https://www.hmns.org/
Got an object you’d like to learn more about? How about a science question you’ve been dying to ask? Let us know at podcasts@hmns.org.]]>enScienceHouston Museum of Natural Sciencehttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/459dda0df83724e8b7fb13199035c4d5.jpghttps://www.hmns.org/Tue, 19 May 2026 18:56:46 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceHouston Museum of Natural Sciencepodcasts@hmns.orgA museum is only as special as the treasures it watches over. For the Houston Museum of Natural Science, that’s more than 2.5 million objects. Each of these amazing items -- from hulking dinosaur mummies to delicate butterfly wings and intricately...
Got an object you’d like to learn more about? How about a science question you’ve been dying to ask? Let us know at podcasts@hmns.org.]]>falseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/freedom-plane-national-tour-documents-that-forged-a-nation--72022762

•  Articles of Association, 1774 - George Washington’s, Alexander Hamilton’s, and Aaron Burr’s   Oaths of Allegiance, 1778
•  Declaration of Independence, 1823 (Original Stone Engraving)
• Treaty of Paris, 1783 - David Brearley’s Secret Printing of the Constitution, 1787
• Voting Record of the Constitutional Convention, showing the final vote on the Constitution, 1787
• The Bill of Rights - Senate Revisions to the House-passed Amendments to the Constitution, 1789 
• More info on documents https://www.hmns.org/exhibits/freedom-plane/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21342191935&gbraid=0AAAAAoQUJ1h1CYThs3v8cxtzGG3UTzSXR&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiJvQBhCYARIsAMjts3LeE3BuDJKZlhFQN866K1udNtMzW1KmMJaZvYUJbSFXaW-HAOhnFaYaAj6JEALw_wcB

The Freedom Plane National Tour is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation, through the generous support of The Boeing Company, Comcast Corporation, Microsoft, and P&G.

Additional support is provided by FedEx. 

Local support is provided by  

Lead Underwriter Sarofim Foundation  

Major Corporate Underwriter Coca-Cola

Additional support is provided by the Laurie and Reed Morian Foundation, David DeVido, Marli Andrade and Alfred C. Glassell, III, Ann and John Bookout, the Gordon A. Cain Foundation, Anne and Albert Chao, Carolyn and Platt Davis, Lois Davis, The Duncan Fund, Cherie and Jim Flores, The Frost/Lopez Family, Susie and Mel Glasscock, Annie and Bob Graham, Cynthia and Ben Guill, Tracy and Randy Hale, the Holthouse Foundation for Kids, the Kinder Foundation, Colleen and John Kotts, Phuong and George Levan, Bobbie Nau, John L. Nau, III, Karen and Dean Patrinely, Nancy and David Pustka, Beth Robertson and Steve Pearce, Eliza and Stuart W. Stedman, Meg and Dick Weekley, Hilda and Greg Curran, Kelly and Bill Montgomery, Sara Dodd-Denton and Will Denton, Mary and John Eads, Jenny Elkins, Martha and Richard Finger,Kathy and Marty Goossen, Kay and Ned Holmes, Anne Lamkin Kinder, Susan and David Lazarus, Shelli and Steve Lindley, Joella and Steve Mach, Lisa and Will Mathis, Diane and David Modesett, Shanell and Walker Moody, Rob Mosbacher, Susanne and William E. Pritchard III, Barbara Radnofsky and Ed Supkis, Jennifer M. Segal, Carolyn and Garry Tanner, Ann G. Trammell, Randa and K. C. Weiner, Stacy and John Wilkirson, Cyvia Wolff, Woodforest National Bank, and Carolyn and John H. Young.


*Info correction, At 9:20, it is the 2nd printing, not the first.

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72022762Tue, 19 May 2026 18:56:02 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceThe Freedom Plane National Tour is making its way across the United States and has landed in Houston, Texas. These 9 historic documents that helped forge our nation as we know it will be on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science until May...

•  Articles of Association, 1774 - George Washington’s, Alexander Hamilton’s, and Aaron Burr’s   Oaths of Allegiance, 1778
•  Declaration of Independence, 1823 (Original Stone Engraving)
• Treaty of Paris, 1783 - David Brearley’s Secret Printing of the Constitution, 1787
• Voting Record of the Constitutional Convention, showing the final vote on the Constitution, 1787
• The Bill of Rights - Senate Revisions to the House-passed Amendments to the Constitution, 1789 
• More info on documents https://www.hmns.org/exhibits/freedom-plane/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21342191935&gbraid=0AAAAAoQUJ1h1CYThs3v8cxtzGG3UTzSXR&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiJvQBhCYARIsAMjts3LeE3BuDJKZlhFQN866K1udNtMzW1KmMJaZvYUJbSFXaW-HAOhnFaYaAj6JEALw_wcB

The Freedom Plane National Tour is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation, through the generous support of The Boeing Company, Comcast Corporation, Microsoft, and P&G.

Additional support is provided by FedEx. 

Local support is provided by  

Lead Underwriter Sarofim Foundation  

Major Corporate Underwriter Coca-Cola

Additional support is provided by the Laurie and Reed Morian Foundation, David DeVido, Marli Andrade and Alfred C. Glassell, III, Ann and John Bookout, the Gordon A. Cain Foundation, Anne and Albert Chao, Carolyn and Platt Davis, Lois Davis, The Duncan Fund, Cherie and Jim Flores, The Frost/Lopez Family, Susie and Mel Glasscock, Annie and Bob Graham, Cynthia and Ben Guill, Tracy and Randy Hale, the Holthouse Foundation for Kids, the Kinder Foundation, Colleen and John Kotts, Phuong and George Levan, Bobbie Nau, John L. Nau, III, Karen and Dean Patrinely, Nancy and David Pustka, Beth Robertson and Steve Pearce, Eliza and Stuart W. Stedman, Meg and Dick Weekley, Hilda and Greg Curran, Kelly and Bill Montgomery, Sara Dodd-Denton and Will Denton, Mary and John Eads, Jenny Elkins, Martha and Richard Finger,Kathy and Marty Goossen, Kay and Ned Holmes, Anne Lamkin Kinder, Susan and David Lazarus, Shelli and Steve Lindley, Joella and Steve Mach, Lisa and Will Mathis, Diane and David Modesett, Shanell and Walker Moody, Rob Mosbacher, Susanne and William E. Pritchard III, Barbara Radnofsky and Ed Supkis, Jennifer M. Segal, Carolyn and Garry Tanner, Ann G. Trammell, Randa and K. C. Weiner, Stacy and John Wilkirson, Cyvia Wolff, Woodforest National Bank, and Carolyn and John H. Young.


