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© Houston Museum of Natural Science
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A museum is only as special as the treasures it watches over. For the Houston Museum of Natural Science, that’s more than 2.5 million objects. Each of these amazing items -- from hulking dinosaur mummies to delicate butterfly wings and intricately carved seashells -- has a story. Join curators and experts as they share where these objects came from and what happens once they get to HMNS.
Got an object you’d like to learn more about? How about a science question you’ve been dying to ask? Let us know at podcasts@hmns.org.
Got an object you’d like to learn more about? How about a science question you’ve been dying to ask? Let us know at podcasts@hmns.org.
71 Episodes
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Even if you do not drink it, the science and history behind bourbon is infused with notes of wonder, curiosity, and fascination. Bourbon expert Randy Bruner helps us to get acquainted with its enchanting history, as well as tips for those interested in developing their own taste for this historical spirit.More info and upcoming tasting events: https://sugarland.hmns.org/
Have you ever noticed asteroid names and wondered how they came to be? Let's go to the HMNS George Observatory in Brazos Bend State Park and talk to astronomer Tracy Knauss to learn all about it...and much more!George Observatoryhttps://george.hmns.org/More about our 36 inch scopehttps://youtu.be/hz2-GgX9omg?si=Y5-Xbp6qORNLA8TkGeorge VLOGhttps://youtu.be/e9pXhaA0q8A?si=elZTB-o9GgLIQBM1Tracy's Asteroidhttps://fbac.org/2025/08/21/tracy-knauss-asteroid/Timestamps0:00 Intro0:54 Tracy's Asteroid4:09 What do the label numbers mean?8:05 Who can find asteroids? 13:47 More about Tracy's asteroid 18:58 Has the George Observatory found asteroids?20:34 Addressing light pollution25:29 Venus is cool27:28 Do you need expensive equipment for viewing/astrophotography?35:14 Sometimes you don't need anything at all36:57 History of 36-inch scope & George Observatory41:23 Importance of optics44:50 More 36-inch scope facts
Kat Havens joins the podcast in our beautiful Hall of Ancient Egypt to discuss the, well, gutwrenching process of mummification!Website: https://www.hmns.org/eMail: Podcasts@HMNS.orgThe smell of a mummy: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mummies-from-ancient-egypt-smell-surprisingly-nice-scientists-say/
(00:00:00) Fennec Foxes & How We Care for Our Animals
(00:22:08) In with the Foxes
Our new exhibit "Extreme Animals Alive" showcases the superhero-like adaptations of some awesome animals. In this episode, we talk about Fennec Foxes specifically, and the blood, sweat, tears, and dedication that goes into caring for the animals in our museum.Website: https://www.hmns.org/Email: Podcasts@hmns.orgYouTube Version: https://youtu.be/Blm8WukRZHI0:00 Outside Exhibit22:10 Inside with the Foxes
Giant Ground Sloths and Giant Armadillos (Eremotherium and Glyptodon) were seemingly too big to fail...yet time comes for us all. So, how did these Ice Age (Pleistocene) get SO big, and why did they go extinct?Previous episode mentioned:Fossil Preperationhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5762aSEEWuQeUVqJGIo6NK?si=2f6420a3c6ab4d19Email: Podcasts@HMNS.org
While Ai is the current hype, even thinking about Quantum Computing can seem daunting, if not ominous...honestly. So here is a crash course in qubits to hopefully help ease us into an initial pursuit of understanding.Deeper dive into Quantum Computers: https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/quantum-computingEmail us! Podcasts@HMNS.orgAi Episode: https://youtu.be/uWWFlbDl6BE?si=mfnSB580vY7HzDZu
Who is allowed to dig for fossils? What do you do with fossils that are found? Why don't I find fossils in my yard? Are fossils a hoax? Are fossils radioactive?James Washington and "Mental Curator" Johnny Hemberger discuss some interesting dinosaur conspiracies and clear up some common misconceptions about fossils, dinosaurs, and more in this latest episode of the "HMNS Beyond Bones Podcast."Podcasts@Hmns.org
HMNS Curator of Astronomy, Dr. Carolyn Sumners joins "Mental Curator" Johnny Hemberger to discuss the likelihood of asteroid 2024 YR4 impacting Earth in 2032, the upcoming lunar eclipse, the "planetary parade", our MA2 Mercury Capsule, and much more!Show Notes:1) Brumation definition: "a state or condition of sluggishness, inactivity, or torpor exhibited by reptiles (such as snakes or lizards) during winter or extended periods of low temperature."2) India has a population over 1.4 billion.3) M87 Video https://youtu.be/8Iw4iYR28Mg?si=cNawxEn4H0GXwkeoTimestamps:0:00 Intro2:11 Asteroid 2024 YR4, Comets, Extinction, Etc.12:43 Planetary Alignment ("Parade")13:34 Lunar Eclipse, Astrophotography, Etc.19:55 MA2 Mercury Capsule, Planetarium, Solar System Formation, Etc.28:18 Black Holes, Light Pollution, Etc.Email: Podcasts@HMNS.org#science #astronomy #physics
