Posted by: grokscience | December 23, 2009

DARPA

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? ;)

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Posted by: grokscience | December 16, 2009

Arctic Ice

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? ;)

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Posted by: grokscience | December 9, 2009

Cultural Linguistics

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… ;)

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Posted by: grokscience | December 2, 2009

Happy Minds

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? ;)

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Posted by: grokscience | November 25, 2009

Emotional Anatomy

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… ;)

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Posted by: grokscience | November 18, 2009

Medical Myths

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? ;)

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Posted by: grokscience | November 11, 2009

Estimation

HowManyLicksHow 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… ;)

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Posted by: grokscience | November 4, 2009

Cranioklepty

Colin_Dickey_smallThe 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… ;)

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Posted by: grokscience | October 28, 2009

Lives of Stars

Stars jac.inddThe 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? ;)

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Posted by: grokscience | October 21, 2009

Best Science Writing

best-american-science-writing-2009-jesse-cohen-paperback-cover-artThe 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… ;)

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