*Info correction, At 9:20, it is the 2nd printing, not the first.

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>13121776,250,america,documents,freedom,independence,july,plane,states,united,washingtonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/biff-nathaniel-hackmann-from-the-smash-hit-at-tuts-back-to-the-future-the-musical--71005113
Nathaniel plays the iconic character "Biff" in the award-winning Broadway smash-hit "Back to the Future: The Musical", now showing from March 31st through April 5th, 2026 by Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) at the Hobby Center!

In this episode, Nathaniel and I talk about what it's like "becoming" Biff and the extraordinary experiences and lengths he's gone to to become a part of the iconic...and dare I say sacred Back to the Future universe.

TUTS, "Back to the Future: The Musical" more info and tix! https://www.tuts.org/back-to-the-future-the-musical-2026/

Theatre Under the Stars https://www.tuts.org/

Nathaniel Hackmann
https://www.instagram.com/n8hackmann/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9823221/
https://www.broadway.com/buzz/stars/nathaniel-hackmann/profile/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71005113Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:02:20 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceMy wonderful guest today is the spellbinding actor of stage and screen, Nathaniel Hackmann. Nathaniel plays the iconic character "Biff" in the award-winning Broadway smash-hit "Back to the Future: The Musical", now showing from March 31st through...
Nathaniel plays the iconic character "Biff" in the award-winning Broadway smash-hit "Back to the Future: The Musical", now showing from March 31st through April 5th, 2026 by Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) at the Hobby Center!

In this episode, Nathaniel and I talk about what it's like "becoming" Biff and the extraordinary experiences and lengths he's gone to to become a part of the iconic...and dare I say sacred Back to the Future universe.

TUTS, "Back to the Future: The Musical" more info and tix! https://www.tuts.org/back-to-the-future-the-musical-2026/

Theatre Under the Stars https://www.tuts.org/

Nathaniel Hackmann
https://www.instagram.com/n8hackmann/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9823221/
https://www.broadway.com/buzz/stars/nathaniel-hackmann/profile/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>3220back,biff,broadway,future,hackmann,musical,nathaniel,play,the,theater,theatre,to,tutsfalsefullhttps://www.hmns.org/
https://www.hmns.org/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70661224Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:27:21 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceMy sweet mother is a funeral director and world-renowned restorative artist. In this episode, I walk her around our "Death by Natural Causes" exhibit to discuss how she might prepare a few of the victims for an open-casket...or if it is even...
https://www.hmns.org/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>1318art,casket,cause,causes,closed,death,director,fix,funeral,how,mortician,natural,open,repair,restorative,restore,taker,under,undertakerfalsefullhttps://www.hmns.org/
Show Notes:

Manganese in the spring water was correct.


https://www.hmns.org/
#paleontology #science #podcast #museum #houston #fossils #dinosaur #dinosaurs #radioactive

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69891669Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:00:02 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceIs their any truth to the idea that fossils can be radioactive? Colin Diggins is a paleontologist and our paleontology laboratory manager here at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Enjoy the fascinating conversation! Show Notes: Manganese in the...
Show Notes:

Manganese in the spring water was correct.


https://www.hmns.org/
#paleontology #science #podcast #museum #houston #fossils #dinosaur #dinosaurs #radioactive

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>2356dinosaur,fossil,fossils,houston,museum,paleontology,radioactive,sciencefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/minerals-geology-with-alex-ruff--69280881
Show notes:

Yes, Manganese Carbonate is the mineral of which Rhodochrosite is made and its purity dictates how "red" it appears.

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69280881Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:00:17 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceScientists can be found everywhere in the museum. Alex Ruff may seem like a mild-mannered Building Manger here at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, but he is actually an expert in minerals and geology...with the credentials to boot. Enjoy this...
Show notes:

Yes, Manganese Carbonate is the mineral of which Rhodochrosite is made and its purity dictates how "red" it appears.

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>1791alma,geologist,geology,houston,mineral,minerals,museum,queen,sciencefalsefullhttps://www.hmns.org/
Explore World of the Terracotta Warriors, opening November 14.

See ancient China’s unification under Qin Shi Huang brought to life through rare artifacts and stunning craftsmanship.

World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century is jointly organized by the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center, and Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum of the People's Republic of China, and Bowers Museum in the United States.

Local support is provided by Regent Seven Seas Cruises®.

#TerracottaWarriors #HMNS #HistoryUnearthed #WarriorsAtHMNS

------

For centuries, China’s Terracotta Warriors have stirred the soul and ignited the imagination. Here at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, we are thrilled, privileged, and honored to host these marvels within our own walls for all to witness. https://www.hmns.org/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68350503Sat, 01 Nov 2025 12:00:08 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceThey march once more, this time to Houston 📍 Explore World of the Terracotta Warriors, opening November 14. See ancient China’s unification under Qin Shi Huang brought to life through rare artifacts and stunning craftsmanship. World of the...
Explore World of the Terracotta Warriors, opening November 14.

See ancient China’s unification under Qin Shi Huang brought to life through rare artifacts and stunning craftsmanship.

World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century is jointly organized by the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center, and Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum of the People's Republic of China, and Bowers Museum in the United States.

Local support is provided by Regent Seven Seas Cruises®.

