Podcasts about Janna Levin

Why three dimensions? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedians Chuck Nice and Hasan Minhaj celebrate 100 years of quantum physics and everywhere it's taken us, joined by theoretical astrophysicists Brian Greene and Janna Levin.NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/quantum-quandary-startalk-live-with-brian-greene-janna-levin/Thanks to our Patrons Dr. Philip Forkuo Mensah, robert mihai ticu, Brian Purser, german moreno, Dylan Bell, John Bickford, Rogue Ryter, Ethan Rice, Mi Ra, Jalen Grimble, Nick Salverson, Cranjis McBasketball, Jesse Eisenhardt, Thomas Lanphear, Monica Pena, Tolu, Jim Coulter, Morgan Fisher, Julie Schultz, Paradox, Rico Wyder, Thomas Aasrud, Ralph Leighton, J.C. De la Cruz, James Gallagher, Maverick Blue, Casey, David Bellucci, Cj Purcell, Edward Q Teague, Douglas Cottel, Bach Ong, Stephen Lewis, T_Titillatus, Jonathan, Thoritz, John Weldt, Anthony Gamble, Sergey Masich, Jay Park, Jean, Bradley Bodanis, Kylee Ronning, Oliver Boardman, Lars-Ola Arvidsson, Douglas Burk, Holdin Ross, Danelle Hayes, Chau Phan, Mark Caffarel, Eric Turnbull, and D Mavrikas for supporting us this week. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

For decades, string theory has been hailed as the leading candidate for the theory of everything in our universe. Yet despite its mathematical elegance, the theory still lacks empirical evidence. One of its most intriguing, yet vexing, implications is that if all matter and forces are composed of vibrations of tiny strands of energy, then this allows for a vast landscape of possible universes with different physical properties, varieties of particles and complex spacetimes. How, then, can we possibly pinpoint our own universe within a field of almost infinite possibilities? Since 2005, Cumrun Vafa(opens a new tab) at MIT has been working to weed out this crowded landscape by identifying which hypothetical universes lie in a ‘swampland' with properties inconsistent with the world we observe. In this episode of The Joy of Why, Vafa talks to co-host Janna Levin about the current state of string theory, why there are no more than 11 dimensions, how his swampland concept got an unexpected lift from the BICEP array, and how close we may be to testable predictions.

Janna Levin is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist specializing in black holes, cosmology of extra dimensions, topology of the universe, and gravitational waves. Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep468-sc See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc. Transcript: https://lexfridman.com/janna-levin-transcript CONTACT LEX: Feedback - give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey AMA - submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama Hiring - join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring Other - other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact EPISODE LINKS: Janna's X: https://x.com/JannaLevin Janna's Website: https://jannalevin.com Janna's Instagram: https://instagram.com/jannalevin Janna's Substack: https://substack.com/@jannalevin Black Hole Survival Guide (book): https://amzn.to/3YkJzT5 Black Hole Blues (book): https://amzn.to/42Nw7IE How the Universe Got Its Spots (book): https://amzn.to/4m5De8k A Madman Dreams of Turing Machines (book): https://amzn.to/3GGakvd SPONSORS: To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts: Brain.fm: Music for focus. Go to https://brain.fm/lex BetterHelp: Online therapy and counseling. Go to https://betterhelp.com/lex NetSuite: Business management software. Go to http://netsuite.com/lex Shopify: Sell stuff online. Go to https://shopify.com/lex AG1: All-in-one daily nutrition drink. Go to https://drinkag1.com/lex OUTLINE: (00:00) - Introduction (00:51) - Sponsors, Comments, and Reflections (09:21) - Black holes (16:55) - Formation of black holes (27:45) - Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb (34:08) - Inside the black hole (47:10) - Supermassive black holes (50:39) - Physics of spacetime (53:42) - General relativity (59:13) - Gravity (1:15:47) - Information paradox (1:24:17) - Fuzzballs & soft hair (1:27:28) - ER = EPR (1:34:07) - Firewall (1:42:59) - Extra dimensions (1:45:24) - Aliens (2:01:00) - Wormholes (2:11:57) - Dark matter and dark energy (2:22:00) - Gravitational waves (2:34:08) - Alan Turing and Kurt Godel (2:46:23) - Grigori Perelman, Andrew Wiles, and Terence Tao (2:52:58) - Art and science (3:02:37) - The biggest mystery PODCAST LINKS: - Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast - Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr - Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 - RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ - Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4 - Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips

How did Einstein's work influence the world we know today? Neil deGrasse Tyson and  Harrison Greenbaum team up with astrophysicist Janna Levin, PhD, to explore Einstein's physics and its resulting discoveries, from Walmart laser pointers to black holes and wormholes. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:https://startalkmedia.com/show/einsteins-crumbs-with-janna-levin/Thanks to our Patrons Vickie Patik, Chukwuma, Jaxie Thund-a-Lund, Eric Muldoon, Kevin Price, True Gordon, Chris Del Rosario, Bill Taylor, Garth Graham, George Koris, Kari Legates, Robert Browning, Everyone wants to be a cat, Christine Ferguson, Monte Plays Games, Bernard Pang, HARMS, Ari Nahmad, Alyssa Feldhaus, Noel Aguilar, 5ityf, Lez Dunn, Jeff Blessing, Brian Hann, Gregory Rodgers, Renzo, Serge, Ralph Loizzo, Tejas Phatak, André Shabazian, Lester W Marlatt, WILLIAM WALKER, Prema Wargo, Gaz Davies, Shota Dzidziguri, Phillippe Chicoineau, Hunter Hall, Marcos Lima, Mark S. Jones, Robert Fisher, Dave Zetrenne, Moad, Brain Jones, Sergio, Jeff Sauer, Donald G Smith, and Aleksey Parsetich for supporting us this week. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Quantum computing promises unprecedented speed, but in practice, it's proven remarkably difficult to find important questions that quantum machines can solve faster than classical ones. One of the most notable demonstrations of this came from Ewin Tang, who rose to prominence in the field as a teenager. When quantum algorithms had in principle cracked the so-called recommendation problem, Tang designed classical algorithms that could match them. So began the approach of “dequantizing,” in which computer scientists look at quantum algorithms and try to achieve the same speeds with classical counterparts. To understand the ongoing contest between classical and quantum computing, co-host Janna Levin spoke to Tang on The Joy of Why podcast. The wide-ranging conversation covered what it was like for Tang to challenge the prevailing wisdom at such a young age, the role of failure in scientific progress, and whether quantum computing will ultimately fulfill its grand ambitions.

Is anything real? Is time just a construct? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Matt Kirshen answer your far-out questions about black holes, dark matter, and the universe with astrophysicist Janna Levin. (Originally Aired Tuesday, March 8 2022)NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://www.startalkradio.net/show/cosmic-queries-stoner-edition-with-janna-levin/ Thanks to our Patrons Ivan Masjuk, c, Nathan Mitchell, Conner Kemmsies, Dustin Dewayne Hart, Kyle Reinsberg, Andrew Magri, Virginia Cohen, Cathleen Corrie, and David Claassen for supporting us this week. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to new episodes ad-free and a whole week early.

How did Einstein uncover so many fundamental theories of the universe? Neil deGrasse Tyson, comic co-host Harrison Greenbaum, and astrophysicist Janna Levin celebrate the life and legacy of Albert Einstein, accompanied by Neil's interview with director Ron Howard.(Originally Aired March 15, 2019)NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/einsteins-genius-with-ron-howard/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to new episodes ad-free and a whole week early.

What is a gravitational wave? Janna Levin and comedian Matt Kirshen sit down with physicist Rainer Weiss to discuss LIGO, black holes, and the physics of gravitational waves. (Originally Aired October 4, 2016)NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/deciphering-gravitational-waves-janna-levin-startalk-stars/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to new episodes ad-free and a whole week early.

We have identified thousands of planets just in our neighborhood in the Milky Way, mostly from the way they impact their host stars. Basic calculations suggest that there are countless more across the galaxy, and that billions of them could potentially support life. But what kind of life they host, and how we would be able to detect the presence of those biological processes from Earth, remain big questions in the world of exoplanets and astrobiology. What technologies might lie ahead to help us answer the question of whether we are alone in the universe? Lisa Kaltenegger, an astrophysicist and astrobiologist at Cornell University, talks to Janna Levin about that search, the atmospheric fingerprints of life, and why an advanced alien civilization might decide not to talk to us.

It's fair to say that enjoyment of a podcast would be severely limited without the human capacity to create and understand speech. That capacity has often been cited as a defining characteristic of our species, and one that sets us apart in the long history of life on Earth. Yet we know that other species communicate in complex ways. Studies of the neurological foundations of language suggest that birdsong, or communication among bats or elephants, originates with brain structures similar to our own. So why do some species vocalize while others don't? In this episode, Erich Jarvis, who studies behavior and neurogenetics at the Rockefeller University, chats with Janna Levin about the surprising connections between human speech, birdsong and dance.

