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I discuss a variety of topics in both the natural and social sciences, exploring the many fascinating insights that the scientific method yields about the world around us.
Episodes
Wednesday Nov 09, 2022
Wednesday Nov 09, 2022
A journey through the mechanisms of muscles and muscular contraction. I begin by outlining the key structural elements of muscle cells, including the sarcolemma, sarcoplasmic reticulum, the myofibrils and their myofilaments. I then explain the sliding filament mechanism of muscle contraction, and how it is governed by neural signals through the release of calcium. I conclude with a brief overview of the types of muscle contractions, the difference between fast twitch and slow twitch muscle fibres, and a short discussion of some metabolic aspects of muscle function, including the role of creatine phosphate. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 26: Human Organ Systems.
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Wednesday Sep 28, 2022
Wednesday Sep 28, 2022
A special interview from the Padverb Podcast, in which I discuss my research on language in the brain and thoughts on AI. The discussion covers topics such as backpropagation, how humans acquire language and concepts, how artificial neural networks differ from biological neural networks, and some thoughts on the future impact of artificial intelligence. Near the end of the conversation, we also discuss some of my work on exploring the causes of economic growth and development.
Link to the Padverb Podcast: The Padverb Podcast with KMO on Apple Podcasts
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Sunday Sep 11, 2022
Sunday Sep 11, 2022
I discuss the mysterious phenomenon of sleep, outlining the different stages of sleep, how the brain controls sleep and wakefulness, and the various theories for the functions of sleep. I also consider sleep in animals, the effects of sleep deprivation, and some major sleep disorders. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 38: Neurons and Synapses.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Sunday Jul 31, 2022
Sunday Jul 31, 2022
I introduce the unique and diverse chemistry of the transition metal elements, also known as the d-block metals. I begin with an overview of transition metal properties and ores, and then discuss coordination complexes, ligands, denticity, chelation, coordination geometries, isomerism, and the difference between strong and weak field ligands. We then examine how crystal field theory can explain many properties of transition metals, including their unique colouration and magnetic properties. The episode concludes with an overview of organometallic compounds and ligand field theory, including how pi-bonding can explain the difference between strong and weak field ligands.
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Thursday Jun 30, 2022
Thursday Jun 30, 2022
Concluding our series on geographic landforms, here I discuss glaciers, including their global distribution, formation, movement, and various glacial formations such as moraines, drumlins, and fjords. I also examine the role of ice in shaping periglacial landscapes, including the effects of permafrost and other frost action processes. I conclude with a brief discussion of groundwater, aquifers, and the hydrological cycle.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Monday Jun 06, 2022
Monday Jun 06, 2022
A discussion of the effect of wind on landscapes, focusing on deserts and coastlines. I outline the processes of eolian erosion, transportation, and deposition occurring in deserts, with particular focus on the formation and types of sand dunes. I also discuss other desert landforms, such as the desert pavement, mesas, and alluvial fans. I conclude with a look at coastal processes, including cliff erosion, emergent and submergent coastlines, and beach erosion processes.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Saturday Apr 30, 2022
Saturday Apr 30, 2022
The first in a new series on geomorphology, in which I review the main erosion processes that shape landforms of the natural environment. Here I discuss the key mechanisms of physical and chemical weathering, outline the major forms of erosion, and provide an overview of mass wasting including rockslides and soil creep. I then present an overview of stream processes, including a discussion of river drainage systems, channel patterns, meandering streams, and stream loads. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 75: Rocks and Minerals.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Saturday Apr 02, 2022
Saturday Apr 02, 2022
An exploration of the role of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the development of depression. I discuss the role of serotonin in promoting the production of neurotrophic growth factor, the role the growth factor plays in facilitating neurogenesis and neural plasticity, and the various regions of the brain which are implicated in depression. I conclude by discussing the various cognitive distortions and other phenomena associated with depression, and how they can be treated by both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 38: Neurons and Synapses.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Sunday Feb 27, 2022
Sunday Feb 27, 2022
In this special episode I discuss genetic testing with Kira Dineen from DNA Today. We cover a range of topics including the process and science behind genetic testing, the types of genetic conditions that can be tested for, the difference between genotyping and gene sequencing, and the promises and potential issues with direct to consumer genetic testing. We also discuss developing social practises surrounding the use of gene technology, difficulties of informed concept, use of genetic material for criminal justice and ancestry databases, and potential future developments of these technologies.
Link to Kira's podcast:
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Monday Jan 31, 2022
Monday Jan 31, 2022
A discussion of earthquakes, covering the elastic rebound theory of earthquake generation, the phenomena of deep and intraplate earthquakes, types of seismic waves, methods of earthquake detection, different ways in which earthquakes cause damage, and attempts at earthquake prediction. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 111: Plate Tectonics.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.