#TerracottaWarriors #HMNS #HistoryUnearthed #WarriorsAtHMNS

------

For centuries, China’s Terracotta Warriors have stirred the soul and ignited the imagination. Here at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, we are thrilled, privileged, and honored to host these marvels within our own walls for all to witness. https://www.hmns.org/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>2276china,cotta,dynasty,hmns,houston,museum,natural,qin,science,terra,terracotta,warriorsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-science-history-of-bourbon--67768619
More info and upcoming tasting events: https://sugarland.hmns.org/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67768619Mon, 15 Sep 2025 17:21:28 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceEven if you do not drink it, the science and history behind bourbon is infused with notes of wonder, curiosity, and fascination. Bourbon expert Randy Bruner helps us to get acquainted with its enchanting history, as well as tips for those interested...
More info and upcoming tasting events: https://sugarland.hmns.org/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>3260bourbon,bruner,history,museum,randy,science,spirit,spirits,whiskeyfalsefullhttps://george.hmns.org/
George Observatory
https://george.hmns.org/

More about our 36 inch scope
https://youtu.be/hz2-GgX9omg?si=Y5-Xbp6qORNLA8Tk

George VLOG
https://youtu.be/e9pXhaA0q8A?si=elZTB-o9GgLIQBM1

Tracy's Asteroid
https://fbac.org/2025/08/21/tracy-knauss-asteroid/

Timestamps

0:00 Intro
0:54 Tracy's Asteroid
4:09 What do the label numbers mean?
8:05 Who can find asteroids? 
13:47 More about Tracy's asteroid 
18:58 Has the George Observatory found asteroids?
20:34 Addressing light pollution
25:29 Venus is cool
27:28 Do you need expensive equipment for viewing/astrophotography?
35:14 Sometimes you don't need anything at all
36:57 History of 36-inch scope & George Observatory
41:23 Importance of optics
44:50 More 36-inch scope facts

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67690196Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:43:54 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceHave you ever noticed asteroid names and wondered how they came to be? Let's go to the HMNS George Observatory in Brazos Bend State Park and talk to astronomer Tracy Knauss to learn all about it...and much more! George Observatory...
George Observatory
https://george.hmns.org/

More about our 36 inch scope
https://youtu.be/hz2-GgX9omg?si=Y5-Xbp6qORNLA8Tk

George VLOG
https://youtu.be/e9pXhaA0q8A?si=elZTB-o9GgLIQBM1

Tracy's Asteroid
https://fbac.org/2025/08/21/tracy-knauss-asteroid/

Timestamps

0:00 Intro
0:54 Tracy's Asteroid
4:09 What do the label numbers mean?
8:05 Who can find asteroids? 
13:47 More about Tracy's asteroid 
18:58 Has the George Observatory found asteroids?
20:34 Addressing light pollution
25:29 Venus is cool
27:28 Do you need expensive equipment for viewing/astrophotography?
35:14 Sometimes you don't need anything at all
36:57 History of 36-inch scope & George Observatory
41:23 Importance of optics
44:50 More 36-inch scope facts

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>2895asteroid,astronomy,astrophotography,how,knauss,telescope,telescopesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/let-s-call-this-a-kind-of-mummification-orientation--66813316
Website: https://www.hmns.org/

eMail: Podcasts@HMNS.org

The smell of a mummy: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mummies-from-ancient-egypt-smell-surprisingly-nice-scientists-say/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66813316Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:00:18 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceKat Havens joins the podcast in our beautiful Hall of Ancient Egypt to discuss the, well, gutwrenching process of mummification! Website: https://www.hmns.org/ eMail: Podcasts@HMNS.org The smell of a mummy:...
Website: https://www.hmns.org/

eMail: Podcasts@HMNS.org

The smell of a mummy: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mummies-from-ancient-egypt-smell-surprisingly-nice-scientists-say/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>4764ancient,egypt,egyptian,how,mimmification,mummies,mummy,processfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fennec-foxes-how-we-care-for-our-animals--66369337 (00:22:08) In with the Foxes

Our new exhibit "Extreme Animals Alive" showcases the superhero-like adaptations of some awesome animals. In this episode, we talk about Fennec Foxes specifically, and the blood, sweat, tears, and dedication that goes into caring for the animals in our museum.

Website: https://www.hmns.org/

Email: Podcasts@hmns.org

YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/Blm8WukRZHI

0:00 Outside Exhibit
22:10 Inside with the Foxes

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66369337Mon, 02 Jun 2025 17:59:31 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceOur new exhibit "Extreme Animals Alive" showcases the superhero-like adaptations of some awesome animals. In this episode, we talk about Fennec Foxes specifically, and the blood, sweat, tears, and dedication that goes into caring for the animals in... (00:22:08) In with the Foxes

Our new exhibit "Extreme Animals Alive" showcases the superhero-like adaptations of some awesome animals. In this episode, we talk about Fennec Foxes specifically, and the blood, sweat, tears, and dedication that goes into caring for the animals in our museum.

Website: https://www.hmns.org/

Email: Podcasts@hmns.org

YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/Blm8WukRZHI

0:00 Outside Exhibit
22:10 Inside with the Foxes

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>3510animal,animals,extreme,fennec,fox,foxes,hmns,houston,museum,natural,of,sciencefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/two-big-two-fail-the-life-and-demise-of-ice-age-giants-ground-sloths-armadillos--65818230
Previous episode mentioned:

Fossil Preperation
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5762aSEEWuQeUVqJGIo6NK?si=2f6420a3c6ab4d19

Email: Podcasts@HMNS.org

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65818230Thu, 01 May 2025 09:00:20 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceGiant Ground Sloths and Giant Armadillos (Eremotherium and Glyptodon) were seemingly too big to fail...yet time comes for us all. So, how did these Ice Age (Pleistocene) get SO big, and why did they go extinct? Previous episode mentioned: Fossil...
Previous episode mentioned:

Fossil Preperation
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5762aSEEWuQeUVqJGIo6NK?si=2f6420a3c6ab4d19

Email: Podcasts@HMNS.org

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>2784age,armadillo,armadillos,biology,eremotherium,fossil,fossils,giant,houston,ice,museum,paleo,paleontology,prehistoric,science,sloth,slothsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/quantum-computing-a-qubit-crash-course--65260244
Deeper dive into Quantum Computers: https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/quantum-computing

Email us! Podcasts@HMNS.org

Ai Episode: https://youtu.be/uWWFlbDl6BE?si=mfnSB580vY7HzDZu

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65260244Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:05:07 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceWhile Ai is the current hype, even thinking about Quantum Computing can seem daunting, if not ominous...honestly. So here is a crash course in qubits to hopefully help ease us into an initial pursuit of understanding. Deeper dive into Quantum...
Deeper dive into Quantum Computers: https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/quantum-computing

Email us! Podcasts@HMNS.org

Ai Episode: https://youtu.be/uWWFlbDl6BE?si=mfnSB580vY7HzDZu

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>752computer,computers,computing,explained,explanation,qbit,qbits,quantum,qubit,qubitsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dinosaur-conspiracies-misconceptions-with-james-washington--64480509
James Washington and "Mental Curator" Johnny Hemberger discuss some interesting dinosaur conspiracies and clear up some common misconceptions about fossils, dinosaurs, and more in this latest episode of the "HMNS Beyond Bones Podcast."