Janna Levin is the Claire Tow Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Barnard College of Columbia University. She is also the Chair and Founding Director of the Science Studios at Pioneer Works. In this episode, Robinson and Janna talk all about black holes and how to survive them. More particularly, they discuss how black holes were discovered both theoretically and empirically, common misconceptions about black holes, their role in theories of quantum gravity, and how they do and will contribute to both the life and death of the universe. If you'd like to learn more about black holes, read Janna's latest book, Black Hole Survival Guide (Anchor, 2022). Janna's Website: https://jannalevin.com Black Hole Survival Guide: https://a.co/d/biGGqZc Pioneer Works: https://pioneerworks.org OUTLINE 00:00 Introduction 06:10 The Original Theory of Black Holes 14:45 Is There Gravity in Space? 20:40 Just What IS a Black Hole? 38:47 Why Physicists Resisted the Possibility of Black Holes 50:44 What's at the Center of a Black Hole? 55:34 What Happens When Something Falls into a Black Hole? 1:03:23 Is Leonard Susskind a Genius Physicist? 1:12:07 What Is the Fine-Tuning Problem? 1:17:52 How Close Can You Get to a Black Hole and Still Survive? 1:25:10 Why Are Black Holes Perfect Objects? 1:32:12 How Do Black Holes Form? 1:41:31 What Will Happen to the Sun When It Dies? 1:50:38 Black Holes, Dark Energy, and the Fate of the Universe 1:54:45 The Heat Death of the Universe 1:59:18 Pioneer Works Robinson's Website: http://robinsonerhardt.com Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/robinson-erhardt/support

Approach a black hole with caution – most of us know that much – but how do you survive one? Janna Levin offers some tips, but not from close-up experience!

The “species” category is almost certainly the best known of all the taxonomic classifications that biologists use to organize life's vast diversity. It's a linchpin of both conservation policy and evolutionary theory, though in practice biologists have struggled to find a definition that works across the natural world. In this episode, Kevin de Queiroz, a zoologist and evolutionary biologist, talks with host Janna Levin about the variety of ways to conceive of a species, and ways to understand the relationships among living things.

In this week's episode, David is joined by Prof Janna Levin, Professor of Astronomy at Barnard College of Columbia University. Janna is an expert in the theoretical physics of black holes, an author, a communicator of science and co-founder of Pioneer Works. To support this podcast and our research lab, head to https://coolworldslab.com/support Go to https://ground.news/CWP to discover the full spectrum of truths and absurdities behind today's headlines. Save 40% on the Ground News unlimited access Vantage plan with my link.  Prof Levin's research page: https://jannalevin.com/ Pioneer Works: https://pioneerworks.org/ Janna's Books: https://jannalevin.com/books/black-hole-survival-guide/ Cool Worlds Podcast Theme by Hill [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1hdkvBtRdOW4SPsnxCXOjK]

If instruments do someday detect evidence of life beyond Earth, whether it's in this solar system or in the farther reaches of space, astrobiologists want to be ready. One of the best ways to learn how alien life might function can be to study the organisms called extremophiles, which live in incredibly challenging environments on or in the Earth. In this episode, Penelope Boston, a microbiologist who has worked for many years with NASA, speaks with Janna Levin about the bizarre life found in habitats such as caves, how it would be possible to detect life beyond our solar system and what it would mean for humanity if we do.

Observations of the cosmos suggest that unseen sources of gravity — dark matter — tug at the stars in galaxies, while another mysterious force — dark energy — drives the universe to expand at an ever-increasing rate. The evidence for both of them, however, hinges on assumptions that gravity works the same way at all scales. What if that's not true? In this episode, theoretical physicist Claudia de Rham explains her work on an alternative explanation called “massive gravity” to host Janna Levin.

Can you keep a secret? Modern techniques for maintaining the confidentiality of information are based on mathematical problems that are inherently too difficult for anyone to solve without the right hints. Yet what does that mean when quantum computers capable of solving many problems astronomically faster are on the horizon? In this episode, host Janna Levin talks with computer scientist Boaz Barak about the cryptographic techniques that keep information confidential, and why “security through mathematics” beats “security through obscurity.” Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,  TuneIn or your favorite podcasting app, or you can stream it from Quanta.

In the tiling of wallpaper and bathroom floors, collective repeated patterns often emerge. Mathematicians have long tried to find a tiling shape that never repeats in this way. In 2023, they lauded an unexpected amateur victor. That discovery of the elusive aperiodic monotile propelled the field into new dimensions. The study of tessellation is much more than a fun thought exercise:  Peculiar, rare tiling formations can sometimes seem to tell us something about the natural world, from the structure of minerals to the organization of the cosmos. In this episode, Janna Levin speaks with mathematician Natalie Priebe Frank about these complex geometric combinations, and where they may pop up unexpectedly. Specifically, they explore her research into quasicrystals — crystals that, like aperiodic tiles, enigmatically resist structural uniformity.. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,  TuneIn or your favorite podcasting app, or you can stream it from Quanta.

