The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, also known as DARPA, has been at the forefront of
numerous technological innovations. Yet, their work is often unheralded. On this program, Michael Belfiore discussed this department of mad scientists.
What about the department of small bunnies? 
The Arctic Ocean is important politically, environmentally, and socially. However, the rapid melting of ice in the arctic is quickly changing the dynamics of humans and wildlife in the region. On this program, Dr. Alun Anderson discussed the future of the Arctic Ocean after the ice melts.
How will we make fruit smoothies?
Posted in science | Tags: arctic ocean, conservation, copenhagen summit, environment, groks, inuit, science, wildlife
Is human language an innate characteristic of the human brain? Is there a universal grammar? Or, is language inherently tied to society and cultural forces? On this program, Prof. Daniel Everett discussed linguistics, the Piraha, and religion in Don’t Sleep There are Snakes.
I’m afraid of Pandas…
Posted in science | Tags: anthropology, groks, linguistics, piraha, science, sociology
Common behavioral patterns and instincts are often the source of many forms of unhappiness. What can be done to ensure a happy mind? On this program, Dr. Harold Shinitzky discussed ten simple principles for developing a happy mind.
Isn’t ignorance bliss?
Emotions are widely regarded as simply products of the normal operations of the higher centers of the brain. But the role of sensory signals in eliciting emotional responses may be of even greater relevance. On this program, Michael Jawer discussed the anatomy of emotion.
Why does my brain hurt…
Posted in science | Tags: anatomy, anomalous sensitivity, Emotions, ESP, groks, neurobiology, psychology, science
Common wisdom surrounds many medical conditions. But, how many of these popularly held beliefs are actually true? On this program, Anahad O’Connor discussed the facts and myths about our health and the world we live in.
Is bellybutton lint deadly?
Posted in science | Tags: always follow the elephants, groks, health, medicine, mythbusters, myths, science
How many people are having sex at this instant? How many piano tuners are in the city of Chicago? How can we come up with reasonable estimates to questions like these? On this program, Dr. Aaron Santos discussed how to estimate anything.
Where’s the owl when you need him…
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: estimation, fermi method, groks, mathematics, order or magnitude, science
The human skull has fascinated those interested in the inner workings of the human mind, even to the point of stealing skulls from the grave. On this program, Colin Dickey discussed the practice of Cranioklepty.
What about the gluteus maximus…
Posted in science | Tags: Beethoven, craniokelpty, Franz Joseph Gall, Goya, grave robbing, groks, Haydn, phrenology, science
The vast number of stars in the night sky exhibit the full panoply of stellar life stages. On this program, Dr. Ken Croswell discussed the lives of stars.
Don’t they all retire to Vegas?
Posted in science | Tags: astronomy, black holes, groks, HR Diagram, science, stars, sun, white dwarves
The rapid developments in science and technology are made easier to follow by excellent science writing. On this program, Jesse Cohen discussed the Best American Science Writing for 2009.
Too bad I can’t read…
Posted in science | Tags: best of 2009, groks, journalism, science, science writing, technology
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