Episodes

Chad and Mike discuss movies with the best science in science fiction. This time, we consider movies with genetic engineering or controlling. We discuss three movies: Jurassic Park, Gattaca, and Project Hail Mary. Who will win the coveted Crisspie this year?

Mike and Chad discuss the mechanics of how birds fly. What is it about their wings, feathers, mass, and speed that makes flight possible? If you have ideas that you think we should explore, contact us at crisscrossingsci@gmail.com

We are replaying our interview with Nobel Laureate Bill Phillips, to talk about really cold stuff. Subscribe to download the latest episode as soon as they are released.

Chad and Mike discuss the mechanisms behind sodium channels in nerve cells. These proteins open and close based on voltage differences in the cells. Subscribe to the podcast to get the latest episodes as soon as they're available.

Mike and Chad discuss what is fact and fiction regarding an electromagnetic pulse (EMP). Hint: there's a lot of fiction in fiction. Subscribe to the podcast to get the latest episodes delivered as soon as they're available.

Chad and Mike discuss some of the diseases that can be contracted by being bitten by a tick. The most recent disease is something known as the Alpha Gal Syndrome, which is really an allergic reaction to mammalian meat products. It's an interesting discussion that may make you want to stay inside. If you do want to go outside, download crisscrossing Science from wherever you find your favorite podcasts and take us with you!

Mike and Chad talk about the recent Artemis II mission as well as the history of exploring the moon. Finally, we explore why we're planning to go back now. If you have topics that you would like to hear us discuss, email us at crisscrossingsci@gmail.com

Mike and Chad are revisiting this episode from 2022 about Dark Energy. What is it and where does it come from? Astrophysicists are still trying to understand the answers to these questions. Subscribe to this podcast to download the latest episodes as soon as they're available.

Chad tells Mike about the dangers of diving in deep water, from nitrogen narcosis to the bends. Given these problems, we then discuss how some mammals have adapted to be able to swim to the bottom of the ocean. If you want to dive deep into science topics of the day, subscribe to the podcast so that you get the latest episodes as soon as they are available.

We had this conversation with Dr. Jo Handelsman in 2023 about farming practices and how to save our soils from erosion. It's something that I've thought about off and on periodically ever since. If you have topics or ideas for interesting discussions, email us at crisscrossingsci@gmail.com

Mike and Chad invite meteorologist Chris McGinness into the studio to talk about how he can predict the weather and to define some terms that seem new to us. Subscribe to the podcast to get the latest episodes as soon as they are available.

Mike and Chad invite Norman Birge, Professor of Physics at Michigan State University, and PhD advisor to Mike, to discuss some research into developing computers that use superconducting materials. Superconducting computers would create less heat, which would be helpful for large data centers. If you haven't already, subscribe to the podcast to download the latest episodes as soon as they are available.

Chad and Mike relisten to this classic episode in which Stephen McCormick tells us about the life cycle of salmon. Salmon start their lives in fresh water then move to the ocean and only return to fresh water again to spawn. But many physiological changes have to occur for each of these steps. Subscribe to automatically download the latest episode.

Mike and Chad discuss volcanoes. How do they form, and are they only Earthly events? If you have topics you would like us to discuss in future episodes, email us at crisscrossingsci@gmail.com

Chad tells Mike about how bacteria can detect when there are enough of them around so that they can change their behavior. It's a collective action that seems smart, but is just a matter of responding to the environment. If you would like to join the collection, subscribe to the podcast so that you can get the latest downloads as soon as they're available.

Chad and Mike are learning more about what have been described as "Flying Puppies" by re-playing this episode with Leah Rensel.

Mike and Chad finally talk about Mike's research in the material called graphene. Graphene is a two dimensional conductor that can be used as a biosensor and many other interesting applications. Follow us on social media to see more content between our podcast episodes.

In a particularly bloody episode, Chad and Mike discuss the A, B, and O blood types, as well as the Rh positive and negative. What do these designations mean? And what are some of the health consequences of these differences? This episode came about because of a listener question. If you have questions, email us at crisscrossingsci@gmail.com

Mike and Chad discuss the first three Nobel award announcements for 2025. We review the science behind the medicine, physics, and chemistry prizes that will be awarded in Stockholm later this year. If you have ideas for future episodes, or just questions that make you curious, email us at crisscrossingsci@gmail.com and we will try to answer your questions in a future episode.

Mike and Chad discuss new findings by the James Webb Space Telescope about blackholes formed at the beginning of the universe, before there were even stars. Subscribe to this podcast to have the latest episodes automatically downloaded as soon as they are available.

Mike and Chad are revisiting this episode about the physics of baseball. So grab some peanuts and crackerjacks, and enjoy this classic episode. If you have science questions that you have always wondered about, email us at crisscrossingsci@gmail.com

Chad and Mike discuss carnivorous plants, such as the Venus fly trap. They are surprisingly common and many species independently developed the tools needed to consume flies. If you have a topic you'd like us to sink our teeth into, email us at crisscrossingsci@gmail.com

Mike and Chad are on vacation, but still have the moon to keep us together. So enjoy this episode from the vault about where the moon came from.

Mike and Chad invite Kevin Curry back in the studios to talk about movies and the best Science in Science Fiction for the Third Annual Crisspies. This year, we are talking about time travel, which is tricky because time travel is already science fiction. But, we narrowed down the list to the top five contenders and debated which movies should come out on top. Do you agree with our assessment? Let us know on any social media platform.