Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

Exercising Brain -- Groks Science Show 2008-06-11

11 Jun 2008

Contributed by Lukas

While exercise is widely known to be beneficial for physical health, it can also greatly improve mental abilities as well. On this program, Dr. John R...

NASCAR Energy -- Groks Science Show 2008-06-04

04 Jun 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Developing clean energy is a major challenge for policy makers and scientists. On this program, Dr. Lester Brown discussed clean energy technology. In...

Visual Thinking -- Groks Science Show 2008-05-28

28 May 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Solving complex problems can be aided by the use of visual tools. However, these methods are often unknown outside of the scientific and engineering a...

Alternative Energy Markets -- Groks Science Show 2008-05-21

21 May 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Developing alternative energy sources will require extensive capital resources. On this program, Matthew Feller discussed methods for carbon sequestra...

Negotiation -- Groks Science Show 2008-05-14

14 May 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Effective negotiation is a skill that is necessary for resolving conflict peacefully, but the strategies and practices of negotiation are often not pr...

Nuclear Renewables -- Groks Science Show 2008-05-07

07 May 2008

Contributed by Lukas

The current peak oil crisis has intensified the search for renewable energy sources. One possible option is nuclear power. On this program, William Sw...

Dropsy Dialysis Transplant -- Groks Science Show 2008-04-30

30 Apr 2008

Contributed by Lukas

The kidneys are an often unappreciated organ in the human body. But, the importance of their function becomes readily apparent when something disrupts...

Urban Development -- Groks Science Show 2008-04-23

23 Apr 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Developing the infrastructure of poor urban environments remains a major challenge for sustainable growth. On this program, Dr. Timothy Campbell disc...

Body Rhythms -- Groks Science Show 2008-04-16

16 Apr 2008

Contributed by Lukas

The human body is regulated by multiple physiological processes that cycle throughout the day. On this program, Jennifer Ackerman discussed the scienc...

Planet Hunting -- Groks Science Show 2008-04-09

09 Apr 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Astronomers searching for extrasolar worlds have recently discovered several fascinating planets orbiting other stars. On this program, Dr. Jason Wrig...

Telephone Gambit -- Groks Science Show 2008-04-02

02 Apr 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Alexander Graham Bell is widely regarded as the inventor of the telephone. However, few may know the story of Elisha Gray, who may have been the first...

Napoleonic Science -- Groks Science Show 2008-03-26

26 Mar 2008

Contributed by Lukas

The exploration of Egypt and the middle east remained largely unknown to European scientists until 1798. At that time, a group of scientists, engineer...

Alzheimers Prevention -- Groks Science Show 2008-03-19

19 Mar 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Degenerative diseases of the brain such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons have until recently been accepted as a normal possibility of old age. However, re...

Quantum Hoops -- Groks Science Show 2008-03-12

12 Mar 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Science and sports seem strangely dissimilar, but both strive to bring out the best in human endeavors. On this program, Rick Greenwald discussed the ...

Malaria -- Groks Science Show 2008-03-05

05 Mar 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Malaria has often been regarded as a third world disease. Yet, it has been found worldwide, with socioeconomic factors largely contributing to its pre...

Computer Malware -- Groks Science Show 2008-02-27

27 Feb 2008

Contributed by Lukas

As computers have become increasingly ubiquitous, so too has computer malware. How can we protect our computers from this onslaught of viruses, worms,...

Gorilla Behavior -- Groks Science Show 2008-02-20

20 Feb 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Gorillas are genetically very similar to humans, however our behavior seems widely divergent. But, we may have more in common with our primate relativ...

Snake Oil Science -- Groks Science Show 2008-02-13

13 Feb 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Complementary and alternative medicine claims cures for ailments spanning the range from allergies to cancer. But, does scientific research support an...

Supervolcanoes -- Groks Science Show 2008-02-06

06 Feb 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Supervolcanic eruptions have the potential to drastically alter the environment and seriously affect human civilization. Understanding the geological ...

Bird Conservation -- Groks Science Show 2008-01-30

30 Jan 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Changes in the global environment are threatening the existence of many species of birds. But, what can be done to help? On this program, Dr. Jeffrey ...

