StarTalk Podcast: Cosmic Queries – The Science of Humans at War

Summary

In this episode of Startalk, host Neil deGrasse Tyson and his guest Chuck Nice interview Mary Roach, author of the book "Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War." The discussion focuses on the physical and mental challenges soldiers face during combat, and the potential biological reasons for individual variation in how soldiers handle extreme conditions. The conversation also touches on the use of a chicken gun to test the strength of airplane canopies and the importance of visual awareness for both pilots and birds.

The podcast also explores the impact of war on medical advancements, including emergency care and trauma medicine, as well as the development of non-lethal weapons. The hosts discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of war on medical advancements, and the chronic health issues faced by veterans, particularly hearing loss. They also touch on the potential of genetically modifying soldiers and the potential biological implications of doing so.

The discussion also highlights the unifying power of war, as well as other events such as the Olympics and the International Space Station. The hosts briefly discuss the potential of a human mission to Mars, and promote the importance of encouraging innovation and invention through the maker movement.

Throughout the podcast, the hosts provide statistics on the number of deaths caused by car crashes versus military conflicts, and discuss the impact of war on society as a whole. The guest, Mary Roach, promotes her book "Dear America" which contains letters from Vietnam War soldiers. The conversation is engaging and informative, providing insight into the science of humans at war and its impact on society.