Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast
Episodes
Earthquake Prediction -- Groks Science Show 2004-08-04
05 Aug 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Predicting earthquakes is of prime importance to urban regions situated near fault zones. The science behind these methods was explored with the recen...
Electronic Junk Mail -- Groks Science Show 2004-07-28
29 Jul 2004
Contributed by Lukas
While electronic mail has revolutionized global communication, its ubiquity is not without a cost. Spam. How does one deal with the ever growing amo...
Science Fiction Films -- Groks Science Show 2004-07-21
22 Jul 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Science fiction films provide a unique forum for showcasing our hopes, fears, and dreams. But, to what degree does science matter in science fiction? ...
Big Media and Journalism -- Groks Science Show 2004-07-14
15 Jul 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Legendary journalist, Bill Moyers, joined us to discuss some current issues of big media and journalism.
Emotional Design -- Groks Science Show 2004-07-07
08 Jul 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Technological gadgets promise to ease the burden of every day living, but often prove more trouble than they are worth. On this week's program, we exp...
Egyptology -- Groks Science Show 2004-06-30
01 Jul 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Egypt continues to intrigue archaeologists with its seemingly endless supply of artifacts. Many recent findings are shedding new light on this ancient...
Marijuana Legalization -- Groks Science Show 2004-06-23
24 Jun 2004
Contributed by Lukas
The effort to legalize marijuana remains a major issue in society. The relative merits and disadvantages of such a policy were discussed on this prog...
Robert Oppenheimer -- Groks Science Show 2004-06-16
17 Jun 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Robert Oppenheimer is perhaps best known as the lead scientist on the Manhattan Project to develop the atom bomb. But, the personal aspects of this im...
Riemann Hypothesis -- Groks Science Show 2004-06-09
10 Jun 2004
Contributed by Lukas
The Riemann Hypothesis has been proclaimed as the greatest unsolved problem in mathematics, having remained unsolved for over a century. The person wh...
Creative Commons -- Groks Science Show 2004-05-26
27 May 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Communicating ideas to a mass audience is quickly becoming democratized by the internet. However, transmitting these ideas effectively may determine t...
Bohr and Einstein -- Groks Science Show 2004-05-19
20 May 2004
Contributed by Lukas
During the quantum revolution, the views of the physical universe at the atomic scale were changing rapidly. During this tumultuous time, two physicis...
Electronic Commerce -- Groks Science Show 2004-05-12
13 May 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Electronic commerce is rapidly replacing traditional avenues for retail sales. However, the full potential of this technology has yet to be fully real...
EPA Energy Efficiency -- Groks Science Show 2004-05-05
06 May 2004
Contributed by Lukas
The growing limitation on energy resources does not necessitate an increase in energy production. An increase in efficiency may resolve many of these ...
Genes and Behavior -- Groks Science Show 2004-04-28
29 Apr 2004
Contributed by Lukas
While most would readily accept that the brain controls behavior, few would acknowledge the role that genes play in shaping our actions. On this progr...
Brains and Beauty -- Groks Science Show 2004-04-21
22 Apr 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Although beauty may appear to be an abstract concept, our sense of beauty may have firm biological underpinnings in the normal operations of our visua...
Sociobiology -- Groks Science Show 2004-04-14
15 Apr 2004
Contributed by Lukas
The field of sociobiology attempts to attribute many behaviors to evolutionary causes. But, the justification for these attempts is often tenuous at b...
HIV Evolution -- Groks Science Show 2004-04-07
08 Apr 2004
Contributed by Lukas
HIV is a pernicious blight on modern society, but one that may have an interesting evolutionary history. On this program, we discussed mathematical mo...
Social Networks -- Groks Science Show 2004-03-31
01 Apr 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Social networks have been popularized by the play, Six Degrees of Separation. But, predicting the behavior of these networks in reality proves to be q...
Science Literacy -- Groks Science Show 2004-03-24
25 Mar 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Everyday events are readily explained within a scientific framework, yet science literacy is still quite low. On this program, Curt Suplee discussed ...
Investigating Consciousness -- Groks Science Show 2004-03-17
18 Mar 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Consciousness remains one of the frontiers of modern science; however, innovative methodologies may soon reveal an understanding of how the brain give...
The Hubbert Peak -- Groks Science Show 2004-03-10
11 Mar 2004
Contributed by Lukas
The Hubbert peak defines the point of no return as far as fossil fuels are concerned. Have we reached this point? And, how do we create a sustainable ...
Human-Machine Interface -- Groks Science Show 2004-03-03
04 Mar 2004
Contributed by Lukas
The Macintosh computer recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary, but the history of this computer goes back a little further. On the program, Je...
