Beyond Infinity

A glaring hole in US space capability is finally filled after the safe arrival of SpaceX's new Crew Dragon at the International Space Station on 31st May 2020. Apart from the odd brief Virgin Galactic jaunt to the edge of space, it's the first time since the retirement of the Space Shuttle in 2011 that astronauts have launched from American soil. More importantly, it's the beginning of a new era in the private development of space exploration and human spaceflight.

Here’s a ‘long form’ look at China's use of cutting-edge surveillance technology and artificial intelligence to monitor and control its population with super efficiency. An additional topic is the country's growing footprint in Antarctica.

John explains his enthusiasm for the upcoming Remarkable 2 - a large, ultra-thin E Ink tablet. Apparently the 2nd generation stylus feels just like a pencil on paper and even has an eraser. Those who pre-order get the marker, protective folio and express shipping included.

Dr Ian Storey, mathematician and lecturer in information systems at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, describes the evolution of mathematics and logic over the centuries. From the ancient Greeks' understanding of geometry through to Newton's development of calculus in the Renaissance and the connection between logic and maths in modern computer coding. Fascinating listening for anyone interested in how maths has shaped our world.

Piers and John explain how to podcast remotely on a budget. While they normally record and broadcast from Victorian station Radio Port Phillip, social distancing rules mean they've been forced to improvise and conduct interviews from home. From choosing software, microphones and outlining step-by-step workflows, this clarifies how to record quality phone conversations, edit and post to podcasting platforms.

Piers talks with Dr Ian Storey, a lecturer in Information Systems at Melbourne's RMIT, about the Federal Government's contact tracing app. While acknowledging the app can be useful in controlling the spread of the virus, Ian has doubts about privacy and data security. He reckons it was rushed out the door, relies on the security of a centralised, US-owned server and that at the moment the health benefits do not outweigh privacy concerns.

Four important biotech stories from the past two years: Interview with leading scientists on the leprosy-like Buruli ulcer outbreak in southeastern Australia; Taming drug-resistant superbugs; Deadly fungus Candida Auris spreading around the world; Effective vaccination against influenza.

Piers discusses the Australian Government's new CovidSafe app with digital marketer Michael Simonetti. Will enough people use the virus tracking app? What are the privacy considerations? And if we're all on Facebook, does it even matter? Is this expensive, high-tech app solution really any more effective than New Zealand's paper and pen contact diary approach? To understand the issues at stake, Michael reckons we need to educate ourselves about the technology.

Piers talks with Dr. Ian Storey, lecturer in information systems at RMIT, about the virus, economic shocks, the future of work and growing pressure to wind back social isolation. Ian offers mathematical insights into exponential viral spread and human response to risk. We discuss privacy issues of the Australian Government's mooted Covid-19 tracking app and worsening post-pandemic financial prospects for millennials. Ian reckons we're going to need something akin to the 1930s New Deal in America - if that's possible...

When Australia's emerges from the the Covid-19 shutdown, the country will need some big infrastructure projects. Here are three high tech projects announced in 2019: Elon Musk's Hyperloop for the East Coast; Uber Air pilotless drone transport from Melbourne CBD to Tullamarine airport; the Sun Cable project to harness outback solar energy for South East Asia.

Several space missions have been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. And it's especially sad for Mars-bound spacecraft, as the next launch window is not for 2 years. Delayed missions include: James Webb Space telescope; Artemis manned lunar landing; SLS and Orion; ExoMars. Current European orbiters Mars Express and Trace Gas Orbiter have been placed in stand-by mode. In addition, SpaceX has closed facilities; Bigelow Aerospace is in financial trouble; ALMA telescopes in Chile are closed. But NASA's Mars Perseverance rover, UAE's Hope orbiter and a Chinese lander and orbiter will launch to Mars mid-year, as planned.

Piers talks with Michael Simonetti, CEO of digital marketing agency AndMine, about the redefined business landscape we find ourselves in amid a global pandemic. Michael explains how his clients are dealing with challenging trading conditions and offers important advice on companies' relationships with their customers: If we're all in this together, then HOW? We also talk about online education for kids, working from home and helping the elderly get digitally connected.

John gives us a rundown on how he's set himself up to do his office job from his house. He talks productivity, software, servers; the importance of routine, improvisation and sanity. It's far from ideal, but also far from impossible.

Musings on a planet changed with blinding speed and our shared futures. Quotes from an Italian author in isolation and a fantasy classic hatched in the darkest days of World War 2.

Physicist Dr. Tony Heyes outlines his career – from study at Cambridge with Hawking and how myopia led to his invention of the parking sensor through to the philosophy of science and what Australia must do to become a nation of innovators. Tony also talks neuroplasticity and how our 'plastic brains' can adapt to trauma and overcome disability. The Parking Sensor, originally called, ReverseAid, was a spin-off from the Sonic Pathfinder – an Electronic Guidance Device for the Blind. Both devices were invented in the late 1970s by Dr Tony Heyes while working at the Blind Mobility Research Unit at Nottingham University in the UK. After patenting the device in 1983 Heyes offered it to Jaguar Cars in Coventry. After test driving the prototype on Heyes’s car they very politely told him that, “You like it because you are a one eyed driver who cannot judge distances. Real people would not want a thing like this.”

Activist Simon Mulvany pursued his passions through very effective use of social media. He explains how he engaged with both fans and foes to build big followings on Facebook and Instagram. Simon is adamant the importance and benefits of free speech outweigh risks of defamation.

Activist Simon Mulvany built up big followings on Facebook and Instagram and used his influence to crowd fund an expensive legal battle, mobilise opinion with various online petitions and raise awareness about food safety and truth in advertising. Here he explains how he pursued his passions through effective use of social media.

Melbourne dentist fights 'unfair' anonymous online reviews; Tapping big data to predict and prevent suicide; Fancy a fake steak??; NASA's new tech enabling targeted Perseverance rover landing at dangerous Martian crater; Controversial TikTok muscling into music streaming?

We chat with beekeeper activist Simon Mulvany about the need for more clarity on Australian food packaging, which allows consumers to make informed and healthy choices at the supermarket. Knowing details of country of origin is a right, not a privilege.

The legal battle that has ground on for years between beekeeper activist Simon Mulvany and Capilano Honey (now Hive and Wellness Australia) is finally over. Relieved and philosophical, Simon discusses the outcome of his struggle, what he's achieved and the lessons learned. And he's positive about the future: he's just raised over $50,000 for bushfire-effected beekeepers and reckons there's a book to be written about his journey so far. https://www.beethecure.com.au/emergency-fundraiser/