What awaits us beyond our solar system? Janna Levin and comedian Matt Kirshen answer questions on interstellar travel, black holes, and the furthest reaches of our universe. What mysteries can we uncover once we venture further beyond our home star?NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/traveling-space-time-janna-levin/(Originally Aired October 17, 2017)

During traumatic periods and their aftermath, our brains can fall into habitual ways of thinking that may be helpful in the short run but become maladaptive years later. For the brain to readjust to new situations later in life, it needs to be restored to the malleable state it was in when the habits first formed. That is exactly what Gül Dölen, a neuroscientist and psychiatric researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, is working toward in her lab. What is her surprising tool? Psychedelics. In this episode, Dölen shares with co-host Janna Levin the surprising potential of psychedelics to change the lives of those grappling with addiction, depression and post-traumatic stress. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,  TuneIn or your favorite podcasting app, or you can stream it from Quanta.

When one path is blocked, a new one must be paved. How Einstein, Heisenberg and Gödel used constraints to make life-changing discoveries: Astrophysicist Janna Levin discusses three examples of constraints in science, and how they ultimately led to massive breakthroughs in physics and mathematics. Abiding by the speed of light caused Albert Einstein to begin his pursuit into the theory of relativity, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle planted the seed for quantum mechanics, and Kurt Gödel's incompleteness theorem led directly to the invention of computers and artificial intelligence. We often think of constraints as impenetrable barriers that cannot be broken. However, these very constraints have the potential to inspire new ways of thinking and revolutionize the world as we know it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ❍ About The Well ❍ Do we inhabit a multiverse? Do we have free will? What is love? Is evolution directional? There are no simple answers to life's biggest questions, and that's why they're the questions occupying the world's brightest minds. So what do they think? How is the power of science advancing understanding? How are philosophers and theologians tackling these fascinating questions? Let's dive into The Well. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If superconductors — materials that conduct electricity without any resistance — worked at temperatures and pressures close to what we would consider normal, they would be world-changing. They could dramatically amplify power grids, levitate high-speed trains and enable more affordable medical technologies. For more than a century, physicists have tinkered with different compounds and environmental conditions in pursuit of this elusive property, but while success has sometimes been claimed, the reports were always debunked or withdrawn. What makes this challenge so tricky? In this episode, Siddharth Shanker Saxena, a condensed-matter physicist at the University of Cambridge, gives co-host Janna Levin the details about why high-temperature superconductors remain so stubbornly out of reach.. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,  TuneIn or your favorite podcasting app, or you can stream it from Quanta.

Is gravity fundamental to the universe? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explore quantum physics, the fourth dimension, whether H2O is water, and the many-worlds interpretation with theoretical cosmologist Janna Levin, PhD. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-bits-of-spacetime-with-janna-levin/Thanks to our Patrons Mikal Krane, Tramond Spencer, John R, Laura Morrison, Javier Mejia, Emilio Campín Ramírez de Arellano, Jeff Gauthier, Tom Jones, and Jaired H for supporting us this week.

Nothing escapes a black hole … or does it? In the 1970s, the physicist Stephen Hawking described a subtle process by which black holes can “evaporate,” with some particles evading gravitational oblivion. That phenomenon, now dubbed Hawking radiation, seems at odds with general relativity, and it raises an even weirder question: If particles can escape, do they preserve any information about the matter that was obliterated? Leonard Susskind, a physicist at Stanford University, found himself at odds with Hawking over the answer. In this episode, co-host Janna Levin speaks with Susskind about the “black hole war” that ensued and the powerful scientific lessons to be drawn from one of the most famous paradoxes in physics. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,  TuneIn or your favorite podcasting app, or you can stream it from Quanta.

According to Janna Levin, “the chillest astrophysicist alive” (says Wired Magazine), there's a great probability that other life exists in the universe. But what form might this life take? What the heck are black holes? How many planets are out there? And why should we give a hoot about all this? Be sure to listen to this other-worldly conversation.“I find it impossible to believe we're magically the only experiment in life when we look at our own galaxy, which is a collection of 300 billion stars.”

