Selects: Geodesic Domes: The Wave of the Future That Wasn't | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

Dive into the depths of our planet with "Stuff You Should Know" hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant as they skillfully unearth the history and significance of plate tectonics. From the foundational myths of figures like Helena Blavatsky to the groundbreaking scientific contributions of Alfred Wegener, they explore the tumultuous journey toward accepting the theory that profoundly changed our understanding of Earth's dynamic crust. This episode not only charts the early conception of continental drift but also pays homage to the indomitable curiosity that propels scientific discovery.

The conversation ventures into the present-day mechanics of tectonic movements, detailing the monumental role they play in sustaining Earth's habitability. The duo elucidates how shifting plates shape our landscapes, influence global climates, and even craft cultural narratives, including our storytelling and speculative future geological formations like 'Pangea Proxima.' The hosts' engaging narrative transcends geological discussion, unexpectedly delving into the realm of pet nutrition and the credibility of veterinary expertise, further demonstrating their commitment to addressing listener curiosities and fostering an invaluable educational experience.

What’s out there in the vast reaches of space? Are we alone in the universe? Renowned astronomer Carl Sagan offers some insight into these questions and many more in his widely acclaimed book, Cosmos.

Sagan is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and perhaps the greatest astronomer of our age. In this book, he provides a comprehensive description of the science, philosophy, and history of astronomical discovery, from ancient Ionia to the time of the book’s publication in 1980.

In this guide, we’ll delve into Sagan’s theories about the possibility of interstellar travel, the search for extraterrestrial life, and man’s quest for understanding the mysteries of the universe. As we go along, we’ll update the information with the most recent scientific discoveries and provide perspectives from other experts in related fields.

America is the world’s leading producer of geothermal energy, a resource that proponents enthusiastically tout as reliable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly—but that currently generates less than 1% of the nation’s power. The US hopes to see geothermal generate 8.5% of America’s electricity by 2050, but cost and accessibility to tap the resource pose significant challenges.

Guns, Germs, and Steel is Jared Diamond’s attempt to determine why societies historically took different paths. It was named one of TIME’s best non-fiction books of all time, awarded the Pulitzer Prize, and turned into a PBS documentary.

Diamond argues that differences between societies were caused by environmental factors that affected the historical development of those societies, not biological differences between the people of the societies. These factors led Eurasians (people from Asia, Europe, and North Africa) to historically have strategic advantages over non-Eurasians, including advanced knowledge, centralized governments, and immunity to infectious diseases.

With these advantages, Eurasian colonists came to dominate much of the world. Diamond believes Eurasians had these advantages primarily because their native geography supported bountiful food production, which allowed for the development of other advantages in technology, knowledge, and government. In our guide, we’ll see how Diamond draws the link between food production and these advantages, we’ll fact-check his ideas, and we’ll consider how Diamond’s view has been received by other experts.

Imagine commuting to work in a flying ride-share car, having your clothes 3D printed, or grilling a lab-grown steak. These might sound like scenes from a science fiction movie, but what if these technologies we think are decades away are actually right around the corner? In The Future Is Faster Than You Think, Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler argue that the future is accelerating toward us because exponential technologies—those developing at increasingly faster rates—are starting to merge, leading to innovations and breakthroughs at unprecedented speeds. The authors predict that by 2030, a blend of these exponential technologies could transform major industries and reshape our lives.

In this guide, we’ll discuss why change and technological progress are occurring at breakneck speed. We’ll then explore the authors’ predictions on how cutting-edge technologies will revolutionize the ways we live and work—from how we learn to how we grow food. Since the book was published in 2020, we’ll provide updates to the authors’ predictions and share additional insights from other experts on how technology trends are shaping our future.

Dive into the enigmatic world of the U.S. Space Force with Jon Gertner and Eric Jason Martin on "The Daily," as they unravel what this lesser-known branch of the military actually does. Focusing on the rigorous operations and unsung duties of the Guardians, the podcast peels back layers of mystery surrounding the meticulous monitoring and defense strategies aimed at protecting crucial satellite technologies. From precision agriculture to communication infrastructures, learn how the Space Force ensures global services remain uninterrupted amidst potential electronic disturbances and space threats.

