Tom's SciCast

74. Astrobiology, natural laws of the universe, confronting bias.

What is astrobiology? Why study astrobiology? I also discuss the age and scale of the universe, introduce some important laws of the universe, why Earth could be a templa

73. The Modern Synthesis of Evolution

I explain how the Modern Synthesis led to our current understanding of evolution. I also discuss the current issues in evolution including epigenetics, horizontal gene tr

72. Sex, Sexual Reproduction, and Sexual Selection

A continuation on the mechanisms of evolution with a focus on sexual selection. I also define, sexual reproduction, two sexes, sexual selection, and provide examples of s

71. Mechanisms of Evolution II: genetic drift, recombination, mutations

I focus on the mechanisms of random evolution and how mutations and recombination not only cause evolution but are important sources of variation.  Send us Fan Mail

70. Mechanisms of Evolution I: Natural selection

In this podcast, I explain the different types of natural selection including directional selection, stabilizing selection, disruptive selection, balancing selection, and

69. What is a species?

I explain why defining species is difficult and describe four species concepts including morphological, biological, polyphasic, and phylogenetic species concept.  Send u

68. Cellular respiration

This is Chapter 7 of my Bio for Health Sciences text book. I cover cellular respiration, including why it's important, the four stages of respiration, and finally a

67. Energy, Membranes, Transport, and Metabolism

This is Chapter 6 of my bio for health sciences text book. In this chapter, I cover a variety of related topics including: The structure and function of cell membranes, c

66. Cells are the Basic Unit of Life

This is Chapter 5 of my Bio for Health Sciences text book. It covers the similarities of all cells due to common ancestry, introduces prokaryotic diversity, eukaryotic di

65. The Chemistry of Life

This podcast is Chapter 4 of my book Biology for Health Sciences. Life is based on chemistry and it helps to know a little to help us in our everyday lives, like why some

64. The Ingredients of Life

This podcast is the 3rd chapter of my text book, Biology for  Health Sciences. I cover the structure of atoms, the origins of the elements, chemical bonding, why carbon i

63. The Gray Areas of Life: Misconceptions and Discoveries

Tom unpacks the complex definitions of life and challenges common misconceptions about living organisms, from mules and parasites to viruses. Listeners gain insights into

62. Themes in Science: From Emergent Properties to Evolution

This is Chapter 2 of my textbook, Biology for Health Sciences, a college freshman course for students entering nursing, nutrition, exercise science, environmental science

61. A Biologists Looks at 50: Reflections from 30 years of doing science

A look back on my life in science, birds, fish, invasive species, streams, dams, and climate change and sleeping lizards.   Send us Fan Mail

60. The Fermi paradox, aliens, biology, evolution

Where is every one? Why haven't we been visited by alien races, made contact with aliens, or even discovered a hint of an alien race? Ever since Fermi asked this sim

59. Why we should colonize the solar system

I believe humans are special and improve our chances of surviving as a species, I explain why we should colonize the solar system and beyond.  Send us Fan Mail

58. The Silurian Hypothesis, evolution, civilizations, aliens, and the legacy of humanity.

I explore how the Silurian Hypothesis provides insight into what it takes for a planet to host or evolve a civilization, how we might detect them, and the legacy of human

57. Life, aliens, opinions, and other things I've been thinking about lately

After 6 months, I'm back! I talk about how some of my views have changed to become more nuanced and how my own biases shape the way I think about astrobiology.  Sen

56. Do the laws of nature make life likely to occur and evolution progressive?

In researching astrobiology for my up coming book, I've started to view the evolution of life and civilizations in a paradigm shifting way that challenges the very b

55. What makes an animal different from all other life?

What makes animals different from all other organisms? I discuss the evolutionary origins and unique features of animals along with a few other fun facts. And find out wh