In this conversation, Dr. Elizabeth Strychalski discusses the fascinating field of synthetic biology, particularly focusing on synthetic cells. She shares her journey into this research area, the challenges of defining life, and the ethical considerations surrounding synthetic biology. The conversation also explores the potential applications of synthetic cells in environmental science and medicine, as well as the importance of engineering standards and biomanufacturing for sustainability. Dr. Strychalski emphasizes the need for collaboration and communication in the scientific community to advance this field responsibly and effectively.All opinions are of the individual scientist and do not reflect the opinions of NIST or the federal Government.Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/breakingmath">Become a patron of Breaking Math</a> for as little as a buck a month<a href="https://x.com/breakingmathpod">Follow Breaking Math on Twitter</a>,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/"> Instagram</a>,<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-math/"> LinkedIn</a>,<a href="https://breakingmath.io/"> Website</a>,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod"> YouTube</a>,<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingmathmedia"> TikTok</a>Follow Autumn on<a href="https://x.com/1autumn_leaf"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/"> Instagram</a>Become a guest<a href="https://www.breakingmath.io/contact"> here</a>email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

We Live in a Radioactive World: What is Dosimetry?

Breaking Math is a deep-dive science, technology, engineering, AI, and mathematics podcast that explores the world through the lens of logic, patterns, and critical thinking. Hosted by Autumn Phaneuf, an expert in industrial engineering, operations research and applied mathematics, and Gabriel Hesch, an electrical engineer (host from 2016-2024) with a passion for mathematical clarity, the show is dedicated to uncovering the mathematical structures behind science, engineering, technology, and the systems that shape our future.What began as a conversation about math as a pure and elegant discipline has evolved into a platform for bold, interdisciplinary dialogue. Each episode of Breaking Math takes listeners on an intellectual journey—whether it’s into the strange beauty of chaos theory, the ethical dilemmas of AI, the deep structures of biological evolution, or the thermodynamics of black holes. Along the way, Autumn and Gabriel interview leading thinkers and working scientists from across the spectrum: computer scientists, quantum physicists, chemists, philosophers, neuroscientists, and more.But this isn’t just a podcast about equations—it’s a show about how mathematics influences the way we think, create, build, and understand. Breaking Math pushes back against the idea that STEM belongs behind a paywall or an academic podium. It’s for the curious, the critical, the creative—for anyone who believes that ideas should be rigorous, accessible, and infused with wonder.If you've ever wondered:  What’s the math behind machine learning?  How do we quantify uncertainty in climate models?  Can consciousness be described in AI?  Why does beauty matter in an equation?Then you’re in the right place.At its heart, Breaking Math is about building bridges—between disciplines, between experts and the public, and between the abstract world of mathematics and the messy, magnificent reality we live in. With humor, clarity, and deep respect for complexity, Autumn and Gabriel invite you to rethink what math can be—and how it can help us shape a better future.Listen wherever you get your podcasts.Website: https://breakingmath.ioLinktree: https://linktr.ee/breakingmathmediaEmail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com