Earth Day is April 22. This month, we’re learning about an Earth-friendly recycling technique turning piles of plastic into useful chemicals and fuels. Billions of tons of plastic are discarded in landfills. Much of it ends up in oceans in places like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Irresponsibly dumped plastics disrupt the environment and harm wildlife. A team at SwRI has a solution. They are fine tuning a process to turn mountains of plastics into an oil, which can then be turned back into plastic, other chemicals or fuels. They are also helping big companies enter a new era in plastics recycling.

Listen now as SwRI Chemical Engineer Eloy Flores discusses pyrolysis for plastics, a new way to recycle and clean up the planet.

Episode 30: Recycling Plastic for Fuel

On this Earth Day episode, we explore hydrogen, a cleaner energy source that could bring the planet closer to a carbon-neutral future. When used in power generation, manufacturing, transportation and other industries, hydrogen gas could pump the brakes on carbon and help lower harmful emissions. SwRI scientists and engineers are collaborating to uncover the potential and overcome the challenges of this alternative to fossil fuels. Is hydrogen the way forward?

Listen now as SwRI Mechanical Engineer Angel Wileman discusses how industries can transition to hydrogen, what makes the gas unique, and why it is a promising solution.

Episode 42: Decarbonizing with Hydrogen

Thomas Baker Slick, Jr., oil heir, business man, philanthropist, adventurer, author and inventor, impacted the world with his grand ideas and scientific pursuits. As we celebrate SwRI’s 75th anniversary, we remember the legendary and inspiring founder of the Institute who left a legacy of progress and innovation. Slick was known for his global vision and his desire to advance humankind. He was also known for his world travels, art collection and his expeditions in search of the mythical yeti. On this episode, his family members tell us they also knew another side of him, sharing intimate details of Tom Slick’s extraordinary life and their colorful memories of his humor and wisdom.

Listen now as Slick’s son, Chuck, and niece, Catherine Nixon Cooke, recall the man they knew as beloved father and uncle, and discuss how he continues to change the world today.

Episode 45: SwRI’s 75th Anniversary: Celebrating SwRI Founder Tom Slick

The countdown to launch is on! The CubeSat to Study Solar Particles or CuSP mission is preparing for lift off aboard NASA’s Space Launch System, the most powerful rocket ever built. The six-unit CubeSat is a micro-satellite carrying three instruments designed to measure solar particles and assess space weather. Space scientists want to learn more about conditions in space that can disrupt technology and air travel on Earth. This is SwRI’s first CubeSat mission, but not the last.

Listen now as SwRI’s Dr. Mihir Desai, CuSP principal investigator, discusses the CuSP mission and his team’s vision to create a network of space weather stations.

Episode 46: CubeSat to study Solar Particles

Would you hop on an automated bus for your morning commute? Sensors, software and cameras would safely guide you to your destination, saving time and helping you avoid unpredictable traffic. We’re moving toward this transportation option as SwRI develops technology and systems for connected automated buses. Our engineers are currently working on automated solutions that could ease congestion in busy bus lanes. And we are already seeing the technology deployed on the SwRI San Antonio campus with a new 14-passenger shuttle. Once programmed, the shuttle can accelerate, brake and navigate on its own. This is just the beginning of harnessing the possibilities of automation.

Listen now as SwRI engineer Jerry Towler discusses innovative, inspiring automated technology for buses and other applications.

Episode 48: Developing Automated Buses

SwRI’s Integrally Geared Supercritical CO2 Compander has been named one of the top innovations of 2022, receiving a prestigious R&D 100 Award. Pipeline & Gas Journal also recognized the compander as the “Best Management Advancement Technology” at the R&D 100 Awards Gala held on November 17. Using supercritical carbon dioxide, the revolutionary technology converts heat, like sunlight, into usable energy, while reducing carbon emissions. Our guests tell us what makes the new compander superior to conventional turbomachinery. They also explain how the groundbreaking equipment and highly-efficient sCO2 power cycles are moving us toward a cleaner energy future.

Listen now as SwRI engineers Dr. Tim Allison and Dr. Jason Wilkes discuss the transformational compander and other sCO2 solutions.