A physicist discusses the boundaries of reality and experimentation. Theoretical cosmologist Janna Levin discusses the dynamic interplay between theoretical and experimental physics. She highlights how physicists navigate the tension between imaginative theorizing and strict adherence to observed reality — leading to both confining approaches within known laws, and explosive creativity that has transformed our understanding of the universe. Levin explores questions about the nature of the cosmos, such as the possibility of multiple universes and the enigma of dark matter. She acknowledges the criticism that theoretical work on unobservable phenomena like the multiverse might not fit traditional scientific criteria, but argues that, in turn, nature may not conform to human definitions. Levin emphasizes the significance of experimental discoveries, like dark matter's indirect detection through gravitational effects, in shaping our understanding. Ultimately, she asserts that scientific exploration challenges societal limitations, reshaping values and perspectives while underscoring the profound impact of gazing into the cosmos. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ❍ About The Well ❍ Do we inhabit a multiverse? Do we have free will? What is love? Is evolution directional? There are no simple answers to life's biggest questions, and that's why they're the questions occupying the world's brightest minds. So what do they think? How is the power of science advancing understanding? How are philosophers and theologians tackling these fascinating questions? Let's dive into The Well.

Quantum wormholes are mathematically possible — but might also be physically impossible. Physicist Janna Levin explains Hawking's famous information paradox. Theoretical cosmologist Janna Levin challenges long-held assumptions about the behavior of black holes, information conservation, and the fundamental nature of space, time, and gravity. She uses black holes to explore the physical feasibility of wormholes: theoretical passages or tunnel-like structures that connect separate points in spacetime. Stephen Hawking proposed that black holes emit energy via quantum particles, causing them to eventually evaporate and challenge the conservation of information. The holographic principle suggests that information is encoded on a black hole's surface, addressing the information paradox. Levin metaphorically likens black holes to embroidery, woven from quantum threads. Her quantum perspective has profound implications, potentially altering our understanding of gravity and spacetime's fundamental nature — even questioning our pursuit of a theory of everything. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ❍ About The Well ❍ Do we inhabit a multiverse? Do we have free will? What is love? Is evolution directional? There are no simple answers to life's biggest questions, and that's why they're the questions occupying the world's brightest minds. So what do they think? How is the power of science advancing understanding? How are philosophers and theologians tackling these fascinating questions? Let's dive into The Well.

What can we learn from eclipses? Janna Levin joined by comedian Matt Kirshen and professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Columbia University, Joe Patterson, discuss the 2017 eclipse, binary star systems, super novae and more. What is an eclipse on Jupiter like?NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:https://startalkmedia.com/show/eclipses-cosmic-cataclysms-janna-levin/

Gravity defies quantum mechanics. What does that mean for a theory of everything? There's a pursuit of simplicity and unification in theoretical physics, aiming for a single mathematical law to unify quantum mechanics and gravity: a theory of everything. But while other forces have been successfully unified, gravity resists integration — casting doubt on the likelihood of ever unlocking the theory of all theories. As physicist Janna Levin explains, black holes, with their strong space-time curvature, provide insights into this challenge. Levin draws parallels to mathematicians' incompleteness theorems, noting the inherent limitations in such an overarching theory. Acknowledging the complexity of the endeavor, Levin emphasizes the need to embrace and explore gravity's enigmatic nature fully. In doing so, the pursuit of unification might still yield profound insights, even if a comprehensive theory of everything remains elusive. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ❍ About The Well ❍ Do we inhabit a multiverse? Do we have free will? What is love? Is evolution directional? There are no simple answers to life's biggest questions, and that's why they're the questions occupying the world's brightest minds. So what do they think? How is the power of science advancing understanding? How are philosophers and theologians tackling these fascinating questions? Let's dive into The Well.

Neil deGrasse Tyson, co-host Harrison Greenbaum, and astrophysicist Janna Levin answer questions on the far away and the far out, including Andromeda's impending collision with the Milky Way, white holes, a holographic universe, and more. Prepare to get trippy!NOTE:  StarTalk All-Access subscribers can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-out-there/(Originally released February 15, 2019)

Quantum teleportation isn't just science fiction; it's entirely real and happening in laboratories today. But teleporting quantum particles and information is a far cry from beaming people through space. In some ways, it's even more astonishing. John Preskill, a theoretical physicist at the California Institute of Technology, is one of the leading theoreticians of quantum computing and information. In this episode, co-host Janna Levin interviews him about entanglement, teleporting bits from coast to coast, and the revolutionary promise of quantum technology. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn or your favorite podcasting app, or you can stream it from Quanta.

