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 the universe, and discuss my own biases in astrobiology. Send us a text

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 the need for a unified theory of life. Send us a text

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. Send us a text

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

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 sexual selection. Send us a text

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

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. Send us a text

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, diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and active transport), Energy, Redox reactions, and enzymes. Send us a text

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 system, and the cytoskeleton. Send us a text

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 are bad or why glucose and fructose are both real sugar. In this chapter, I cover metabolism, the four macromolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids) and other vitamins and organic molecules Send us a text

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, Ph, and the why this matters in our daily lives.

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 define life while exploring philosophical questions surrounding it.

I clear up a few common misconceptions, from a biologist's perspective as to why parasites and mules are alive and whether AI are alive or not. I explain adaptation from a the view of physics and biology.

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 health field. Topics include; what is life, the hierarchy of life, emergent properties, ecology, and evolution