Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast
Episodes
Extreme Life of the Sea -- Groks Science Show 2014-04-16
16 Apr 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Stephen Palumbi talks about his book, The Extreme Life of the Sea, on the fastest, oldest, and smallest creatures that live in the coldest, hottes...
One Percent Inspiration -- Groks Science Show 2014-04-09
09 Apr 2014
Contributed by Lukas
The barriers to inventing and tinkering keep falling as computers become more powerful and 3D printing becomes ubiquitous. On this episode, Tracy McSh...
Mind Reading-- Groks Science Show 2014-04-02
02 Apr 2014
Contributed by Lukas
We constantly making inferences about the thoughts and beliefs of others but how often do we get it right? On this episode, Dr. Nicholas Epley, profes...
Mindless -- Groks Science Show 2014-03-26
26 Mar 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Computer business systems have been designed to streamline and increase productivity in various organizations. But, have these systems been implemente...
Sea Change -- Groks Science Show 2014-03-19
19 Mar 2014
Contributed by Lukas
The ocean is changing rapidly. Sophie McCoy explains her research on how these changes are affecting the marine ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest.
Investigating Happy Minds -- Groks Science Show 2014-03-12
12 Mar 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Most people would agree that a biological understanding of mental illness is an important effort. On this episode, Dr. Richard Davidson discussed posi...
Making Labs Happy -- Groks Science Show 2014-03-05
05 Mar 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Why do lab supplies cost so much? Is there a way to make science more efficient? On this episode, Tom Ruginis discussed improving the happiness of sci...
Wizard of Menlo Park -- Groks Science Show 2014-02-26
26 Feb 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Thomas Edison is widely regarded as one of the greatest inventors. His influences on industry and technology remain with us today. On this episode, Le...
Planet of the Apes -- Groks Science Show 2014-02-19
19 Feb 2014
Contributed by Lukas
What can our closest living relatives, great apes like the chimpanzee and bonobo, teach us about ourselves? On this episode, Dale Peterson joins us to...
Neutrino Hunters -- Groks Science Show 2014-02-12
12 Feb 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Trillions of subatomic particles called neutrinos are zipping through our bodies every second of every day. On this episode, Dr. Ray Jayawardhana disc...
Seahorses and Jellyfish -- Groks Science Show 2014-02-05
05 Feb 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Brad Gemmell gives us a glimpse into the secret predatory lives of seahorses, and describes how we are getting ideas from the anatomy of the jelly...
Monkey Voyage -- Groks Science Show 2014-01-29
29 Jan 2014
Contributed by Lukas
How do the species of the world wind up in their geographical locations? On this episode, Prof. Alan De Queiroz discusses ocean crossings and speciati...
Mathematical Universe -- Groks Science Show 2014-01-22
22 Jan 2014
Contributed by Lukas
What is the nature of reality? And, how can math provide the answers? On this program, Prof. Max Tegmark discussed the ultimate nature of reality.
Evolution of the Eye -- Groks Science Show 2014-01-15
15 Jan 2014
Contributed by Lukas
The wide array of eye designs in the animal kingdom reflects the critical role that sight plays in the well-being of an animal. On this episode, Dr. I...
Chasing Shackleton -- Groks Science Show 2014-01-08
08 Jan 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Sir Ernest Shackleton and his journey to Antartica is best known for the heroic and epic tale of survival that ensued following the initial disasters ...
BRAIN Initiative -- Groks Science Show 2014-01-01
01 Jan 2014
Contributed by Lukas
What is the BRAIN initiative? On this episode, neuroscientist Partha Mitra, offers background and insight.
10K Year Feast -- Groks Science Show 2013-12-25
25 Dec 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Are current trends in food production and consumption sustainable? On this episode, Junko Habu discusses findings from the Jomon civilization and its ...
The Gap -- Groks Science Show 2013-12-11
11 Dec 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Humans seem very distinct from other animals, but what is it about the human mind that truly defines as uniquely human? On this episode, Prof. Thomas ...
Paneled Mind -- Groks Science Show 2013-12-04
04 Dec 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Dwayne Godwin contributes regularly to Scientific American in the form of neuroscience comics. On this episode, he discusses his creative process ...
Countdown -- Groks Science Show 2013-11-27
27 Nov 2013
Contributed by Lukas
The population of the world continues to grow, but can the earth sustain it? On this program, Alan Weisman discussed sustainable population growth.
Discovering Bird Species -- Groks Science Show 2013-11-20
20 Nov 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Evolution has created a wide range of bird species, many of which have not been characterized. On this episode, Ben Winger discusses his research on ...
Everything Pill -- Groks Science Show 2013-11-13
13 Nov 2013
Contributed by Lukas
The range of mental conditions is part of daily life, but at what point do downturns become pathological? On this program, Dr. Steven Walker discussed...
Space Robots -- Groks Science Show 2013-11-06
06 Nov 2013
Contributed by Lukas
We have learned a great deal about the surface of Mars, the moons of Saturn, and the origins of our universe. On this episode, Chris Impey discussed u...
Kivalina Climate Change -- Groks Science Show 2013-10-30
30 Oct 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Climate change often seems massive, yet remote. However, the impacts are being felt around the globe. On this program, Elizabeth Gaylynn Baker discuss...
Love and Math -- Groks Science Show 2013-10-23
23 Oct 2013
Contributed by Lukas
The subject of mathematics often seems dry and removed from reality. On this episode, Prof. Edward Frenkel discussed the hidden reality of math and th...
Brain Plasticity -- Groks Science Show 2013-10-16
16 Oct 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Brain plasticity happens not only early in life but also in adulthood, as well as in response to traumatic brain injury. On this episode, Dr. Michael ...
Science of Oakland -- Groks Science Show 2013-10-09
09 Oct 2013
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when old friends meet again? Wildness ensues. On this episode, our man on the street Vikram Kulkarni, joins us to talk about the science ...
Relaxation through Neurogenesis -- Groks Science Show 2013-10-02
02 Oct 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Anxiety disorders are a part of life for people around the world, but there has been a revolution in our understanding of these disorders. Dr. Mazen ...
Rational Animal -- Groks Science Show 2013-09-25
25 Sep 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Human behavior is often viewed as being eminently rational. However, modern psychology has shown that behavior is often guided more by evolutionary co...
Universe Verse -- Groks Science Show 2013-09-11
11 Sep 2013
Contributed by Lukas
As the internet expands, the barriers to spreading scientific knowledge falls. Yet, there is never enough science education. On this program, James Du...
Self-Driving Cars -- Groks Science Show 2013-09-04
04 Sep 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Several car companies promising to release nearly self driving cars in the next decade. On this episode, Dr. Steve Underwood discusses self driving ca...
Fracking -- Groks Science Show 2013-08-28
28 Aug 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has been lauded as the solution to the peak oil problem, and will provide hundreds of years of cheap energy. But, t...
Octopus Garden -- Groks Science Show 2013-08-21
21 Aug 2013
Contributed by Lukas
You might think that sharks are the strangest animals in the ocean. In fact, they have so many peculiarities that they seem almost alien! On this epis...
Theory of Almost Everything -- Groks Science Show 2013-08-14
14 Aug 2013
Contributed by Lukas
The Standard Model aims to explain phenomena of the very small and the very large. Yet, not quite everything in the universe can be explained by it. O...
Better Open -- Groks Science Show 2013-08-07
07 Aug 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Most scientific articles are not published in open access journals. On this program, Dr. Patrick Brown and Dr. Michael Eisen discussed the state of th...
Critical Thinking -- Groks Science Show 2013-07-31
31 Jul 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Although critical thinking is essential for effective communication and problem solving, the techniques for critical thinking are often not employed e...
Sudden Wealth Syndrome -- Groks Science Show 2013-07-24
24 Jul 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Sudden wealth can be a blessing and a curse, especially if the wealth is mismanaged. On this episode, Mr. Irvin Schorsch discussed dealing with sudden...
Fossil Lake -- Groks Science Show 2013-07-17
17 Jul 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Fossil Lake is a fascinating place in terms of the insight it gives us into communities of long extinct animals. On this episode, Dr. Lance Grande dis...
Zap Em -- Groks Science Show 2013-07-10
10 Jul 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Exposure to radiation gave us Spiderman and the Incredible Hulk but what really happens when people are exposed to it? On this program, Dr. Charles Li...