Quantum wormholes are mathematically possible — but might also be physically impossible. Physicist Janna Levin explains the wormhole paradox. Theoretical cosmologist Janna Levin challenges long-held assumptions about the behavior of black holes, information conservation, and the fundamental nature of space, time, and gravity. She uses black holes to explore the physical feasibility of wormholes: theoretical passages or tunnel-like structures that connect separate points in spacetime. Stephen Hawking proposed that black holes emit energy via quantum particles, causing them to eventually evaporate and challenge the conservation of information. The holographic principle suggests that information is encoded on a black hole's surface, addressing the information paradox. Levin metaphorically likens black holes to embroidery, woven from quantum threads. Her quantum perspective has profound implications, potentially altering our understanding of gravity and spacetime's fundamental nature — even questioning our pursuit of a theory of everything. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Go Deeper with Big Think: ►Become a Big Think Member Get exclusive access to full interviews, early access to new releases, Big Think merch and more ►Get Big Think+ for Business Guide, inspire and accelerate leaders at all levels of your company with the biggest minds in business -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Janna Levin: Janna Levin is a professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College of Columbia University. She is also director of sciences at Pioneer Works, a center for arts and sciences in Brooklyn, and has contributed to an understanding of black holes, the cosmology of extra dimensions, and gravitational waves in the shape of spacetime. Her previous books include How the Universe Got Its Spots and a novel, A Madman Dreams of Turing Machines, which won the PEN/Bingham Prize. She was recently named a Guggenheim fellow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hunt for the theory of everything continues — but we won't find it without understanding quantum gravity first. This interview is an episode from @The-Well, our publication about ideas that inspire a life well-lived, created with the @JohnTempletonFoundation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Go Deeper with Big Think: ►Become a Big Think Member Get exclusive access to full interviews, early access to new releases, Big Think merch and more ►Get Big Think+ for Business Guide, inspire and accelerate leaders at all levels of your company with the biggest minds in business -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There's a pursuit of simplicity and unification in theoretical physics, aiming for a single mathematical law to unify quantum mechanics and gravity: a theory of everything. But while other forces have been successfully unified, gravity resists integration — casting doubt on the likelihood of ever unlocking the theory of all theories. As physicist Janna Levin explains, black holes, with their strong space-time curvature, provide insights into this challenge. Levin draws parallels to mathematicians' incompleteness theorems, noting the inherent limitations in such an overarching theory. Acknowledging the complexity of the endeavor, Levin emphasizes the need to embrace and explore gravity's enigmatic nature fully. In doing so, the pursuit of unification might still yield profound insights, even if a comprehensive theory of everything remains elusive. Get Smarter Faster, With Episodes From The Worlds Biggest Thinkers. Follow Big Think Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was my pleasure to speak with American cosmologist and professor of physics Janna Levin, about a range of subjects around religion, morality and improving public scientific literacy. How does our society rob children of the right to truth, by indoctrinating them into their beliefs at an early age? We discuss freedom through science, the inspiration of wonder and awe in the cosmos in my books Outgrowing God, The Selfish Gene, Climbing Mount Improbable and Unweaving The Rainbow, morality and altruism, and the love and hate my work receives in equal parts from across the world. _______________________ Join Substack: https://richarddawkins.substack.com/ Subscribe to Poetry of Reality Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmwfdgHA_R9fzr1L0_hxdVw Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.poetry.of.reality/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RichardDawkins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardDawkinsBooks Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ThePoetryofReality

We often talk about evolution in terms of competition, as the survival of the fittest. But if it is, then where did the widespread (and widely admired) impulse to help others even at great cost to ourselves come from? In this episode, Stephanie Preston, a professor of psychology and head of the Ecological Neuroscience Lab at the University of Michigan, talks about the evolutionary, neurological and behavioral foundations for altruism with our new co-host, the astrophysicist and author Janna Levin.

Library staff discuss and recommend what they're reading and chat about what the Longmont Public Library has to offer. Books recommended and discussed in this episode:My Bright Abyss: Meditation of a Modern Believer, by Christian Wiman; The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff; Watership Down: the Graphic Novel adapted from Richard Adams' novel by James Sturm and Joe Stutphin; Whalefall: a Novel by Daniel Kraus; The Book of Joy with the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Self-Therapy by Jay Earley; Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space by Janna Levin;18 Tiny Deaths: The Untold Story of Frances Glessner Lee and the Invention of Modern, Forensics by Bruce Goldfarb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One day we might fall into a black hole. Here's what we can expect, according to physicist Janna Levin. This interview is an episode from @The-Well, our publication about ideas that inspire a life well-lived, created with the @JohnTempletonFoundation. Black holes should be thought of as "empty places" rather than "dense objects." While they are indeed formed from incredibly dense objects (collapsed stars), the black hole itself is nothing. Black holes could have played a crucial role in the emergence of life. Ironically, the Solar System is in orbit around a supermassive black hole located in the center of our Milky Way galaxy. And one day, we might fall into a black hole. If you were out in space exploring and you didn't realize you were coming upon a black hole, you would not notice that anything terrible was about to happen. Eventually, however, you would succumb to a terrifying fate. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bigthink/message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The Joy of Why” is a Quanta Magazine podcast about curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. The mathematician and author Steven Strogatz and the astrophysicist and author Janna Levin take turns interviewing leading researchers about the great scientific and mathematical questions of our time. New episodes are released every other Thursday.