Podcasts@Hmns.org

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64480509Sat, 01 Mar 2025 10:00:13 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceWho is allowed to dig for fossils? What do you do with fossils that are found? Why don't I find fossils in my yard? Are fossils a hoax? Are fossils radioactive? James Washington and "Mental Curator" Johnny Hemberger discuss some interesting dinosaur...
James Washington and "Mental Curator" Johnny Hemberger discuss some interesting dinosaur conspiracies and clear up some common misconceptions about fossils, dinosaurs, and more in this latest episode of the "HMNS Beyond Bones Podcast."

Podcasts@Hmns.org

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>2047conspiracies,conspiracy,dinosaur,fossil,fossils,hoax,paleontologyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/killer-asteroids-planetary-ponderings--64628128
Show Notes:

1) Brumation definition: "a state or condition of sluggishness, inactivity, or torpor exhibited by reptiles (such as snakes or lizards) during winter or extended periods of low temperature."

2) India has a population over 1.4 billion.

3) M87 Video https://youtu.be/8Iw4iYR28Mg?si=cNawxEn4H0GXwkeo

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro
2:11 Asteroid 2024 YR4, Comets, Extinction, Etc.
12:43 Planetary Alignment ("Parade")
13:34 Lunar Eclipse, Astrophotography, Etc.
19:55 MA2 Mercury Capsule, Planetarium, Solar System Formation, Etc.
28:18 Black Holes, Light Pollution, Etc.

Email: Podcasts@HMNS.org
#science #astronomy #physics

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64628128Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:19:11 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceHMNS Curator of Astronomy, Dr. Carolyn Sumners joins "Mental Curator" Johnny Hemberger to discuss the likelihood of asteroid 2024 YR4 impacting Earth in 2032, the upcoming lunar eclipse, the "planetary parade", our MA2 Mercury Capsule, and much more!...
Show Notes:

1) Brumation definition: "a state or condition of sluggishness, inactivity, or torpor exhibited by reptiles (such as snakes or lizards) during winter or extended periods of low temperature."

2) India has a population over 1.4 billion.

3) M87 Video https://youtu.be/8Iw4iYR28Mg?si=cNawxEn4H0GXwkeo

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro
2:11 Asteroid 2024 YR4, Comets, Extinction, Etc.
12:43 Planetary Alignment ("Parade")
13:34 Lunar Eclipse, Astrophotography, Etc.
19:55 MA2 Mercury Capsule, Planetarium, Solar System Formation, Etc.
28:18 Black Holes, Light Pollution, Etc.

Email: Podcasts@HMNS.org
#science #astronomy #physics

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>20472024,asteroid,astronomy,comet,eclipse,hit,impact,lunar,meteor,physics,yr4falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rhodochrosite-and-the-alma-queen-the-best-mineral-specimen-in-the-world--63692065
Video Version: https://youtu.be/ATo93ojm-zY

Email: Podcasts@hmns.org

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63692065Sat, 01 Feb 2025 06:15:07 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceRhodochrosite is one of the most breathtaking minerals on Earth, and among connoisseurs, the "Alma Queen" is the most heart-stopping example of ANY mineral specimen yet known to human kind. Let's learn more about rhodochrosite, and the history of the...
Video Version: https://youtu.be/ATo93ojm-zY

Email: Podcasts@hmns.org

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>428alma,geology,hmns,houston,mineral,minerals,museum,natural,queen,rhodochrosite,sciencefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fossil-preparation-from-the-grave-to-the-cradle--63509088
Video version
https://youtu.be/hm8wk950Exs

0:00 Intro
0:32 Fossil Gar Prep
7:12 Skin & Feathers, Frigate Bird
14:10 Fossil prep in the field
19:28 Race against time
25:36 Fossilization is rare

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63509088Wed, 01 Jan 2025 06:00:07 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceIn this episode of the HMNS Beyond Bones Podcast, we discuss and show you how a fossil comes out of the actual dirt to be prepared and displayed in such a breathtaking manor. Video version https://youtu.be/hm8wk950Exs 0:00 Intro 0:32 Fossil Gar Prep...
Video version
https://youtu.be/hm8wk950Exs

0:00 Intro
0:32 Fossil Gar Prep
7:12 Skin & Feathers, Frigate Bird
14:10 Fossil prep in the field
19:28 Race against time
25:36 Fossilization is rare

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>1935biology,fossil,fossils,paleontology,prep,preparationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-dinosaur-diseases-make-them-more-real-and-relatable--62791625
Cancer in Centrosaurus
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(20)30171-6/abstract

Video Version

Related Video
https://youtu.be/cf67TsmXlNY?si=p_MWWvruS-_INF6L

dinosaurdinosaursdisease

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62791625Sun, 01 Dec 2024 10:00:11 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceUnfortunately, a lot of us have suffered through the agony of disease either in ourlselves, in those we care about, or in our beloved pets. Yet, in a meaningul way, it is this suffering that can make extinct creatures, like dinosaurs, become as real...
Cancer in Centrosaurus
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(20)30171-6/abstract

Video Version

Related Video
https://youtu.be/cf67TsmXlNY?si=p_MWWvruS-_INF6L

dinosaurdinosaursdisease

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>880cancer,desease,deseases,dinosaur,dinosaurs,disease,diseases,gorgosaurus,injuries,injury,rex,t,trex,tyrannasaurusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-can-modern-animals-teach-us-about-extinct-dinosaurs--62478325
Email us: Podcasts@hmns.org

https://www.hmns.org/podcast/

Interesting article on Triceratops' feet https://www.heathercaprette.info/ac753_SP03/week_two_p1.html

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62478325Fri, 01 Nov 2024 09:00:10 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceIs it scientifically feasible to hypothesize about the behaviors and habits of extinct animals based on the behaviors of modern animals? I sit down with our Paleontology Lab Manager, Collin Diggins (and special guest) to discuss just that! Email us:...
Email us: Podcasts@hmns.org

https://www.hmns.org/podcast/

Interesting article on Triceratops' feet https://www.heathercaprette.info/ac753_SP03/week_two_p1.html

