:30 | |
In this episode of the 632-nanometer podcast, we explore the evolution of quantum computing with theoretical physicists and experimentalists Peter Zoller and Ignacio Cirac, two pioneers in the field. They recount their personal journeys and discuss key breakthroughs in the development of trapped ion quantum computing. What are the fundamental challenges of quantum computing, and how did researchers overcome them? What detection methods were initially considered, and how has the approach evolved? In this podcast, you'll find the answers to these questions and learn about significant milestones, including the early experiments by Dave Wineland and Chris Monroe, as well as the role of fault-tolerant quantum computing and error correction in shaping the future of this technology. We also discuss the commercialization of quantum computing, its potential applications, and the future opportunities it presents for young scientists. Zoller and Cirac address foundational questions about quantum physics, the broader implications of their work for science and technology, and share strategic advice for aspiring researchers entering the field. 01:33 The Meeting of Minds: How We Met FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: SUBSCRIBE: WEBSITE: | |||
| Optical Metatronics: Nader Engheta on Electromagnetics and Scientific Curiosity | 11 Nov 2024 | 01:54:48 | |
In this episode of the 632nm podcast, Nader Engheta shares his journey and experiences within the field of electromagnetics, from his early days at the University of Tehran and Caltech, to his current research in optical metatronics and nonlinear dynamics. He discusses the importance of motivation and curiosity in scientific research, the potential of optics in AI, and the exciting new possibilities for combining knowledge from different fields. Engheta also touches on his experiences in industry, interdisciplinary teaching, and offers advice to young researchers. 02:19 Fascination with Electromagnetics FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: SUBSCRIBE: WEBSITE: | |||
| The God Particle | Christoph Paus on Higgs Boson, CERN, and CMS | 09 Dec 2024 | 01:42:29 | |
Professor Christoph Paus, a key figure in the discovery of the Higgs Boson at CERN's Large Hadron Collider, discusses his journey in high-energy physics, the challenges of leading large international collaborations, and the future of particle physics. As one of the co-conveners of the CMS Higgs physics group during the historic discovery, Paus provides unique insights into how the detection of this elusive particle was achieved through careful experimental design, data analysis, and team coordination. He explains the Standard Model of particle physics, the significance of the Higgs field and boson, and explores current mysteries like dark matter and antimatter asymmetry. The conversation also covers future collider technologies, from circular and linear accelerators to speculative space-based systems, and the ongoing quest to probe higher energy frontiers. 02:24 Understanding the Standard Model FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: SUBSCRIBE: WEBSITE: | |||
| Cold Atoms: Mikhail Lukin on Quantum Optics and Neutral Atom Computing | 02 Dec 2024 | 00:50:30 | |
In this episode, Harvard Professor Mikhail Lukin discusses his pioneering work in quantum computing using neutral atoms. He shares the journey from his early work in quantum optics and electromagnetically induced transparency to developing programmable quantum processors using arrays of individually trapped atoms. Lukin explains key breakthroughs in quantum error correction and how his team achieved unprecedented control over large numbers of quantum bits. He also discusses the fundamental challenges of building practical quantum computers and his optimistic outlook for the field's future. 01:16 Early Career and Breakthroughs
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| Einstein Was Wrong: John Clauser on Bell's Theorem and the Nature of Reality | 25 Nov 2024 | 02:09:52 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Nobel laureate John Clauser to discuss his experiments from the early 1960’s, testing Bell's inequalities and quantum entanglement. Clauser shares the story of how, as a graduate student, he proposed testing quantum mechanics against Einstein's local realism - an idea that most prominent physicists, including Richard Feynman, dismissed as a waste of time. Despite the skepticism, Clauser persisted and conducted the first experimental tests that showed quantum mechanics was correct and Einstein was wrong about quantum entanglement. Clauser walks us through the technical challenges of the experiments, from building equipment from scratch on a minimal budget to collecting data over hundreds of hours—using punch cards and paper tape. He also discusses the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics and his current views on climate science. 02:29 The Birth of Bell's Theorem FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: SUBSCRIBE: WEBSITE: | |||
| The Science of Drug Discovery: Insights from Artem Evdokimov | 18 Nov 2024 | 02:50:28 | |
In this episode, drug discovery scientist Artem Evdokimov discusses the science of pharmaceutical development, from historical breakthroughs to the current landscape. He shares insights on antibiotics resistance, the obesity drug Ozempic, and technical details of drug screening methods like DNA-encoded libraries. The conversation covers the economics of drug development, the potential of AI, and broader philosophical questions about human health and medicine. Evdokimov emphasizes the importance of avoiding oversimplification in science while highlighting both the triumphs and ongoing challenges in pharmaceutical research. 03:18 Historical Roots of Medicine
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| Origins of Life | Jack Szostak on Basement Experiments to Nobel Prize-Winning Discoveries | 16 Dec 2024 | 01:26:07 | |
Nobel laureate Jack Szostak takes us on a fascinating journey through his remarkable scientific career, from conducting dangerous chemistry experiments in his basement as a curious child to making groundbreaking discoveries about telomeres that would earn him the Nobel Prize. He reveals how a forgotten DNA sample in his freezer led to fundamental insights about chromosome stability, and explains why studying unusual organisms often leads to the biggest scientific breakthroughs. Beyond his work on telomeres, Szostak shares his current research into life's origins, including revolutionary ideas about how the first cells might have emerged and replicated their genetic material. He discusses his personal approach to choosing research directions, preferring to work in less crowded fields where he can think deeply about problems rather than competing in trendy areas. This philosophy, combined with his willingness to cross disciplinary boundaries, has enabled him to make transformative contributions across multiple fields of science. 02:03 Early Career and Interest in Genomics
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| The Future of Fusion | Dennis Whyte on Nuclear Fusion and MIT Plasma Science | 23 Dec 2024 | 02:51:01 | |
MIT Professor Dennis Whyte's path to becoming a fusion energy pioneer began with an unlikely source - a Ripley's Believe It or Not comic strip he read as a teenager in rural Saskatchewan. The comic described how a bottle of water could theoretically contain the energy equivalent of 100 barrels of oil through fusion, sparking a lifelong fascination that would shape his career. This fascination led Whyte to write his first high school paper on fusion energy and eventually become the first PhD student working on Canada's groundbreaking fusion project with Hydro Quebec. Now as Director of MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Whyte is leading cutting-edge research in fusion energy, including the development of revolutionary high-field magnets that could make commercial fusion power a reality. Our conversation highlights his journey and how curiosity and inspiration led to a scientific career helping solve one of humanity's greatest challenges. 01:40 Dennis' Journey into Fusion Research FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/ Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky Misha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginov Xinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYin
