The CRISPR-Cas9 system for genetic engineering has taken the world by storm. Along with creating bruise-resistant potatoes and apples that never brown, the biggest potential for this ground-breaking discovery lies in its potential to save lives. Discussed in this episode: The 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the CRISPR-Cas9 system, the history of CRISPR, CRISPR uses in genetically modified foods, uses for CRISPR in animal farming, CRISPR in human gene therapy, CRISPR uses in animal-to-human organ transplants, ethical concerns about using CRISPR, the logistical issues of widespread CRISPR implementation, and the future of genetic engineering. 

Related reading: Jamie Metzl, "Hacking Darwin" (Sourcebooks Inc, 2019).

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It is bewildering how some memories grip us for life, whereas others completely disappear. It turns out, the brain creates and eliminates these memories. What are the neural mechanisms behind memory formation? Discussed in this episode: Pioneers in neuroscientific memory research, Donald Hebb's influential postulates on memory in the brain, Eric Kandel's work confirming Hebb's postulates, the ground-breaking case of H.M.'s surgically-induced amnesia, the neural mechanisms of memory formation, where memories are stored in the brain, and optogenetic research on memory manipulation.

Further reading: Matthew Cobb, "The Idea of the Brain: A History" (Profile Books, 2020).

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Louis Armstrong once said, “If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know.” The jazz legend has a point, as the uniqueness of the genre can hardly be explained except through listening. With some context into the origins of the music, however, it can perhaps be more greatly appreciated. Discussed in this episode: Some elements found within jazz music (improvisation, syncopation, swing, and dynamics), the components of European and African music found within jazz, cultural diversity in New Orleans as a recipe for the birth of jazz, and the role of the Jim Crow laws and racial segregation in the birth of jazz.

Further reading: Ted Gioia, "How to Listen to Jazz" (Basic Books, 2016).

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Once neglected and silenced under the domineering patriarchal society, women have taken incredible strides to bring the ideas of the feminist movement to the forefront of much of the political discussion today. This episode traces the feminist movement from ancient times until now. Discussed in this episode: Early Gnostic discussions about the role of women in society, Teresa of Ávila's influence on feminism in the Middle Ages, The work of Marie de Gournay and Christine de Pizan in early modern feminism, feminism in the enlightenment era, early socialist feminism, the beginnings of the organized women's movement in the 19th century, the women's wage labor movement, feminist discussions about free love and the critique of marriage, the women's right to vote and party politics, the women's empowerment movement, the autonomous women's movements, the fight for autonomous pregnancy and the Roe v. Wade Decision, the focus on domestic violence, the role of the woman in housework, care, and motherhood, and the third and fourth waves of feminism.

Further reading: Patu and Antje Schrupp, "A Brief History of Feminism" (MIT, 2017).

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Where did cannabis come from anyway? Discussed in this episode: The psychoactive effects of cannabis, the origin of cannabis in nature, the use of cannabis in ancient Europe, The influence of Chinese society on the agricultural development of the cannabis plant, the medical uses of cannabis in ancient Chinese society, the first references of the psychoactive effects of cannabis, physical and textual evidence of cannabis use in ancient Egypt, and cannabis use in ancient Taiwan.

Further reading: Martin Booth, "Cannabis: A History" (Doubleday, 2003).

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Darren Arnofsky's 2010 film, "Black Swan" tells the story of self-destruction on the road to perfection. Because perfection is unattainable, the perfectionist will always harbor feelings of inadequacy. While these feelings can drive the perfectionist to greatness, they can also break that person down and compromise their character. By the time perfection is finally reached, the sacrifices made to get there often outweigh the blissful feelings of getting everything just right. In Black Swan, the sacrifices made and the detours taken on the journey to perfection prove to be a tragic price to pay.

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A breakdown of the lessons found within the Proverbs of Solomon, a section of the Bible that contains themes of wisdom, respect, honor, diligence, righteousness, courage, discipline, integrity, knowledge, prudence, love, humility, generosity, nobility, truthfulness, discretion, fairness, and loyalty. Episode notes available on website.

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Science has yet to uncover the answer to why we experience dreams. It has, however, discovered a myriad of other things about them. Discussed in this episode: The cardinal features of dreaming, rapid and non-rapid eye-movement sleep, lucid dreaming, the history of dream research, Sigmund Freud's theories of dreaming, Hobson and McCarley's Activation-Synthesis theory of dreaming, advancements in neuroscience that inform present-day dream research, neurophysiological mechanisms of sleep and dreams, and current theories that attempt to explain why we dream.

Further reading: J. Allan Hobson, "Dreaming: A Very Short Introduction" (Oxford, 2002), Matthew Walker, "Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams" (Penguin, 2017).

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Born in Florence in 1469, Niccolò Machiavelli was an Italian diplomat, philosopher, writer, and political theorist best known for "The Prince" (1513). Despite his death over 500 years ago, Machiavelli's name lives on today as a synonym for slyness, duplicity, and deception. Did the views he put forth in his lifetime warrant such an evil reputation?  In this episode, we discuss Machiavelli's philosophy: Relying on one's own “virtú” versus relying on fortune, the "by any means approach" that takes putting mission over morality, and the need to adapt in the face of conflict.

Further reading: Quentin Skinner, "Machiavelli A Very Short Introduction" (Oxford, 2000).

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