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>1752animal,animals,behavior,dinosaur,dinosaurs,extinct,fossil,fossils,habits,modernfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/scientific-dating-so-how-scientists-estimate-the-age-of-well-everything--62374294
Email: Podcasts@hmns.org

https://www.hmns.org/podcast/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62374294Tue, 15 Oct 2024 15:44:46 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceThousands, millions, or even billions of years...scientists throw out some mind-boggling numbers when it comes to the ages of, well, everything. So, how exactly do they arrive at such seemingly difficult...dare I say "unbelievable"...estimates?...
Email: Podcasts@hmns.org

https://www.hmns.org/podcast/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>1266carbon,date,dates,dating,dinosaur,dinosaurs,earth,fossil,fossilization,fossils,how,long,science,scientific,time,universefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-are-plasma-balls-globes-and-how-do-they-work--62106673
Email: Podcasts@hmns.org

HMNS Sugar Land
https://sugarland.hmns.org/

HMNS Hermann Park
https://www.hmns.org/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62106673Tue, 01 Oct 2024 09:00:08 +0000Houston Museum of Natural SciencePlasma Balls! We've all played with them. A lot of us have them somewhere in our home. But who invented them? When were they invented? And how do they work? Email: Podcasts@hmns.org HMNS Sugar Land https://sugarland.hmns.org/ HMNS Hermann Park...
Email: Podcasts@hmns.org

HMNS Sugar Land
https://sugarland.hmns.org/

HMNS Hermann Park
https://www.hmns.org/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>664ball,balls,coil,globe,globes,how,invented,invention,nikola,plasma,tesla,when,workfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/digging-for-dinosaur-fossils-in-the-breathtaking-u-s-badlands--61253906https://www.hmns.org/

Enjoy the video version here https://youtu.be/IIsF0CCpVE8?si=ElqW1nyMBQs47_xd

Email: Podcasts@hmns.org

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61253906Tue, 03 Sep 2024 17:54:50 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceDinosaur fossil hunting in the wild west Badlands of Wyoming, USA. Come along as we bask in the enormity of an infinitely breathtaking landscape...and bring our nose down to the very dirt in the nursery of eons. From the triumph of discovery, to the...https://www.hmns.org/

Enjoy the video version here https://youtu.be/IIsF0CCpVE8?si=ElqW1nyMBQs47_xd

Email: Podcasts@hmns.org

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>1203bad,badlands,dakota,dig,digging,dinosaur,dinosaurs,fossil,fossils,hunt,hunting,lands,north,south,wyomingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-this-deadly-cone-snail-conus-bandanus-nearly-killed-our-curator-of-malacology-tina-petway--61093001
Here's Tina's near-death encounter with the deadly cone snail...and of course more fascinating marine biology convo! https://www.hmns.org/

Email us: Podcasts@hmns.org

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61093001Tue, 20 Aug 2024 15:18:20 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceConus bandanus is the exact species of cone snail that nearly killed Tina. Commonly referred to as the Banded Marble Cone. Here's Tina's near-death encounter with the deadly cone snail...and of course more fascinating marine biology convo!...
Here's Tina's near-death encounter with the deadly cone snail...and of course more fascinating marine biology convo! https://www.hmns.org/

Email us: Podcasts@hmns.org

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>2246biology,cone,deadly,malacology,marine,ocean,shell,shells,snailfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/science-bite-why-are-stegosaurus-tail-spikes-actually-called-the-thagomizer--60841175
Yes, a Stegosaurus' tail spikes are actually called the "Thagomizer", and here's the actual who-what-when-where...and most importantly...WHY! :D

https://www.hmns.org/

podcasts@hmns.org

Also subscribe to our flagship podcsst, HMNS Beyond Bones, on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Triceratops feather/quill video mentioned
https://youtu.be/kEmnVd0KHx0

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60841175Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:34:11 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceYes, a Stegosaurus' tail spikes are actually called the "Thagomizer", and here's the actual who-what-when-where...and most importantly...WHY! :D https://www.hmns.org/ podcasts@hmns.org Also subscribe to our flagship podcsst, HMNS Beyond Bones, on...
Yes, a Stegosaurus' tail spikes are actually called the "Thagomizer", and here's the actual who-what-when-where...and most importantly...WHY! :D

https://www.hmns.org/

podcasts@hmns.org

Also subscribe to our flagship podcsst, HMNS Beyond Bones, on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Triceratops feather/quill video mentioned
https://youtu.be/kEmnVd0KHx0

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>518far,gary,larson,side,spikes,stegosaurus,tail,thagomizerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/conversation-first-in-glass-the-spellbinding-joy-of-glass-collecting--60677650
Event Chair and Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors (FOHBC), Ferdinand Meyer V, joins host Johnny Hemberger in an absolutely spellbinding conversation about glass collecting and the American Antique Glass Masterpieces.

On radiant display during FOHBC 2024, the Houston National Antique Bottle and Glass Expo takes place at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the neighboring Hotel ZaZa; an experience sure to be remembered for generations.

The glittering events and exhibition take place from August 1st-4th, 2024.

FOHBC.org
https://www.fohbc.org/

Convention and Expo Information
https://www.fohbc.org/2024/02/2024-houston-national-antique-bottle-glass-convention-expo/

Ferdinand Meyer V's Website, Peachridge Glass
https://www.peachridgeglass.com/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60677650Fri, 12 Jul 2024 21:50:32 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceSit back, relax, and enjoy a conversation sure to shatter your expectations on glass collecting. Event Chair and Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors (FOHBC), Ferdinand Meyer V, joins host Johnny Hemberger in an absolutely spellbinding...
Event Chair and Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors (FOHBC), Ferdinand Meyer V, joins host Johnny Hemberger in an absolutely spellbinding conversation about glass collecting and the American Antique Glass Masterpieces.

On radiant display during FOHBC 2024, the Houston National Antique Bottle and Glass Expo takes place at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the neighboring Hotel ZaZa; an experience sure to be remembered for generations.

The glittering events and exhibition take place from August 1st-4th, 2024.

