I hypothesize that its one or a combination of these three things.

1. these people have run out of research ideas.

2. they want a series on the Discovery network.

3. they are scamming gullible billionaires into funding the "research".

The fact that Tyson has something insightful to say makes point 2 a strong possibility, I say better than 50-50. I am disappointed to not see Kaku pitch in.