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| Origins of Life | Anna Wang on Artificial Cells and Nano-Robots | 30 Dec 2024 | 01:15:59 | |
Origins of life researcher Anna Wang takes us on a fascinating journey through the latest theories about how life began, revealing why Darwin's "warm little ponds" are making a comeback and how ocean spray droplets may have served as nature's first test tubes. She explains why early cell membranes were more like soap bubbles - fragile and leaky - and how these imperfections were actually crucial for primitive life to function. The conversation explores the cutting edge of synthetic biology, where scientists are attempting to build artificial cells from scratch. Wang shares illuminating analogies, comparing their work to vegan cooking where researchers must recreate sophisticated biological processes without using modern cellular ingredients. She also discusses the ultimate goal of creating truly evolving systems, while acknowledging both the excitement and concerns surrounding such an achievement. Throughout the discussion, Wang emphasizes how the complexity of biological systems requires collaboration between physics, chemistry, and biology to unlock the mysteries of life's origins. 01:58 The Current State of Origin of Life Research FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: SUBSCRIBE: WEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com | |||
| From Failed Project to 40 Million Eye Scans: David Huang on the Birth of OCT | 06 Jan 2025 | 01:29:04 | |
Dr. David Huang shares the remarkable journey of how a failed laser surgery project during his MD-PhD studies at MIT led to the invention of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), now used in over 40 million eye procedures annually. The story includes a pivotal moment when Professor James Fujimoto volunteered as the first human subject for OCT testing when no other students would agree to have an experimental laser pointed at their eye. The development of OCT was made possible by the 1980s telecommunications boom, which provided crucial fiber optic components. Dr. Huang's unique background combining computer science and medicine proved essential for creating this breakthrough technology. The conversation also explores OCT's rapid commercialization, its impact on treating age-related macular degeneration, and future developments including smartphone-based screening and potential applications for diagnosing brain and heart disease through retinal imaging. Reference Paper on OCT (Science 1991): https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1957169 02:31 Understanding Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: SUBSCRIBE: WEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com | |||
| The Current Reality of Quantum Computing | Yudong Cao on Deploying Quantum for Real-Life Problems | 13 Jan 2025 | 01:52:41 | |
In this eye-opening episode, former Zapata Computing CEO Yudong Chen reveals the sobering truth about quantum computing's potential impact on drug discovery and the industry's inflated market expectations. Chen explains why even with perfect quantum chemistry calculations, the business case for quantum computing in pharmaceuticals falls dramatically short of the billions being invested, with a total addressable market of only around $100M. The conversation takes fascinating turns as Chen shares the unusual origin story of Zapata Computing, named after Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, and traces the company's journey from quantum computing to AI. He provides crucial insights into the field's future, discussing the emerging quantum winter and why government funding, rather than venture capital, may be the path forward. The episode concludes with Chen's compelling vision for advancing quantum computing through focused application development and the need for standardized infrastructure. 02:19 The Origin Story of Zapata Computing FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: SUBSCRIBE: WEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com | |||
| From Medieval Glass to Nobel Prize | Moungi Bawendi on Mastering Quantum Dots | 27 Jan 2025 | 01:31:15 | |
In this episode, the 632 team interviewed Nobel laureate Moungi Bawendi, revealing his serendipitous journey to the discovery and development of quantum dots. From a summer internship at Bell Labs to an expired bottle of chemicals that contained the perfect mixture, Bawendi shares how some of chemistry's biggest breakthroughs came from unexpected places. He draws remarkable connections between medieval stained glass artisans and modern nanotechnology, explaining how thousand-year-old techniques unknowingly pioneered the manipulation of nanoparticles. The conversation takes us through the evolution of quantum dots from laboratory curiosity to revolutionary technology, now powering millions of modern TV displays. Bawendi offers candid insights into the challenges of modern scientific research funding, even at prestigious institutions like MIT, while discussing how the path from discovery to real-world impact still takes decades despite our fast-paced digital era. 01:04 Understanding Quantum Dots FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: SUBSCRIBE: WEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com | |||
| How a Vision Disorder Led to Shocking Brain Science Discoveries | Mark Bear on Neuroplasticity | 20 Jan 2025 | 01:35:36 | |
In this captivating episode, we explore how Mark Bear's personal experience with congenital nystagmus sparked a revolutionary career in neuroscience. Mark shares his remarkable journey from struggling with a visual impairment to making groundbreaking discoveries about how the brain processes visual information, including the identification of a previously unknown neural pathway discovered during his undergraduate years. The conversation delves deep into the fascinating mechanics of human vision, explaining how our brains transform input from two separate eyes into one unified visual experience. Perhaps most intriguingly, Mark reveals critical insights about the brain's developmental windows, particularly how infants must learn to see during their first year of life and why this ability has a strict deadline around age seven. This episode offers a unique blend of personal narrative and cutting-edge neuroscience, illuminating the remarkable plasticity of the human brain and the time-sensitive nature of neural development. 02:18 Discovering the Visual Cortex FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: SUBSCRIBE: WEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com | |||
| Information, Entropy & Reality | MIT Professor Seth Lloyd on Quantum Computing | 03 Feb 2025 | 02:03:02 | |
The 632nm team sat down with MIT professor Seth Lloyd for a mind-bending journey through quantum mechanics, information theory, and the early days of quantum computing. Lloyd shares fascinating stories from his pioneering work in quantum information, including how he nearly got expelled from his PhD program for pursuing what was then considered a "crazy" research direction. Through engaging examples and personal anecdotes, he explains why quantum mechanics is "irreducibly weird" and how information and entropy are fundamentally the same thing. The conversation takes unexpected turns with remarkable stories about Stephen Hawking's quantum gravity lectures, Richard Feynman's three tricks that revolutionized physics, and epic MIT student pranks including the great Caltech cannon heist. Lloyd also tackles deep questions about consciousness, free will, and the computational nature of the universe, explaining why the universe itself may be its own most efficient simulation. His unique perspective as both a mechanical engineer and quantum physicist brings fresh insights to some of science's most profound mysteries. 00:00 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Philosophy
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| Are We Doomed? | Dan Aronovich on Norbert Wiener's 1948 “Cybernetics” | 10 Feb 2025 | 00:58:34 | |
