Episode 332: Who Has The Conn?

This episode contains: This is a podcast about Science and Science Fiction, but when the world is on fire, we have to talk about it. We start this episode talking about the coup / insurrection attempt by Trump.

You Spin Me Right ‘Round Baby, Right ‘Round: What happens when your brain can’t tell which way is up or down? Scientists used virtual reality to test the brain and how it acts when it’s perspective is ‘wrong’. We also quickly talk about how there is an AR Mario Kart coming to Universal Studios.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210107125312.htm

Robot Overlords: World’s fastest optical neuromorphic processor has been created. The neuromorphic processor operates faster than 10 trillion operations per second, which is fast. Really fast. It’s made of micro-combs, which act like a rainbow made up of hundreds of high-quality infrared lasers on a single chip. But can it run DOOM?

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210107112418.htm

Hello Internet, This is your Dad Speaking: We talk about how to mitigate the impact of a lockdown on your mental health. Almost 10,000 people from 78 countries participated in a study about mental health in a lockdown. Having support, education, and flexibly adapting to the pandemic have improved mental outcomes. Ben is the Internet’s dad. He’s looking out for all of us.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210107112430.htm

Science Fiction: Steven talks a bit about his new hobby: 3D printing and upgrading his printer. We then talk about two episodes of Star Trek Discovery, ‘Su’Kal’ and ‘There is a Tide…’. There is a lot of ground to cover, but we get through it. Final verdict? We’re a bit disappointed. Ben gives us a run-down of the first season of The Leftovers, and recommends it. Steven finished the 3rd Bobiverse book, of course he loved that one too. Steven just started reading Light of the Jedi the first High Republic Star Wars book, he gives some initial impressions. Ben gives us the final wrap up of Alien Worlds, and oh boy does he recommend it.

Devon says some stuff.