Episode 49: SwRI’s 2022 R&D 100 Award Winner

It’s a new year of listening and learning. We’re launching 2023 with the fascinating, emerging field of neuromorphic engineering, the development of biologically inspired technology that emulates the human brain. Neuromorphic systems use spiking neural networks to retain “memories,” like the human brain, making computer processing faster, more accurate and more efficient. Potential applications for neuromorphic technologies are limitless and could cover a range of industries, including aerospace, space science, automotive, smart devices and more.

Listen now as SwRI Engineer and Neuroscientist Dr. Steven Harbour, neuromorphic engineering expert, explains how the technology works, why the brain is a superior computing model and what the future holds for neuromorphic developments.

Episode 51: Neuromorphic Engineering

April 22 marks Earth Day, an annual call to action to preserve natural resources and protect the planet. On this Earth Day episode, we’re discussing new SwRI technology in development that targets rising greenhouse gas emissions, which cause disruptive changes in Earth’s climate. The transportation sector is a major contributor of carbon emissions. SwRI engineers are developing a potential solution, a membrane that removes and captures carbon dioxide before it escapes into the atmosphere, leaving cleaner air. They envision it will be outfitted on a range of vehicles, from compact cars to ships.

Listen now as SwRI Staff Engineer Dr. Graham Conway discusses going beyond a zero-emissions solution to develop a novel carbon capture membrane, a negative-emissions technology.

Episode 54: Targeting Transportation Emissions

NASGRO® fracture control software analyzes spacecraft, aircraft, structures and more for fractures and fatigue, wear and tear that could pose a risk if not repaired. With data that includes measurements and material composition, the software calculates how a crack could grow and become catastrophic. NASGRO was initially developed to support NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, but is now used by companies around the world to avert danger. Last month, the Space Foundation inducted NASGRO and its developers into the Space Technology Hall of Fame, which honors groundbreaking technologies that began as space programs and have since been adapted to improve the quality of life for all of humanity.

Listen now as SwRI NASGRO developers and Hall of Fame inductees Dr. Craig McClung and Joe Cardinal discuss the world-changing software’s capabilities and that shining moment of the behind-the-scenes technology taking the spotlight.

Episode 55: Fracture Control with NASGRO®

As you go about your day, you likely encounter microcapsules or microspheres everywhere. From your morning shower shampoo to your nighttime sleep aid, microencapsulation is working to improve your life. SwRI’s microencapsulation experts create custom, controlled-release capsules for a variety of products.  Since 1949, SwRI has tailored this tiny technology for a broad spectrum of industries, including food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural, veterinary medicine, biomedical and more.

Listen now as SwRI Scientist Dr. James Oxley discusses the process of microencapsulation, the wide range of products that contain hidden capsules, the history of the mighty microcapsule and what the future holds for this technology.

Episode 56: The Mighty Microcapsule

The Engine for Automatic Biomechanical Evaluation or ENABLE™ captures and analyzes 3D motion to help athletes achieve peak performance and avoid injury. Beyond sports, it has the potential to be a useful tool for healthcare and military applications. Strategically placed cameras and powerful algorithms drive this portable, user-friendly system, eliminating the need for attached, movement-restricting sensors.

Plus, human performance professionals will connect with sports scientists at the upcoming International Human Performance Summit hosted by SwRI. Hear how your organization can join the Summit to explore the latest breakthroughs in human performance research.

Listen now as SwRI Engineers Ty Templin and Travis Eliason discuss SwRI’s ENABLE 3D motion analysis engine and the upcoming Summit.

Episode 57: ENABLE™ 3D Motion Analysis Engine

It was a year of discovering and learning from memorable, informative guests. We heard from the scientists, engineers and tech leaders imagining, creating and testing new innovations. From the mind-bending field of neuromorphic engineering to forming the building blocks of life in a chamber, developing negative-emissions technology, using cameras and algorithms to improve athletic performance and a rare opportunity to view two eclipses – we covered it all and more in 2023. Join us as we review the fascinating topics that had us listening and learning through the year.

Listen now as Technology Today Host Lisa Peña revisits the inspiring and intriguing topics of 2023.

Episode 62: 2023 Year in Review

An SwRI project is advancing clean energy technologies by using the Institute as a test ground. The goal of Project Z is to make SwRI a zero-emissions campus. Thousands of research and development projects across 2 million square feet of offices, labs and facilities consume electricity on the megawatt (MW) scale. The campus is an ideal location to demonstrate and implement emissions-reducing solutions. What develops at SwRI can be expanded nationally and globally as government and commercial organizations strive to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the critical target year of 2050.

Listen now as SwRI Engineer and Project Manager Josh Schmitt discusses Project Z discoveries and possibilities.

Episode 63: Project Z

SwRI engineers have developed a comprehensive cybersecurity method for vehicles. The Zero-Trust Architecture for Automotive Networks is high-level security for computerized vehicle systems, using principles proven to safeguard computers, phones and other information technology (IT) equipment. The zero-trust approach is now hitting the road, offering layers of protection against cyberthreats for vehicle electronics, software and sensors. 

Listen now as SwRI Engineer and Project Leader Maggie Shipman discusses the emerging field of vehicle cybersecurity and how zero-trust architecture is advancing beyond IT applications to protect drivers.

Episode 64: Zero-Trust Cybersecurity for Vehicles

On April 8, SwRI headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, and surrounding areas, will experience a rare total eclipse, the first in this region in centuries. Spectators in the path of totality, stretching from Mexico to Canada, can expect nighttime conditions in the middle of the day. As visitors descend on totality destinations, communities will encounter traffic tie-ups and crowds. If you want to witness this spectacular celestial event in person, now is the time to make eclipse day preparations and plans. 

Listen now as SwRI Planetary Scientist Dr. Tracy Becker discusses total eclipse readiness, resources, safety and the eclipse’s impact on science.

Episode 65: Total Eclipse Over Texas

SwRI Senior Research Engineer Dr. Kristin Ulmer is sharing her experience traveling to Turkey in February 2023, just after devastating, powerful earthquakes and aftershocks rocked the region. Thousands died and were injured as buildings and homes collapsed. Ulmer joined a research mission to uncover evidence and information in the aftermath of the magnitude 7.8 quake. As researchers collect data after an earthquake, they can understand how to improve design and construction practices and ultimately, save lives. 

Listen now as Ulmer describes her experience in the disaster zone, from feeling a forceful aftershock to meeting unforgettable locals. She explains why it was critical to be there so soon after the quake and how weather pattern changes on Earth are impacting her work.

Episode 66: Collecting Data from Destruction

Engineers in SwRI’s new Space Robotics Center are developing software to operate robots in space. Robots are called in when a job is too dangerous for humans but they move differently in space. The Space Robotics Center captures cosmic characteristics, like lighting fluctuations and low friction, allowing development of robotics in a space-like environment. The center specializes in simulation, advanced perception, robot manipulation and off-road autonomy, capabilities that allow robots to accomplish assembly, manufacturing and other tasks in space.

Listen now as SwRI engineers Meera Day Towler and Lily Baye Wallace discuss the advancing field of space robotics, the Institute’s new cutting-edge center and the future of space robotics technology.

Episode 67: SwRI’s Space Robotics Center

An SwRI-led consortium is tackling decarbonization of the transportation industry with a hydrogen internal combustion engine or H2-ICE vehicle. The world is on a deadline to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Experts say multiple technologies are needed to dial back global warming and attain that rigorous goal. SwRI engineers and members of the H2-ICE Consortium are showcasing a new hydrogen engine for heavy-duty vehicles, which could be a high-impact solution to curb harmful emissions.

Listen now as H2-ICE Consortium Program Manager Ryan Williams discusses the breakthrough H2-ICE vehicle, why it’s a standout decarbonization alternative and challenges to getting it on the road nationwide.

Episode 68: The Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE)

SwRI is designing, building and operating the QuickSounder satellite, a collaborative mission between NASA and NOAA and the first in a new generation of low-Earth orbit environmental satellites. NOAA’s low-Earth orbit satellites collect weather data and provide information for the 3-to-7-day forecasts we use to plan our days and stay safe in severe weather. QuickSounder will also provide weather data, but what makes this prototype unique is the fast production timeline and the low construction cost. It is being developed in one-fifth of the time and at one-tenth of the cost of previous weather satellite technology. 

Listen now as QuickSounder Program Manager Keith Smith and Lead Systems Engineer Steve Thompson explain what the advanced production timeline means for weather forecasting and the challenges of designing and building the weather satellite in record time.

Episode 69: QuickSounder Environmental Satellite

When dense concentrations of pavement and buildings replace green spaces, a community risks becoming an urban heat island (UHI). UHI temperatures can be up to 20 degrees higher than surrounding areas, causing heat-related health and safety problems for people in the community. SwRI is working with the city of San Antonio to rapidly identify UHIs and pinpoint areas where people will most benefit from solutions like covered bus stops, water features, green spaces and more. An SwRI-designed tool is integrating and analyzing information from more than 200 sources to strategically combat high temperatures.

Listen now as SwRI engineers Shane Siebenaler and Justin Long discuss SwRI’s data fusion tool used to identify areas that most need relief from the scorching summer heat.

Episode 70: Urban Heat Island Data Tool

NASA’s Europa Clipper mission will investigate a vast saltwater ocean beneath the surface of Jupiter’s icy moon Europa. The spacecraft, equipped with nine instruments, will gather data in search of ingredients that support life. SwRI designed and built two of the instruments onboard Clipper, the Europa Ultraviolet Spectrograph and the Mass Spectrometer for Planetary Exploration. The mission could help answer big questions about the origin of life on Earth and whether that process can occur elsewhere in our solar system. The launch window for Clipper opens October 10 and the spacecraft is expected to enter Jupiter’s orbit in 2030.

Listen now as SwRI space scientists Dr. Jim Burch and Dr. Kurt Retherford, principal investigators of SwRI’s Clipper instruments, talk about preparations before launch, mission goals, and the SwRI instruments contributing to our understanding of astrobiology, the study of the potential for life beyond our planet.

Episode 71: Europa Clipper Mission

SwRI’s Internal Research and Development Program supports scientists and engineers exploring unproven ideas or concepts. The program’s researchers are making impactful discoveries that evolve into solutions for the Institute’s government and industry clients. Over the past decade, SwRI has invested more than $77 million into research and development to benefit humankind, including space instruments, autonomous driving technology, clean energy initiatives and more. The IR&D Program gives curious researchers the freedom and resources to experiment, test and investigate with the goals of advancing science, investing in the future and creating business development opportunities.

Listen now as SwRI Executive Vice President and COO Walt Downing, IR&D program administrator, discusses some of the program’s top achievements, how projects are selected for funding and the program’s world-changing contributions to science and discovery.

Episode 72: SwRI’s Internal Research and Development

Traumatic brain injury or TBI occurs when an outside force causes a head injury that affects brain function or results in disability or death. TBI can happen to anyone. Causes include a fall, car accident and sports and combat injuries. SwRI researchers are targeting TBI with cutting-edge solutions. The Advanced Military Measure of Olfaction or AMMO is a screening test for smell loss, an indicator of TBI that can signal a need to elevate care. SwRI and The University of Texas at San Antonio are working to prevent TBI with specialized military helmet pads made of material that reacts to changing forces.

Listen now as Senior Research Engineer Kreg Zimmern, leading the development of AMMO, and Research Engineer Dr. Daniel Portillo, leading SwRI helmet pad research, discuss pushing boundaries in brain health to screen for and prevent TBI.

Episode 73: Targeting TBI

It was a spectacular year of learning about Project Z, a total eclipse, H2-ICE, UHIs, Europa and more. If you listened in 2024, you’re familiar with these topics and are closing the year with a little more expertise in science and engineering. Now, we’re going back, recalling the SwRI technologies, tools, projects and programs that caught our attention this year.

Listen now as podcast host Lisa Peña recaps 2024 and takes us through the inspiring and fascinating topics of the year. For all episodes, complete transcripts and photos, visit Technology Today Podcast.

Episode 74: 2024 Year in Review

SwRI researchers used the machine-learning tool Highlight™ to evaluate dozens of consumer products for chemicals, and the potential for human exposure. They looked at clothing, upholstery, fabrics, rubber and plastics samples and subjected them to various heat settings and solvents. They determined what chemicals were present and whether they could be emitted or extracted with normal use. Researchers identified both chemicals known to be harmful to human health and safe chemicals in the household products. The collaborative study with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was published in the Environmental Science & Technology Journal. 

