 | Level: Introductory Scott Laningham (scottla@us.ibm.com), Podcast Editor, IBM developerWorks
18 Oct 2006 SETI astrophysicist Laurance Doyle discusses searching the stars with the help of the Web, helping SETI tap into more computing power.
Not familiar with podcasting? Learn more. In this podcast
 Dr. Laurance Doyle talks about his innovative work at the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute (SETI) and how the evolving communications ecosystem that we call the Web is helping SETI tap into more computing power, as well as harness the curiosity of people everywhere. Listen to the podcast (20:32) (Click to listen or right-click "Save as" to download) Read the transcript
"Long before the discovery of the first planet beyond our solar system, astronomer Laurance Doyle began theorizing about the habitability of planets around other stars, clarifying the conditions needed for a planet to bear life. Relying on his expertise in signal processing, he now looks for patterns in astronomical data, searching for extrasolar planets. Recently, Doyle has begun using these same statistical tools to look for patterns in animal communication. Drawing on central concepts of information theory, he and colleagues from the University of California at Davis have precisely measured the complexity of the songs of humpback whales, comparing them with communication in other species -- including humans. In the future, he plans to expand this innovative line of research, moving to the next level of understanding animal communication. Not content to understand how much an animal can communicate, he seeks to understand the meaning of the vocalizations of other species." -- SETI Institute Explorer, Special Edition 2005
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Duration
20:32
Get the podcast | Description | Name | Size | Download method |
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| Interview |  Laurance Doyle | 9MB | HTTP |
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| Transcript | Laurance Doyle | | HTTP |
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Resources
Podcast credits | 
| | Scott Laningham, host of developerWorks podcasts, was previously editor of developerWorks newsletters. His other work has included reporter and director for programming featured on Public Radio International, freelance writer for the American Communications Foundation and CBS Radio, and songwriter/musician. |
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Laurance Doyle
