Allison Parshall
Associate editor at Scientific American and guest on this episode, reporting on the Alvin Lucier organoid exhibit and explaining the neuroscience and artistic context.
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Jan 17, 2025 • 19min
Do Pain and Joy Have a Universal Language?
Allison Parshall, an Associate news editor at Scientific American, dives into the intriguing world of linguistic expressions of pain and joy. She reveals universal sounds used across 131 languages when experiencing pain, suggesting a shared human experience. Parshall discusses the 'ah' sound's emotional connections and how onomatopoeias impact perception. They also touch on fascinating phonetic effects like bouba-kiki and examine cutting-edge research linking language, emotions, and even neurotechnology.
Sep 26, 2025 • 25min
The Dead Composer Whose ‘Brain’ Still Makes Music
Allison Parshall, an associate editor at Scientific American, delves into a groundbreaking exhibit featuring brain cells from composer Alvin Lucier that create sound. The discussion highlights the intersection of neuroscience and art, exploring profound questions about creativity and consciousness. Parshall explains the concept of brain organoids and their limitations, as well as Lucier's innovative methods that fuse scientific principles with musical composition. The episode raises intriguing debates about the potential learning capabilities of organoids and their philosophical implications.
