EPISODE · Dec 31, 2012 · 54 MIN
Skeptic Check: They're Baack!
from Big Picture Science · host Big Picture Science
Could you have had a past life? Is it possible that some part of you is the reincarnation of a person – or maybe an animal – that lived long ago? We’ll hear the story of a young boy who started having nightmares about a plane crash. His parents thought he was the reincarnation of a downed, World War II fighter pilot. But his story might not fly. Also … is there any biological basis for reincarnation? Animals that indulge in the big sleep. Suspended animation is Hollywood’s favorite device for interstellar travel … But could we really put a dimmer switch on human metabolism? Learn how techniques for hitting the hold button for humans might be just around the corner. Guests: • Cynthia Meyersburg – Research psychologist at Harvard University • Tori Hoehler – Astrobiologist at the NASA Ames Research Center • André Bormanis – Screenwriter, producer and former science consultant for “Star Trek” • Matt Andrews – Biologist at the University of Minnesota, Duluth • Phil Plait – Astronomer, and author of the Bad Astronomy blog at Discover Magazine • Mark Roth – Biologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What this episode covers
Could you have had a past life? Is it possible that some part of you is the reincarnation of a person – or maybe an animal – that lived long ago? We’ll hear the story of a young boy who started having nightmares about a plane crash. His parents thought he was the reincarnation of a downed, World War II fighter pilot. But his story might not fly. Also … is there any biological basis for reincarnation? Animals that indulge in the big sleep. Suspended animation is Hollywood’s favorite device for interstellar travel … But could we really put a dimmer switch on human metabolism? Learn how techniques for hitting the hold button for humans might be just around the corner. Guests: • Cynthia Meyersburg – Research psychologist at Harvard University • Tori Hoehler – Astrobiologist at the NASA Ames Research Center • André Bormanis – Screenwriter, producer and former science consultant for “Star Trek” • Matt Andrews – Biologist at the University of Minnesota, Duluth • Phil Plait – Astronomer, and author of the Bad Astronomy blog at Discover Magazine • Mark Roth – Biologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Skeptic Check: They're Baack!
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