Age of Ivory -- Groks Science Show 2013-07-03
03 Jul 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Less than a half a million African elephants live in the wild and more than 25,000 of those are poached every year. On this episode, Dr. Kevin Uno dis...
Doing It -- Groks Science Show 2013-06-26
26 Jun 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Although sex is an integral part of human existence, there is still that most of us are in the dark about. On this program, Dr. Robert Martin discusse...
Helping Oysters -- Groks Science Show 2013-06-19
19 Jun 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Oysters face an ocean of difficulty but offer us a world of good. Dr. George Waldbusser joins us to discuss oysters and his work concerning the effect...
Sink Mystery -- Groks Science Show 2013-06-12
12 Jun 2013
Contributed by Lukas
They surround us. They live in us. They are bacteria. Some cause diseases, others produce cheese. On this program, Jeffrey McLean discusses the genom...
Return to Sender -- Groks Science Show 2013-06-05
05 Jun 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Ken Weiss has some of the most controversial samples in all of anthropology. Dr. Weiss joined us to discuss the controversy surrounding these samples ...
Terminated -- Groks Science Show 2013-05-29
29 May 2013
Contributed by Lukas
The rapid increases in the processing power of computers is heralding a brave new world where jobs will be completely automated. On this program, Kevi...
Universe Ticket -- Groks Science Show 2013-05-22
22 May 2013
Contributed by Lukas
The universe is a very large place and it often helps to have a guide. On this episode, Megan Watzke discussed a guide to the cosmos.
Changing Dinosaurs -- Groks Science Show 2013-05-15
15 May 2013
Contributed by Lukas
The dinosaurs of our childhood have changed so much over the years. On this episode, science writer Brian Switek discussed his new book, My Beloved B...
Canary in Coal Mine -- Groks Science Show 2013-05-08
08 May 2013
Contributed by Lukas
The natural disasters that small islands face are regarded as the canary in a coal mine on the issue of global climate change. On this program, John H...
Science of Longevity -- Groks Science Show 2013-05-01
01 May 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Who doesn't want to live a longer, healthier life? What can a laboratory worm, the nematode, teach us about longevity? On this episode, Professor Ted ...
Alimentary Adventures -- Groks Science Show 2013-04-24
24 Apr 2013
Contributed by Lukas
The alimentary canal is a structure that most would rather not explore to deeply, metaphorically or literally. Yet, on this program, Mary Roach discus...
Paleofantasy -- Groks Science Show 2013-04-17
17 Apr 2013
Contributed by Lukas
We are constantly compelled to fit what we know, or think we know, about the past into some kind of narrative, which are sometimes wrong. On this epis...
Social Network -- Groks Science Show 2013-04-10
10 Apr 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Are social networks a good way to mobilize masses of people from around the globe for a common cause? On this program, Alex Rutherford talks about loc...
Euclidean Space -- Groks Science Show 2013-04-03
03 Apr 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Euclidean geometry seems fundamental to the way the world operates, so much so that we often take for granted its basic tenets. On this program, Dr. D...
Frankenstein Cat -- Groks Science Show 2013-03-27
27 Mar 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Bioengineering is changing the way we think about the nature of biology. What do the advances in biotechnology mean for the future? On this program, E...
Weather Maths -- Groks Science Show 2013-03-20
20 Mar 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Humans have wanted to know the weather tomorrow for as long as there have been todays. On this program, Dr. Ian Roulstone discussed Invisible in the S...
Sleep Diet -- Groks Science Show 2013-03-13
13 Mar 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Americans eat too much. They drink too much. They just about do everything in excess, except sleep. On this program, Prof. Kenneth Wright discussed ho...
Cosmos Within Us -- Groks Science Show 2013-03-06
06 Mar 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Where did the atoms in our bodies come from? How did Jupiter shape the evolution of life on Earth? And, how do you make an apple pie from scratch? On ...
Physics in Mind -- Groks Science Show 2013-02-27
27 Feb 2013
Contributed by Lukas
How does a biological system, like the brain, give rise to an emergent property, like the mind? Can quantum physics provide the answers? On this progr...