Darwinian Fashion -- Groks Science Show 2008-01-23

23 Jan 2008

Contributed by Lukas

The theory of evolution states that selective pressures result in the survival of the fittest. But, what selective pressures are placed on humans? It ...

Body Maps -- Groks Science Show 2008-01-16

16 Jan 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Sensory events are conveyed to our brains and interpreted in specialized maps of the outside world. On this program, Sandra Blakeslee discussed the fu...

Peking Man Fossils -- Groks Science Show 2008-01-09

09 Jan 2008

Contributed by Lukas

The discovery of the Peking Man fossils in China was a landmark discovery for archaeologists and anthropologists. On this program, Dr. Amir Aczel disc...

Reading Brain -- Groks Science Show 2008-01-02

02 Jan 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Written language has evolved as a unique human trait for communicating ideas. But, how have human brains evolved to read and write? On this program,...

Incentive Economics -- Groks Science Show 2007-12-26

26 Dec 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Economics is often viewed as the dismal science, but everyday decisions are often guided or aided by economic considerations. On this program, Prof. T...

Sino-US Technology Relations -- Groks Science Show 2007-12-19

19 Dec 2007

Contributed by Lukas

The relationship between China and the United States has far reaching implications in terms of politics, economics, and technology. On this program, P...

Ambiguous Math -- Groks Science Show 2007-12-12

12 Dec 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Mathematics may appear to be constructed on absolute foundations derived from first principles. But, are mathematical tenets as absolute as they seem?...

Musical Brain -- Groks Science Show 2007-12-05

05 Dec 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Music has powerful emotive and expressive qualities that transcend its description as a purely physical phenomenon. This is of course due to how the b...

Rocketeers -- Groks Science Show 2007-11-28

28 Nov 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Space travel is quickly becoming part of private enterprise, with several entrepreneurs developing technologies that will enable future space flight. ...

Gratitude -- Groks Science Show 2007-11-21

21 Nov 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Gratitude and thankfulness are often in short supply. But, what can science tell us about increasing our sense of thankfulness? On this program, Prof....

Medical Ethics -- Groks Science Show 2007-11-14

14 Nov 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Medical practitioners must put the interests of their patients first and foremost. But, do doctors always follow this maxim? On this program, Dr. Josh...

Planet History -- Groks Science Show 2007-11-07

07 Nov 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Scientific observation of the planets in our solar system has a long and florid history. With the increased exploration of the planets, fascinating in...

Scientific Faith -- Groks Science Show 2007-10-31

31 Oct 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Science relies on empirical evidence to support its central theories and tenets, while religious belief relies on the faith of the believer. Can these...

Altered Oceans -- Groks Science Show 2007-10-24

24 Oct 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Changes in the ocean environment are rapidly affecting the well being of both human and marine life. On this program, Kenneth R. Weiss from the L.A. T...

General Ignorance -- Groks Science Show 2007-10-17

17 Oct 2007

Contributed by Lukas

There are some facts that are common knowledge, but these often turn out to be completely wrong. When does common knowledge become general ignorance? ...

Bright Young Minds -- Groks Science Show 2007-10-03

03 Oct 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Early childhood is the period when most of the mental faculties of the brain are formed. Yet, much of our education takes place much later in life. Wh...

Heart Depression -- Groks Science Show 2007-09-26

26 Sep 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Heart disease and depression seem like unrelated ailments. However, new research is finding that the occurrence of one can result in the manifestation...

Darwin and Religion -- Groks Science Show 2007-09-19

19 Sep 2007

Contributed by Lukas

The theory of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin has served as the basis for modern biological research. But, is evolution at odds with religious be...

Fecal Science -- Groks Science Show 2007-09-12

12 Sep 2007

Contributed by Lukas

While most might experience revulsion by fecal matter, the constitution of poo can actually tell a lot about gastrointestinal health. On this program,...

Wikinomics -- Groks Science Show 2007-09-05

05 Sep 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Collaboration in business is important for the development of ideas and products. Technological innovations are facillitating this process. On this pr...

Nitric Oxide Disease -- Groks Science Show 2007-08-29

29 Aug 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Nitric oxide is a ubiquitous molecule in the body that is involved in several important physiological processes. However, diseases may arise when the ...

