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
	Tuesday August 7, 2007

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 Noory

	Psychology, Neuroscience & Positive Thinking
	Thursday March 9, 2006

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. The brain is hardwired to deal with such issues as territoriality, power and attachment. (For your individual ranking on power status, see this Quiz from Weiner's site.) He noted that people can be sabotaged by their brain's functioning, such as from "false alarm" fears that originate in the amygdala. But by working through fear, and keeping a positive attitude these obstacles can be overcome, he added. Healthy serotonin levels are associated with confid ... More
Host: George Noory

	The Velikovsky Debate
	Wednesday March 30, 2005

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. Morrison noted that Velikovksy wasn't a scientist and his ideas displayed a basic lack of understanding of chemistry, physics, and astronomy. While McCanney conceded that some of Velikovsky's ideas were clearly wrong, he argued that a number of his basic concepts held validity. Specifically he thought the scenarios of how a planet could be captured, and the rapid evolutionary changes associated with catastrophism were groundbreaking.Velikovksy hinged his theories on the idea that global catastrophes had taken place in the last 6,000 years, yet Morrison said there is no evidence that such events took place during that time frame. McCanney countered that the dating of past events is difficult to pin down. A Fast Blast survey found 53% of the respo ... More
Host: George Noory

	Cyborgs & Machines
	Thursday August 12, 2004

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 Noory

	Discovering Egypt
	Monday March 22, 2004

Historian Glenn Kimball (Ancient Manuscripts/phone: 1-801-263-7889 or 1-801-595-6322), 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. One such spot, a new tomb discovered beneath a causeway, is thought to hold items of interest, because it's in a location that has never been looted.Kimball said that he has established a permanent relationship with Egypt and will be spending a great deal of time there. Impressed by the warmth and compassion of the locals, he noted that "Egypt is a harbor of history," and has an impressive depth of culture extending back 5,000 years. ... More
Host: George Noory