FOHBC.org
https://www.fohbc.org/

Convention and Expo Information
https://www.fohbc.org/2024/02/2024-houston-national-antique-bottle-glass-convention-expo/

Ferdinand Meyer V's Website, Peachridge Glass
https://www.peachridgeglass.com/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>2013antique,antiques,blown,collecting,federation,ferdinand,fohbc,glass,historic,historical,meyer,peachridge,vfalsefullhttps://www.hmns.org/films/t-rex/
Check out "T.REX" on the giant screen! https://www.hmns.org/films/t-rex/


For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60539371Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:16:16 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceT. Rex is arguably the most iconic dinosaur ambassador in pop culture, but there are some things that most people might not know! Let's sniff out the truth.... Check out "T.REX" on the giant screen! https://www.hmns.org/films/t-rex/
Check out "T.REX" on the giant screen! https://www.hmns.org/films/t-rex/


For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>701dino,dinosaur,facts,rex,t,trex,tyrannosaurusfalsefullhttps://www.hmns.org/exhibits/morian-hall-of-paleontology/
For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60464386Fri, 21 Jun 2024 19:12:31 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceHulking in our Morian Hall of Paleontology, Wyrex is one of the most unique Tyrannosaurs Rexes ever unearthed. His feet are more complete than any other specimen to date. He has the remnant of a third finger digit, something that's only been found...
For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>1862bite,bob,bobtail,bobtailed,dinosaur,feathers,fight,injury,paleontology,predator,rex,skin,t,tail,tailed,trex,t.rex,tyrannosaurus,wyrexfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/science-bite-what-s-all-this-buzz-about-cicadas-in-2024--59754980https://www.hmns.org/

HMNS Beyond Bones Podcast links:

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/4XuipbRMTrJu9WH9Y8m6Ya?si=5ca77b33a47f48c4

Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-bones/id1612897615


For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59754980Thu, 02 May 2024 20:46:13 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceA dual-brood Cicada emergence is rare, but how rare? And are we in apacolyptic danger? https://www.hmns.org/ HMNS Beyond Bones Podcast links: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4XuipbRMTrJu9WH9Y8m6Ya?si=5ca77b33a47f48c4 Apple Podcasts...https://www.hmns.org/

HMNS Beyond Bones Podcast links:

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/4XuipbRMTrJu9WH9Y8m6Ya?si=5ca77b33a47f48c4

Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-bones/id1612897615


For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>24013,19,brood,cicada,emergence,states,swarm,united,xiii,xixfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-our-mercury-space-capsule-helped-win-the-space-race--59116249 that race to the stars in every scratch and dent scattered across its hull. What exactly did it take to send America’s first astronauts into orbit? A barrel-worth of flying monkeys, a few melting missiles, and all the brainpower of an oft-forgotten engineer in Houston.

Questions? Comments? Show ideas? Email podcasts@hmns.org.

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59116249Wed, 03 Apr 2024 10:00:02 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceBefore Apollo 11 landed on the moon and changed the course of history, the U.S. and Soviet Union battled for control of space in a Cold War clash that rocked the globe. A remnant of this struggle, Mercury-Atlas capsule #6, on permeant display in our... that race to the stars in every scratch and dent scattered across its hull. What exactly did it take to send America’s first astronauts into orbit? A barrel-worth of flying monkeys, a few melting missiles, and all the brainpower of an oft-forgotten engineer in Houston.

Questions? Comments? Show ideas? Email podcasts@hmns.org.

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>15452,6,apollo,cold,faget,gemini,hmns,jsc,ma,ma2,ma-2,max,maxime,mercury,moon,nasa,project,race,space,warfalsefullhttps://my.hmns.org/donate/contribute1?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Introducing+the+H+P++Attwater+Society%21&utm_campaign=01+29+2023+Development-Critter_Crawl_Auction-eBlast
Dare to join? Click the link below to become a donor.

https://membership.hmns.org/Dp4CO0

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58588098Tue, 06 Feb 2024 18:24:29 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceStep into the past and unravel the extraordinary legacy of H.P. Attwater, a visionary figure whose passion for understanding our natural world laid the groundwork for HMNS. As a tribute to H.P.’s pioneering spirit, HMNS has reimagined its Annual Fund...
Dare to join? Click the link below to become a donor.

https://membership.hmns.org/Dp4CO0

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>1525attwater,donor,donors,houston,hp,h.p.,museum,natural,president,presidents,science,societyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/science-bite-teeth-versus-daggers-a-fight-for-the-ages-postosuchus-versus-desmatosuchus--58146758
For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58146758Fri, 29 Dec 2023 15:08:49 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceRazor sharp teeth of Postosuchus versus the deadly daggers of Desmatosuchus...who would win in a fight? https://www.hmns.org/
For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>409desmatosuchus,fight,hmns,houston,museum,natural,of,postosuchus,predator,prey,sciencefalsefullhttps://www.hmns.org/films/dinosaur-discoveries/
Tickets and Info
https://www.hmns.org/films/dinosaur-discoveries/

Base-Xperiential
https://base-xperiential.com/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57976552Mon, 11 Dec 2023 18:16:06 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceI sit down with Base-Xperiental's Ryan Latham, VP of Location-Based Experiences and Managing Director of HoloTheater to find out what makes "Dinosaur Discoveries A Holographic Adventure" so mesmerizing and immersive for audiences of all ages in our...
Tickets and Info
https://www.hmns.org/films/dinosaur-discoveries/

Base-Xperiential
https://base-xperiential.com/

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>1809base,base-xperiential,dinosaur,dinosaurs,discoveries,giant,hmns,hologram,holographic,houston,museum,natural,of,science,screen,theater,theatre,xperientialfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/conversation-hunting-megalodon-teeth-an-interview-with-meg-diver-john-jt-taylor--57879045John Taylor is an underwater paleontologist who specializes in finding Megalodon teeth and other prehistoric shark artifacts. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a harrowing conversation!

0:00 How JT got into tooth hunting
1:10 Some facts about Megalodon
2:20 Planning and gear for a dive
3:20 Dangers of tooth hunting
4:00 Stung in the face by a stingray!
4:32 Where teeth are found
6:20 What to look for in Meg teeth
7:20 Dangerous situations
8:00 Why JT dives
9:14 What the color of the teeth mean
10:26 Interesting reactions to Meg teeth
10:47 JT remembers his favorite teeth
11:30 Rise in Meg tooth popularity
12:10 The dangers FOSSILS face
14:08 The mission of fossil collecting

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57879045Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:05:18 +0000Houston Museum of Natural Sciencehttps://museumstore.hmns.org/ John Taylor is an underwater paleontologist who specializes in finding Megalodon teeth and other prehistoric shark artifacts. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a harrowing conversation! 0:00 How JT got into tooth hunting 1:10...John Taylor is an underwater paleontologist who specializes in finding Megalodon teeth and other prehistoric shark artifacts. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a harrowing conversation!

