Kim Zetter from Wired is writing the book on Stuxnet. Her story about the discovery of the malware is an exciting look into the creation and execution of the first “true” cyberweapon–a half-megabyte file that managed to wreak havoc on an Iranian nuclear facility.

Dana Liebelson and Jaeah Lee wrote an explainer in Mother Jones about the rise of Chinese hacking attacks against American businesses and infrastructure. Worried yet?

How do people interact with and understand new technology, from computers to robots? This week’s episode features Matthew Zmudka talking to two scientists working at the intersection of psychology and technology. First, he’ll talk to Dominique Brossard, professor in Life Sciences Communication at University of Wisconsin-Madison, about her work on perceptions of new technology as influenced by Internet comments. Then, we’ll hear from Bilge Mutlu, an assistant professor of Computer Science, Psychology, and Industrial Engineering at UW-Madison, about his work on human-computer interaction and development of new robotic technologies.

As always, listen in on Thursday at 7pm CST on 89.9 FM or online anywhere here on the WORT website.

Kaitlin talked with Andrew Stuhl, a PHD candidate in the University of Wisconsin-Madison History of Science department and a Nelson Institute CHANGE Fellow. He studies a mix of history of science, environmental history and environmental studies. His dissertation is entitled “Empires on Ice: Science, Nature, and the Making of the Modern Arctic.”

Matthew spoke to Stefan Hastenrath, emeritus professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at UW-Madison, to learn about some of the characteristics of equatorial glaciers.

Steven interviewed Nathan Whitehorn of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory about living and working in Antarctica and the South Pole.

Listen now!

I hope you listened to the show on February 7th.  Our guest, Raymond Obstfeld, gave us some insight into the writing of his book.  We learned how dedicated and ingenious these inventors were, despite some tremendous hardships.  We gave you a chance to win Raymond’s book by answering our Geek-of-the-Week quiz question.  What famous African-American invented peanut butter, among many other uses for peanuts?  Of course, that would be George Washington Carver.  We didn’t get very many callers.  But the winner of the book is RUSS KUCERH.  Congratulations Russ!  You can pick up the book by coming to the WORT studios at 118 S. Bedford St. during normal business hours.  Just come in and see the receptionist.

The MAHLI instrument is responsible for Curiosity’s “self-portrait,” pictured at the left. The video we mention of Curiosity’s “tai chi” can be found at the JPL website.

Download the show here.

Our guests were:

Dr. Timothy Van Deelen, University of Wisconsin-Madison  Forest and Wildlife Ecology Department

For more information on gray wolves in the state, check out the WI DNR webpage on the topic  and their wolf hunting and trapping webpage.

Dr. Sainath Suryanarayanan, UW-Madison Department of Community and Environmental Sociology

Dr. Daniel Kleinman, UW-Madison Department of Community and Environmental Sociology

For more information on their work and insights into the folks working on colony collapse disorder in the US, check out their piece in the journal Issues in Science and Technology, “Disappearing Bees and Reluctant Regulators.”  A response, written by two prominent beekeepers and a former apiary inspector from Florida, in the same journal, can be found here.

Carl Sack, Madison Action for Mining Alternatives

For more information, check out the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice website.  To get on the group’s list-serv, email Carl.  More information can also be found on Facebook, at the pages for Citizens Concerned About the Proposed Penokee Mine and Frac Sand Mining Awareness.

She brings us three tales on this theme, with four interesting guests:

First, we hear from Bethany Laursen, a graduate student in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Forestry Department and the Nelson Institute. She tells the ‘backstory’ of conducting research and living in the Kickapoo Valley. This piece was part of a community story-slam.

Next, Kara Cromwell, a researcher in the UW Center for Limnology, and Dr. Michael Connors of the UW-Madison Art Department discuss their collaborative efforts to present science – particularly ‘gross’ science – in accurate, engaging, and beautiful ways for children.

And finally, Dr. Gwen Ottinger, of the University of Washington-Bothell discusses her participation in “To Think, To Write, To Publish,” an NSF-sponsored project bringing together “next gen” communicators and early career scholars to write creative nonfiction pieces about science and innovation policy.

Stream or download the podcast of the show here: