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. Jack
    Jack on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    hello and happy new year

    Reply
  2. Ronson
    Ronson on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    This is going to be a good one. Comment on this comment if I am right

    Reply
  3. Alexandra
    Alexandra on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    HELLO from IL

    Reply
  4. Ruth
    Ruth on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    Happy New Year from Kansas!

    Reply
  5. Jasper
    Jasper on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    happy new years everyone!!

    Reply
  6. Ariana
    Ariana on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    haii from floirda!!!!

    Reply
  7. Jaden
    Jaden on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    hi

    Reply
  8. Raquel
    Raquel on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    Hello happy New year!!

    Reply
  9. Ameir
    Ameir on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    I’m excited about science live for 2026! I’m ready to learn something new this evening!

    Reply
  10. Rowan
    Rowan on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    Stoked for todays show!

    Reply
  11. Gwenivere
    Gwenivere on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    Hello!

    Reply
  12. Kaylee
    Kaylee on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    Hii guys so excited to hear what we are going to learn about tonight!*

    Reply
  13. Brody
    Brody on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    hi from North Dakota

    Reply
  14. Blaze
    Blaze on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    Hello, I’m happy to be here tonight learning new things.

    Reply
  15. Anastacia
    Anastacia on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    My name is anastasia and I started Acellus in 9th

    Reply
  16. Camilla
    Camilla on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    Camilla from Texas! 2026!

    Reply
  17. Olivia
    Olivia on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    Hello from SC!

    Reply
  18. Paizlie
    Paizlie on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    Hello from Utah

    Reply
  19. Erika
    Erika on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    Hello from New York!

    Reply
  20. Jarredon
    Jarredon on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    hi from south dakota

    Reply
  21. James
    James on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    Hello from Illinois.

    Reply
  22. Aadil
    Aadil on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    i love this

    Reply
  23. Braedyn
    Braedyn on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    hi

    Reply
  24. Luke
    Luke on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    Hello from NC!

    Reply
  25. Logan
    Logan on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    Exited to see what to days lesson will be!

    Reply
  26. Trinity
    Trinity on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    Happy new year everyone!

    Reply
  27. Caden
    Caden on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    hi from Florida

    Reply
    • Peter
      Peter on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

      Hi from Texas! Happy new year!

      Reply
    • Makayla
      Makayla on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

      Happy new year you guys so 2026 😊

      Reply
  28. Callaway
    Callaway on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy new year!

    Reply
  29. October
    October on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy new years!!

    Reply
  30. Karson
    Karson on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    from texas

    Reply
  31. Haley
    Haley on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy New Year from Georgia!

    Reply
  32. Valentina
    Valentina on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hi everyone. Listening from AZ

    Reply
  33. Vera
    Vera on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hello from TN!

    Reply
  34. Tiana
    Tiana on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hi from New Jersey

    Reply
  35. Avery
    Avery on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    hey

    Reply
  36. Deamon
    Deamon on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Haven’t seen one of these since last year! Get the joke? Anyway, happy 2026!

    Reply
  37. Edward
    Edward on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hello

    Reply
  38. Jordyn
    Jordyn on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Comment Happy New Year!

    Reply
  39. Holden
    Holden on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    hello from Montana!

    Reply
  40. Addilyn
    Addilyn on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hi

    Reply
  41. Mohammad
    Mohammad on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    So happy science live is back!!!

    Reply
  42. Elijah
    Elijah on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hi from CT!

    Reply
  43. Christopher
    Christopher on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    hi

    Reply
  44. Lyla
    Lyla on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hi from Arkansas!

    Reply
  45. Miah
    Miah on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    hello!

    Reply
  46. Madelyn
    Madelyn on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    happy new year

    Reply
  47. Ahmed
    Ahmed on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hello from NC

    Reply
  48. Sarah
    Sarah on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy New Year!! Hi from Texas!

    Reply
  49. Timothy
    Timothy on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    cant wait from ri

    Reply
  50. Haley
    Haley on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hi from NH!