Ballooning to the Stars -- Groks Science Show 2013-02-20
20 Feb 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Astrophysicist experiments can involve attaching expensive, heavy telescopes to giant helium balloons. Surprisingly, this is one of the most effectiv...
Oxygen the Menace -- Groks Science Show 2013-02-13
13 Feb 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Our current biosphere depends on oxygen to live but that was not always true. On this show, Joe Kirschvink discusses the visciousness of oxygen, the e...
Digging Peromyscus -- Groks Science Show 2013-02-06
06 Feb 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Not many laboratories house mice in 3000 pounds of sand, but then not many labs research the burrowing habits of Peromyscus, either. Dr. Hopi Hoekstra...
Starch Solution -- Groks Science Show 2013-01-30
30 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
What is the cause of the current epidemic obesity and can a starch diet be of benefit? On this program, Dr. John McDougall discussed the starch soluti...
Humanistic Psychology -- Groks Science Show 2013-01-23
23 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
What are the roots of our current psychological notions of individuality and the inner self? On this program, Dr. Jessica Grogan discussed the history...
Jack and the Microbiome -- Groks Science Show 2013-01-16
16 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Bacteria are everywhere. How do you study the microbiome? On this episode, microbial ecologist Jack Gilbert discussed the Earth Microbiome Project.
Web 2.0 -- Groks Science Show 2013-01-09
09 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take for a website to keep growing? What makes a social network sticky? On this program, Terry Chay discusses social networks, viral mark...
Fire and Wire -- Groks Science Show 2013-01-02
02 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
There may be 20 billion neurons in your brain but that is not nearly enough to allow each cell to hold its own unique bit of information. On this pr...
Spillover -- Groks Science Show 2012-12-26
26 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
The threat of a global pandemic resulting from a disease crossing over from animals to humans has become more likely in the hyperconnected world of to...
Brain Scans -- Groks Science Show 2012-12-19
19 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
What can scientists learn from brain scans, and how can they avoid the Four Horsemen of the Brainscanpocalypse? Dr. Dorothy Bishop joins us to discuss...
Truth Freedom -- Groks Science Show 2012-12-12
12 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Is the scientific enterprise driven by the truth or by social good? How should the truth inform our world view? On this program, Terry Chay discussed ...
Two Plus Two -- Groks Science Show 2012-12-05
05 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Why are some scientific discoveries, like the geologic age of the Earth, discounted by so many people? On this episode, Dr. Phil Plait discusses how s...
Singularity Economics -- Groks Science Show 2012-11-28
28 Nov 2012
Contributed by Lukas
The technological singularity is the idea of a vast increase in intelligence arising from technological advances. How will such a singularity affect g...
Molecular Origami -- Groks Science Show 2012-11-21
21 Nov 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Protein folding is an incredibly complex problem. To solve it, scientists use super computers and even online video games. On this episode, University...
There Will Be Blood -- Groks Science Show 2012-11-14
14 Nov 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Why do humans have blood types? On this program, Laure Segurel talks about her work in finding out the origins of the ABO blood type. Alexei Kitaev al...
Life at Bletchley Park -- Groks Science Show 2012-11-07
07 Nov 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Bletchley Park was the center of code breaking in the United Kingdom during World War II. On this program, Sinclair McKay joins us to discuss his book...
Psychopathic Wisdom -- Groks Science Show 2012-10-31
31 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Psychopaths often conjure images of characters like Hannibal Lecter, cool and charismatic, yet violently brutal. But, are there traits that psychopath...
Scientific Philosophy -- Groks Science Show 2012-10-24
24 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
What can science tell us about the weighty philosophical questions in life? Can science and philosophy be combined? On this program, Prof. Massimo Pig...
Sobremesa -- Groks Science Show 2012-10-17
17 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wanted to try the universal translator on Star Trek? Would it make it easier to communicate with people who speak other languages? On th...
Climate Poker -- Groks Science Show 2012-10-10
10 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Nature does not bluff but she also does not show her cards readily. That is at the root of the climate problem. On this program, Dr. Scott Barrett giv...
Ponderables -- Groks Science Show 2012-10-03
03 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Several recent books walk the reader through human history by describing the history of specific objects or commodities such as salt, cod, coffee, and...