Comic book superheroes use and abuse physics for their supernatural powers. But how many can actually explain the physics behind gravitation or electromagnetism? In The Dialogues,  graphic novel by physicist Clifford Johnson, the heroes are scientists—and though they have no special powers beyond their scientific abilities, the characters address everything from the mysteries of dark energy to the possibility of immortality.In this interview from 2018, black hole physicist Janna Levin joins Clifford Johnson to discuss the quantum questions vexing physicists today—and why black holes might be the perfect place to find the answers.Universe of Art is hosted and produced by D. Peterschmidt, who also wrote the music. The original segment was produced by Christopher Intagliata. Our show art was illustrated by Abelle Hayford. Support for Science Friday's science and arts coverage comes from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Do you have an idea for a future episode of Universe of Art? Send us an email or a voice memo to universe@sciencefriday.com.

Time can feel like a subjective experience—different at different points in our lives. It's also a real, measurable thing. The universe may be too big to fully comprehend, but what we do know could help inform the ways we approach our understanding of ourselves, our purpose, and our time. Theoretical physicist and black-hole expert Janna Levin explains how the science of time can inspire new thinking and fresh perspectives on a much larger scale. Music by Rob Smierciak (“Slow Money, Money Time, Guitar Time, Ambient Time”), Gavin Luke (“Time Zones”), Hanna Lindgren (“Everywhere Except Right Here”), and Dylan Sitts (“On the Fritz”). Write to us at howtopodcast@theatlantic.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the universe infinite? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Paul Mecurio go to infinity and beyond as we explore the origins of relativity, time travel, and the discovery of expansion with astrophysicist Janna Levin, PhD live from Pioneer Works in Brooklyn.NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:https://startalkmedia.com/show/relativity-round-up-startalk-live-with-janna-levin/Thanks to our Patrons Shari Murnane, Gary, Eoghan Smyth, Dmitry Petrov, Paul Dragicevich, Elizabeth Flores, Joseph Russomano, and William Riley for supporting us this week.Photo Credit: ESO/VVV Survey/D. Minniti, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Is the universe infinite or just really big? With this question, cosmologist Janna Levin announces the central theme of this book, which established her as one of the most direct, unorthodox, and creative voices in contemporary science. As Levin sets out to determine how big "really big" may be, she offers a rare intimate look at the daily life of an innovative physicist, complete with jet lag and the tensions between personal relationships and the extreme demands of scientific exploration. Nimbly explaining geometry, topology, chaos, and string theory, Levin shows how the pattern of hot and cold spots left over from the big bang may one day reveal the size of the cosmos. How the Universe Got Its Spots: Diary of a Finite Time in a Finite Space (Princeton UP, 2023) is a thrilling story of cosmology by one of its leading thinkers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Is the universe infinite or just really big? With this question, cosmologist Janna Levin announces the central theme of this book, which established her as one of the most direct, unorthodox, and creative voices in contemporary science. As Levin sets out to determine how big "really big" may be, she offers a rare intimate look at the daily life of an innovative physicist, complete with jet lag and the tensions between personal relationships and the extreme demands of scientific exploration. Nimbly explaining geometry, topology, chaos, and string theory, Levin shows how the pattern of hot and cold spots left over from the big bang may one day reveal the size of the cosmos. How the Universe Got Its Spots: Diary of a Finite Time in a Finite Space (Princeton UP, 2023) is a thrilling story of cosmology by one of its leading thinkers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science

Is the universe infinite or just really big? With this question, cosmologist Janna Levin announces the central theme of this book, which established her as one of the most direct, unorthodox, and creative voices in contemporary science. As Levin sets out to determine how big "really big" may be, she offers a rare intimate look at the daily life of an innovative physicist, complete with jet lag and the tensions between personal relationships and the extreme demands of scientific exploration. Nimbly explaining geometry, topology, chaos, and string theory, Levin shows how the pattern of hot and cold spots left over from the big bang may one day reveal the size of the cosmos. How the Universe Got Its Spots: Diary of a Finite Time in a Finite Space (Princeton UP, 2023) is a thrilling story of cosmology by one of its leading thinkers.