    Reply
  51. Noraa
    Noraa on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy new year from Chicago!!

    Reply
  52. Jackson
    Jackson on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy New Year!! Watch planets breathe??? Wow! Interesting!

    Reply
  53. Roger
    Roger on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    cool

    Reply
  54. Valentina
    Valentina on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Thank you for the information about plants. It was helpful.

    Reply
    • Psalm
      Psalm on January 7, 2026 at 7:04 pm

      Hey everyone

      Reply
    • Piper
      Piper on January 7, 2026 at 8:16 pm

      Hello everybody and happy new year. Science live has helped me learn things I never knew before, and I learn new things every wednesday night. Today I was learning about the light bulb and how they work, and that was really interesting.

      Reply
  55. Michelle
    Michelle on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy New Years! So excited for all this year’s coming Science Lives!

    Reply
  56. Jasper
    Jasper on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hi all!

    Reply
  57. Asher
    Asher on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy New Year!

    Reply
  58. Andrew
    Andrew on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hi from KC

    Reply
  59. Riley
    Riley on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy New Year! Very cool to hear about being able to watch plants breathe!!

    Reply
  60. Santiago
    Santiago on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy New Years Science Live

    Reply
  61. Hailey
    Hailey on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hello from New York

    Reply
  62. Briclyn
    Briclyn on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hi!

    Reply
  63. Ava
    Ava on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hi from South Dakota

    Reply
  64. Jessica
    Jessica on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Welcome back! Happy New Year!

    Reply
  65. Jackson
    Jackson on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    its my first day!

    Reply
  66. Kaleah
    Kaleah on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    helloooo

    Reply
  67. Quriah
    Quriah on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    good evening!!

    Reply
  68. Matthew
    Matthew on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy 2026 to everyone at acellus. I hope this year is as great as the last!

    Reply
  69. Gracie
    Gracie on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    happy to watch the new year of science live! lets go 2026!!!

    Reply
  70. Marley
    Marley on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    happy new year!

    Reply
  71. Gwen
    Gwen on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    happy new years everyone! <3

    Reply
  72. Henry
    Henry on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hey! Happy new year everyone!

    Reply
  73. Summer
    Summer on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy new year!

    Reply
  74. Esmeralda
    Esmeralda on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy new years! From California

    Reply
  75. Annabella
    Annabella on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    happy new year everyone

    Reply
  76. Katie
    Katie on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    hi from ct

    Reply
  77. Kailee
    Kailee on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    good night everyone!

    Reply
  78. Mark
    Mark on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Mark from Tn

    Reply
  79. Rhylee
    Rhylee on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    First live of the year! hello from NC

    Reply
  80. Payton
    Payton on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy new years to everyone!!

    Reply
  81. Alexa
    Alexa on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hello! Happy New Year and I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and Winter break!

    Reply
  82. Keaton
    Keaton on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy 2026!!!

    Reply
  83. David
    David on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy new year and merry Christmas!!

    Reply
  84. Otto
    Otto on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    happy new year Acellus!!

    Reply
  85. Lauren
    Lauren on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    hey!!

    Reply
  86. Fletcher
    Fletcher on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy New Year from Mass!

    Reply
  87. Mason
    Mason on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hello from Boise

    Reply
  88. Kayleigh
    Kayleigh on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    hello from Alabama!!

    Reply
  89. Landon
    Landon on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Happy new years!

    Reply
  90. Serafina
    Serafina on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    Hello from Boston!

    Reply
  91. Amy
    Amy on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    hi from Texas, happy new year!!!!!!

    Reply
  92. Philip
    Philip on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    hi

    Reply
    • Aubrey
      Aubrey on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

      Aubrey from ND

      Reply
    • Jakeub
      Jakeub on January 7, 2026 at 7:09 pm

      Hello!

      Reply
  93. Zara
    Zara on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    Happy New Year!!! So glad Science Live is back!!!

