Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

Fun Science Questions -- Groks Science Show 2006-07-05

05 Jul 2006

Contributed by Lukas

While science continues to push the boundaries of human knowledge, most of us puzzle over more entertaining questions, like does anything eat wasps? O...

Mona Lisa Math -- Groks Science Show 2006-06-28

28 Jun 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Art and science are inexorably intertwined, with advances in one often inspiring advances in the other. Nowhere is this more evident than in the work ...

Domestic Wiretapping -- Groks Science Show 2006-06-21

21 Jun 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Domestic wiretapping has become an incendiary issue. What are the rights of the people and the government in this regard? And, how effective is the te...

Inflammatory Aging -- Groks Science Show 2006-06-14

14 Jun 2006

Contributed by Lukas

The connection between inflammation and aging may be related in part by the foods we eat. On this program, Dr. Nicholas Perricone discussed his theory...

Stellar Life Cycles -- Groks Science Show 2006-06-07

07 Jun 2006

Contributed by Lukas

The sun is currently a middle-aged star, and will inevitably decline as all stars must. But, it may be possible to extend the stellar lifetime. On thi...

Citizen Media -- Groks Science Show 2006-05-31

31 May 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Grassroots journalism has been enabled by the internet. The potential impact of citizen media is far and wide-ranging, as discussed on this episode wi...

Science Lexicon -- Groks Science Show 2006-05-24

24 May 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Understanding the key concepts in science requires a knowledge of the language of science. On this program, Steve Kleinedler discussed science words e...

WHO and Taiwan -- Groks Science Show 2006-05-17

17 May 2006

Contributed by Lukas

All countries are eligible for membership into the World Health Organization (WHO) with one notable exception. On this program, Dr. Julin Tang and Dr....

Testosterone Factor -- Groks Science Show 2006-05-10

10 May 2006

Contributed by Lukas

One little hormone can make a big difference in the life of men, especially when those levels start to drop. On this program, Dr. Shafiq Qaadri joined...

SARS -- Groks Science Show 2006-05-03

03 May 2006

Contributed by Lukas

SARS may have faded from our memory, but many key lessons can be learned from the outbreak of 2003. Karl Taro Greenfeld joined us on this program to t...

Celiac Disease -- Groks Science Show 2006-04-26

26 Apr 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Celiac disease is a disorder caused by the inability to tolerate gluten. The effects of the disease are wide ranging, resulting from the inability to ...

Earth Day and Maker Faire -- Groks Science Show 2006-04-19

19 Apr 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Organizations across the country are sponsoring activities for Earth Day. On this episode, Erica Pringsheim-Moors from the California State Parks Foun...

Light Speed Travel -- Groks Science Show 2006-04-12

12 Apr 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Traveling near the speed of light may soon be possible thanks to recent theoretical advances. On this program, Dr. Franklin Felber discussed the physi...

Cloning Animals -- Groks Science Show 2006-04-05

05 Apr 2006

Contributed by Lukas

In spite of the controversies surround the ethics of animal cloning, progress has been made in reproducing animals through their genetic material. On ...

Alan Turing -- Groks Science Show 2006-03-29

29 Mar 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Alan Turing was a prominent figure in the development of the computer, and is well known for many important computing concepts, including the famous T...

Wildlife Conservation -- Groks Science Show 2006-03-22

22 Mar 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Preserving wildlife populations that are displaced or actively diminished by human activity remains essential for maintaining biodiversity. Nowhere is...

The Planets -- Groks Science Show 2006-03-15

15 Mar 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Our solar system contains nine acknowledged planets, each with their own unique personalities that continue to inspire scientists. On this episode, Da...

Our Inner Ape -- Groks Science Show 2006-03-08

08 Mar 2006

Contributed by Lukas

The evolution of human behavior is easily highlighted in comparative studies with our nearest relatives, chimpanzees and bonobos. On this program, Pro...

Open Source -- Groks Science Show 2006-03-01

01 Mar 2006

Contributed by Lukas

The Constitution guarantees five fundamental freedoms, but a free culture requires openness amongst its citizens. On this program, Mitch Kapor discuss...

Superhero Physics -- Groks Science Show 2006-02-22

22 Feb 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Faster than a speeding bullet? Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound? Superman may be confined to the comics, but could his superpowers exist ...

