The Vacuum Tube Diode
January 7, 2026 • EPISODE 292
What invention helped spark the age of electronics? In this episode of Science LIVE, Dr. Roger Billings and the Protégés break down the vacuum tube diode—one of the earliest electronic components that made controlling the flow of electrons possible. Learn how this simple device works, why it was so important in early radios and computers, and how it laid the groundwork for modern electronic technology. Join us for a clear, engaging look at a key milestone in the history of electronics.
About DrB
Dr. Roger Billings is a visionary innovator whose work has touched the lives of millions of students and transformed the landscape of education. Widely known as “DrB” to the countless kids who benefit from his groundbreaking Acellus learning system, Dr. Billings has dedicated his life to advancing education through technology.
As part of DrB’s lifelong commitment to supporting education, Science LIVE was launched as a way to “give back” by mentoring students in conjunction with the Roger Billings Scholarship Program.
Read more about DrB »
About the Roger Billings Scholarship Program »
BOTHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Both!
David had the most interesting segment, I’m voting for David!
Hello from Colorado
I get amazed every single time!
I didn’t know you had a son and a grandson. I liked both of them for different reasons.
Bothh!
Science live is interesting !
I vote for David because he is awesome and I enjoy his speech! This might be the best live yet.
I vote for both!!!
SCIENCE LIVE IS AWESOME!!!
MISSED THESE
I like both of the people… I loved this science live. Thank you Dr. Bilings
Both of them, please.
Both!!!
Hello from Las Vegas! Science live is the best! I learn a lot, both please.
Both! Happy New Year
Can’t wait for the next one!
Cool! Happy New Year!
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I choose both
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Happy New Year! And both!!
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Both of them, please.
Both
Definitely both
Love learning Science Live Happy New Year 2026
Love learning Science Live Happy New Year 2026
Both!!
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Dr. Billings is thhe best!
Both!!!!!!!!!!!
I think both are a good choice but I like Caleb more.
I vote David!
I like Acellus
This weeks science live was amazing, happy new years to everyone!
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Both!
I pick both!”
I would have to say David, but both if there was no choice between them. Happy New Year!
I love David too
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I vote for David!
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Both!!
Both of them.
Wonderful lesson Docter Billings who knows a vacuum tube could be so interesting 🙂
David no doubt but if possible id like to say both!
Both!
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I vote David!
hi from Massachusetts! The story about morse code was SO COOL! Also, i love David and Caleb!!!
welcome to 2026 everybody. I can’t believe it already.
Both! I can’t pick!!
Hello from Tennessee, I’m so happy Science Live is back from the break I look forward to it every week!
I like both Caleb and David. I learned a lot from how you explained the Edison Effect.
Both !!!
Hope everyone’s holidays were good! I love science live.
Both!!!
i vote for David
Caleb and David work great
Thank you so much for all of the cool science stuff and thank you for teaching me.
Both are good choices in my opinion!
Both we need both PLSSS
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Both !
Hire both of them!
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both in my opinion!
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I vote for David too!
I choose both! Also happy late new year
Landon here. I say hire both lol
i vote for david!
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DAVID FORSURE
Fantastic video Mr billings
I vote for david
David one hundred percent!
hire both! *
Both are great choices.
both! Funny video
Both for sure.
I think both would be great!
Great video, thanks!
when will the conspiracy history class start?
I liked when he talked about Samuel Morse and telegraph. It was really awesome to listen to and cool to learn about. I also like listening to the science lives that happen every week.
I love watching this every week!
I want Caleb
Both, or caleb
Both!! Can’t wait for the next live.
BOTH!!
r-51 is amazing
Both would be awesome
Hello! Taylor from Texas.
Both!
so cool
Both
Both
Both
loved this live hope everyone is starting off with an amazing year
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love how and what they do on science live
I vote for David !
Both for sure! I think they’re both entertaining and I’d love to see them return to science Live!
david but they would both be cool!
I vote for David! Awesome video!
Both!
Hello from Colorado 😀
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Thank you for science live I love learning new things because of it. I like both Caleb and David
R 51 is awesome. Sometimes I wonder if you could make enough energy for a infinite amount of electricity for infinite light bulb
Both
How did Edison even understood that the thing on the bulb was coming from the charges?
So happy to see R-51…. he is awesome!!
Both
I think both! Great live.
I thought it was funny when you made the sunflower into a grandson and a son.
happy new year!! hello from mississippi
I vote david
David!
Loved this episode
And both are really good!!
I would be interested in learning Morse code
My brother and I were discussing it and we feel they are both good candidates.
both would be best
i really enjoyed this live and think both are great i cant decide
david!
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both
Also, I vote for both!
Boooooothhhth
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both
I think they both have a good way of telling other people things.
Big shout out to Mr Rand Mrs P.. We love you. The Morse code invention really inspires artist like me . Science live is my fav place to learn new facts.
Liked both please take both of them Mr R.
I vote David.
DAVid YES
I say both!
Missed these videos! Great as always!
Please hire both Caleb and David!
Both
I think both of them should be hired!!!
I am so looking forward to the next episode and I would love it to be about radio waves again!
Both Explained Edison effect understandably and throughly, keep them in the program.
Both
Its good to have science live back! I hope you all had a great Christmas and New years!
hey from new hampshire
Both
vote david
I love science live!
caleb-yes
i vote for david
Im so excited when the history calls comes and this is the best and btw both to answer the question!
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both
This was a very educational video that taught me a lot. I really enjoyed hearing about Samuel Morse and how he created the Morse code. To think he was just an artist who created something so magnificent.
Both of them were cool
Your Son and Grandson are very smart.
I love watching these videos on Wednesday it adds inspiration to watch it every day!
i vote both of them!!!
I think you should hire both of them.
I vote for them both because they did an excellent job at explaining the material.
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BOTH!!
I vote both
I vote for Caleb.
I am excited for the conspiracy class
Both. From California. First time attending a Science Live.
I vote David
I loved science live