#04 Stuart Firestein on the Science of Smells, Learning from Failure, and the Utility of Uncertainty

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Shaping Science

The New York Academy of Sciences

6 episodes

1 week ago

Welcome to the "Shaping Science" podcast where we talk with experts from science, academia, industry, and beyond to explore the latest in research, education and innovation for the public good. Episodes are released on a bi-monthly basis. Shaping Science is made possible with the generous support of the Tata Group.

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#04 Stuart Firestein on the Science of Smells, Learning from Failure, and the Utility of Uncertainty

Shaping Science

47 minutes 34 seconds

4 weeks ago

#04 Stuart Firestein on the Science of Smells, Learning from Failure, and the Utility of Uncertainty

Stuart Firestein, PhD, joins Nick Dirks in the fourth episode of Shaping Science to discuss the science of smells, learning from failure, and the utility of uncertainty. Formerly the Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Columbia University, Prof. Firestein is the author of “Ignorance: How it Drives Science” and “Failure: Why Science is So Successful,” which have been translated into 12 languages.

"Ignorance: How it Drives Science" was released by Oxford University Press in 2012. His second book, "Failure: Why Science is So Successful," appeared in October 2015. They have been translated into 12 languages.

Shaping Science is made possible with the generous support of Tata Sons. For more info, visit: nyas.org/ideas-insights/podcasts/

00:00 Intro

01:59 How Memorizing Theatre Lines Led to Success in Organic Chemistry

10:04 Debating the Sensory Dominance of Smell for Dogs

15:01 The Most Interesting Components of Smell for Humans

18:50 Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence

20:49 Controlling for the Aging Brain

26:56 Ignorance and Knowing What You Don't Know

32:49 Handling Failure and Uncovering the Unknown Unknowns

36:08 Finding the Balance Between Failure and Success

39:39 Assessing the Current State of Funding for Science