Concussions -- Groks Science Show 2012-09-26
26 Sep 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Concussions are a serious issue among athletes and can be even more serious for young athletes. On this program, Dr. Robert Cantu discussed recognizin...
Brilliantly Broken -- Groks Science Show 2012-09-19
19 Sep 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Certain individuals with developmental disorders such as autism sometimes develop remarkable musical, mathematical, or artistic abilities. Psychiatris...
Salty Clouds -- Groks Science Show 2012-09-12
12 Sep 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Particulates in the air act as nucleation sites for the formation of rain clouds. But what are they made of? On this episode, Dr. Mary Gilles discusse...
PhD Value -- Groks Science Show 2012-09-05
05 Sep 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Is a PhD in science a good idea? And do graduate programs give students the tools necessary to help PhDs in science capitalize on good ideas? Dan Lame...
Gravity Engine -- Groks Science Show 2012-08-29
29 Aug 2012
Contributed by Lukas
What can super-massive black holes tell us about the structure of our galaxy and the universe? On this program, Dr. Caleb Scharf discusses astrophysi...
End-Devonian Extinction -- Groks Science Show 2012-08-22
22 Aug 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered how structures like limbs and jaws evolved? Paleontologist Michael Coates joins us to discuss how the devastating End-Devonian ...
Back Pain -- Groks Science Show 2012-08-15
15 Aug 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Back pain is a common health issue, but one that most will endure rather than treat. On this program, Dr. Julie Silver discussed treating back pain.
Drill Baby Drill -- Groks Science Show 2012-08-08
08 Aug 2012
Contributed by Lukas
For ages, earthquakes were thought to under the control of the divine. But what happens when massive amounts of fluid is injected into the ground? In ...
Thrive among disruption -- Groks Science Show 2012-08-01
01 Aug 2012
Contributed by Lukas
We can't always forecast what difficulties lie ahead but we can prepare ourselves to thrive despite these challenges. Andrew Zolli joins us to discuss...
Einsteins Jewish Science -- Groks Science Show 2012-07-25
25 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
The theory of relativity is a landmark in modern physics, but one that can not be divorced from the socio-political climate of its time. On this progr...
Darwinian Agriculture -- Groks Science Show 2012-07-18
18 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
How can understanding Darwins theory of natural selection help us feed the planet? Dr. R. Ford Denison joins us to discuss his new book, Darwinian Agr...
Higgs Boson -- Groks Science Show 2012-07-11
11 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
What research paper has 2500 authors on it? The one for the Higgs Boson! Dr. Ian Hinchliffe talks about the science of this elusive particle and the e...
Lab in a Fishbowl -- Groks Science Show 2012-07-04
04 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had the feeling that you're being watched? Dr. Julie Horvath from the Nature Research Center at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sci...
Infectious Behavior -- Groks Science Show 2012-06-27
27 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
What are the connections between the immune system and the brain? How could these interactions give rise to mental disorders, such as schizophrenia an...
Forever Fix -- Groks Science Show 2012-06-20
20 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Fifteen years ago, gene therapy was a promising technology with the potential to revolutionize medicine. Since then some of that potential has been fu...
Coyote City -- Groks Science Show 2012-06-13
13 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Over the past 20 years, coyotes have been moving into large midwestern cities like Chicago. Dr. Stanley Gehrt, the Principal Investigator of the Cook ...
Population Bomb -- Groks Science Show 2012-06-06
06 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
The 20th century is marked by a dramatic increase in the global human population. But, can this go on? Will this lead to the collapse of civilization?...
Moral Origins -- Groks Science Show 2012-05-30
30 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
What are the origins of moral behaviors in humans? Did they spontaneously emerge or are there precursors in the natural history of human evolution? On...
Millenialism -- Groks Science Show 2012-05-23
23 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
A wide variety of apocalyptic prophecies and movements have occurred throughout history. But, what accounts for their continued emergence? On this pro...
Talking Trash -- Groks Science Show 2012-05-16
16 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
What happens to our garbage after it leaves the bins behind out houses? Is all trash waste? Author and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Ed Humes join...
Migratory Birds -- Groks Science Show 2012-05-09
09 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
The Korean DMZ is an important location for the path of migratory birds. On this program, Dr. Hiroyoshi Higuchi talks about the use of satellite track...