Cooling Atoms -- Groks Science Show 2004-02-25
26 Feb 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Studying atoms can be quite challenging, due in large part to their rapid velocities. However, novel methods for cooling atoms using lasers have revo...
Data Backup -- Groks Science Show 2004-02-18
19 Feb 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Electronic storage devices have become ubiquitous in daily life and hold most of our essential information. But, few people backup their data until i...
Environmental Policy -- Groks Science Show 2004-02-11
12 Feb 2004
Contributed by Lukas
The problems facing the earth's environment will rely on scientific solutions from numerous disciplines. Integrating these solutions with political re...
Top Technological Innovations -- Groks Science Show 2004-02-04
05 Feb 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Each year, popular science magazine unveils the top 100 technological innovations for the previous year. What items made this list for 2003? A few s...
History of the Brain -- Groks Science Show 2004-01-28
29 Jan 2004
Contributed by Lukas
The role of the brain in controlling behavior is almost taken for granted, but the development of this idea may owe its existence to one seventeenth-c...
Tech Support -- Groks Science Show 2004-01-21
22 Jan 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Technological innovations continue to puzzle and confound even the most savvy technophiles. But, figuring out how to use these modern marvels can ofte...
Mission to Mars -- Groks Science Show 2004-01-14
15 Jan 2004
Contributed by Lukas
The recent landing of the Mars Explorer rover has renewed interest in the red planet. On this program, we talked with Andrew Mishkin, a senior systems...
Bioecology -- Groks Science Show 2004-01-07
08 Jan 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Preserving the environment requires an interdisciplinary approach, especially in terms of maintaining biological diversity. On this program, we explor...
Robotics Competition -- Groks Science Show 2003-12-31
01 Jan 2004
Contributed by Lukas
Robotics is a field that continues to inspire both professional and amateur scientists. Fortunately, robotics competitions provide the perfect venue ...
Alternative Energy -- Groks Science Show 2003-12-24
25 Dec 2003
Contributed by Lukas
As oil resources begin to dwindle, the search for alternative energy sources is already yielding promising results. However, the application of these ...
Mind and Body Health -- Groks Science Show 2003-12-17
18 Dec 2003
Contributed by Lukas
The health of our bodies is often determined by our mental state. The physical relation between these two is now being investigated with modern method...
Dreams -- Groks Science Show 2003-12-10
11 Dec 2003
Contributed by Lukas
We spend roughly a third of our lives sleeping, and much of that time dreaming. But, the scientific nature and meaning of dreams remains elusive, and ...
International Energy Policy -- Groks Science Show 2003-12-03
04 Dec 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Establishing adequate policies for maintaining the environment remains a profound challenge requiring international cooperation. On this program, we e...
Ig-Nobel Prizes 2003 -- Groks Science Show 2003-11-26
27 Nov 2003
Contributed by Lukas
The Ig-Nobel Prizes are awarded every year to research that first makes you laugh, then makes you think. The founder of these unique awards, Dr. Marc ...
Archaeological Misconceptions -- Groks Science Show 2003-11-19
20 Nov 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Archaeological misconceptions are common, and have been promulgated by movies. Actual archaeological expeditions require more intensive work. On thi...
Westinghouse Science Competition -- Groks Science Show 2003-11-12
13 Nov 2003
Contributed by Lukas
The Siemens Westinghouse competition brings high school students together to compete in scientific research projects. The winners receive large schol...
The Biniki -- Groks Science Show 2003-11-05
06 Nov 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Gravitational effects on the human body are especially prevalent on the gluteus maximus. Countering these effects is a unique device called the Binik...
Sexual Evolution of Intelligence -- Groks Science Show 2003-10-29
30 Oct 2003
Contributed by Lukas
How did human intelligence evolve? On this program, Dr. Leonard Shlain discussed how female sexuality may have played a key role in this process.
Technology and War -- Groks Science Show 2003-10-22
23 Oct 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Technology has dramatically altered the methods of modern warfare. Nowhere is this more evident than in the recent engagement in Iraq. On this program...
A New Kind of Science -- Groks Science Show 2003-10-15
16 Oct 2003
Contributed by Lukas
The progress of modern science owes much to the formulation of precise mathematical models of simple natural events. But, how do we accurately describ...
Nobel Prizes 2003 -- Groks Science Show 2003-10-08
09 Oct 2003
Contributed by Lukas
The Nobel Prizes were awarded again this year, and with it some controversies. On this program, we discussed the recent prizes in physics, chemistry, ...
Revolutionary Scientists -- Groks Science Show 2003-09-24
25 Sep 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Scientists often do not receive recognition for their work, and toil in relative obscurity. Nevertheless, their discoveries change the world. This s...