As Gertner takes us inside the strategic hub at Colorado Springs and beyond, he sheds light on the nuances that separate the Space Force from the Space Command, their massive budget allocations, and their ambitious goals in the face of global space expansion. With geopolitical tensions simmering in the cosmos, episode “The Sunday Read: ‘What Does the U.S. Space Force Actually Do?’” digs into the challenges of maintaining security in space, the threat of an arms race, and the intricate dance between innovation and conflict. This podcast is a contemplative journey through the realms of space proficiency and the cultural perception of a branch that operates in the shadows, ensuring the sky is not the limit for safety and technological advancement.

The world’s urban population is increasing rapidly, especially in the developing world. Our existing cities are already rising to meet the challenges of climate change, transportation, technology integration, and space constraints. The proposed solutions to future urban challenges include revegetation, wind gardens, green rooftops, cable cars, smart traffic lights, and underground developments. While these solutions might work in developed countries, they’re unlikely to be enough to sustain cities in developing countries.

Imagine commuting to work in a flying ride-share car, having your clothes 3D printed, or grilling a lab-grown steak. These might sound like scenes from a science fiction movie, but what if these technologies we think are decades away are actually right around the corner? In The Future Is Faster Than You Think, Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler argue that the future is accelerating toward us because exponential technologies—those developing at increasingly faster rates—are starting to merge, leading to innovations and breakthroughs at unprecedented speeds. The authors predict that by 2030, a blend of these exponential technologies could transform major industries and reshape our lives.

In this guide, we’ll discuss why change and technological progress are occurring at breakneck speed. We’ll then explore the authors’ predictions on how cutting-edge technologies will revolutionize the ways we live and work—from how we learn to how we grow food. Since the book was published in 2020, we’ll provide updates to the authors’ predictions and share additional insights from other experts on how technology trends are shaping our future.

What’s out there in the vast reaches of space? Are we alone in the universe? Renowned astronomer Carl Sagan offers some insight into these questions and many more in his widely acclaimed book, Cosmos.

Sagan is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and perhaps the greatest astronomer of our age. In this book, he provides a comprehensive description of the science, philosophy, and history of astronomical discovery, from ancient Ionia to the time of the book’s publication in 1980.

In this guide, we’ll delve into Sagan’s theories about the possibility of interstellar travel, the search for extraterrestrial life, and man’s quest for understanding the mysteries of the universe. As we go along, we’ll update the information with the most recent scientific discoveries and provide perspectives from other experts in related fields.

Dive into the depths of our planet with "Stuff You Should Know" hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant as they skillfully unearth the history and significance of plate tectonics. From the foundational myths of figures like Helena Blavatsky to the groundbreaking scientific contributions of Alfred Wegener, they explore the tumultuous journey toward accepting the theory that profoundly changed our understanding of Earth's dynamic crust. This episode not only charts the early conception of continental drift but also pays homage to the indomitable curiosity that propels scientific discovery.

The conversation ventures into the present-day mechanics of tectonic movements, detailing the monumental role they play in sustaining Earth's habitability. The duo elucidates how shifting plates shape our landscapes, influence global climates, and even craft cultural narratives, including our storytelling and speculative future geological formations like 'Pangea Proxima.' The hosts' engaging narrative transcends geological discussion, unexpectedly delving into the realm of pet nutrition and the credibility of veterinary expertise, further demonstrating their commitment to addressing listener curiosities and fostering an invaluable educational experience.

In this episode of "Stuff You Should Know", co-hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant delve into the chilling account of the Hyatt Regency Skywalk disaster. Echoing through the annals of US history, this horrifying event claimed 114 lives and injured hundreds. Yet, the catastrophe was not simply a product of unfortunate circumstances, but a consequence of structural negligence. Clark and Bryant explore the events of that fateful day, from the immediate panic to the intense rescue operations and the subsequent investigation into the disaster's cause.

Their narrative isn't limited to the physical aspects of the disaster. In moving detail, they uncover the human narrative that seeped from the wreckage - tales of survival, bravery, loss, and community response. They reveal how the consequences rippled beyond the immediate victims impacting Kansas City, and even reshaping international regulations in civil engineering. In this compelling episode, listeners are invited to consider the profound, lasting impacts of the Hyatt Regency disaster.