Podcast

Point of Discovery

Behind every scientific discovery is a scientist (or 12) and a story. “Point of Discovery” takes you on a journey beyond WHAT we know to HOW we know it. Listeners will meet the sometimes quirky, always passionate people whose curiosity unlocks hidden worlds.

FEATURED ★ Podcast

“AI for the Rest of Us” Brings Expert Conversations on Artificial Intelligence to UT Community

All summer, University experts will offer up key lessons about AI.

Two people look at a wall emblazoned with the words "AI for the rest of us"

Podcast

Can Sound Save a Fish?

Gulf Corvina look pretty ordinary—they're a couple of feet long and silvery. Yet the sounds they make—when millions get together to spawn—are a kind of wonder of the natural world. It's also why they are in danger.

Illustration of people in a boat with a microphone dangling in the water and a group of fish emitting waves of sound

Podcast

Keeps Us on Our Toes

Michael Mauk is working on a "digital cerebellum" that mimics the part of the brain that helps us keep from falling. It could help make robots more stable, as well as humans with neurodegenerative diseases.

Robot standing on a soccer pitch preparing to kick a red ball into a net

Podcast

The Science of Relationships

What are the health benefits of romantic relationships? How can newlyweds avoid communication breakdowns that result from external stress? Do optimists make better partners?

Older couple, the woman's hand rests on the cheek of the man, both look content

Podcast

Resetting the Alcoholic Brain

The brains of people experiencing alcohol addiction have different patterns of gene expression than those without addiction. Could this lead to a new kind of therapy?

A pair of hands holding a glass of semi-clear yellowish liquid

Podcast

The Mighty Copepod

These teeny shrimp-like critters at the bottom of the ocean food web seem totally unimportant.

Microsope image of a colorful shrimp-like creature

Podcast

Evolution Inspires Anthrax Cure

Scientists borrowed tricks from evolution to develop the world's first treatment for late stage inhalation anthrax.

Soldier wearing uniform, helmet and gas mask

Podcast

The Last First Planetary Mission

University of Texas at Austin alumnus Alan Stern describes the challenges, and the joys, of the last first mission to a planet.

Artist's illustration of a spacecraft flying past a planet

Podcast

Some Bacteria Have Lived in the Human Gut Since Before We Were Human

New study suggests that evolution plays a larger role than previously known in people's intestinal-microbe makeup.

Illustration of green and purple microbes enlarged under a microscope

Podcast

Looking Forward ... and Back: Podcast Updates

In case you missed it, here are some Point of Discovery podcast highlights from the past year, plus a preview of new episodes coming soon

Logo with a microscope in front of an abstract blue background and the words "Point of Discovery"

Podcast

Why is CGI in the Movies Still So Hard?

A computer scientist talks about the challenges of CGI in the movies.

A stream of raspbrerry sauce being poured over a chocolate bunny

About the Podcast

Behind every scientific discovery is a scientist (or 12) and a story. “Point of Discovery” takes you on a journey beyond WHAT we know to HOW we know it. Listeners will meet the sometimes quirky, always passionate people whose curiosity unlocks hidden worlds.

Hosted by Marc Airhart

Marc Airhart is the Communications Coordinator for the College of Natural Sciences. A long time member of the National Association of Science Writers, he has written for national publications including Scientific American, Mercury, The Earth Scientist, Environmental Engineer & Scientist, and StarDate Magazine.

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Disclaimer

Point of Discovery is part of the Texas Podcast Network, brought to you by The University of Texas at Austin. Podcasts are produced by faculty members and staffers at UT Austin who work with University Communications to craft content that adheres to journalistic best practices. The University of Texas at Austin offers these podcasts at no charge. Podcasts appearing on the network and this webpage represent the views of the hosts, not of The University of Texas at Austin.