Ambidextrous Universe -- Groks Science Show 2006-02-15

15 Feb 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Symmetry or parity is intriguing, not only in the arts and music, but also in science and the natural world. Interestingly, parity may not be conserve...

Afterlife Science -- Groks Science Show 2006-02-08

08 Feb 2006

Contributed by Lukas

The afterlife is generally the subject of theology, but what can science contribute to the issue? On this program, Mary Roach discusses the science of...

Climate Wisdom -- Groks Science Show 2006-02-01

01 Feb 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Last year, 2005, has now been confirmed as the warmest year on record, but what must be done to stop this dangerous trend of global warming? Profs. Ca...

Science and Politics -- Groks Science Show 2006-01-25

25 Jan 2006

Contributed by Lukas

While scientific inquiry leads to the rational explanations for natural phenomena, the political interpretation of science often leads to chaos. On th...

Molecular Dynamics -- Groks Science Show 2006-01-18

18 Jan 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Which Nobel Laureate was also a voice on The Simpsons? The answer is our guest Dudley Herschbach, who joined us to talk about molecular dynamics and v...

Cult of iPod -- Groks Science Show 2006-01-11

11 Jan 2006

Contributed by Lukas

The iPod is certainly an iCon, but a cult? On this episode, Leadner Kahney discussed the most popular music player in the world and his new book, The ...

Optimal Investing -- Groks Science Show 2006-01-04

04 Jan 2006

Contributed by Lukas

The efficiency of the stock market is a topic of much debate among economists. Yet, a scientific approach to betting effectively may maximize returns ...

Global Warnings -- Groks Science Show 2005-12-28

28 Dec 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Global warming is a larger threat than terrorism, according to our guest Sir David King, science advisor to UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. On this prog...

Einstein and Theology -- Groks Science Show 2005-12-21

21 Dec 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Besides his physical theories, Einstein is also well known for his considered pacificsm. With the world year of physics drawing to a close, we explor...

Nuclear Chemistry -- Groks Science Show 2005-12-14

14 Dec 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Is nuclear chemistry an oxymoron? On this program, Dr. Cynthia Gong described this little-known but important field of science and discussed Deinococc...

Internet Society -- Groks Science Show 2005-12-07

07 Dec 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Although the internet is often viewed as a knowledge warehouse, the potential as a social medium is being explored by those interested in social netwo...

Nerve Endings -- Groks Science Show 2005-11-30

30 Nov 2005

Contributed by Lukas

The brain is composed of millions of neurons that are connected at specialized structures called synapses. The discovery of the synapse by Ramon y Caj...

Hurricane Prediction -- Groks Science Show 2005-11-23

23 Nov 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Weather forecasting may not be an exact science, but resources for encountering extreme weather changes have been around a long time. On this episode,...

Einstein and his miraculous year -- Groks Science Show 2005-11-16

17 Nov 2005

Contributed by Lukas

In the year 1905, Albert Einstein published five papers that changed the face of modern physics and led to two Nobel Prizes, including one for Einstei...

Science Review -- Groks Science Show 2005-11-09

09 Nov 2005

Contributed by Lukas

The Science Review publishes articles on the complete range of science and engineering activity occuring on campus. On this episode, Charlie Emrich an...

Forensic Science -- Groks Science Show 2005-11-02

02 Nov 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Solving a murder often requires analysis from forensic scientists. On this program, Dr. Frederick Zugibe, the former Chief Medical Examiner of Rocklan...

Condensed Matter Physics -- Groks Science Show 2005-10-26

26 Oct 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Condensed matter physics deals with the interactions of matter at microscopic scales. On this program, Nobel laureate, Prof. Douglas Osheroff, discuss...

Cosmological History -- Groks Science Show 2005-10-19

19 Oct 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Cosmological views of the universe have evolved from ideas as simple as a flat earth to current notions that accede the possibilty of multiple univers...

Urban Sustainability -- Groks Science Show 2005-10-12

12 Oct 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Current trends in urbanization are unsustainable with current practices. Randy Hayes, Oakland Sustainability Director, discussed his efforts at rainfo...

Nobel Prizes 2005 -- Groks Science Show 2005-10-05

05 Oct 2005

Contributed by Lukas

The Nobel Prizes 2005. Professor Barney Grubbs discussed his father winning the Chemistry Prize. Professor Yuen-Ron Shen discussed the Physics Prize. ...

