David Morrison
Biography:
David Morrison is the Senior Scientist at the NASA Astrobiology Institute, where he participates in a variety of research programs in astrobiology -- the study of the living universe. Dr. Morrison received his Ph.D. in astronomy from Harvard University, and until he joined NASA he was Professor of Astronomy at the University of Hawaii. Internationally known for his research on the solar system, Dr. Morrison is the author of more than 135 technical papers and has published a dozen books.
Among his honors is a NASA Outstanding Leadership medal for his contributions to dealing with the hazard of asteroid and comet impacts. He is currently President of the International Astronomical Union working group on near-earth asteroids, and asteroid 2410 Morrison is named in his honor.
Past Shows:
NDEs & Contacting the Dead
Best-selling author Dr. Raymond Moody returned for a discussion on near-death experience (NDE), and his work contacting departed spirits via a room with a mirror. ... More »
Host: George NooryPsychology, Neuroscience & Positive Thinking
Science writer David Weiner discussed neuroscience, psychology, and positive thinking, and also offered analysis of the psychopathic mind. Psychopaths, he explained, don't feel guilt or empathy-- biologically those circuits aren't there, and thus they can't be "fixed." He estimated that 1% of the population is psychopathic but that the threat of prison and prosecution deters most of them from committing crimes. He differentiated them from sociopaths, who arrive at a similar mentality from cultural rather biological influences. ... More »
Host: George NooryThe Velikovsky Debate
Physicist James McCanney and NASA astrobiologist Dr. David Morrison debated the merits of Immanuel Velikovsky's theories of a chaotic universe, which detail how the planet Venus passed by Earth before it came to its current position. ... More »
Host: George NooryCyborgs & Machines
Professor of Cybernetics, Kevin Warwick discussed his experiments in becoming a "cyborg," as well as the inherent dangers in the rise of intelligent machines. In his 2002 surgery, he had an implant "fired into his nerve fiber," which remained there for three months while various tests were conducted, he said. Through wires coming out of his arm he was linked to a pad which relayed information to a computer and the Internet. He noted that he was able to successfully control the movements of a wheelchair just using his thoughts, which showed this technology holds great promise for paralyzed people. In another other experiment, brain signals sent through the Internet from Columbia Univ. were able to move a mechanical hand in the U.K., he detailed. Warwick also described wearing an ultrasonic sensor in which he was able to detect when something moved closed to him, even though he couldn't see it. He views humans moving towards becoming cyborgs as a necessary evolutionary step, as e ... More »
Host: George NooryDiscovering Egypt
Historian Glenn Kimball, fresh from a trip to Egypt, discussed his research there investigating several tombs and sites. He spent time with Zahi Hawass who told him that only 30% of possible excavations of Giza Plateau had been uncovered, and that the "most precious secrets are in the future," waiting to be revealed. ... More »
Host: George Noory