The Best Of Our Knowledge

Dec 09 2024 100 ep. 28 mins 198

The Best Of Our Knowledge Podcast artwork

Every day, faculty members at schools and universities throughout the world are making discoveries that shape our ways of thinking and redefine our understanding of today's knowledge-driven society. Since 1990, The Best of Our Knowledge has highlighted breakthroughs across disciplines and across the globe, putting listeners in touch with the minds at the forefront of their fields. Each week this program examines some of the issues unique to education, looks at the latest research and invites commentary from experts across disciplines.

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Spongy moths and ancient sand dunes

Dec 09 2024 17 mins

The spongy moth caterpillar has been defoliating forests in the United States for more than a century. Now, a study hopes to learn how the invasive species is affecting populations of the tick that carries Lyme disease. And we’ll visit the ancient sand dunes of a unique upstate New York landscape.

Wildfires and a mysterious mollusk

Dec 02 2024 28 mins

After 25 years of stumping scientists, a mysterious mollusk found drifting in the ocean off the coast of California, has been identified. We’ll learn more about this unusual animal. And we’ll learn about how human practices can both contribute to and help prevent wildfires.

Screenwriting and adaptation

Nov 25 2024 28 mins

Award-winning screenwriter Jacob Krueger teaches students how they can become better screenwriters and travels to share his knowledge with writers of all sorts. We’ll speak about beginning a writing career, avoiding writer's block, and adapting books for TV or film.

Auroras and wildfires

Nov 18 2024 28 mins

The solar cycle is in its maximum phase, causing the northern lights to recently be visible in lower latitudes. We’ll learn about the science of auroras. And amid a drought in the northeast United States, we’ll learn about the causes and science behind wildfires.

Alzheimer’s research and an ancient impact

Nov 11 2024 28 mins

A meteorite that struck the Earth more than 3 billion years ago might have acted like a giant “fertilizer bomb” for life on the Blue Planet. We’ll learn about a new national study that may lead to a new affordable treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. And officials are celebrating a new national hub for semiconductor research.

Climate education and sports betting

Nov 04 2024 28 mins

Four years ago, Columbia University launched the Columbia Climate School. We’ll speak with Climate School Dean Dr. Jeffrey Shaman. And a New York Congressman wants to place new restrictions on mobile sports betting. We’ll learn how sports betting affects student athletes

Glass blowing and apple research

Oct 28 2024 28 mins

For more than a decade, glass artists at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center in southern Vermont have been challenged and inspired by the creativity of children. We’ll speak with an artist who is bringing drawings to life. We’ll meet students in upstate New York who are celebrating the turning point of the American Revolution. And we’ll catch up with an apple research

A reanimated vampire film and a corn maze

Oct 22 2024 28 mins

Guitarist and composer Gary Lucas breathes new life into a nearly century-old vampire film. We’ll learn about how farmers create a seasonal corn maze. And we’ll take a trip to the weight room.

Scary stories and a sensory room

Oct 14 2024 28 mins

What’s your favorite scary story? We’ll speak with Jeremy Dauber, author of American Scary. The book chronicles the history of horror in America. And we’ll learn about how libraries are creating sensory-focused spaces.

Climate storytelling and oyster glue

Oct 07 2024 28 mins

With Americans divided over climate change, communicating the issue can be a daunting task. We’ll speak with a University of Buffalo researcher who says storytelling is the key to finding solutions for a warming climate. And a Colgate University physics professor’s research on oysters could lead to advancements in the medical and construction industries.