In this episode, the 632nm team sits down with Dan Aronovich (Data Science Decoded Podcast) to explore predictions about technology and society, starting with MIT pioneer Norbert Wiener's remarkably prescient warnings about AI from 1948. His concerns about artificial systems misinterpreting human instructions mirror modern discussions about AI alignment, while his skepticism of social sciences raises important questions about the limitations of studying human behavior. The conversation takes an unexpected turn as it delves into demographic forecasts that paint a striking picture of humanity's future. The discussion reveals how declining global fertility rates could lead to religious groups becoming demographically dominant, while technological advances might create a world populated by extremely long-lived humans augmented by robotics. 01:16 Exploring Norbert Wiener's Cybernetics FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: SUBSCRIBE: WEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com | |||
| Hunting for Alien Artifacts | Avi Loeb | 18 Feb 2025 | 03:37:27 | |
Join the 632nm team as we sit down with Harvard Professor Avi Loeb, in this fascinating exploration of astronomy, alien life, and the intersection of science and politics. From discussing the mysterious interstellar object that changed astronomy to explaining why Mars might not be the best destination for human colonization, Loeb challenges conventional wisdom with evidence-based insights. His unique perspective, shaped by his journey from growing up on a farm in Israeli to becoming a leading Harvard scientist, reminds us to think from first principles about the universe’s biggest questions. The conversation illuminates the stories behind groundbreaking scientific discoveries, including the work of overlooked pioneers in astronomy, and seriously explores the potential existence of extraterrestrial intelligence. Loeb shares his vision for the Galileo Project, discusses the search for alien artifacts on Earth, and explains why artificial intelligence might be crucial in solving the Fermi Paradox. 00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: SUBSCRIBE: WEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com | |||
| From Failed PhD to Nobel Prize | John Mather’s Journey to Revolutionize Astronomy | 25 Feb 2025 | 01:53:34 | |
Join the 632nm team as we sit down with Nobel laureate Dr. John Mather. From his childhood days of building radios and telescopes to leading NASA's groundbreaking COBE mission, learn how a spectacular failure during his PhD research unexpectedly paved the way for his Nobel Prize-winning work. And hear the story of how NASA took a chance on a 28-year-old scientist who would change our understanding of the universe.
Follow us: Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/ Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin Subscribe: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR Website: https://www.632nm.com | |||
| How Edison Inspired Eli Yablonovitch to Create Four World-Changing Inventions | 14 Mar 2025 | 03:00:34 | |
Eli Yablonovitch shares how Thomas Edison's approach of requiring "a thousand failed discoveries for every one that works" shaped his scientific philosophy. From solar cells to semiconductor lasers to photonic crystals to cell phone antennas, Yablonovitch reveals how each invention evolved from identifying fundamental physics concepts that others overlooked. He explains how his light-trapping concept now used in every solar panel stemmed from thinking about statistical mechanics. His strained semiconductor laser design, which initially faced industry resistance, eventually became the standard in all laser pointers and DVDs. Throughout his career spanning Bell Labs, Exxon, and academia, Yablonovitch demonstrates that true innovation comes from understanding basic physics principles and having the courage to pursue ideas others dismiss as impossible. | |||
| Quantum Cascade Lasers: Federico Capasso on Curiosity and Bell Labs | 01 Apr 2025 | 01:32:38 | |
In this episode, physicist Federico Capasso recounts his winding path from struggling undergrad to pioneering inventor of the quantum cascade laser. He reveals how openness, daring ideas, and the bottom-up ethos at Bell Labs led to breakthroughs that redefined semiconductor research. Capasso also discusses the blurred lines between basic and applied science, the importance of nurturing curiosity, and the serendipitous moments that propelled his career. From avalanche photodiodes to metasurfaces to quantum biology, he offers a fascinating look at how big discoveries often begin with a simple spark of wonder. | |||
| Maintaining Moore's Law: Lithography, Semiconductors, and Chip Fabrication with Mordechai Rothschild | 14 Apr 2025 | 02:07:52 | |
In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we explore how 193nm lasers unexpectedly overtook x-ray approaches and reshaped semiconductor manufacturing. Physicist Mordechai Rothschild describes the breakthroughs that turned a once “impossible” technology into the mainstay of chip fabrication, including the discovery of specialized lenses, the invention of chemically amplified resists, and the game-changing flip to immersion lithography. We also hear candid insights on the race to push below 13.5 nanometers, where new ideas in plasma sources and advanced coatings might one day carry Moore’s Law even further. Dr. Mordechai Rothschild is a leading physicist and technologist at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, serving as Principal Staff in the Advanced Technology Division. He has been instrumental in advancing micro- and nanoscale systems, with significant contributions to 193-nm photolithography—a technology critical to modern semiconductor manufacturing. His work has earned him the 2014 SPIE Frits Zernike Award and the 2015 Edwin H. Land Medal. With over 220 publications and 16 patents, Rothschild's research spans metamaterials, microfluidics, and nanofabrication. He holds a BS in physics from Bar-Ilan University and a PhD in optics from the University of Rochester. 01:22 Early Days and Technological Challenges Subscribe: Follow us: Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/ Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin | |||
| Trapped Ion Quantum Computing: Christopher Monroe of IonQ | 02 May 2025 | 02:25:12 | |
In this episode of the 632nm podcast, our guest traces the evolution from the early days of Bose-Einstein condensation experiments to pioneering trapped ion quantum gateways. He reveals how breakthroughs in laser cooling and atomic clock research unexpectedly paved the way for the first quantum logic gates, beating out the BEC community at a pivotal conference. We also hear about the surprising roles of entanglement, error mitigation, and photonic interconnects in shaping modern quantum hardware. The conversation shifts to the commercial world, where government funding, venture capital, and startup challenges collide. Our guest shares insider stories about forming one of the first pure-play quantum computing companies, securing multi-million-dollar investments, and navigating the highs and lows of going public. From laser noise and integrated photonics to the promise of game-changing heuristic algorithms, this episode offers a rare look at both the science and business driving trapped ion quantum computing. Chapters: 01:48 Journey into Trapped Ions Follow us: Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/ Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR Website: https://www.632nm.com | |||
| Origin of Life, Thermodynamics, and God: Jeremy England | 19 May 2025 | 02:19:27 | |
In this episode, Jeremy England reframes the origin of life debate by applying non-equilibrium physics, challenging the notion that life’s emergence must be purely biological or chemical. He describes how matter can “learn” from its environment, drawing on examples from spin glasses, protein folding, and resonating mechanical systems. England also shares how his deep engagement with religious texts—and his unexpected cameo as “the next Darwin” in popular media—shaped his understanding of science and spirituality. From his ordination as a rabbi to his groundbreaking thermodynamic research, England offers a unique perspective on the interplay between faith, scientific inquiry, and the age-old search for meaning. Chapters: More About Jeremy: Twitter: Jeremy England (@lifelikephysics) / X Book: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Life-Fire-Thermodynamics-Explains/dp/1541699017
Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/ Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR Website: https://www.632nm.com | |||
| Flux Grant by 1517 Fund: Backing Garage Science and Sci-Fi Tech | 10 May 2025 | 00:47:01 | |
In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we sit down with 1517 Fund’s Danielle Strachman and Michael Gibson to explore their Flux program, a unique pre-seed fellowship backing wild, unorthodox scientific and technical ideas. They share how they’ve helped founders transform “garage science” projects—like nuclear batteries, quantum computing prototypes, and cutting-edge materials—into serious startups. Along the way, they discuss the pitfalls of chasing academic prestige, the power of genuine curiosity, and how to leverage minimal resources for big ambitions. We also learn about the flexibility of Flux’s “cannon launch” grants, what it takes to persuade investors when your idea sounds like sci-fi, and why “hyper-fluency” and high agency are crucial for founders. Whether you’re a postdoc itching to leave the lab or a solo tinkerer with a radical concept, this conversation offers actionable insights on securing early funding and taking that bold plunge into world-changing tech. Our Guests: Danielle Strachman: https://x.com/DStrachman Michael Gibson: https://x.com/William_Blake 1517 Fund: https://t.co/Ltt0eiRJkz Want to apply for Flux? https://t.co/O8b5C0f21s
Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/ Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR Website: https://www.632nm.com/ | |||
| Quantum Diamond Sensing: The Surprising Power of NV Centers | 06 Jun 2025 | 02:21:20 | |
In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we explore how diamond-based nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers went from being a curiosity in gemstone physics to a transformative tool for precision magnetometry. You’ll hear how these tiny defects enable room-temperature quantum sensing, providing ultra-high spatial resolution and remarkable resilience in extreme conditions—from planetary research unlocking secrets of our solar system’s earliest days to potential biomedical diagnostics. Our guest recounts the serendipitous connections, engineering challenges, and surprising scientific discoveries along the way. We also discuss how interdisciplinary collaborations spark new ideas, how startups and academia differ in their pursuit of quantum breakthroughs, and why community-driven science can accelerate major scientific leaps.
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| Science Memes, Epigenetic Inheritance, and Rethinking Peer Review | 24 Jun 2025 | 01:33:09 | |
In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we explore cutting-edge ideas in epigenetics and academic publishing. Oded Rechavi reveals how C. elegans worms defy conventional genetics by passing on traits through small RNAs, and discusses how these mechanisms might reshape our understanding of heredity. We also hear about a remarkable experiment hijacking Toxoplasma gondii—the so-called “cat parasite”—to deliver proteins into the brain, opening possible routes for new therapies. Beyond the lab, we explore problems with modern publishing, from glacial review timelines to flawed incentives that push quantity over quality. Learn how AI-driven solutions might speed up peer review, allow scientists to focus on what truly matters, and help keep the spark of curiosity alive. 02:33 The Journey of Memeing on Twitter Follow us: Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/ Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR Website: https://www.632nm.com | |||
| How We Build Telescopes to Explore the Early Cosmos | Brian Keating | 29 Jul 2025 | 01:43:30 | |
Did the Big Bang really happen? Telescopes, dark matter & cosmic origins explored. Join cosmologist Brian Keating as we explore the mysteries of the universe, from building telescopes at the South Pole to measuring the polarization of the cosmic microwave background and chasing signs of gravitational waves. We discuss Galileo’s influence, cosmic inflation, and how the Nobel Prize could be changed to better reflect the way we do science. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/632nmpodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/632nm/about/ Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/
Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR Website: https://www.632nm.com | |||
| Quantum Complexity: Scott Aaronson on P vs NP and the Future | 15 Jul 2025 | 02:01:49 | |
In this episode of the 632nm podcast, Scott Aaronson shares his early fascination with calculus at age 11 and how “rediscovering” old mathematics led him toward groundbreaking work in complexity theory. He gives a lucid explanation of P vs NP, revealing how seemingly trivial questions about verifying solutions speak to some of the deepest unsolved problems in all of computing. Aaronson also explores the frontiers of quantum computing, from the nuances of quantum supremacy experiments to the idea of quantum money and certified randomness. He explains how amplitudes—rather than straightforward probabilities—unlock powerful interference effects, yet still face limits imposed by measurement. The conversation concludes with a look at the future of fault-tolerant quantum computers and the possibility that we’ve finally reached the ultimate horizon of computability—unless nature has even stranger surprises in store. 02:01 Early Fascination with Mathematics Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269 | |||
| The Final Interview with MIT Physicist Keith Johnson | 05 Aug 2025 | 02:15:37 | |
One of Keith Johnson’s final interviews: a brilliant mind on dark matter, water, and fusion. Read about Keith’s legacy here: https://news.mit.edu/2025/keith-johnson-materials-scientist-independent-filmmaker-dies-0723 This episode is one of the final recorded conversations with MIT physicist Keith Johnson, who passed away just weeks after our interview. In this conversation, he unpacks his early research on the quantum structure of matter, his cold fusion theories, and how it all led to a screenplay about a young female physicist. Johnson also suggests a radical idea: water clusters in space might explain some aspects of dark matter. A one-of-a-kind interview that blends science, art, and speculation. We’re honored to share this glimpse into Keith’s remarkable intellect, creativity, and curiosity. May his legacy continue to inspire. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/632nmpodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/632nm/about/ Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/
Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR Website: https://www.632nm.com
00:00 - Intro 01:03- Early Life and Education 03:27 - Graduate Studies and Research Funding 05:44 - Postdoctoral Work and Quantum Chemistry 09:45 - Starting at MIT and Collaborations 15:05 - Cold Fusion and Film Making 23:38 - Keith's First Screenplay 28:55 - Filming a Movie at MIT 43:50 - Water Clusters and Quantum Energy 53:54 - Is Cold Fusion Possible? 1:07:13 - Challenges in Fusion Energy 1:12:09 - Advice for Young Scientists APPENDIX: 1:15:42 - Water Might Be Connected to Dark Matter 1:24:49 - Cosmic Dust and Supernovae 1:28:36 - The Role of Water in the Universe 1:38:32 - The Future of Dark Matter Research 1:51:27 - Water Might Have Been Created Sooner After the Big Bang #KeithJohnson #MIT #ScienceAndStorytelling #QuantumPhysics #DarkMatter #Astrobiology #BreakingSymmetry | |||
| Biology's Biggest Chicken and Egg Problem | Jacob Fine | 12 Aug 2025 | 01:31:04 | |
Life’s First Blueprint Wasn’t DNA; it was RNA. Read Jacob Fine’s latest publication here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022283625001901 Today we spoke with Jacob Fine, graduate student researcher in Computational Biology from the University of Toronto. We explore the physics of replication, the role of entropy and information theory, and how modern biology is reconnecting with theory to understand the most fundamental question in science. Our conversation takes place in a Russian sauna, where the hot and humid environment mimics some of the conditions needed for life to begin.
Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Follow our hosts! Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky Subscribe: Timestamps: | |||
| Inside the Battle for Psychedelic Therapy | Rick Doblin | 26 Aug 2025 | 02:38:02 | |
What does it take to turn a banned psychedelic into an FDA-approved medicine? Visit MAPS to read about the latest progress is psychedelic research: https://maps.org/ In this episode, we speak with Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), about the decades-long mission to make MDMA-assisted therapy a legal treatment for PTSD and other mental health conditions. Rick received his PhD from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government in public policy focusing on the regulation of medical use of psychedelics in 2001. Rick shares the science behind MDMA’s therapeutic effects, the strategy for winning over regulators, and the battles over claims of neurotoxicity. We discuss the history of psychedelic research, the rise of the underground therapy movement, and how clinical trials, policy change, and cultural perception must align to move psychedelics from stigma to science. Whether you’re curious about psychedelic science, drug policy reform, FDA clinical trials, or the future of mental health treatment, this conversation delivers expert insight into the intersection of research, regulation, and real-world impact. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Follow our hosts! Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky Subscribe: Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro | |||
| Laser Cooling and Quantum Timekeeping | Bill Phillips | 09 Sep 2025 | 02:24:10 | |
How did cooling atoms with lasers revolutionize our understanding of time? In this episode, we speak with Bill Phillips, Nobel Laureate in Physics, about his groundbreaking work on laser cooling and trapping of atoms: research that not only won him the Nobel Prize but also transformed modern timekeeping and technology. Phillips explains why breaking the Doppler cooling limit changed physics forever and what it means that today’s clocks can measure time differences caused by moving a device just a few millimeters in Earth’s gravity. We discuss the history of timekeeping from sundials to atomic clocks, how Einstein’s relativity reshaped our view of time, and the serendipitous discovery of sub-Doppler cooling that opened the door to ultra-precise measurement, quantum computing, and fundamental tests of nature. Along the way, Phillips reflects on the culture of physics, the importance of mentorship, and the joy of discovery. Whether you’re curious about time, relativity, quantum physics, GPS technology, or the frontiers of precision measurement, this conversation offers rare insight into how science, collaboration, and curiosity converge to shape the modern world. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Follow our hosts! Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269 Timestamps: #billphillips #nobelprize #laser #atomicclock #dopplereffect #quantumcomputing #quantumphysics #gps #physics #boseeinsteincondensate #theoreticalphysics #relativity | |||
| What Optical Atomic Clocks Tell Us About Space-Time | Jun Ye | 23 Sep 2025 | 01:52:35 | |
Times have changed. And cesium clocks can't keep up. In this episode, we sit down with Jun Ye, Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA) Fellow and pioneer of optical lattice clocks, whose work has pushed timekeeping far beyond traditional cesium atomic clocks. Ye explains how combining ultra-stable lasers, frequency combs, and ultra-cold atoms produces clocks more than 100× more precise than today’s standards: so sensitive they can detect gravitational time dilation across the width of a human hair. We explore how this next generation of atomic clocks may open windows onto gravitational waves, test Einstein’s relativity in new regimes, and even help build a GPS for space travel. Ye also shares his personal journey from growing up during China’s Cultural Revolution to becoming a leader in precision measurement, and what that experience taught him about resilience, mentorship, and protecting scientific inquiry. Whether you’re curious about time, relativity, quantum physics, GPS technology, or the frontiers of precision measurement, this conversation offers a rare insider’s look at how breakthroughs in timekeeping can lead to entirely new physics. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Follow our hosts! Subscribe: Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro #quantumcomputing #quantumphysics #atomicclock #laser #physics #optics #astrophysics #astronomy #spacetime | |||
| What Science can Learn from Startups | Adam Marblestone on Focused Research Organizations | 07 Oct 2025 | 01:41:22 | |
Science has stalled. And Adam Marblestone thinks he knows why. Check out the Research Gap Map here: https://www.gap-map.org/?sort=rank In this episode, we sit down with Adam Marblestone, neuroscientist, nanotechnologist, and founder of Convergent Research, to explore how new “Focused Research Organizations” (FROs) could reignite scientific progress. From DNA “ticker-tape” neural recording to optical connectomics and Neuralink, Marblestone explains how emerging neurotechnologies reveal both the brilliance and the bottlenecks of today’s research system. We discuss why traditional funding often fails to support ambitious, interdisciplinary projects, how FROs borrow the focus and speed of startups to build scientific infrastructure, and why projects like OpenAI, E11 Bio, and ultrasound-on-a-chip exemplify this new model. Marblestone breaks down his “Gap Map” of unsolved scientific challenges - from room-temperature superconductors to artificial ribosomes - and does the math on how tens of billions of dollars could close them. Whether you’re fascinated by neuroscience, scientific innovation, or the future of research itself, this conversation offers a rare insider’s look at how new institutions could rebuild the engine of discovery—and why the next wave of breakthroughs might depend more on organization than on ideas. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Follow our hosts! Subscribe: Timestamps: #neuroscience #molecularbiology #quantumphysics #researchfunding #startups | |||
| We Interviewed the Winners of the Ig Nobel Prize | Ig Nobel 2025 | 09 Oct 2025 | 01:05:36 | |
The scientific stories behind this year's research that made people LAUGH, then THINK. Watch the 2025 Ig Nobel Ceremony here: https://youtu.be/z1cP4xKd_L4 In this episode, we bring together three of this year’s Ig Nobel winners whose research spans psychology, food science and human biology. You’ll hear how a team of psychologists devised a counter-intuitive way to boost a narcissist’s self-confidence; how two physicists uncovered the “mozzarella phase” of pecorino cheese while perfecting cacio e pepe; and how a group studying lactation discovered that garlic changes breast-milk’s aroma and baby behavior. We explore the playful setups, surprising results and serious science behind each project, and how curiosity, humor and a dash of persistence turned ordinary questions into prize-winning research. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Follow our hosts! Subscribe: Timestamps: #ignobel2025 #cacioepepe #pastasauce #thermodynamics #psychology #dairy #pecorino | |||
| Why Do Quantum Computers Make So Many Mistakes? | Mikhail Lukin on Quantum Error Correction | 21 Oct 2025 | 01:00:47 | |