Creative Science -- Groks Science Show 2005-09-28

28 Sep 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Creativity often requires venturing into the unknown. Nobel Prize winner Martin Pearl gives advice for up and coming scientists and thinkers. Terry Ha...

Nanotechnology -- Groks Science Show 2005-09-21

21 Sep 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Nanotechnology innovations have the potential to revolutionize daily living. But, separating the science from the science fiction is a challenge both ...

Permaculture -- Groks Science Show 2005-09-14

14 Sep 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Nature has evolved without an electrical power grid, but can humans learn to live without one as well? Todd Jersey, architect and designer, joined us ...

Exploration at NASA -- Groks Science Show 2005-09-07

07 Sep 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Despite the setbacks with the space shuttle, NASA is continuing to expand its missions in other ways. On this program, George Larson, editor of Air an...

Photovoltaic Houses -- Groks Science Show 2005-08-31

01 Sep 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Subsidies have a mixed history of success. But with the California Solar Roofs bill SB1 currently under debate in the California State Assembly, there...

Heavenly Intrigue -- Groks Science Show 2005-08-24

24 Aug 2005

Contributed by Lukas

The physical laws governing planetary motion were first defined by Johannes Kepler using the data of Tyco Brahe. On this program, Joshua and Anne-Lee ...

Obsessive Genius -- Groks Science Show 2005-08-17

17 Aug 2005

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to be a genius? Barbara Goldsmith joins us to explore the world of Marie Curie in her book Obsessive Genius.

Exploring the Deep Sea Abyss -- Groks Science Show 2005-08-10

10 Aug 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Deep sea exploration was pioneered by two men, William Beebe and Otis Barton. The remarkable story of their adventure into the deep sea abyss was disc...

Worst Science -- Groks Science Show 2005-08-03

04 Aug 2005

Contributed by Lukas

While science often strives to reveal the best elements of nature, it often can reveal the worst. On this program, Mark Frauenfelder discussed some of...

SpaceShipOne and the Ansari X-Prize -- Groks Science Show 2005-07-27

27 Jul 2005

Contributed by Lukas

While the recent shuttle launch marks a momentary return for NASA to manned space flight, private enterprise is not far behind. The world altitude rec...

The Feynman Letters -- Groks Science Show 2005-07-20

21 Jul 2005

Contributed by Lukas

It takes a very special person to be a fine man. The bar is set by none other than the physicist Richard P. Feynman. On this program, his daughter Mic...

Saving Wine from Destruction -- Groks Science Show 2005-07-13

13 Jul 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Vineyards across Europe were nearly destroyed in the late 1800s by a pestilent aphid known as Phylloxera vastatrix. The scientific quest to discover a...

Quotable Einstein -- Groks Science Show 2005-07-06

06 Jul 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Albert Einstein was not only known for pushing the boundaries of science, he is also remembered for his insights into humanity, love, and pacifism. On...

Stem Cell Research in Scotland -- Groks Science Show 2005-06-29

29 Jun 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Stem cell research is an international endeavor, and one country leading the way is Scotland. On this program, Dr. Ken Snowden discussed Scotland biot...

Solar Energy Initiatives -- Groks Science Show 2005-06-22

22 Jun 2005

Contributed by Lukas

While solar energy may be one of the most viable forms of renewable energy, it has not yet reached the level of affordability for most consumers. On t...

Computers and the 60s Counterculture -- Groks Science Show 2005-06-15

16 Jun 2005

Contributed by Lukas

The history of the personal computer has strong roots in the societal changes that occurred during the 1960s. On this program, Prof. John Markoff disc...

Sino-Japanese Internet Relations -- Groks Science Show 2005-06-08

08 Jun 2005

Contributed by Lukas

The 21st century is regarded by many as the Pacific Century. But, the emergence of China as a superpower offers opportunities and risks. In this round...

Biological Enhancement -- Groks Science Show 2005-06-01

01 Jun 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Breakthroughs in biomedical research will soon allow us to live longer, grow stronger, and think smarter. But, will these advances come at a price? On...

Why Birds Sing -- Groks Science Show 2005-05-25

25 May 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Why do birds sing? The scientific exploration of bird song has uncovered many underlying biological mechanisms, and the aesthetic beauty of their musi...