Low Energy Space Flight -- Groks Science Show 2007-08-22

22 Aug 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Space travel has typically relied on conventional high energy routes, known as Hohmann Transfers, to move their payloads. However, low energy routes d...

Surgical Faux Pas -- Groks Science Show 2007-08-15

15 Aug 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Surgical procedures, while often necessary for curing ailments, can sometimes be over-prescribed by clinicians. On this program, Peter Moore, editor a...

Optical Telescopes -- Groks Science Show 2007-08-08

08 Aug 2007

Contributed by Lukas

The invention of the telescope 400 years ago opened a window to the universe that continues to amaze and enlighten. On this program, Dr. Geoff Anderse...

Energy Efficiency -- Groks Science Show 2007-08-01

01 Aug 2007

Contributed by Lukas

How does the US stack up to others in energy efficiency? Arthur Rosenfeld joined us again to discuss some of the encouraging lessons in energy develop...

Cancer Therapeutics -- Groks Science Show 2007-07-25

25 Jul 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Cancer is a disease that strikes fear by its mere mention. But, rapid advances in medical science are developing new treatments. On this program, Prof...

Starstruck Science -- Groks Science Show 2007-07-18

18 Jul 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Continued developments in space exploration hold the promise for advancing human knowledge about the universe. But, how can humans reconcile these fin...

Evolution versus ID -- Groks Science Show 2007-07-11

11 Jul 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Evolution continues to be a contentious idea in modern society, especially in the United States, where it has spurred numerous legal battles over the ...

Roswell Investigations -- Groks Science Show 2007-07-04

04 Jul 2007

Contributed by Lukas

While the incident that occurred in Roswell, NM is now 60 years old, theories and rampant speculation remain as to what occurred. On this program, Don...

Richter Scale -- Groks Science Show 2007-06-27

27 Jun 2007

Contributed by Lukas

The Richter Scale is well known to anyone who has experienced an earthquake. But, most are unaware of the man who invented the scale. On this program,...

Space Age History -- Groks Science Show 2007-06-20

20 Jun 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Since the launch of Sputnik in 1957, human space endeavors have rapidly evolved. On this program, Dr. Martin Collins discussed the history of the spac...

Preventing Disease -- Groks Science Show 2007-06-13

13 Jun 2007

Contributed by Lukas

The occurrence of preventable disease in the United States can be lowered by simple lifestyle changes. On this program, Dr. Raymond Francis discussed ...

Energy Policy -- Groks Science Show 2007-06-06

06 Jun 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Setting energy policy continues to be a challenge for government officials. On this program, Dr. Arthur Rosenfeld, California Energy Commissioner, dis...

Insect Songs -- Groks Science Show 2007-05-30

30 May 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Crickets, cicadas, and katydids are the noise makers among the insects. But, how are their sounds distinguished from one another? On this program, Lan...

Prehistoric Females -- Groks Science Show 2007-05-23

23 May 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Archaeological findings have generally focussed on the prehistoric activities of males, while neglecting those of females. However, recent archaeologi...

Dark Matter and Energy -- Groks Science Show 2007-05-16

16 May 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Dark matter and dark energy comprise most of the known universe. But, what are the constituents of dark matter and energy? On this program, Dr. Dan Ho...

Rubik Cube -- Groks Science Show 2007-05-09

09 May 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Mathematical puzzles are not usually associated with entertainment. However, the Rubik Cube continues to amaze, confound, and entertain. On this pro...

Carbon Taxes -- Groks Science Show 2007-05-02

02 May 2007

Contributed by Lukas

What is the appropriate market mechanism for moving away from a fossil fuel economy? On this program, Lester Brown from the Earth Policy Institute dis...

Moral Brains -- Groks Science Show 2007-04-25

25 Apr 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Morality often is considered a sociological issue. However, recent advances in neurobiology are demonstrating that human brains are innately construct...

Pet Behavior -- Groks Science Show 2007-04-18

18 Apr 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Pets often perplex their human companions with their eccentric behavior. On this program, Dr. Marty Becker discussed the intricacies of pet behavior.

Cavitation Bubbles -- Groks Science Show 2007-04-11

11 Apr 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Bubbles created via the process of cavitation have many applications. On this program, Prof. Christopher Brennen from Caltech discussed the physics of...

