The question “Why is there something rather than nothing?” has been asked for millennia by people curious about the universe’s origins. Today, exciting scientific advances provide new insight into this cosmological mystery. In this recent podcast, join Dr. Lawrence Krauss, professor of physics at Arizona State University, in a mind-bending trip back to the beginning of the beginning and the end of the end.

Hayden Planetarium Director Neil deGrasse Tyson introduces Dr. Krauss’s talk, which was recorded at the Museum on January 23, 2012.

Podcast: Download | RSS | iTunes (1 hour 30 mins, 107 MB)

When scientists cracked the human genome ten years ago, expectations were high that the genetic revolution would cure cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases. Now scientists are re-evaluating the potential of genetic knowledge for human health based on scientific progress in the past decade. In this podcast from the fall, join the discussion with some of the country’s top geneticists as they present their views on the triumphs, disappointments, and controversies that have arisen in genetic therapy in the healthcare field.

Planets orbiting stars other than the Sun—called exoplanets—were first discovered in 1995. Since then, astronomers have pushed the limits of technology to produce images of exoplanets. In this podcast, Emily Rice, a research scientist in the Museum’s Department of Astrophysics, leads a tour of hundreds of extrasolar planets.

Dr. Rice’s talk was recorded at the Hayden Planetarium Space Theater on April 26, 2011.

Podcast: Download | RSS | iTunes ( 1 hour, 5 mins, 79 MB)

Almost every star is now thought to form with a planetary system around it. But just how rare a phenomenon are habitable planets? In this podcast, Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Linda Elkins-Tanton discusses what is currently known about planetary formation—and what is needed to encourage the development of life.

Dr. Elkins-Tanton’s talk, “A Hitchhiker’s Guide to Habitable Planets in Our Galaxy,” was recorded at the Museum on April 11, 2011.

On April 12, 2011, the American Museum of Natural History hosted the 21st Annual Environmental Lecture and Luncheon, “A New Food Culture for a Sustainable Future.”

The luncheon featured a panel of sustainable food experts who addressed topics ranging from urban agriculture to how eating locally can affect the community, environment, and the planet. Moderated by Lynn Sherr, a former “20/20″ correspondent, the panel included Nevin Cohen, assistant professor of Environmental Studies at The New School and urban food policy expert; Dickson Despommier, emeritus professor at Columbia University and inventor of the vertical farm concept; and Nancy Easton, founder and executive director of Wellness in the Schools.

Listen to a portion of the 2011 lecture in this podcast.