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 »

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  1. Jacob
    Jacob on January 7, 2026 at 6:53 pm

    Hello from NC

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  2. Sarah
    Sarah on January 7, 2026 at 6:53 pm

    hi from tx!!

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  3. Kai-lynn
    Kai-lynn on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hi from Texas!

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  4. Amelya
    Amelya on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hi from Alabama

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  5. Ella
    Ella on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Happy New Year from West Texas!

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  6. Peyton
    Peyton on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Happy New Year’s!

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  7. Christiana
    Christiana on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hi from Tennessee!

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  8. Lillietta
    Lillietta on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    First Science Live of the year! Hope this year is good for everyone! Happy 2026!!!

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  9. Adriana
    Adriana on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hello from NC!

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  10. Jose
    Jose on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hello from New Mexico

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  11. Tai
    Tai on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hi from maine \{••}~♡

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  12. Xavier
    Xavier on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hi from GA!

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  13. Christian
    Christian on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Happy new year everybody! Hi from Vegas!

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  14. Gerald
    Gerald on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hello from Illinois

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  15. Hayden
    Hayden on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hello everyone! I am excited for the live!

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  16. Indigo
    Indigo on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hi from New York

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  17. Hartleigh
    Hartleigh on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hi from Mississippi .

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  18. Haylen
    Haylen on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    hi from north carolina

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  19. Eli
    Eli on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    I can’t wait to see what Mr. John has to say about technology.

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  20. Mikhail
    Mikhail on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    hello from Virginia, loved this live thanks for this gem! ❤️

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  21. Nicholas
    Nicholas on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    hi from nebraska

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  22. Destiny
    Destiny on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Happy New Years!

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  23. Charlee
    Charlee on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Physics are so cool!

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  24. Amelia
    Amelia on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    hi from ny

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  25. Isra
    Isra on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Happy New Years!

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  26. Whitley
    Whitley on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hi! from North Carolina I hope everyone is having a blessed day.

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  27. Joseph
    Joseph on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hello! It’s been a bit, and I’m excited to get back into the lives! Hope everybody had a good New Years.

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  28. Addy
    Addy on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Science live is back

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  29. Allison
    Allison on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    hi from sc!!

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  30. Trayton
    Trayton on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hi from Nebraska

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  31. Kaylee
    Kaylee on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hi from Illinois

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  32. Serenity
    Serenity on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hello from georgia!!

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  33. Levi
    Levi on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hi this is Levi, hope everyone had a good break.

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  34. Agatha
    Agatha on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hi from Maine, I hope everyone had a good Christmas and new years

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  35. M
    M on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hello, From Texas 🙂

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  36. Karsyn
    Karsyn on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    hi from texas love science

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  37. Jaxson
    Jaxson on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hi from Delaware!

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  38. Liliana
    Liliana on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    hi from tx

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  39. David
    David on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Can’t wait for this new SCIENCE Live! It has been a while.

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  40. Henry
    Henry on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    So happy to be back for science live

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  41. Hayley
    Hayley on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Happy new year everyone!!

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  42. Nicholas
    Nicholas on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    I love to learn!

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  43. Madelyn
    Madelyn on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hi from Texas! Happy 2026!!

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  44. Antonio
    Antonio on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Hello from Nevada

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  45. Kaison
    Kaison on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

    Happy New Year from Hawaii

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  46. Oliver
    Oliver on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hi! Glad science live is back!

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  47. Rylie
    Rylie on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    hi from georgia

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  48. Enoch
    Enoch on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hello from Texas, also happy new years!

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  49. Gillian
    Gillian on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hello everyone! Can’t wait to learn today!

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  50. Hayden
    Hayden on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hi from IL

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  51. Ryder
    Ryder on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hello from Virginia!

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  52. Kyliana
    Kyliana on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    hello from peru

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  53. Lucas
    Lucas on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hello signing in from tx hope everyone’s day has been amazing

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  54. Reilynn
    Reilynn on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    hey from fl

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  55. Devlin
    Devlin on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hello from Washington.

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  56. Diana
    Diana on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    wow!!!!!!

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  57. Wyatt
    Wyatt on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    I really can’t wait for Science Live!!

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  58. Leah
    Leah on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hello! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

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  59. Alexander
    Alexander on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hello Acellus. Happy to be here for the first science live of 2026!

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    • Emily
      Emily on January 7, 2026 at 7:30 pm

      Amazing first live of the year! Looking forward to many more to come!

      Reply
  60. Aaliyah
    Aaliyah on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    here from columbus

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    • Braden
      Braden on January 7, 2026 at 6:56 pm

      Hello, Happy for the first 2026 Acellus live!!

      Reply
  61. Caden
    Caden on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    hi from tn

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  62. Madison
    Madison on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Here from Columbus

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  63. Tatiyana
    Tatiyana on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hi i’m new

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  64. Elijah
    Elijah on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Happy New Year!