You can’t copy a qubit. So how do quantum computers remember anything? In this episode, we sit down with Mikhail Lukin, Harvard physicist and co-director of the Harvard Quantum Initiative, whose lab is building quantum computers from arrays of individually trapped atoms. Lukin explains the paradox of quantum error correction—how you can safeguard quantum information even though it can’t be copied or measured directly—and why this breakthrough may be the key to making large-scale quantum computers possible. We dive into the strange logic of superposition, entanglement, and “small cat states,” explore what makes quantum evolution inherently analog, and learn how Lukin’s team uses optical tweezers and Rydberg interactions to engineer stable, reconfigurable qubits—atoms literally held and moved by light. Whether you’re fascinated by quantum mechanics, computing, Schrödinger’s cat, or the future of information, this conversation reveals how physicists are turning the weirdness of quantum physics into working technology—and why building a fault-tolerant quantum computer is one of the hardest and most exciting challenges in science today. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Follow our hosts! Subscribe: Timestamps: #quantumcomputing #quantumerrorcorrection #mikhaillukin #qubits #schrodingerscat #entanglement #superposition #quantumphysics | |||
| Can We Predict History Like the Weather? | Peter Turchin on Cliodynamics | 04 Nov 2025 | 01:18:29 | |
Why do civilizations rise, prosper, and then collapse? Here's what the math tells us. In this episode, we sit down with Peter Turchin, complexity scientist and founder of the field of cliodynamics, which uses data and mathematical models to study the long-term cycles of history. Turchin explains his theory of elite overproduction, how societies generate too many ambitious, educated elites competing for too few positions, and why this dynamic reliably leads to polarization, inequality, and political turmoil. We explore how his structural-demographic theory maps the recurring “boom and bust” rhythms that have shaped civilizations from ancient Rome to modern America, the role of military competition in driving cooperation and social complexity, and how new tools—from AI-assisted historical databases to ancient DNA and LiDAR—are transforming the study of the past. Whether you’re drawn to history, sociology, complexity science, or the fate of modern democracies, this conversation reveals how Turchin’s quantitative approach offers a new way to understand—and maybe even forecast—the forces that make societies rise and fall. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Follow our hosts! Subscribe: Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro | |||
| Why Syncing Atomic Clocks is Virtually Impossible | Judah Levine on UTC | 26 Nov 2025 | 02:04:26 | |
Why is syncing atomic clocks still one of the hardest problems in physics and engineering? In this episode, we speak with Judah Levine—legendary NIST physicist and one of the key architects of modern timekeeping—about the invisible systems that hold the digital world together. Levine explains why synchronizing atomic clocks across the planet is far more complex than the clocks themselves, and why seemingly simple ideas like “round-trip delay” break down in real-world media such as fiber optics and the internet. We explore how UTC is built from hundreds of atomic clocks, the difference between keeping time and *transferring* time, and the surprising challenges introduced by asymmetric delays, chromatic dispersion, and environmental noise. Levine walks us through the evolution of cesium clocks, the rise of optical clocks, and the technologies that make GPS, finance, power grids, and global communication possible. Along the way, we discuss the history of time synchronization, from railroad schedules to radio frequencies to modern satellite systems; the ongoing debate over leap seconds; and why the future of precision timing depends not just on better clocks, but on better *engineering* to deliver those clocks’ performance to the real world. Whether you’re curious about atomic clocks, relativity, fiber optics, GPS, the structure of time itself, or the hidden physics behind everyday technology, this conversation offers a rare look at how science, engineering, and careful statistical thinking keep modern civilization in sync—down to the nanosecond. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Follow our hosts! Subscribe: Timestamps: | |||
| How to Build Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computers | Austin Fowler on Surface Codes + TQEC | 09 Dec 2025 | 01:50:14 | |
Would we get a quantum computer sooner if everything was open source? In this episode, we speak with Austin Fowler, one of the architects of quantum error correction and a pioneer of the surface code used in today’s leading quantum computers. Fowler helped lay the groundwork for scalable, fault-tolerant computation at Google Quantum AI, before leaving to advocate for a more open and collaborative model of research. He explains why building a useful quantum computer will require millions of reliable qubits, why no known algorithm yet clearly outperforms classical computation, and why the field’s current competitive funding model may be slowing progress instead of accelerating it. From the engineering challenges of superconducting qubits to the economics of global research, Fowler offers a candid, inside look at the state of quantum technology. We explore the history and promise of quantum error correction, the software bottlenecks that still stand in the way, and how an open-source, international approach — modeled on CERN or the International Space Station — could transform the field. Along the way, Fowler reflects on his time at Google, the importance of collaboration, and what it will really take to make quantum computing practical. Whether you’re interested in quantum hardware, physics, computer science, or research policy, this conversation reveals the technical, ethical, and economic realities behind one of today’s most ambitious scientific pursuits. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Follow our hosts! Subscribe: Timestamps: | |||
| Quantum Matter, Super-conductors, and Black Holes | Subir Sachdev on the SYK Model | 23 Dec 2025 | 02:34:48 | |
What makes high-temperature superconductors and “strange metals” some of the most perplexing systems in modern physics? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Subir Sachdev: Harvard physicist and one of the leading architects of today’s understanding of quantum matter. Sachdev explains why strange metals refuse to behave like ordinary conductors, how quantum entanglement reshapes the landscape of many-body physics, and why the quest to understand cuprate superconductors continues to push both theory and experiment to their limits. We explore the physics of the cuprate phase diagram, the collapse of quasiparticles, and the role of quantum criticality in creating universal, linear-in-temperature behavior. Sachdev walks us through the origins of the SYK model, its surprising connections to black-hole thermodynamics and holography, and how new lattice-based models may finally bridge the gap between solvable theory and real materials. Whether you’re curious about superconductivity, quantum criticality, black-hole analogies, emergent gauge fields, or the deep physics behind strongly correlated electrons, this conversation offers a rare, accessible look at how frontier theoretical work is redefining our picture of quantum matter—from the lab bench to the edge of spacetime. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Follow our hosts! Mikhail Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov Subscribe: Timestamps: #theoreticalphysics #quantummaterials #astrophysics #superconductivity #superconductor #blackhole #quantumphysics #quantummechanics | |||
| Graphene, Nanotubes, and Quantum Hall Physics | Philip Kim | 06 Jan 2026 | 02:47:03 | |