    Reply
  94. Chet
    Chet on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    Happy new years! Can’t wait.

    Reply
  95. Sinclair
    Sinclair on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    Hello from North Dakota!!!!

    Reply
  96. Jack
    Jack on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    Jack from nd

    Reply
  97. Lamorris
    Lamorris on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    Hi from Georgia

    Reply
    • Lavienna
      Lavienna on January 7, 2026 at 7:09 pm

      Wow, that class looks so exciting!

      Reply
  98. Millie
    Millie on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    yeah 2026 let’s go.

    Reply
    • Lydia
      Lydia on January 7, 2026 at 7:02 pm

      I’m happy science live is back, I hope everyone had a good Christmas and Happy new Year!

      Reply
  99. Joshua
    Joshua on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    Im Present. It is finally 2026 and i cant wait to see what will come up in this video 😀

    Reply
  100. Kara
    Kara on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    Excited to start off the year in NC

    Reply
  101. Jeffrie
    Jeffrie on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    Hi from Illinois.

    Reply
  102. Devon
    Devon on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    Comment Happy New Year Everyone from Fort Worth Texas!!

    Reply
  103. Marcella
    Marcella on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    First live of the year!

    Reply
  104. Jacob
    Jacob on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    hello from mississippi

    Reply
  105. Jose
    Jose on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    I am from Grand Prairie

    Reply
  106. Addison
    Addison on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    Hello from Montana

    Reply
  107. Gracie
    Gracie on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    I hope everyone had a very nice Christmas and New Year’s.

    Reply
  108. Karissa
    Karissa on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    hi from nebraska

    Reply
  109. Nyelah
    Nyelah on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    Hi, I’m from Texas.

    Reply
  110. Verarose
    Verarose on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    Happy New Year everyone!

    Reply
  111. Aviana
    Aviana on January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm

    from Florida I love science live!

    Reply
  112. Jakaeria
    Jakaeria on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Happy New years everyone I hope you all have a good year!!, I’m so excited for this lesson!.

    Reply
  113. Josephine
    Josephine on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Comment hi everyone!

    Reply
  114. Hailey
    Hailey on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Happy new year from Georgia!!!

    Reply
  115. Taylor
    Taylor on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    signing in 🙂

    Reply
  116. Ayden
    Ayden on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    acellus in 2026!! im so excited

    Reply
  117. Kylie
    Kylie on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    hi I am from Oklahoma City

    Reply
  118. Casey
    Casey on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Hi from New Jersey

    Reply
  119. Madison
    Madison on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Hi from tennessee!!

    Reply
  120. Layna
    Layna on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    hi from ky

    Reply
  121. Malak
    Malak on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    love science

    Reply
  122. Faith
    Faith on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    hi from texas

    Reply
  123. Lucas
    Lucas on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    cant wait for science live!

    Reply
  124. Caroline
    Caroline on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    here !

    Reply
  125. Saarah
    Saarah on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    First live of the year, can’t to see what I’ll learn!

    Reply
  126. Derrick
    Derrick on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    so excited!!! 😀

    Reply
  127. Ariana
    Ariana on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Happy New Years everyone!

    Reply
    • Annabella
      Annabella on January 7, 2026 at 7:08 pm

      hi and happy new year Ariana

      Reply
  128. Shaima
    Shaima on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    1 more minutes until science live

    Reply
  129. Nickolas
    Nickolas on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    hello

    Reply
  130. Matthew
    Matthew on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    good

    Reply
  131. Reese
    Reese on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Hello from Texas

    Reply
  132. Maria
    Maria on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Excited for live’s today!

    Reply
  133. Emily
    Emily on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Happy new year!!

    Reply
  134. Roberto
    Roberto on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Hello from Brazil!

    Reply
  135. Alyssa
    Alyssa on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Hi from texas

    Reply
  136. Nire-unique
    Nire-unique on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    From nevada- Hiiiii♡

    Reply
  137. Brenda
    Brenda on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    2026 came by fast

    Reply
  138. Mia
    Mia on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Hi from TX! This is so exciting!

