Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

Sand Resources -— Groks Science Show 2018-08–15

15 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sand is the most consumed natural resources on earth, incorporated in building materials throughout the world. But, are we endanger of depleting this...

Lion Heart -— Groks Science Show 2018-08–08

08 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The modern world can be daunting to all creatures, especially the wild cats of America. On this episode, Will Solzenburg discussed his new book, Hear...

Fish Knowledge -— Groks Science Show 2018-08–01

01 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

What is the inner life of a fish? Is it possible to know what a fish knows? On this episode, Dr. Jonathan Balcombe discussed what a fish knows.

Quantum Metal -— Groks Science Show 2018-07–25

25 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

How can Heavy Metal music help us understand the Heisenberg uncertainty principle? On this episode, Dr. Philip Moriarty discussed heavy metal music a...

Cybersecurity -— Groks Science Show 2018-07–18

18 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

New encryption methods and blockchain technology may assist with cybersecurity. On this episode, Larry Castro discussed advances in cybersecurity.

Hormone History -— Groks Science Show 2018-07–11

11 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Hormones control just about everything in our bodies, but the scientific study of hormones has a long and sordid history. On this episode, Dr. Randi ...

Gombe Ghosts -— Groks Science Show 2018-07–04

04 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The famous discoveries made by the investigators at the Jane Goodall campsite in Gombe were perhaps made possible by Ruth Davis. Who was she and what...

Visual Search -— Groks Science Show 2018-06–27

27 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Can you search what you see? Hardware and software improvements are enabling a new way for us to see the world. On this program, Kavita Bala joins us ...

Arctic Mystery -— Groks Science Show 2018-06–20

20 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Technology often comes into conflict with nature. How has technology changed how we interact with the world? On this episode, Lawrence Millman discus...

Quench -— Groks Science Show 2018-06–13

13 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Optimal hydration is important for our bodies to function properly, but are there sources of water that are more hydrating than others. On this episo...

Jaws -— Groks Science Show 2018-06–06

06 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Can poor jaw development lead to disorders like sleep disturbances? On this episode, Dr. Paul Erlich discussed the hidden epidemic of poor jaw develo...

Heredity -— Groks Science Show 2018-05–30

30 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Heredity is often taught as a straightforward biological concept involving one gene and one trait, but all of the factors involved in heredity are mor...

Anger Management -— Groks Science Show 2018-05–23

23 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Anger may be one of the most difficult emotions to manage, but how can we manage healthy and destructive anger? On this episode, Bernard Golden discu...

Think Tank -— Groks Science Show 2018-05–16

16 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Uncovering the mysteries of the brain is an ongoing endeavor. So, what do we really know about the brain? On this episode, Dr. David Linden discussed...

Dinosaur History -— Groks Science Show 2018-05–09

09 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dinosaurs have long captivated the public imagination, but how much do we really know about their history? On this episode, Dr. Steve Brusatte discus...

Brain Sports -— Groks Science Show 2018-05–02

02 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sports are a big part of popular culture, but how can neuroscience improve how professional sports are played? On this episode, Zach Schonbrun discus...

Efficiency Paradox -- Groks Science Show 2018-04–25

25 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Efficiency may be a hallmark of effective organizations, but is the quest for efficiency beneficial in the long run? On this episode, Dr. Edward Tenne...

Swearing -- Groks Science Show 2018-04–18

18 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Swearing as an integral part of our language, but what can science tell us about why we swear? On this episode, Benjamin Bergen discussed the science...

Troublemakers -- Groks Science Show 2018-04–11

11 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Consensus is often proposed as the most important thing to achieve in a group interaction, but is there benefit in dissent? On this episode, Prof. Ch...

Preschool Clues -- Groks Science Show 2018-04–04

04 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Raising kids in a screen-filled world can be especially daunting, but can screen time actually be beneficial? On this episode, Angela Santomero discu...

Southern Storm -- Groks Science Show 2018-03–28

28 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The tragedy of flight 242 remains a potent reminder in the history of aviation. What lessons were learned and how did the people recover? On this ep...

Quantum Reality -- Groks Science Show 2018-03–21

21 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Quantum mechanics may be a powerful theory that enables everyday life, but what does it tell us about the nature of reality? On this episode, Dr. Ada...

Tech Billions -- Groks Science Show 2018-03–14

14 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The tech industry, while enormously successful, has seen many of its jobs move away from the United States. On this episode, Hilarie Gamm discussed t...

Resilience -- Groks Science Show 2018-03–07

07 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Resilience is a term that is often referred to when discussing highly effective individuals. But, how do we build resilience in kids? On this episod...

Elephant Brain -- Groks Science Show 2018-02–28

28 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

What are the hidden motives behind our actions? Why do our brains make up stories about our actions to keep us unaware of our real motives? On this ...