How do electrons behave when they’re confined to a single layer, and why do entirely new laws of physics emerge when dimensions shrink? Papers discussed in this episode: In this episode, we speak with Philip Kim, Harvard physicist and a leading experimentalist in low-dimensional quantum materials. Kim traces the experimental path from high-temperature superconductors and charge-density waves to carbon nanotubes and the earliest graphene devices, revealing how advances in nanofabrication and quantum transport opened the door to modern 2D materials physics. We dive deep into the Hall effect and quantum Hall effect, from their 19th-century origins to the discovery of quantized and fractional conductance, and explain why these effects were found experimentally before they were fully understood theoretically. Kim shares behind-the-scenes stories of early graphene experiments, mechanical exfoliation, Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations, and what it was like to be scooped by the work that launched graphene into the spotlight. Along the way, we explore how disorder, dimensionality, and magnetic fields shape electronic behavior; why carbon nanotubes paved the way for graphene; and how many of the most important discoveries in condensed matter physics arise from intuition, timing, and new experimental tools. Whether you’re interested in graphene, quantum transport, the quantum Hall effect, nanofabrication, superconductors, or the real stories behind breakthrough discoveries, this conversation offers a rare, technically rich look at how modern quantum materials research actually unfolds. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Follow our hosts! Subscribe: Timestamps: #graphene #quantumphysics #materialscience #halleffect #electromagnetism | |||
| How Visual Experience Rewires the Brain | Mark Bear on Neuroplasticity | 03 Feb 2026 | 01:55:42 | |
How does experience rewire the brain—and why is vision the ideal system for understanding neuroplasticity? In this episode, we speak with Mark Bear, MIT neuroscientist and a pioneer in the study of experience-dependent plasticity. Bear explains how the visual cortex became a model system for uncovering the synaptic mechanisms that allow the brain to change, adapt, and learn, especially during early development. We explore how visual experience shapes neural circuits, why the brain undergoes critical periods of heightened plasticity, and what classic experiments in visual deprivation revealed about how connections are strengthened or lost. Bear walks us through the discovery of binocular vision in the cortex, the role of inhibition in closing critical periods, and how these ideas reshaped our understanding of learning and memory. The conversation also covers modern views of cortical plasticity, including perceptual learning, visual recognition memory, and how the brain distinguishes familiar from novel stimuli. Bear discusses how insights from vision extend to broader questions about brain development, neurological disorders such as amblyopia, and whether adult plasticity can be reopened. Whether you’re interested in neuroscience, brain development, neuroplasticity, learning and memory, or the biology of vision, this episode offers a clear and authoritative look at how experience shapes the brain at the level of neural circuits and synapses. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Follow our hosts! Subscribe: Timestamps: #neuroplasticity #neuroscience #hubermanlab #braindevelopment #brainplasticity | |||
| Snell's Law, Metasurfaces, and Metalenses | Federico Capasso | 20 Jan 2026 | 02:13:09 | |
How can flat surfaces shape light as powerfully as bulky lenses? In this episode, we speak with Federico Capasso, Harvard physicist and pioneer of metasurfaces, metalenses, and nanophotonics. Capasso traces the path from his work at Bell Labs on quantum cascade lasers to the invention of metasurface optics, showing how a practical challenge—collimating light without traditional lenses—sparked a new way to control light. We explore the physics behind metasurfaces and generalized Snell’s law, explaining how subwavelength structures enable precise control of wavefronts, phase, and polarization beyond what conventional diffractive optics or Fresnel lenses allow. Capasso clarifies common misconceptions, contrasts metasurfaces with diffraction gratings and phased arrays, and emphasizes the importance of physical intuition and simplicity. The conversation covers metalenses, polarization optics, holography, and how these ideas moved from theory to large-scale manufacturing in semiconductor foundries, ultimately appearing in consumer devices like smartphones. Capasso also reflects on commercialization, the legacy of Bell Labs, and the blurred boundary between basic science and real-world technology. Whether you’re interested in metasurfaces, metalenses, nanophotonics, optics, or the process behind breakthrough discoveries, this episode offers a clear and insightful look at how modern optical physics becomes transformative technology. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Follow our hosts! Subscribe: Timestamps: #metasurface #metalenses #quantumphysics #materialscience #optics #photonics | |||
| How Engineers Solve “Impossible” Problems | Dan Gelbart | 17 Feb 2026 | 02:03:45 | |
How do engineers solve problems that seem to violate the laws of physics? In this episode, we speak with Dan Gelbart, a prolific inventor and precision engineer, about what it really means to work at the limits of physical law. From lasers and optical systems to ultra-precision manufacturing and semiconductor tools, Gelbart has spent decades designing systems where nanometers, noise, and nonlinearities matter, and where small misunderstandings of physics can block real progress. We discuss the story of the first working laser, built by Theodore Maiman, and why it succeeded only after questioning widely accepted assumptions. Gelbart explains how many “impossible” engineering problems aren’t forbidden by physics at all: they’re constrained by measurement errors, incomplete models, or failure to explore edge cases like pulsed operation, material effects, and boundary conditions. We explore precision metrology, high-resolution imaging for satellite systems, the culture of engineering education, and the difference between a true physical limit and a design constraint. Gelbart reflects on why mastering fundamentals, mechanics, optics, electromagnetism, matters more than chasing trends, and how breakthroughs often come from carefully re-examining what others assume cannot be done. Whether you’re interested in physics, engineering, semiconductor manufacturing, lasers, or the philosophy of technological innovation, this conversation offers a rigorous look at how engineers operate at the edge of what nature allows, and sometimes push beyond what others think is possible. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Follow our hosts! Subscribe: Timestamps: #machining #cnc #precisionengineering #metrology #machineshop | |||
| How Neurons Translate Electricity into Chemistry | Tom Südhof | 10 Mar 2026 | 01:30:27 | |
How do neurons convert electrical signals into chemical messages in under a millisecond? In this episode, we speak with Thomas Südhof, Stanford neuroscientist and Nobel laureate whose discoveries revealed the molecular machinery that allows neurons to communicate at synapses. Südhof explains how an electrical impulse traveling down a neuron triggers the rapid release of neurotransmitters, transforming an electrical signal into a chemical one that can be received by the next cell. We explore the remarkable precision of synaptic transmission, including how calcium ions trigger vesicle fusion, how specialized proteins organize the release machinery, and why this entire process unfolds on the timescale of a single millisecond. Südhof walks us through the molecular components that make this possible, including the proteins that dock neurotransmitter-filled vesicles and control their release. The conversation also examines how these discoveries reshaped modern neuroscience by revealing the fundamental mechanisms underlying neuronal communication. Südhof discusses how synapses operate as highly specialized molecular machines and how disruptions in synaptic signaling are linked to neurological and psychiatric disorders. Whether you’re interested in neuroscience, synapses, brain signaling, neurotransmitters, or the molecular basis of thought, this episode offers a clear explanation of how neurons translate electricity into chemistry, and how this microscopic process makes brain communication possible Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Follow our hosts! Subscribe: Timestamps: #neuroscience #neuroplasticity #nobelprize #hubermanlab #neurobiology | |||