    Reply
  139. Mckenna
    Mckenna on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Hello from a farm kid!!

    Reply
  140. Jessiah
    Jessiah on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    hello 🙂

    Reply
  141. Kalea
    Kalea on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    hi

    Reply
  142. Abigail
    Abigail on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    HAPPY 2026 EVERYONE also hi from Okinawa japan

    Reply
  143. Lilly
    Lilly on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Happy New Year everyone!!

    Reply
  144. Morgan
    Morgan on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    First live of 26’!!!

    Reply
  145. Riven
    Riven on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Hello from Texas! Happy 2026!

    Reply
  146. Hannah
    Hannah on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Happy New Year- 2026!

    Reply
  147. Olivia
    Olivia on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Hi from Tn I love science live

    Reply
  148. Lillyana
    Lillyana on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE AROWN THE WORLD WOOOOOOWHOOOOOO!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Wahuda
      Wahuda on January 7, 2026 at 7:26 pm

      Yes Back to science live today!!!

      Reply
  149. Gage
    Gage on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    I’m glad to be apart of this program

    Reply
  150. Lauren
    Lauren on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Hello from Texas!

    Reply
  151. Zoey
    Zoey on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Happy new year!

    Reply
  152. Jay
    Jay on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Here from texas

    Reply
  153. Angel
    Angel on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Hello from Virginia!

    Reply
  154. Lillian
    Lillian on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    I love science live!

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

    WhoHoo. Back to Science Live Wednesdays

    Reply
  156. Aiden
    Aiden on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Happy New Year!!

    Reply
  157. Avery
    Avery on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    Hello from Mississippi. My name is Avery and I’m 8

    Reply
  158. Kaylee
    Kaylee on January 7, 2026 at 6:59 pm

    2026!

    Reply
  159. Jackson
    Jackson on January 7, 2026 at 6:57 pm

    2026 BABYYYY. Also hi from Texas

    Reply
  160. Seth
    Seth on January 7, 2026 at 6:57 pm

    First Science Live this year!!!

    Reply
  161. Zoey
    Zoey on January 7, 2026 at 6:57 pm

    hello from texas!

    Reply
  162. Payton
    Payton on January 7, 2026 at 6:57 pm

    So excited for the first science live of 2026!

    Reply
  163. Grace
    Grace on January 7, 2026 at 6:57 pm

    i love acellus!

    Reply
  164. Jason
    Jason on January 7, 2026 at 6:57 pm

    *here from nd

    Reply
  165. Jedidiah
    Jedidiah on January 7, 2026 at 6:57 pm

    hello from Missouri

    Reply
  166. Addison
    Addison on January 7, 2026 at 6:57 pm

    Hi live! Happy 2026 excited to start the new year with acellus!

    Reply
  167. Addison
    Addison on January 7, 2026 at 6:56 pm

    first science live of 2026!

    Reply
  168. Allie
    Allie on January 7, 2026 at 6:56 pm

    here from north carolina

    Reply
  169. Landen
    Landen on January 7, 2026 at 6:56 pm

    Hello from Mississippi!

    Reply
  170. Dennis
    Dennis on January 7, 2026 at 6:56 pm

    Excited for the first science live of 2026!

    Reply
  171. Teague
    Teague on January 7, 2026 at 6:56 pm

    cool

    Reply
  172. Arianna
    Arianna on January 7, 2026 at 6:56 pm

    Hello from Tennessee.

    Reply
  173. Teegen
    Teegen on January 7, 2026 at 6:56 pm

    Happy new year!

    Reply
  174. Bryson
    Bryson on January 7, 2026 at 6:56 pm

    hi from texas

    Reply
  175. Lily
    Lily on January 7, 2026 at 6:56 pm

    Can’t wait for this new year of science lives!

    Reply
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