0:00 How JT got into tooth hunting
1:10 Some facts about Megalodon
2:20 Planning and gear for a dive
3:20 Dangers of tooth hunting
4:00 Stung in the face by a stingray!
4:32 Where teeth are found
6:20 What to look for in Meg teeth
7:20 Dangerous situations
8:00 Why JT dives
9:14 What the color of the teeth mean
10:26 Interesting reactions to Meg teeth
10:47 JT remembers his favorite teeth
11:30 Rise in Meg tooth popularity
12:10 The dangers FOSSILS face
14:08 The mission of fossil collecting

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>873dive,diver,diving,fossil,fossils,hunt,hunting,meg,megalodon,teeth,toothfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/science-bite-the-truth-about-ev-fires--57821125
Sharks, Tooth Be Told podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/4k5O4UjhQhnVrPMTfboneI?si=d9s73qxITU67pbryd9z8mg

Sources:

https://textechindustries.com/blog/how-do-you-extinguish-a-lithium-battery-fire/#:~:text=Small%20lithium%20batteries%20contain%20very,burn%20on%20a%20different%20timeline

https://theconversation.com/what-causes-lithium-ion-battery-fires-why-are-they-so-intense-and-how-should-they-be-fought-an-expert-explains-214470#:~:text=In%20the%20case%20of%20up,and%20cause%20it%20to%20intensify

https://www.autoinsuranceez.com/gas-vs-electric-car-fires/

https://www.autoweek.com/news/a38225037/how-much-you-should-worry-about-ev-fires/

(Thumbnail image credit: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/firefighters-still-struggle-to-defeat-ev-fires-effectively)

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57821125Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:59:04 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceEV fire headlines seem frequent, but do EV fires really occur that often? Let's look at the official data on fires. https://www.hmns.org/ Sharks, Tooth Be Told podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/4k5O4UjhQhnVrPMTfboneI?si=d9s73qxITU67pbryd9z8mg...
Sharks, Tooth Be Told podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/4k5O4UjhQhnVrPMTfboneI?si=d9s73qxITU67pbryd9z8mg

Sources:

https://textechindustries.com/blog/how-do-you-extinguish-a-lithium-battery-fire/#:~:text=Small%20lithium%20batteries%20contain%20very,burn%20on%20a%20different%20timeline

https://theconversation.com/what-causes-lithium-ion-battery-fires-why-are-they-so-intense-and-how-should-they-be-fought-an-expert-explains-214470#:~:text=In%20the%20case%20of%20up,and%20cause%20it%20to%20intensify

https://www.autoinsuranceez.com/gas-vs-electric-car-fires/

https://www.autoweek.com/news/a38225037/how-much-you-should-worry-about-ev-fires/

(Thumbnail image credit: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/firefighters-still-struggle-to-defeat-ev-fires-effectively)

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>380bolt,car,cars,catch,chevy,data,ev,fire,fires,tesla,truth,voltfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/science-bite-2023-texas-annular-solar-eclipse--57472439
For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57472439Wed, 01 Nov 2023 16:05:49 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceThe 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse in Bandera, TX was one for the ages...but the fun isn't over yet! https://www.hmns.org/
For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>4312023,annular,eclipse,october,solar,texasfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/science-bite-this-doorstop-was-a-meteorite-the-entire-time--56844481
For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56844481Mon, 18 Sep 2023 18:01:48 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceLearn how this weird looking doorstop was actually an extremely rare meteorite. https://george.hmns.org/
For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>233astroid,meteor,meteorite,shooting,starfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/science-bite-the-mind-boggling-time-travelling-space-warping-tale-of-the-s-s-warrimoo--56496792
For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56496792Thu, 17 Aug 2023 01:56:48 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceHow can a ship exist all at once across time and space? Here's the curious, mind-boggling tale of the S.S. Warrimoo. https://www.hmns.org/
For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>308ss,s.s.,warrimoofalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/science-bite-what-exactly-is-artificial-intelligence-let-s-demystify-ai--56330998
Some great episode resources:

https://www.simplilearn.com/tutorials/artificial-intelligence-tutorial/types-of-artificial-intelligence

https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/definition/AI-Artificial-Intelligence

https://www.coursera.org/articles/types-of-ai

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56330998Tue, 01 Aug 2023 04:34:42 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceArtifical Intelligence has taken on an almost supernatural meaning lately. Let's take a moment to bring A.i. back into clearer perspective and wrap our head around what it is...exactly. https://www.hmns.org/ Some great episode resources:...
Some great episode resources:

https://www.simplilearn.com/tutorials/artificial-intelligence-tutorial/types-of-artificial-intelligence

https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/definition/AI-Artificial-Intelligence

https://www.coursera.org/articles/types-of-ai

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>774a,ai,a.i,a.i.,artificial,dummies,for,i,intelligence,is,whatfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/science-bite-how-much-does-a-cloud-weigh--54408514
For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54408514Wed, 14 Jun 2023 18:54:24 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceHow much does a cloud weigh? Could you lift it? What if it fell on your house? Dr. Carolyn Sumners helps us break down some of the science behind this perplexing question. https://www.hmns.org/
For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>322cloud,clouds,does,how,meteorology,much,weighfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/science-bite-corpse-flower-as-beautiful-as-it-is-putrid--53979619
https://www.hmns.org/cockrell-butterfly-center/

Transcript:

Oh my gosh! What died in here?

It's a what? A flower? I thought flowers were supposed to smell nice.