Rhodochrosite is one of the most breathtaking minerals on Earth, and among connoisseurs, the "Alma Queen" is the most heart-stopping example of ANY mineral specimen yet known to human kind. Let's learn more about rhodochrosite, and the history of the "Alma Queen" proudly displayed in our collection at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.Video Version: https://youtu.be/ATo93ojm-zYEmail: Podcasts@hmns.org
In this episode of the HMNS Beyond Bones Podcast, we discuss and show you how a fossil comes out of the actual dirt to be prepared and displayed in such a breathtaking manor.Video versionhttps://youtu.be/hm8wk950Exs0:00 Intro0:32 Fossil Gar Prep7:12 Skin & Feathers, Frigate Bird14:10 Fossil prep in the field19:28 Race against time25:36 Fossilization is rare
Unfortunately, a lot of us have suffered through the agony of disease either in ourlselves, in those we care about, or in our beloved pets. Yet, in a meaningul way, it is this suffering that can make extinct creatures, like dinosaurs, become as real to us today as the air we breathe. Take our Gorgosaurus for example...Cancer in Centrosaurushttps://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(20)30171-6/abstractVideo VersionRelated Videohttps://youtu.be/cf67TsmXlNY?si=p_MWWvruS-_INF6Ldinosaurdinosaursdisease
Is it scientifically feasible to hypothesize about the behaviors and habits of extinct animals based on the behaviors of modern animals? I sit down with our Paleontology Lab Manager, Collin Diggins (and special guest) to discuss just that!Email us: Podcasts@hmns.orghttps://www.hmns.org/podcast/Interesting article on Triceratops' feet https://www.heathercaprette.info/ac753_SP03/week_two_p1.html
Thousands, millions, or even billions of years...scientists throw out some mind-boggling numbers when it comes to the ages of, well, everything. So, how exactly do they arrive at such seemingly difficult...dare I say "unbelievable"...estimates?Email: Podcasts@hmns.orghttps://www.hmns.org/podcast/
Plasma Balls! We've all played with them. A lot of us have them somewhere in our home. But who invented them? When were they invented? And how do they work?Email: Podcasts@hmns.orgHMNS Sugar Landhttps://sugarland.hmns.org/HMNS Hermann Parkhttps://www.hmns.org/
Dinosaur fossil hunting in the wild west Badlands of Wyoming, USA. Come along as we bask in the enormity of an infinitely breathtaking landscape...and bring our nose down to the very dirt in the nursery of eons. From the triumph of discovery, to the poignance of humanity... come experience what is truly in our bones. https://www.hmns.org/Enjoy the video version here https://youtu.be/IIsF0CCpVE8?si=ElqW1nyMBQs47_xdEmail: Podcasts@hmns.org
Conus bandanus is the exact species of cone snail that nearly killed Tina. Commonly referred to as the Banded Marble Cone.Here's Tina's near-death encounter with the deadly cone snail...and of course more fascinating marine biology convo! https://www.hmns.org/Email us: Podcasts@hmns.org
Yes, a Stegosaurus' tail spikes are actually called the "Thagomizer", and here's the actual who-what-when-where...and most importantly...WHY! :Dhttps://www.hmns.org/podcasts@hmns.orgAlso subscribe to our flagship podcsst, HMNS Beyond Bones, on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!Triceratops feather/quill video mentionedhttps://youtu.be/kEmnVd0KHx0
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a conversation sure to shatter your expectations on glass collecting.Event Chair and Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors (FOHBC), Ferdinand Meyer V, joins host Johnny Hemberger in an absolutely spellbinding conversation about glass collecting and the American Antique Glass Masterpieces.On radiant display during FOHBC 2024, the Houston National Antique Bottle and Glass Expo takes place at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the neighboring Hotel ZaZa; an experience sure to be remembered for generations.The glittering events and exhibition take place from August 1st-4th, 2024.FOHBC.orghttps://www.fohbc.org/Convention and Expo Informationhttps://www.fohbc.org/2024/02/2024-houston-national-antique-bottle-glass-convention-expo/Ferdinand Meyer V's Website, Peachridge Glasshttps://www.peachridgeglass.com/
T. Rex is arguably the most iconic dinosaur ambassador in pop culture, but there are some things that most people might not know! Let's sniff out the truth....Check out "T.REX" on the giant screen! https://www.hmns.org/films/t-rex/
Hulking in our Morian Hall of Paleontology, Wyrex is one of the most unique Tyrannosaurs Rexes ever unearthed. His feet are more complete than any other specimen to date. He has the remnant of a third finger digit, something that's only been found once before. We even have pieces of his skin! But it's his tail — or rather, what's missing from it — that holds the greatest mystery.
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