Tom's SciCast

What is astrobiology? Why study astrobiology? I also discuss the age and scale of the universe, introduce some important laws of the universe, why Earth could be a template for understanding life in …

I explain how the Modern Synthesis led to our current understanding of evolution. I also discuss the current issues in evolution including epigenetics, horizontal gene transfer, and abiogenesis and t…

A continuation on the mechanisms of evolution with a focus on sexual selection. I also define, sexual reproduction, two sexes, sexual selection, and provide examples of sexual selection. 

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I focus on the mechanisms of random evolution and how mutations and recombination not only cause evolution but are important sources of variation. 

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In this podcast, I explain the different types of natural selection including directional selection, stabilizing selection, disruptive selection, balancing selection, and a brief introduction to sexu…

I explain why defining species is difficult and describe four species concepts including morphological, biological, polyphasic, and phylogenetic species concept. 

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This is Chapter 7 of my Bio for Health Sciences text book. I cover cellular respiration, including why it's important, the four stages of respiration, and finally a quick ending with fermentation. 

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This is Chapter 6 of my bio for health sciences text book. In this chapter, I cover a variety of related topics including: The structure and function of cell membranes, cellular transport (osmosis, d…

This is Chapter 5 of my Bio for Health Sciences text book. It covers the similarities of all cells due to common ancestry, introduces prokaryotic diversity, eukaryotic diversity, the endomembrane sys…

This podcast is Chapter 4 of my book Biology for Health Sciences. Life is based on chemistry and it helps to know a little to help us in our everyday lives, like why some fats are good while others a…

This podcast is the 3rd chapter of my text book, Biology for  Health Sciences. I cover the structure of atoms, the origins of the elements, chemical bonding, why carbon is the element of life, water,…

Tom unpacks the complex definitions of life and challenges common misconceptions about living organisms, from mules and parasites to viruses. Listeners gain insights into the key characteristics that…

This is Chapter 2 of my textbook, Biology for Health Sciences, a college freshman course for students entering nursing, nutrition, exercise science, environmental science, or other careers in the hea…

A look back on my life in science, birds, fish, invasive species, streams, dams, and climate change and sleeping lizards.  

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Where is every one? Why haven't we been visited by alien races, made contact with aliens, or even discovered a hint of an alien race? Ever since Fermi asked this simple question, people have been com…

I believe humans are special and improve our chances of surviving as a species, I explain why we should colonize the solar system and beyond. 

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I explore how the Silurian Hypothesis provides insight into what it takes for a planet to host or evolve a civilization, how we might detect them, and the legacy of humans on Earth.  

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After 6 months, I'm back! I talk about how some of my views have changed to become more nuanced and how my own biases shape the way I think about astrobiology. 

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In researching astrobiology for my up coming book, I've started to view the evolution of life and civilizations in a paradigm shifting way that challenges the very basics of our understanding of evol…

What makes animals different from all other organisms? I discuss the evolutionary origins and unique features of animals along with a few other fun facts. And find out why I don't think sponges are a…