Well, not the corpse flower. It quite literally smells like death and, turns out, is just as fascinating as it is putrid. From our own Cockrell Butterfly Center, Jeff Cummins is a bit of an expert when it comes to the corpse flower. So I'll let him start the stinky story of our stem star with some stanky stats. Try to say that even once fast. Jeff, tell us about the corpse flower. Corpse flower is a morphophallus titanum and it's an aroid that comes from the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. Aroid plants are quite common in neighborhood gardens, but, you know, being from Sumatra is pretty exotic. So what's the first trait of the corpse flower that makes it even more unique than its origins? It's quite rare to find one blooming at any given time because each individual plant blooms maybe every 8-10 years or so. They only bloom as rarely as, give or take, once a decade? Okay, well surely they stay bloomed in all their glory long enough afterward to make it worth the wait, right? The flower itself will last for about 4-5 days, but there's one night that it's particularly smelly. So the smell will linger for a few days, but there's just one night that it's at its most potent. So the corpse flower doesn't steal the visual spotlight for long, but sure makes its horrible olfactory mark. But come on, Jeff, there's no way it smells as horrible as a dead body. Yes, it does. It smells very bad. Alright, so once every several years the corpse flower makes our nose wish it was dead. But what happens after the bloom ends? So after the flower is finished blooming, the flower will fade and just wilt away to nothing and then there's a corm underground which is like a big bulb, like a big potato. And from that it'll send up a new leaf and that is what regenerates the energy into the corm and allows it to bloom the next time. And it'll go through cycles of leaves for the next 8-10 years, building up enough energy to produce that one big flower. That's actually awesome. It sends up a little photosynthesis solar panel to pump energy into itself. Well, I'm being pedantic. I guess you could just call it, yeah, a leaf. Okay, surely the corpse flower has to perform some other useful function between blooms. Does it produce any fruit? So after the female flowers are pollinated it grows into these large red berries that are eaten by hornbills mostly in the wild, which are large bird. And they swallow the fruit and then excrete the seed and that becomes a new plant somewhere else further away. Can people eat these berries? The fruit actually is not poisonous, but I would not eat it. Are any parts of the corpse flower deadly? Other parts of the plant are toxic. It's got calcium oxalate crystals in it, so if you were to eat the green parts of the plant, it'd feel like you're eating glass. It's very painful. It can close up your throat and you'll choke. So you won't be poisoned, but you can choke from it. This is all so fascinating, Jeff. What is one last thing about the corpse flower that just reeks of intrigue? One thing that's kind of neat about it is it's got both the male and female flowers. It's not actually a single flower. It's actually hundreds and hundreds of individual flowers. So it's not considered the world's largest single flower. It's the world's largest inflorescence. So that means it's got hundreds of flowers altogether instead of just one single flower. And it's got the male flowers on top and then below it are the female flowers. And the male flowers open up first and kind of exude their pollen and a sticky substance, almost like toothpaste. And then once that has finished, then the female flowers open and become receptive. And that's to avoid self-pollination. So the flies and beetles come, collect that pollen and move on to another flower. Truly remarkable. You know, learning about the corpse flower has been a truly nose-opening experience. But I think I'm just going to crack a window until the next science bite. You've been listening to Science Bites, an HMNS production with your host today, Johnny Hemberger. If you'd like to have your heaping helping of Science Bites all in one place, just type in HMNS Science Bites into your favorite podcast app and be sure to subscribe. Thanks for listening and as always, stay curious.

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53979619Wed, 24 May 2023 02:45:41 +0000Houston Museum of Natural ScienceThe Corpse Flower certainly earns its macabre title, but there is so much more to this foul smelling beauty... https://www.hmns.org/cockrell-butterfly-center/ Transcript: Oh my gosh! What died in here? It's a what? A flower? I thought flowers were...
https://www.hmns.org/cockrell-butterfly-center/

Transcript:

Oh my gosh! What died in here?

It's a what? A flower? I thought flowers were supposed to smell nice.

Well, not the corpse flower. It quite literally smells like death and, turns out, is just as fascinating as it is putrid. From our own Cockrell Butterfly Center, Jeff Cummins is a bit of an expert when it comes to the corpse flower. So I'll let him start the stinky story of our stem star with some stanky stats. Try to say that even once fast. Jeff, tell us about the corpse flower. Corpse flower is a morphophallus titanum and it's an aroid that comes from the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. Aroid plants are quite common in neighborhood gardens, but, you know, being from Sumatra is pretty exotic. So what's the first trait of the corpse flower that makes it even more unique than its origins? It's quite rare to find one blooming at any given time because each individual plant blooms maybe every 8-10 years or so. They only bloom as rarely as, give or take, once a decade? Okay, well surely they stay bloomed in all their glory long enough afterward to make it worth the wait, right? The flower itself will last for about 4-5 days, but there's one night that it's particularly smelly. So the smell will linger for a few days, but there's just one night that it's at its most potent. So the corpse flower doesn't steal the visual spotlight for long, but sure makes its horrible olfactory mark. But come on, Jeff, there's no way it smells as horrible as a dead body. Yes, it does. It smells very bad. Alright, so once every several years the corpse flower makes our nose wish it was dead. But what happens after the bloom ends? So after the flower is finished blooming, the flower will fade and just wilt away to nothing and then there's a corm underground which is like a big bulb, like a big potato. And from that it'll send up a new leaf and that is what regenerates the energy into the corm and allows it to bloom the next time. And it'll go through cycles of leaves for the next 8-10 years, building up enough energy to produce that one big flower. That's actually awesome. It sends up a little photosynthesis solar panel to pump energy into itself. Well, I'm being pedantic. I guess you could just call it, yeah, a leaf. Okay, surely the corpse flower has to perform some other useful function between blooms. Does it produce any fruit? So after the female flowers are pollinated it grows into these large red berries that are eaten by hornbills mostly in the wild, which are large bird. And they swallow the fruit and then excrete the seed and that becomes a new plant somewhere else further away. Can people eat these berries? The fruit actually is not poisonous, but I would not eat it. Are any parts of the corpse flower deadly? Other parts of the plant are toxic. It's got calcium oxalate crystals in it, so if you were to eat the green parts of the plant, it'd feel like you're eating glass. It's very painful. It can close up your throat and you'll choke. So you won't be poisoned, but you can choke from it. This is all so fascinating, Jeff. What is one last thing about the corpse flower that just reeks of intrigue? One thing that's kind of neat about it is it's got both the male and female flowers. It's not actually a single flower. It's actually hundreds and hundreds of individual flowers. So it's not considered the world's largest single flower. It's the world's largest inflorescence. So that means it's got hundreds of flowers altogether instead of just one single flower. And it's got the male flowers on top and then below it are the female flowers. And the male flowers open up first and kind of exude their pollen and a sticky substance, almost like toothpaste. And then once that has finished, then the female flowers open and become...]]>290butterfly,center,cockrell,corpse,flower,hmns,houston,museum,natural,of,sciencefalsefull