Annihilation -- Groks Science Show 2018-02–21

21 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Annihilation, the new film by Alex Garland, explores the self-destructive capacity of humans in a unique alien landscape. On this episode, Dr. Adam R...

Spring Migration -- Groks Science Show 2018-02–14

14 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The epic migration of songbirds heralds the dawning of spring. But, what does their migration tell us about nature? On this episode, Bruce Beehler d...

Phone Breakup -- Groks Science Show 2018-02–07

07 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Modern phones have gone from being a tool to a temptation. But, how do we break the cycle of addiction to our phones? On this episode, Catherine Pri...

Triple Moon -- Groks Science Show 2018-01–31

31 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A rare eclipse of a blue, super-moon will occur in North America on January 31. What is this rare triple event? On this episode, Dr. Andrew Fraknoi d...

Proof of God -- Groks Science Show 2018-01–24

24 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Is there a god? And, can science provide any insight into this most pressing philosophical question? On this episode, Dr. Bernard Haisch discussed a...

Economist Diet -- Groks Science Show 2018-01–10

10 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Although weight loss may be a challenging problem, economic theory may be able to provide a solution. On this episode, Rob Barnett discussed the econ...

Puerto Rico Recovery -- Groks Science Show 2018-01–03

03 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Months after Hurricane Maria the Puerto Rico, the island faces food, water, and electricity shortages. On this episode, Ingrid Montes discusses the r...

Homo Nouveau -- Groks Science Show 2017-12–20

20 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

What will be the next step in human evolution? Will genetic engineering and artificial intelligence be the driving force? On this episode, Dr. Don S...

Memory Rescue -- Groks Science Show 2017-12–13

13 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Although our bodies will inevitably age, how our brains age is another matter. On this issue, Dr. Daniel Amen discussed memory rescue.

Enrico Fermi -- Groks Science Show 2017-12–06

06 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Who was the last man to know everything? Enrico Fermi may well be that person. On this episode, David Schwartz discussed the life and times of Enrico ...

Anesthesiology -- Groks Science Show 2017-11–29

29 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The field of anesthesiology is opaque to many, even including some of the practitioners. On this episode, Dr. Henry Jay Przybylo discussed the field ...

Clever Gut -- Groks Science Show 2017-11–22

22 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Often termed the second brain, the gut houses the microbiome, which influences many aspects of our health. On this episode, Dr. Michael Mosley discus...

Glass Universe -- Groks Science Show 2017-11–15

15 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Our understanding of the universe would be far poorer were it not for the women of the Harvard Observatory. On this episode, Dava Sobel discussed the...

Venom -- Groks Science Show 2017-11–08

08 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Venom is found throughout nature and the animals that use them serve important ecological roles. On this episode, Ronald Jenner discussed the science...

PLATO System -- Groks Science Show 2017-11–01

01 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The PLATO system was a networked computer system that may have spurred the advent of the social networking. On this episode, Brian Dear discussed the ...

Anthrozoology -- Groks Science Show 2017-10-25

25 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The human need to have pets continues, despite their declining utilitarian value. On this episode, John Bradshaw discussed the animals among us.

Glyphosate -- Groks Science Show 2017-10-18

18 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Round-Up, has proven to be toxic to humans, yet it continues to be marketed. On this episode, Carey Gillam discu...

The Anthropocene -- Groks Science Show 2017-10-11

11 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Humans are now the dominant driver of our planet's change. Scientists call this the anthropocene. On this program, John Kress talks about what it mean...

Quantum Labyrinth -- Groks Science Show 2017-10-04

04 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Modern physics would likely not be the same without the work of Richard Feynman and John Wheeler. On this episode, Prof. Paul Halpern discussed their...

Alzheimers Solution -- Groks Science Show 2017-09-27

27 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Alzheimers disease has become a major issue among the elderly, but how much of the progression of the disease is preventable through lifestyle choices...

Gut Microbes -- Groks Science Show 2017-09-20

20 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The gut is filled with a whole host of microbes that are essential for good health. On this episode, Dr. Marie Claire-Arietta discussed the gut micro...

Private Spaceflight -- Groks Science Show 2017-09-13

13 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Private spaceflight is quickly becoming a reality, but how did the birth of this industry begin? On this episode, Julian Guthrie discussed how to bui...

Dog Cognition -- Groks Science Show 2017-09-07

06 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

What is it like to be a dog? Modern neuroscience may allow us to peer beyond the veil of how a dog perceives the world. On this episode, Dr. Gregory...

Quakeland -- Groks Science Show 2017-08-30

30 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Earthquake threats are not just limited to the pacific rim and have become more frequent due to human-induced seismic changes. On this episode, Kathr...

Clean Economy -- Groks Science Show 2017-08-16

16 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Although the invisible hand of economics may seem to be agnostic to the nature of industries supported, a change in the direction of capital may enabl...

Solar Eclipse -- Groks Science Show 2017-08-02

02 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The next solar eclipse in America will occur on August 21, 2017. What is the best way to prepare to observe it? On this episode, Dr. Andrew Fraknoi ...

Aging Code -- Groks Science Show 2017-07-26

26 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Why do our bodies age? Is it due to natural wear and tear or are our bodies programmed to age on a schedule? On this episode, Dr. Josh Mitteldorf di...

Artificial Eves -- Groks Science Show 2017-07-12

12 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The creation of artificial female robots traces back to the Pygmalion myth. On this episode, Prof. Julie Wosk discussed the history of female robots.

Cardiovascular Disease -- Groks Science Show 2017-06-21

21 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Although diet and exercise are important factors in heart disease, genetics may play a bigger role. On this program, Dr. Jay N. Cohn discussed early ...

Solar System Vacation -- Groks Science Show 2017-06-07

07 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The solar system is full of many wondrous sights, perfect for any vacation and you can already start planning you next trip. On this episode, Jana Gr...

Not Always Happy -- Groks Science Show 2017-05-31

31 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Every parenting journey may be unique, but some may be unusual. On this episode, Kari Wagner-Peck discussed raising a child with Down's Syndrome.

Bullying -- Groks Science Show 2017-05-17

17 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Bullying has become a national issue, even more so with advances in technology. On this episode, Clete Bulach discussed dealing with bullying.

Canadaland -- Groks Science Show 2017-05-03

03 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Oh, Canada! But, what do we know about our mysterious neighbor to the north? On this episode, Jesse Brown discussed the Canadaland Guide to Canada.

Robot Management -- Groks Science Show 2017-04-26

26 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Can robotics completely dominate the workforce? Are any jobs immune from automation and artificial intelligence? On this episode, Don Mazella discus...

The Hardware Hacker -- Groks Science Show 2017-04-12

12 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to make great hardware? On this episode, Bunnie Huang discusses hardware hacking, the open source movement, and STEAM education.

The Cell -- Groks Science Show 2017-03-29

29 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Cells are the fundamental building blocks of organisms, but what actually is a cell? On this episode, Josh Rappoport discussed the biology of the cel...

Exoplanets -- Groks Science Show 2017-03-22

22 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Discoveries of planets around other stars have now become commonplace. But, the composition of these planets is anything but ordinary. On this episo...

Fourth Phase of Water 2 -- Groks Science Show 2017-03-08

08 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Second part of our discussion on the phases of water with Gerald Pollack. On this program, he joins us for the Groktron 5000.

Fourth Phase of Water 1 -- Groks Science Show 2017-03-01

01 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Does water only have three phases? It turns out the answer is a little more complicated. On this program, Gerald Pollack discusses an intermediary pha...

Citizen Science -- Groks Science Show 2017-02-22

22 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ordinary citizens are now contributing in extraordinary ways to the scientific enterprise. On this episode, Caren Cooper discussed citizen science.

Food Fight -- Groks Science Show 2017-02-08

08 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The fight over GMO foods is more complicated than just the question of their safety. On this issue, McKay Jenkins discussed the fight over GMO foods.

How to Clone a Mammoth -- Groks Science Show 2017-01-18

18 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Beth Shapiro discussed some elements of her book, How to Clone a Mammoth: The Science of De-Extinction.

Beyond Earth -- Groks Science Show 2017-01-04

04 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

There is much excitement about the future of humans in space. On this episode we are joined by the authors of Beyond Earth, Amanda Hendrix and Charles...

AGU 2016 -- Groks Science Show 2016-12-14

14 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss topics from the American Geophysical Union meeting. Topics include coal power, carbon sequestration, and Mekong River Delta monitoring.

Meathooked -- Groks Science Show 2016-12-07

07 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Marta Zaraska discussed the biological, cultural and historical reasons behind our obsession with meat.

Fake Silk -- Groks Science Show 2016-11-30

30 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Viscose rayon has been manufactured for over a century, but it continues to be a major health hazard to those involved in its production. On this epi...

Wearable Tech -- Groks Science Show 2016-11-23

23 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Wearable technology has changed the way we interact with our mobile devices. On this episode, Nile Nickel reviewed the new Apple watch.

Lawrence of India -- Groks Science Show 2016-11-09

09 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A cure was beyond reach. On this program, Larry Brilliant discusses how his quest to find himself lead to the disappearance of smallpox.

Venomous -- Groks Science Show 2016-11-02

02 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

There are many species on our planet which use venom for a diversity of survival situations. These creatures have fascinated scientists and amateurs a...

Lost Giants -- Groks Science Show 2016-10-26

26 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

The dinosaurs that roamed South America have generally not been well studied. On this episode, Donald Prothero discussed these Giants of the Lost Worl...

The Core -- Groks Science Show 2016-10-12

12 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

What do ice core bubbles tell us about the past earth? On this program, Takuro Kobashi joins us to discuss the last 4000 years.

Neurotribes -- Groks Science Show 2016-10-05

05 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we interview Steve Silberman about his book Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity.

Calling the Shots -- Groks Science Show 2016-09-28

28 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Although vaccinations have cured several diseases, many parents are now choosing not to have their children vaccinated. On this episode, Jennifer Rei...

2016 Ig Nobel Prizes -- Groks Science Show 2016-09-21

21 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ittai Eres and Unjin Lee discuss this years Ig Nobel prizes, and review some of the most interesting award recipients from the past.

2016 Geotech Review -- Groks Science Show 2016-09-14

14 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

What is shaking in California? Our resident geotech join us to talk about the leaning tower of San Francisco, the California High Speed Rail, Techron ...

Seven Skeletons -- Groks Science Show 2016-09-07

07 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we interview Lydia Pyne about her new book Seven Skeletons The Evolution of the Worlds Most Famous Fossils. It is an exploration of t...

Ethics of Invention -- Groks Science Show 2016-08-31

31 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Although technology is often accepted unquestioningly, the potential for unethical use of technologies is always present. On this episode, Prof. Shei...

Medical Mishaps -- Groks Science Show 2016-08-24

24 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Medical mishaps are becoming more common, but what can be done to prevent them? On this episode, RJ Austin discussed dealing with medical mistakes.

Restless Creatures -- Groks Science Show 2016-08-17

17 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Matt Wilkinson discussed his book, Restless Creatures, an exploration of the diversity life though the lens of locomotion.

Secret of Our Success -- Groks Science Show 2016-08-03

03 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Joseph Henrich discussed his book, The Secret of Our Success, How Culture Is Driving Human Evolution, Domesticating Our Species, and Making Us Smarter...

Nordic Everything Theory -- Groks Science Show 2016-07-27

27 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

How can Nordic society inform the construction of our own society in the United States? On this episode, Anu Partanen discussed the Nordic Theory of ...

Island of Knowledge -- Groks Science Show 2016-07-20

20 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this interview with Marcelo Gleiser we talk about his 2014 book, The Island of Knowledge and then hear a little about his new book, The Simple Beau...

Immunosocial Behavior -- Groks Science Show 2016-07-13

13 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Is your inclination to socialize guided to your allergies? On this program, Anthony Filiano discusses how interferon, an immune molecule, is needed to...

Science News -- Groks Science Show 2016-07-06

06 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Unjin and Ron discuss the second event detected by LIGO, gene changes in a cadaver, Space X and what Brexit means for Horizon 2020.

Zika Olympics -- Groks Science Show 2016-06-29

29 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

The Zika virus has become an epidemic in Brazil, so much so that it has caused many to question holding the Olympic games there. On this episode, Dr....

Camera Traps -- Groks Science Show 2016-06-22

22 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Camera traps have enabled a fascinating view of animals in their native habitat. On this episode, Roland Kays discussed the creatures observed by cam...

Science News-- Groks Science Show 2016-06-15

15 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Topics include gravitational waves, a potential pollution solution, resilience of coral in the Great Barrier Reef, and chiral molecules in space.

American Future-- Groks Science Show 2016-06-08

08 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

America is already great, but does the country have a strategy? On this episode, Joel Makower discussed the path to a brighter future in his new book...

Weird Life -- Groks Science Show 2016-05-25

25 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

From extremophillic bacteria to the Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intellegence, there is a long history of fascination with weird life. On this episode,...

Art of Risk -- Groks Science Show 2016-05-18

18 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Is risk taking a natural behavior? What are the biological underpinnings of risk behavior? On this episode, Kayt Sukel discussed the art of risk.

Commanding Attraction -- Groks Science Show 2016-05-11

11 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In our fast paced world of modern dating, what does it take to succeed? On this episode, Tanya Vacharkulksemsuk discussed how open postures improves t...

Serengeti Rules -- Groks Science Show 2016-05-04

04 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

All living things are regulated from the molecules in our bloodstream to the populations of animals on the African Savanna. On this episode, Sean Carr...

Epigenetic Trauma -- Groks Science Show 2016-04-27

27 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

How can traumatic events be passed down to subsequent generations? On this episode, Mark Wolynn discussed identifying and treating generational traum...

Curious -- Groks Science Show 2016-04-20

20 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

are all born curious and a healthy sense of curiosity can benefit a person in many ways. On this episode, Ian Leslie tells discussed the benefits of t...

Biota and Zika -- Groks Science Show 2016-04-13

13 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

The evolution of microbial communities and viruses have broad implications on human health and how animals and plants change. On this episode, Michael...