Primal Healing -- Groks Science Show 2007-04-04

04 Apr 2007

Contributed by Lukas

The sources of emotional pain are wide and varied, but are firmly rooted in the deepest centers of the brain. Treating such mental anguish thus requir...

Biological Evil -- Groks Science Show 2007-03-28

28 Mar 2007

Contributed by Lukas

The problem of evil has confounded philosophers and scientists alike. Is there a biological basis for evil? On this program, Prof. David Buss discusse...

Chaotic Systems -- Groks Science Show 2007-03-21

21 Mar 2007

Contributed by Lukas

The work of Poincare on the three-body problem later became the framework for studying chaotic systems. Since then, mathematicians have made progress ...

Sustainable Fishing -- Groks Science Show 2007-03-14

14 Mar 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Environmentalists have been concerned about pollution in the sea and the depletion of fisheries, but are these worries overblown? On this program, Sta...

Anthropogenic Peat -- Groks Science Show 2007-03-07

07 Mar 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Scientists estimate that one-third of today's increase in greenhouse gas emissions come from changes in the land-use. One way to sequester the carbon ...

Disease Evolution -- Groks Science Show 2007-02-28

28 Feb 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Disease has a negative connotation in evolutionary thought. But, in some instances, a selective advantage may be conferred by disease processes. On th...

Ocean Burps -- Groks Science Show 2007-02-21

21 Feb 2007

Contributed by Lukas

A huge potential for our energy needs lies at the bottom of the ocean in the form of methane hydrates. But what happens when the ocean burps and large...

Everyday Equations -- Groks Science Show 2007-02-14

14 Feb 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Do I have a chance with them? Should I drink the milk at the back of the refrigerator? Solving everyday problems like these can be especially problema...

Size Biology -- Groks Science Show 2007-02-07

07 Feb 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Size matters... especially in biology. But the dimensions of living organisms are often disregarded, while it is arguably essential to their study. On...

Altruistic Evolution -- Groks Science Show 2007-01-31

31 Jan 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Altruistic behavior is seemingly at odds with the classic notion of evolution. How can altruism be reconciled with the survival of the fittest? On thi...

Comet Dust -- Groks Science Show 2007-01-24

24 Jan 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Billions and billions of years ago, stars in the universe created elements that scattered throughout the galaxies. Until recently, these dust particle...

Molecular Evolution -- Groks Science Show 2007-01-17

17 Jan 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Tracking the evolutionary changes that give rise to new species has become more refined with the advent of molecular biological tools. Changes in DNA ...

Macworld 2007 -- Groks Science Show 2007-01-10

10 Jan 2007

Contributed by Lukas

For many technophiles, Christmas comes a couple weeks after the fact. At Macworld 2007, we saw a glimpe of what future telephony will look like, but a...

Snowflake Physics -- Groks Science Show 2007-01-03

03 Jan 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. But, what are the physical processes that underlie the formation of snowflakes, and how can this process be re...

Silent Earthquakes -- Groks Science Show 2006-12-27

27 Dec 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us know earthquakes by their groundbreaking nature, but what has intrigued seismologists recently are silent earthquakes. On this program, Pr...

Belief Biology -- Groks Science Show 2006-12-20

20 Dec 2006

Contributed by Lukas

The origin of our belief systems may have strong biological underpinnings. On this program, Prof. Andrew Newberg discussed the biology of our beliefs.

Technology Woes -- Groks Science Show 2006-12-13

13 Dec 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Technological changes are occuring at a rapid pace, and keeping up with those changes is a challenge to even the most astute technophile, not to menti...

Concierge Medicine -- Groks Science Show 2006-12-06

06 Dec 2006

Contributed by Lukas

The growing disparities in health care provided by primary care physicians has caused some to offer a service known as concierge medicine. But, this p...

Quantum Computing Bamboo -- Groks Science Show 2006-11-29

29 Nov 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Quantum computing makes use of the unique quantum states of a molecular system to store information. On this program, Dr. Michael Hartmann discussed q...

Longevity Habits -- Groks Science Show 2006-11-22

22 Nov 2006

Contributed by Lukas

The prevalent image of old age is one of infirmity, but studies of centenarians demonstrate that a vibrant lifestyle is possible. On this program, Dr....