Black holes have always intrigued and captured the imagination of millions since they were first theorized and coined by German physicist Karl Schwarzschild in 1916. For decades, scientists have worked to learn more about these mysterious objects in space. However, even today, there's still much we don't entirely understand about these mysterious phenomena. Janna Levin, an astronomy & physics professor at Columbia University, joins us to discuss the most intriguing aspects of these space giants. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/what-we-do-still-dont-know-about-black-hole Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do supermassive black holes form? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice come to you live to learn about the history of black holes, what's inside them, and new discoveries with cosmologist Janna Levin and astrophysicist Jenny Greene. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free.Thanks to our Patrons Leigh Momii, Molly Jebsen, Gilbert Cruz, Robert Colonel, Oliver Orofino, and Stephen Coleman for supporting us this week.Photo Credit: ESO/WFI (Optical); MPIfR/ESO/APEX/A.Weiss et al. (Submillimetre); NASA/CXC/CfA/R.Kraft et al. (X-ray)Derivative work including grading and crop: Julian Herzog, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Despite Superconductor Breakthrough, Some Scientists Remain Skeptical This week, researchers unveiled a new superconductor which they say works at room temperature. Scientists have been working on identifying new superconductors for decades—materials that can transmit electricity without friction-like resistance. However, previously discovered superconductors only work at super cold temperatures, and under incredibly high pressures. The newly discovered superconductor, lutetium, could be much more useful in applications, like strong magnets used in MRIs, magnetically floating trains, and even nuclear fusion, than those which must be kept super-cold. But there's a bit of a wrinkle. The research team which published their results in the journal Nature this week, had their previous study on another superconductor retracted in 2020. As a result, many scientists in the field have concerns about the quality of this new research Ira talks with Sophie Bushwick, technology editor at Scientific American, to make sense of this superconductor saga and other big science news of the week including bumblebee culture, extreme ways to save mountain glaciers, and identifying the worms in Mezcal. Can Utah's Great Salt Lake Be Saved Before It's Too Late? Utah's Great Salt Lake is one of the state's treasures and is vital to the local ecosystem and economy. But since the 1980s, it's been drying up—and now the lake's water level is at a record low. The lake is fed by three rivers, which are fed by Utah's snowpack. It's also a terminal lake, meaning that there's no outlet for water to exit. And as the population of Utah has increased, more water has been diverted from those rivers to agriculture, industry, and local residents. As more of the lakebed has become exposed, wind has picked up dust plumes and blown them into local communities. Dr. Kevin Perry, a professor of atmospheric science sciences at the University of Utah, discovered that those lakebed dust plumes contain heavy metals, including arsenic. But despite these challenges, Perry and local politicians are confident that if the right water usage reductions are put in place, the lake will have a chance to bounce back. Science Friday digital producer Emma Gometz visited Perry at the Great Salt Lake in January, who describes how we got here and what the future holds. Exploring A New Theory About Dark Energy's Origins Black holes remain one of the great mysteries of the universe. Another enigma? Dark energy. Little is known about this concept, aside from the belief that dark energy accelerates the expansion of the universe. These are two of the most mind-bending concepts in physics. There's a new theory that brings together black holes and dark energy into one mind-bending solution: research led by the University of Hawai'i at Manoa posits that dark energy could actually come from supermassive black holes at the center of galaxies. If true, this would be a massive breakthrough in what we know about astrophysics. But many experts in the field have reservations about this idea. Two of those experts join Ira to talk about this theory, and other recent black hole breakthroughs: Janna Levin, PhD, author of “Black Hole Blues” and “Black Hole Survival Guide,” and a physics and astronomy professor at Barnard College in New York City, and Feryal Özel, a professor and chair of physics at Georgia Institute of Technology, in Atlanta, Georgia. Transcripts for each segment will be available the week after the show airs on sciencefriday.com.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Monty Python's Eric Idle, and cosmologists Dr Netta Engelhardt and Dr Janna Levin as they tackle one of the biggest challenges in cosmology. What happens when you throw something (Robin!) into a black hole? Is the information about Robin lost forever, or is there a chance, sometime in the far future, a super intelligent alien civilisation could piece back some key information to discover proof he ever existed? Are Robin and his cardigans lost for all eternity? Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Is anything real? Is time just a construct? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Matt Kirshen answer your far-out questions about black holes, dark matter, and the universe with astrophysicist Janna Levin. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://www.startalkradio.net/show/cosmic-queries-stoner-edition-with-janna-levin/Thanks to our Patrons Ivan Masjuk, c, Nathan Mitchell, Conner Kemmsies, Dustin Dewayne Hart, Kyle Reinsberg, Andrew Magri, Virginia Cohen, Cathleen Corrie, and David Claassenfor supporting us this week.Photo Credit: Les Bossinas (Cortez III Service Corp.), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons