Filling in for George Noory, Art Bell was joined for the entire program by one of his favorite guests, theoretical physicist Dr. Michio Kaku, for a discussion on a variety of science-related topics.

Kaku provided an update on the problem-plagued Large Hadron Collider (LHC), while quashing a theory that suggested the giant particle accelerator was being sabotaged from the future. Kuku said the LHC is operating very smoothly now and should begin producing real data in six months. Scientists hope this colossal experiment will help them better understand the birth of our universe and prove the existence of dark mater, Kaku explained.

He commented on the Royal Society's recent conference on extraterrestrial life and its possible effect on humanity. According to Kaku, this topic is being debated in serious academic circles for a few reasons: the discovery of numerous extrasolar planets, the Kepler Telescope, and the Allen Telescope Array (ATA). So far we have found 400 exoplanets about the size of Jupiter, Kaku said. Kepler will help us find much smaller Earth-size planets, perhaps some with liquid oceans, where life could have developed. The ATA will allow us listen for distant signals from these potential alien civilizations, he added.

If other life exists in the universe, Kaku thinks it would have evolved very differently from life on Earth. Aquatic species may be teaming beneath the ocean ice on moons which surround Jupiter-size planets, he speculated. And advanced extraterrestrials may even be watching us right now, Kaku continued. But how could they or their observation devices get here? Kaku proposed faster than light travel via wormholes or warp drive.

Kaku also talked about quantum theory, teleportation (University of Vienna researchers have reportedly teleported photons across the Danube River), the global warming e-mail scandal, invisibility research, the Carrington solar flare event of 1859, and time travel (physicists at Princeton apparently have blueprints), as well as his Sci Fi Science television show.

Art's Webcam 1/29/10

'Underwater Plane' in the works

Billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson is currently building a $670,000 "underwater plane" called the Necker Nymph capable of diving to 130ft. The Nymph uses fighter jet-like carbon fiber wings to "fly" in the sea. Branson hopes to one day develop a submersible that can travel 35,000ft below the surface of the ocean -- deeper than Mount Everest is tall. More at The Telegraph.

Bumper Music

Bumper music from Friday January 29, 2010