Corporate Corruption of Higher Education -- Groks Science Show 2005-05-18

18 May 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Research at public universities is increasingly being driven by profit motives that undermine academic integrity and limit the free expression of idea...

Experimental Particle Physics -- Groks Science Show 2005-05-11

11 May 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Fundamental particle physics is replete with novel theories that are merely academic until experimentally verified by high energy particle colliders. ...

Science in Fiction -- Groks Science Show 2005-05-04

04 May 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Scientists draw their inspiration from many sources, and a common one is science fiction. On this program, Prof. Gregory Benford, physicist and SF nov...

Online Investing Hacks -- Groks Science Show 2005-04-27

27 Apr 2005

Contributed by Lukas

The stock market may often seem impenetrable to personal investing, but advances in internet trading have vastly simplified many complex transactions....

Commercial-Free Childhood -- Groks Science Show 2005-04-20

21 Apr 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Commercials pervade modern society. While most of us may feel immune to their influence, they still can powerfully influence behavior, especially in c...

The Big Bang -- Groks Science Show 2005-04-13

13 Apr 2005

Contributed by Lukas

How did the univere begin? How will it end? The answers to these questions have remained elusive, but for the first time in human history, there is ho...

Graphical Discovery -- Groks Science Show 2005-04-06

06 Apr 2005

Contributed by Lukas

In this information age, presenting data simply and effectively is essential for comunicating ideas. Yet, the graphical display of data is a relativel...

Nitric Oxide -- Groks Science Show 2005-03-30

30 Mar 2005

Contributed by Lukas

While nitric oxide may be infamously known for mediating erections, its role in the health of the heart has not been widely publicized. On this show, ...

Value Economics -- Groks Science Show 2005-03-23

23 Mar 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Economic models typically consider market activities as solely determined by monetary motives, but a true examination of economic forces must consider...

Twister Theory -- Groks Science Show 2005-03-16

17 Mar 2005

Contributed by Lukas

While superstring theory dominates the landscape of unified field theories, alternative theories exist, such as twister theory. On this program, Sir R...

Heart Healthy Diet -- Groks Science Show 2005-03-09

10 Mar 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Heart disease is currently the number one killer of women, but few know about this risk to their health. On this program, Dr. Arthur Agatston, author ...

String Theory -- Groks Science Show 2005-03-02

02 Mar 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Physicists are constantly searching for elegant theories that describe the universe. One such theory, string theory, has the potential to unify the di...

Biodiesel -- Groks Science Show 2005-02-23

24 Feb 2005

Contributed by Lukas

The City of Berkeley has consistently been at the forefront of the environmental movement. David Williamson, director of the curbside recycling progra...

Seismographic Monitoring -- Groks Science Show 2005-02-16

17 Feb 2005

Contributed by Lukas

While nothing can undo the devastation caused by the recent tsunami disaster in southeast asia, improvements in global monitoring of seismic activity ...

Astrobiology -- Groks Science Show 2005-02-09

10 Feb 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Recent discoveries from the Mars and Titan landings have rekindled interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial life. On this program, Prof. David ...

Politics of Global Warming -- Groks Science Show 2005-02-02

02 Feb 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Global warming is a scientific issue that is particularly sensitive to the political climate. On this program, Prof. Patrick J. Michaels from the Univ...

Surviving at the Extremes -- Groks Science Show 2005-01-26

26 Jan 2005

Contributed by Lukas

The human body is best suited for survival in a limited range of environments, yet when stretched to its limits can exist in a wide range of extreme s...

Lactoferrin and Applescript -- Groks Science Show 2005-01-19

20 Jan 2005

Contributed by Lukas

Milk does a body good, in more ways than one. On this program, we discussed the benefits of lactoferrin with Dr. Itsumori Harada. In addition, Adam Go...

New Year Fitness -- Groks Science Show 2005-01-12

12 Jan 2005

Contributed by Lukas

New year resolutions will come and go, but with the right motivation they can be fully realized. On this program, former Heavyweight Boxing Champion, ...

The Computing Revolution -- Groks Science Show 2005-01-05

05 Jan 2005

Contributed by Lukas

The personal computing revolution is a relatively recent historical event, but one that is already open to historical interpretation. On this program,...

Science Year in Review -- Groks Science Show 2004-12-29

30 Dec 2004

Contributed by Lukas

The 2004 year in science led to developments ranging from private space flight to cloned cats. On this program, we recapped the year in science with P...