| The Real Economics of Data Centers in Space | Starcloud CEO Philip Johnston | 01 Apr 2026 | 01:37:34 | |
Are data centers in space physically possible, or just another overhyped idea? In this episode, we speak with Philip Johnston, CEO of Starcloud, about the technical and economic case for putting AI infrastructure in orbit. The idea has gone viral in recent months, drawing strong criticism from science communicators like Scott Manley, Kyle Hill, and Hank Green, but rarely with detailed engagement on the underlying assumptions. We examine whether space-based data centers can compete with terrestrial infrastructure, and what constraints actually matter: energy generation, cooling, launch costs, and manufacturing at scale. Johnston walks through the core economic model behind Starcloud, including assumptions about SpaceX’s Starship, the cost of solar power in orbit, and why removing terrestrial constraints like land use, permitting, and energy storage could fundamentally change how compute is deployed. We discuss the physics of radiative cooling in space, the challenges of operating GPUs in a radiation environment, and how orbital systems compare to Earth-based data centers in terms of efficiency and cost structure. The conversation also explores broader questions around AI’s growing energy demands, the limits of terrestrial infrastructure, and whether shifting compute off-world is a niche solution or a long-term inevitability. Whether you’re interested in space technology, AI infrastructure, energy systems, or the economics of large-scale computing, this episode offers a detailed look at one of the most debated ideas in modern engineering, and a rare opportunity to hear its strongest arguments laid out in full. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Follow our hosts! Subscribe: Timestamps: #datacenter #aidatacenter #starlink #spacex #falcon9 #starcloud | |||
| How To Make Quantum Algorithms Cheaper | Craig Gidney on Magic-State Factories, Resource Estimates | 27 Mar 2026 | 02:03:47 | |
How do you actually make quantum algorithms work on real hardware? Build your own quantum circuits in Crumble: https://algassert.com/crumble In this episode, we speak with Craig Gidney of Google Quantum AI, whose work focuses on the practical realities of building fault-tolerant quantum computers. Gidney explains how seemingly small implementation choices, like how you perform arithmetic, can dominate the cost of entire quantum algorithms. We explore why factoring small numbers like 15 in Shor's algorithm can be misleadingly easy, and why scaling to larger numbers requires dramatically more resources due to operations like modular multiplication. He breaks down how quantum circuits are often dominated by classical reversible logic, and why optimizing these routines is critical for making quantum computing viable. The conversation covers quantum error correction, including why T gates are especially expensive, how magic state factories works, and how different hardware architectures change what “cost” even means. Gidney also explains how resource estimates for breaking cryptography have dropped by orders of magnitude and what drove those improvements. We also dive into the tools he built, including Stim, Quirk, and Crumble, which help researchers simulate noise, visualize circuits, and track how errors propagate through complex systems. Gidney shares his unconventional path into the field, the role of intuition and tooling in discovery, and how software engineering shapes modern quantum research. Whether you’re interested in quantum computing, error correction, cryptography, or the engineering challenges behind scalable quantum systems, this episode offers a clear and grounded look at what it really takes to turn quantum algorithms into reality. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Follow our hosts! Subscribe: Timestamps: #quantumcomputing #quantumphysics #computerscience #googleai #googlequantum | |||
| The Physics of Un-Hackable Face Recognition | Rob Devlin on Metalenz | 21 Apr 2026 | 01:13:59 | |
How do you turn a flat piece of nanostructured material into a secure biometric sensor? In this episode, we speak with Rob Devlin, co-founder and CEO of Metalenz, about how metasurfaces are transforming optics and enabling a new generation of biosecure sensing. Devlin explains how engineers can control light at the subwavelength scale to replace bulky lens stacks with a single flat surface, and why the real breakthrough isn’t just miniaturization, but the ability to mass-produce optics in semiconductor fabs. We explore how Metalenz scaled metasurfaces from academic prototypes into millions of devices, and what it takes to design optics for manufacturing. Devlin breaks down the transition from building one perfect device in a cleanroom to producing millions that all meet tight specifications. The conversation focuses on polarization imaging as a new information channel in consumer devices. Unlike traditional cameras that capture only intensity and color, polarization reveals material properties. This enables a new approach to facial recognition that is both more secure and more compact than existing systems. Rob also shares the story behind Metalenz, from its origins in a Harvard lab to partnerships with major semiconductor manufacturers, and how the company navigated the challenges of finding product-market fit, scaling fabrication, and building a new sensing stack from scratch. Whether you’re interested in optics, nanofabrication, consumer electronics, or the future of biometric security, this episode explores how controlling light at the nanoscale is opening entirely new possibilities for sensing and identity verification. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Follow our hosts! Subscribe: Timestamps: #photonics #faceid #biometrics #metasurface #biosecurity #optics | |||
| How Quantum Sensors Can Measure Single Electrons | Amir Yacoby | 05 May 2026 | 02:01:13 | |
How do you measure something as small as a single electron or map quantum behavior at the nanoscale? In this episode, Misha spoke with Amir Yacoby, professor at Harvard University, about the cutting edge of quantum sensing and the experimental tools redefining how we probe the quantum world. Yacoby explains how physicists build ultra-sensitive detectors, from single-electron transistors to quantum dots and NV centers in diamond, that can measure charge, spin, and magnetic fields with extraordinary precision. These tools make it possible to study both strongly correlated systems, like those exhibiting the fractional quantum Hall effect, and isolated quantum systems used as qubits. We explore how accidental discoveries in the lab can evolve into entirely new sensing techniques, including momentum-resolved tunneling and nanoscale imaging methods. The conversation also highlights how quantum sensors are enabling researchers to bridge two regimes: complex many-body systems and controllable quantum devices, opening the door to new insights in topological physics and quantum information processing. Whether you're interested in quantum measurement, nanoscale imaging, or the future of quantum technologies, this episode offers a detailed look at how new instruments are driving discovery at the frontiers of physics. Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists: Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/632nmpodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/632nm/about/ Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/ Follow our hosts! Mikhail Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR Website: https://www.632nm.com Timestamps: | |||