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  65. Annabelle
    Annabelle on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hola from panama

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  66. Aidynn
    Aidynn on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    today’s science live will be so great!

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  67. Stella
    Stella on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    hello from nd! excited for this live

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  68. Tallen
    Tallen on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hi from georgia

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  69. Keagan
    Keagan on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    SO EXCITED!!!!

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  70. Katharine
    Katharine on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hi!!!!

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  71. Josiah
    Josiah on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    hi from missori

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  72. Ashlyn
    Ashlyn on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hi from Texas. Happy New Year!

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  73. Logan
    Logan on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hello from ny

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  74. Makenzy
    Makenzy on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hi from Texas

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  75. Audrey
    Audrey on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    hello from TX! 🙂

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  76. Elaina
    Elaina on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    i love watching these it makes my nights fun!

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  77. Emilio
    Emilio on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    happy 2026

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  78. Kaitlynn
    Kaitlynn on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Happy New Years!

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  79. Leigha
    Leigha on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    GREAT WEEK!

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  80. Elizabeth
    Elizabeth on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hello from north eastern New York! Happy new year everyone!!

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  81. Aaliyah
    Aaliyah on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    hi im from texas

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  82. Savannah
    Savannah on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    hi from GA

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  83. Sarea
    Sarea on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    I can’t wait to watch the show!

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  84. Gavin
    Gavin on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    I’m always looking forward to watching these lives!

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  85. Taylor
    Taylor on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hi from Texas

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  86. Avalia
    Avalia on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Excited for this new roger billings content!

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  87. Cristian
    Cristian on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    hello from Nebraska

    Reply
  88. Landon
    Landon on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hello From Florida

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  89. Bradley
    Bradley on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Happy 2026 to all and to all a happy 2026

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  90. Skye
    Skye on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hi this is Skye from Mississippi idk if my last comment went through, but I was saying that this is the first science live of 2026 which is exciting.

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  91. Hermione
    Hermione on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hi Happy New Year!

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  92. Zakryah
    Zakryah on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Happy New Year!

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  93. Alexander
    Alexander on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    Hi from Virginia

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  94. Jorel
    Jorel on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    I’m so excited

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  95. Brigham
    Brigham on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    i love science and cant wait to learn more about it today

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  96. Jonathan
    Jonathan on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    New year.

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  97. Sophie
    Sophie on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    hi from Tennessee

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  98. Dana
    Dana on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    Happy new years!

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  99. Jaden
    Jaden on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    Hi everyone checking in from Texas

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  100. Sydney
    Sydney on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    So excited for science live tonight!

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  101. Noah
    Noah on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    2026!

    Reply
  102. Ian
    Ian on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    Hello from Montana!

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  103. Maxwell
    Maxwell on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    My dog passed away today and science live is the only thing I’ve been looking forward too I can’t wait to learn something new.!

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    • Ashley
      Ashley on January 7, 2026 at 7:18 pm

      oh my goodness im so sorry for your loss i hope you can recover and please know your dog is in a better place have an awesome day/night!!<3

      Reply
  104. Diep
    Diep on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    hi from LA

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  105. Faith
    Faith on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    Good evening from Texas

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  106. Trinity
    Trinity on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    Hi from North Carolina!

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  107. Owen
    Owen on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    Hello from Michigan.

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  108. Pharrell
    Pharrell on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    Have a nice live!

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  109. Isabella
    Isabella on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    Hi from NC!

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  110. Shawn
    Shawn on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    hi from N.Y

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  111. Elijah
    Elijah on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    Hello from Tennessee everyone!

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  112. Sophie
    Sophie on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    so happy to see a new episode after two weeks!

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  113. Gianna
    Gianna on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    Hello everyone!

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  114. Beckett
    Beckett on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    Here! Cant wait for this live tonight!

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  115. Jadon
    Jadon on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    Hello from NC!

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  116. Keith
    Keith on January 7, 2026 at 6:50 pm

    Happy new year to everyone at Acellus

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  117. Elias
    Elias on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    Hello from New Jersey

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  118. Ryder
    Ryder on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    Happy now year

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  119. Jaylen
    Jaylen on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    Hi from Texas

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  120. Lillian
    Lillian on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    From Illinois and very excited to see what is new

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  121. Abigail
    Abigail on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    Hi from MS!

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  122. Andrew
    Andrew on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    Hello from Mississippi

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  123. Adrhianna
    Adrhianna on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    Hi from upstate NY- Cant wait so exited!!!!