Managing Heartburn -- Groks Science Show 2003-09-17
18 Sep 2003
Contributed by Lukas
For many, heartburn is a constant source of irritation that must be endured daily. However, new treatments are available. We looked at some of these...
Hacking the Xbox -- Groks Science Show 2003-09-10
11 Sep 2003
Contributed by Lukas
The Xbox is a popular gaming console that when reduced to its bare elements is simply a graphics-enabled PC. This show featured a discussion with And...
Pilates -- Groks Science Show 2003-09-03
04 Sep 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Personal fitness is a major concern for many overweight Americans. This show profiled one fitness method called pilates. In addition, California gub...
Private Space Travel -- Groks Science Show 2003-08-27
28 Aug 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Space travel was once the sole domain of large government agencies, but is now becoming available for private citizens. On this program, we discussed...
Film Editing Techniques -- Groks Science Show 2003-08-20
21 Aug 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Film editing has become remarkably easy with the use of computer aided tools. However, the aesthetics of film editing are not so readily automated. ...
Animal Intelligence -- Groks Science Show 2003-08-13
14 Aug 2003
Contributed by Lukas
What is intelligence? Do animals possess some form of it, or are humans unique? On this show, we addressed these questions of animal intelligence with...
Nanotechnology -- Groks Science Show 2003-08-06
07 Aug 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Advances in manipulating materials on the nano-scale is beginning to yield promising results. The current state of the field was discussed on this sho...
Renewable Energy -- Groks Science Show 2003-07-23
24 Jul 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Fossil fuels are a problematic energy source. They are bad for the environment and are non-renewable. Developing the resources and infrastructure for ...
Shakespeare and the Brain -- Groks Science Show 2003-07-16
17 Jul 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Shakespearean insights into the human condition also reflect fundamental operating processes of the human brain. On this show, Prof. Paul Matthews di...
Psychology of Therese Raquin -- Groks Science Show 2003-07-09
10 Jul 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Before Sigmund Freud revealed his insights of human psychology, thrillers such as Therese Raquin were already exploring this issue. On this show, we ...
Genetically-Engineered Soldiers -- Groks Science Show 2003-07-02
03 Jul 2003
Contributed by Lukas
What if the military were designing genetically-engineered animals to serve as soldiers? That's the premise of a new novel by Stephen J. Cannell, bas...
The Life of Richard Feynman -- Groks Science Show 2003-06-25
26 Jun 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Richard Feynman, one of the best known physicists of our time, is known not only for his scientific work, but also for his unique personality. This sh...
Proof -- Groks Science Show 2003-06-18
19 Jun 2003
Contributed by Lukas
In the rarified circles of mathematical research, understanding theorems often precedes cultivating human relations. On this program, actors from Pro...
Hubble Telescope -- Groks Science Show 2003-06-11
12 Jun 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Astronomers are continuing to examine the early universe by exploring results from the Hubble telescope and other surveys. Time magazine science write...
Special Effects in the Matrix -- Groks Science Show 2003-06-04
05 Jun 2003
Contributed by Lukas
The Matrix movies are well known for their innovative special effects. On this program, Dr. Paul Debevec discussed many of the special effects that he...
Moral Awareness -- Groks Science Show 2003-05-28
29 May 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Our moral sense is such an integral part of our being that often we may be unaware of how we come by our beliefs. Indeed, the complex interplay of na...
Sputnik -- Groks Science Show 2003-05-21
22 May 2003
Contributed by Lukas
The launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union was an event that profoundly changed the course of history. In the United States, it spurred the rapid deve...
String Field Theory -- Groks Science Show 2003-05-14
15 May 2003
Contributed by Lukas
A major goal in physics is constructing a theory that unifies the four fundamental forces. The leading contender in this debate is String Field Theory...
Robotics -- Groks Science Show 2003-05-07
08 May 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Robotics is a field that has revolutionized our modern society. The next-generation of robots will perform duties that were once thought impossible. ...
The Turk Chess Machine -- Groks Science Show 2003-04-30
01 May 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Deep Blue may currently be the most famous chess-playing machine, but it was certainly not the first. In fact, the development of chess-playing autom...
Science Beyond the Headlines -- Groks Science Show 2003-04-23
24 Apr 2003
Contributed by Lukas
The popular coverage of science in the media is often limited to the superficial descriptions of flashy discoveries, leaving in depth examination of c...
Art and the Brain -- Groks Science Show 2003-04-16
17 Apr 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Can art exist without human observers? Or, is art wholly an expression of the unique capacities of the human brain? On this program, Prof. Semir Zeki ...