Listen now as SwRI analytical chemist Dr. Kristin Favela and chemical engineer William Watson discuss how the study will advance the field of exposomics, the type of products that tested as most risky and the SwRI software tool that illuminated the data. 


Episode 75: Identifying Chemicals in Consumer Products

Launch is approaching for NASA’s Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere or PUNCH mission, led by SwRI. Four suitcase-sized satellites equipped with special instruments are setting out to capture the first images of the solar wind, the stream of charged particles that flows out from the Sun’s corona. PUNCH will examine the solar wind in low-Earth orbit, protected by our planet’s magnetosphere. The mission is exploring space weather and its impact on Earth, including how it affects power grids, satellites and astronauts.

Listen now as Dr. Craig DeForest, SwRI space scientist, heliophysics expert and PUNCH principal investigator, discusses the mission’s upcoming launch, how PUNCH will make the invisible solar wind visible for the first time and his inspiration to study the Sun, the star that powers our planet.

Episode 76: PUNCH: Imaging the Solar Wind

Get ready for a front row seat on a history-making mission to the far reaches of the outer solar system! Southwest Research Institute space scientist Alan Stern is leading NASA’s galactic journey to the Kuiper Belt to explore 2014 MU69, or Ultima Thule, an object suspended in the “third zone” of our solar system, more than 6 billion kilometers from Earth. The New Horizons spacecraft will fly by Ultima Thule on New Year’s Day 2019. This is the farthest exploration of an object in space on the fastest spaceship ever launched. Stern tells us how Ultima was discovered, how it got its unique nickname and what information this object frozen in time could hold about the beginnings of our universe. In this episode, an inside look at the upcoming farthest planetary encounter in history.

Episode 1: New Horizons Ultima Thule Flyby

Join us on a road trip. Our destination? The future of driving. Our guest is Dr. Steve Dellenback, vice president of the Intelligent Systems Division at Southwest Research Institute and an expert in the field of automated vehicles, or self-driving cars. The technology is in the fast lane and is already in limited use in commercial and military settings, but there are also plenty of road blocks. For instance, you program an automated car to obey traffic laws. So, how do you teach it to react in unexpected situations that require it to break the law, let’s say, to save a life? If the technology fails and results in an accident, who’s to blame, the passenger, the manufacturer, or the software designer?

Along with the accelerated advancements come the ethical speed bumps. Listen now as we merge into automated traffic and hit the highways of self-driving vehicles.

Episode 5: The Automated Driver

SwRI Principal Engineer Dr. Graham Conway is sparking debate with his views on electric vehicles. Conway presented his ideas in a TEDx San Antonio talk, which now has thousands of views on YouTube. In this episode, he explains why he believes describing electric cars as “zero emissions” doesn’t tell the whole story. He urges listeners to examine where the electricity that powers battery-operated vehicles comes from. If the power source creates pollution, can the technology truly be considered zero emissions? Conway provides valuable insight for the environmentally aware driver.

Listen now as we hear a new perspective on electric vehicles.

Episode 21: Examining Zero Emissions

The Supercritical Transformational Electric Power (STEP) pilot plant at SwRI will demonstrate a more efficient, cost effective, environmentally friendly method of producing power with supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2). One day, we could be using sCO2 technology to provide electricity to our homes and businesses. What happens when nontoxic, nonflammable sCO2 replaces water as the thermal medium in power cycles? What is sCO2 and what makes it a better way to power up? 

Listen now as SwRI engineers Dr. Tim Allison and Dr. Aaron McClung discuss the advantages of supercritical carbon dioxide.

Episode 22: The Power of sCO2

Technology Today Podcast launched in November 2018, offering a new way to listen and learn about the technology, science, engineering and research impacting our lives and changing our world. The podcast is presented by Southwest Research Institute, a nonprofit contract R&D organization developing innovative solutions for government and industry clients. Podcast host Lisa Peña is breaking through the tech jargon and talking to the scientists, engineers and researchers building the future of technology. It’s a conversation bringing tech to life and helping us understand how technology, science, engineering and research link to our daily lives.

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