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  124. Landon
    Landon on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    Glad to be here

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  125. Tabitha
    Tabitha on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    Hi from Texas

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  126. Carson
    Carson on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    happy new year from OH

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  127. Zadiah
    Zadiah on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    Hey from Utah

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  128. Trent
    Trent on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    So excited for this episode! Hi from Virginia

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  129. Charlotte
    Charlotte on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    hi from North carolina

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  130. Audrey
    Audrey on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    Hi for New York

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  131. Chloe
    Chloe on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    from texas

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  132. Skye
    Skye on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    Omg! Okay, hi this is Skye from Mississippi but YAY this is the first science live of 2026. I’m so excited

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  133. Amry
    Amry on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    excited to watch again

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  134. Luke
    Luke on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    HI Luke here watching from Texas!

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  135. Carter
    Carter on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    hi everyone

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  136. Everleigh
    Everleigh on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    I am so happy for live science it is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  137. Ryan
    Ryan on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    I can’t wait to see what their gonna talk about.

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  138. Ryder
    Ryder on January 7, 2026 at 6:49 pm

    Hi from NC

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  139. Hendrix
    Hendrix on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Hi from Canada!

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  140. Everett
    Everett on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Hello from NY! so excited for my first session!

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  141. Aleah
    Aleah on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Favorite time of the week!!

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  142. Qaneyeh
    Qaneyeh on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    hi from Michigan

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    • Aydin
      Aydin on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

      Hi hope everyone had a great Christmas!

      Reply
  143. Kaylee
    Kaylee on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Hello hope everyone had a nice and wonderful Christmas

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    • Brayden
      Brayden on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

      Hello and happy new year.

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    • Zoey
      Zoey on January 7, 2026 at 6:52 pm

      So excited to watch science live!

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  144. Jace
    Jace on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Hi from ky

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  145. Larissa
    Larissa on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Happy New Year’s everyone!

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  146. Joseph
    Joseph on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    hi from georgia!!

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  147. Penelope
    Penelope on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    happy 2026

    Reply
  148. Matthew
    Matthew on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Happy past new year yall

    Reply
    • Moriyah
      Moriyah on January 7, 2026 at 6:51 pm

      You too!

      Reply
  149. Joshua
    Joshua on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Hello from NY!

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  150. Nisahven
    Nisahven on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Happy new years everyone!!

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  151. Tessa
    Tessa on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Hi from north Carolina im so excited!

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  152. Anna
    Anna on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Hi!! I can’t wait to watch today’s science live!

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  153. Brieanna
    Brieanna on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    HELLO THERE, IT IS I… BRIEANNA FROM TEXAS! I LOVE THIS SCIENCE LIVE! IT IS VERY GOOOOOD FOR THE KIDS!!!! THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!1

    LOVE, Brieanna the 11 year old crazy girl

    Reply
  154. Hudson
    Hudson on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Excited from Indiana

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  155. Taylor
    Taylor on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    howdy from Nevada!

    Reply
  156. Ryan
    Ryan on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    so excited to watch.

    Reply
  157. Michael
    Michael on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Hi everyone

    Reply
  158. Charisma
    Charisma on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Hi from Texas

    Reply
  159. Ethan
    Ethan on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    hello from Florida!

    Reply
  160. Zechariah
    Zechariah on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Hello! Excited to watch from texas!

    Reply
  161. Alyna
    Alyna on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Hi from texas

    Reply
  162. Sebastein
    Sebastein on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    present

    Reply
  163. Issac
    Issac on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Issac from MD

    Reply
  164. Allis
    Allis on January 7, 2026 at 6:48 pm

    Hi everyone!

    Reply
  165. Avalia
    Avalia on January 7, 2026 at 6:47 pm

    Hello from Chicago!

    Reply
  166. Amy
    Amy on January 7, 2026 at 6:47 pm

    Hellooo from Mississippi!!!!
    I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!!

    Reply
  167. Ruby
    Ruby on January 7, 2026 at 6:47 pm

    hi

    Reply
  168. Tatiyana
    Tatiyana on January 7, 2026 at 6:47 pm

    Im from Texas

    Reply
  169. Emily
    Emily on January 7, 2026 at 6:47 pm

    Hello from Arizona.

    Reply
  170. Jacob
    Jacob on January 7, 2026 at 6:47 pm

    hi from usa china

    Reply
  171. Olivia
    Olivia on January 7, 2026 at 6:47 pm

    Hello from Nevada!

    Reply
  172. Elizabeth
    Elizabeth on January 7, 2026 at 6:47 pm

    First live I’m excited!

    Reply
  173. Alejandro
    Alejandro on January 7, 2026 at 6:47 pm

    Greetings from Florida

    Reply
  174. Kali
    Kali on January 7, 2026 at 6:47 pm

    Hi! So excited for a new episode!!

    Reply
  175. Angie
    Angie on January 7, 2026 at 6:47 pm

    Hello from Georgia! I’m so excited!!!

    Reply
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