Srinivasa Ramunujan -- Groks Science Show 2003-04-09
10 Apr 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Srinivasa Ramunujan was one of the most brilliant, self-taught mathematicians of his time. The story of his life and relationship with Cambridge Prof...
Closer to Truth -- Groks Science Show 2003-04-02
03 Apr 2003
Contributed by Lukas
What are the big questions remaining in science? How much closer are we to the answers? On this program, Dr. Robert Lawrence Kuhn discussed these is...
The Iraq War -- Groks Science Show 2003-03-26
27 Mar 2003
Contributed by Lukas
The war in Iraq has begun, and the technological issues of executing a war in the twenty-first century have already become apparent. On this program,...
Computers and Society -- Groks Science Show 2003-03-19
20 Mar 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Although computing technology is an integral part of our daily lives, it has yet to reach its full potential. Integrating these information systems o...
Synaptic Self -- Groks Science Show 2003-03-12
13 Mar 2003
Contributed by Lukas
The complex interplay among our genes and our environment is presumed to influence the uniqueness of our behavior. The biological crux of this intera...
Carbohydrates -- Groks Science Show 2003-03-05
06 Mar 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Carbohydrates are ubiquitous and multivariate molecules found throughout our bodies. Their roles extend beyond simply providing energy. This program...
Cosmic Microwave Background Explorer -- Groks Science Show 2003-02-26
27 Feb 2003
Contributed by Lukas
The Cosmic Microwave Background Explorer detects remnant signals from the earliest times in the history of the universe. This show featured a discuss...
Rules for Revolutionaries -- Groks Science Show 2003-02-19
20 Feb 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Technological revolutions fuel economic growth and improve the quality of life for everyone. Often, the revolutionaries who envision these innovation...
Chemical and Engineering News -- Groks Science Show 2003-02-12
13 Feb 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Chemistry has applications in many diverse fields from astronomy to zoology. With new applications emerging, it is the job of Chemical and Engineerin...
Biomaterials -- Groks Science Show 2003-02-05
06 Feb 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Designing synthetic materials to replace for biological tissue will revolutionize medicine. Progress is currently being made in many areas. On this ...
Distributed Capitalism -- Groks Science Show 2003-01-29
30 Jan 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Managerial capitalism is the prevalent system in business for organizing large industries for mass production of goods. However, the failings of this...
The New BART -- Groks Science Show 2003-01-22
23 Jan 2003
Contributed by Lukas
The new BART lines are nearing completion, allowing expanded service to new locations. The show featured a discussion with Mitch Stogner regarding th...
Science Policy -- Groks Science Show 2003-01-15
16 Jan 2003
Contributed by Lukas
The operation of the scientific enterprise relies on complex interactions between scientific institution, the government, and the public. In this mil...
Space Exploration -- Groks Science Show 2003-01-08
09 Jan 2003
Contributed by Lukas
Space may indeed be the final frontier, but our ability to physically explore it has been limited. Still, new technology may change this state of aff...
Deep Blue -- Groks Science Show 2002-12-18
19 Dec 2002
Contributed by Lukas
Deep Blue is the legendary computer that defeated World Chess Champion, Gary Kasparov. However, this victory was not without controversy. In this sh...
Science Education -- Groks Science Show 2002-12-11
12 Dec 2002
Contributed by Lukas
The Exploravision project encourages children to be interested in science by offering a unique competition designed to promote creative thinking. On ...
Environmental Science -- Groks Science Show 2002-12-04
05 Dec 2002
Contributed by Lukas
Maintaining the earth environment is a critical scientific and political issue. On this program, Prof. Michael Hoffman from Caltech discussesd curren...
Alarms and Excursions -- Groks Science Show 2002-11-20
21 Nov 2002
Contributed by Lukas
Has technology improved our lives or just made it more complicated? That is the question posed in the new play, Alarms and Excursion. This episode f...
Halting the Hackers -- Groks Science Show 2002-11-13
14 Nov 2002
Contributed by Lukas
Computer hackers compromise the security of information stored on computers. This show featured a discussion with Donald Pipkin of methods to prevent...
Environmental Policy -- Groks Science Show 2002-11-06
07 Nov 2002
Contributed by Lukas
The adverse changes to the global climate will require widespread measures to halt. However, legislating these changes is perhaps even more challengi...
The Blank Slate -- Groks Science Show 2002-10-30
31 Oct 2002
Contributed by Lukas
The debate of nature versus nurture in understanding behavior is ongoing. The blank slate is the idea that humans are not born with innate behaviors....
A Beautiful Mind -- Groks Science Show 2002-05-01
02 May 2002
Contributed by Lukas
The life and times of mathematician John F. Nash Jr. have garnered a great deal of attention since the release of the popular movie, A Beautiful Mind,...