Episode #1: Open Source Physics

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Physcast Episode #1 features Prof. Wolfgang Christian from the Brown University, one of the minds and authors behind the Open Source Physics website. Prof. Christian and Physcast host, Elf, discuss the history behind the Open Source Physics project that now boasts over 500 physics simulations written in Java as a free online educational physics tool. We also discuss the future of the project and how peer-review articles are leading to brand new simulations for students of all ages.

 

Picks of the Week:

Prof. Wolfgang Christian: “Building Parallel Programs: SMPs, Clusters & Java” by Alan Kaminsky

Elf : Codecademy.com

More information about Prof. Christian can be found at his Brown University staff page or at theOpen Source Physics website.

Links mentioned:

Open Source Physics – Essays on Science and Society
Author/s: Wolfgang Christian, Francisco Esquembre, and Lyle Barbato
Journal: Science
Year Published: 2011

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Pre-Episode #2: Associate Professor Bill Williams

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Pre-Episode #2 of Physcast features Associate Professor Bill Williams from Massey University in Palmerston North. Prof. Williams is also a Principal Investigator with the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology and his research focuses on the biophysics of soft matter materials. Elf and Bill begin by discussing Bill’s current research, learning lessons from the pectin within plant cells walls, and end up waxing lyrical about the future relationship between physics and biology.

Picks of the Week:

Prof. Bill Williams - Pollen TED talk Video and Richard Feynman “The pleasure of finding things out” 

Elf - Hyperphysics

More information about Prof. Williams can be found at his Massey University staff page, his research publications page and his MacDiarmid Institute researchers page.

Publications mentioned:

Bio-inspired network optimization in soft materials – Insights from the plant cell wall
Author/s:  Vincent, R, Cucheval, A, Hemar, Y, Williams, M.A.K
Journal: European Journal of Physics E
Year Published: 2009


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Pre-Episode #1: Dr. Marcus Wilson

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Pre-Episode #1 of Physcast features Dr. Marcus Wilson from the University of Waikato in New Zealand. Marcus’ research focuses on modelling of the electrical behaviour of the human brain during natural sleep, however today he joins host, Elf Eldridge, to introduce Physcast and the Pre-episodes. The pre-episodes introduce some of the characters and researchers who will feature as panelists in future paper discussions in Physcast. This week we discuss physics education and the complexities of modelling brains constructed of billion of neurons and getting meaningful results.

Picks of the Week:

Dr. Marcus Wilson - Sixty Symbols

Elf - The Sagan Series

More information about Dr. Wilson can be found at his Waikato University staff page, his research publications page and his blog, PhysicsStop.

Publications mentioned:

A mechanism for ultra-slow oscillations in the cortical default network
Author/s: Steyn-Ross, Moira L, Steyn-Ross, D A, Sleigh, J W, Wilson, M T
Journal: Bulletin of Mathematical Biology
Year Published: 2011

N.B. Please note that Physcast’s email address is podcast@physcast.org. The address mentioned in this episode is incorrect.

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Welcome to Physcast!

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We’re currently completing our pre-episodes featuring our global physics panelists. These will be available for download in January 2012. In the mean time follow Physcast on Twitter or via RSS so you don’t miss the first episodes!

And of course we need to thank everyone who contributes to make this podcast possible: Our opening theme is Spinnin’ by Alex Beroza, used under a Creative Commons license. Our closing theme is ‘Triangles‘ composed Rhian Sheehan, used under direct license.

Physcast is non-profit and operates without sponsorship, out of the kindness of our guests and panelists hearts. To help us meet running costs you can either donate, or select from some of our amazing physics merch at www.zazzle.com/physcast.


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