Robotics and Theology -- Groks Science Show 2004-12-22

23 Dec 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Robotics and theology may seem to be incompatible disciplines, but robots may be more a reflection of our humanity than our technological prowess. On ...

Weather Prediction -- Groks Science Show 2004-12-15

16 Dec 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Weather prediction can be notoriously unreliable. But, one publication has been doing it with 80% accuracy since 1792. The Old Farmers Almanac.

Cult of Mac -- Groks Science Show 2004-12-08

09 Dec 2004

Contributed by Lukas

The expressive fervor of cultish beliefs can take many forms, especially when the object of such devotion is the Macintosh computer. On this program, ...

Healthy Chocolate and Blackjack -- Groks Science Show 2004-12-01

02 Dec 2004

Contributed by Lukas

While the holiday season offers many temptations for ruining an otherwise healthy diet, chocolate may be a gulity pleasure with unexpected health bene...

Laser Development -- Groks Science Show 2004-11-24

25 Nov 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Lasers have multiple applications, from simple pointing devices to guiding missiles. On this program, Nobel Laureate Prof. Charles Townes discussed th...

Stress on Campus -- Groks Science Show 2004-11-17

18 Nov 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Campus life is full of stress, which is a normal part of academic life. Coping with these challenges can often lead to depression. On this program, we...

Plate Tectonics -- Groks Science Show 2004-11-10

11 Nov 2004

Contributed by Lukas

The theory of plate tectonics describes many geological phenomenon. However, to accurately predict the interactions at plate boundaries which could re...

Spam Kings -- Groks Science Show 2004-11-03

04 Nov 2004

Contributed by Lukas

The proliferation of spam e-mail peddling everything from home mortgages to male enhancement may cause one to wonder, Who writes this stuff? On this p...

Stem Cell Funding -- Groks Science Show 2004-10-27

27 Oct 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Stem cell research promises to develop cures for a variety of ailments, but the current government restrictions on this research has forced investigat...

Hydrogen Fuel Systems -- Groks Science Show 2004-10-20

21 Oct 2004

Contributed by Lukas

With the growing scarcity of fossil fuels, alternative energy sources are actively being investigated. Currently, hydrogen based fuel systems have bee...

Flu Vaccine -- Groks Science Show 2004-10-13

14 Oct 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Each year over 100 million flu shots are administered, but the recent announcement that this year the supply will be cut in half will complicate matte...

The Nobel Prizes 2004 -- Groks Science Show 2004-10-06

07 Oct 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Special coverage of the 2004 Nobel Prize Awards in Medicine or Physiology, Physics, and Chemistry.

Just a Geek -- Groks Science Show 2004-09-29

30 Sep 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Astronomers are interested in the fate of stars, but what happens to stars of the Holywood variety? On this program, Wil Wheaton talks about blogging,...

Consciousness Theory -- Groks Science Show 2004-09-22

23 Sep 2004

Contributed by Lukas

The neural mechanisms responsible for generating conscious states are slowly being revealed through scientific inquiry. On this program, Prof. Gerald ...

Radio Astronomy -- Groks Science Show 2004-09-15

16 Sep 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Although visible telescope have shed new light on celestial objects, radio astronomy has pushed the boundaries even farther. On this program, Prof. Ja...

Efficient Energy -- Groks Science Show 2004-09-08

09 Sep 2004

Contributed by Lukas

With currently diminishing energy resources, the search for alternative energy sources is of prime importance. But, often lost in the debate is the ro...

Asymmetric Catalysis -- Groks Science Show 2004-09-01

02 Sep 2004

Contributed by Lukas

The asymmetric structure of biologically active molecules has confounded those interested in replicating their structures. However, novel chemical met...

Search Engines -- Groks Science Show 2004-08-25

26 Aug 2004

Contributed by Lukas

The hype surrounding the Google IPO may have overshadowed the vast number of competing search engines. On this program, we talked with Kathy Rittweger...

Internet Travel Tips -- Groks Science Show 2004-08-18

19 Aug 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Traveling in the age of the internet can be perilous, but also profitable if you know your way around. On this program, we uncovered the best internet...

Gamma Ray Bursts -- Groks Science Show 2004-08-11

12 Aug 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Gamma ray bursts occur following massive stellar events, but their presence still remains enigmatic. On this program, we examined the astrophysics beh...