Concerned Science -- Groks Science Show 2006-11-15

15 Nov 2006

Contributed by Lukas

The role of science in government has often been neglected. The Union of Concerned Scientists is a group that brings scientific opinion to major polic...

Science and Spirituality -- Groks Science Show 2006-11-08

08 Nov 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Biomedical research often encounters vocal opposition from both sides of the political spectrum. On this program, Prof. Lee Silver discussed the clash...

Energy Switch -- Groks Science Show 2006-11-01

01 Nov 2006

Contributed by Lukas

While the United States has lagged in deploying renewable energy into its economy, others have pursued a more aggressive policy of lowering greenhouse...

Long Emergency -- Groks Science Show 2006-10-25

25 Oct 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Oil dependence has ramifications beyond those of transportation. A shortage in its supply can affect many areas, including agriculture, business, and ...

Large Scale Universe -- Groks Science Show 2006-10-18

18 Oct 2006

Contributed by Lukas

How did the universe begin? How will it end? And, what do we do in the mean time? On this program, Prof. P. James Peebles from Princeton University di...

Global Health Care -- Groks Science Show 2006-10-11

11 Oct 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Global health care disparaties are all to evident, made even more stark by the remarkable advances in medical science. But, what can be done to resolv...

Nobel Prizes 2006 -- Groks Science Show 2006-10-04

04 Oct 2006

Contributed by Lukas

What better way is there to celebrate the Big Bang than with a Nobel Prize. On this program, Prof. Alex Filipenko commented on the 2006 prize in physi...

Potpourri -- Groks Science Show 2006-09-27

27 Sep 2006

Contributed by Lukas

The devastating tsunami that engulfed southeast asia in 2004 has heightened awareness of the range and magnitude of this catastrophe. But, how can suc...

Probability Theory -- Groks Science Show 2006-09-20

20 Sep 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Chance occurrences often dramatically effect our daily lives. But, how can we evaluate randomness and weigh its influence appropriately? On this progr...

Cosmological Views -- Groks Science Show 2006-09-13

13 Sep 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Cosmological theories address how the universe was created, and what awaits for the future. What do recent advances tell us about the universe? On thi...

Debunking 9-11 Myths -- Groks Science Show 2006-09-06

06 Sep 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Conspiracy theories surrounding the 9-11 tragedy have taken on a life of their own, divorced from the empirical data. Do these theories have any basis...

Rural Internet -- Groks Science Show 2006-08-30

30 Aug 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Billions of people around the world still do not have access to basic power or commmunications. On this program, Laura Mellow joins us to talk about t...

Happy Science -- Groks Science Show 2006-08-23

23 Aug 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Happiness as a state of being often defies attempts to attain it, leading most on an ever elusive quest. On this program, Dr. Matthieu Ricard, biochem...

Ten Planets -- Groks Science Show 2006-08-16

16 Aug 2006

Contributed by Lukas

The recent debate over what defines a planet has been partially motivated by the discovery of a candidate tenth planet. On this program, Dr. Ken Crosw...

Umbilical Stem Cells -- Groks Science Show 2006-08-09

09 Aug 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Stem cells have the potential to cure many diseases, but viable therapies are mainly still experimental, especially those involving umbilical cord blo...

Philosophical Ethics -- Groks Science Show 2006-08-02

02 Aug 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Ethics is a sometimes nebulous concept in the world of business, where it is often shunned at the expense of the bottom line. On this program, Prof. T...

Scientific Religion -- Groks Science Show 2006-07-26

26 Jul 2006

Contributed by Lukas

The Templeton prize is awarded every year for advances in our understanding of the intersection of religion and science. On this program, Nobel laurea...

Martian Meteorite -- Groks Science Show 2006-07-19

19 Jul 2006

Contributed by Lukas

The discovery of a Martian meteorite in Antartica over a decade ago ignited the public imagination when it was claimed that the meteorite held signs o...

Craigslist and Global Warming -- Groks Science Show 2006-07-12

12 Jul 2006

Contributed by Lukas

The internet has become a venue where one can obtain just about anything. On this program, Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, discussed the interne...