Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast
Episodes
Habitable Planets -- Groks Science Show 2010-05-19
19 May 2010
Contributed by Lukas
The search for habitable planets outside the solar system has been aided by advanced detection methods. What are the prospects for finding life outsid...
Genetic Testing -- Groks Science Show 2010-05-12
12 May 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Genetic testing is the centerpiece of predictive medicine. How can genetic tests inform and empower individuals regarding their health. On this progra...
MRSA -- Groks Science Show 2010-05-05
05 May 2010
Contributed by Lukas
MRSA, otherwise known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, may be the greatest public health threat since AIDS. What is being done to comba...
Natural Philosophy -- Groks Science Show 2010-04-28
28 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Scientific theories often assume that all scientific principles can be eventually unified. But, is this true? On this program, Marcelo Gleiser discuss...
Practical Nutrition -- Groks Science Show 2010-04-21
21 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Maintaining a healthy weight can be a challenge, especially with the myriad of diet options available. On this program, Dr. Leslie Van Romer discussed...
Perfect Swarm -- Groks Science Show 2010-04-14
14 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Complex systems dominate the natural world and can often seem to have a mind of their own. But, what are the rules governing complex systems? On this ...
Atavism -- Groks Science Show 2010-04-07
07 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Atavism refers to an organism adopting characteristics of an ancestral form. Such genetic throwbacks are fascinating subjects for evolutionary biologi...
Essential Engineering -- Groks Science Show 2010-03-31
31 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Engineering is often regarded as the practical implementation of scientific theories. On this program, Prof. Henry Petroski discussed the essential en...
ADHD EMP -- Groks Science Show 2010-03-24
24 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Most approaches to curing ADHD rely on medications. On this program, Dr. Stanley Greenspan discussed overcoming ADHD without a pill. On the second hal...
First Contact -- Groks Science Show 2010-03-10
10 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Astrobiologists continue to ponder the possibility of life on other planets. But, are we prepared if intelligent life makes contact? On this program, ...
Eternity Soup -- Groks Science Show 2010-03-03
03 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Longevity is a fashionable subject in the popular press. But, what is the scientific evidence supporting popular anti-aging approaches? And, can the c...
Cosmology Primer -- Groks Science Show 2010-02-24
24 Feb 2010
Contributed by Lukas
The universe is extremely big. Yet, understanding the vastness of space is easier than it may seem. On this program, Dr. Daniel Hudon discussed cosmol...
Ecotwaza -- Groks Science Show 2010-02-17
17 Feb 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Our consumer driven economies are imposing an enormous burden on the environment. Can traditional Japanese practices help us live more sustainably and...
Love and Attraction -- Groks Science Show 2010-02-10
10 Feb 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Why are we particularly attracted to some people? Is there a chemical basis for love? On this program, Prof. Helen Fisher discussed the science of lov...
Good Grief -- Groks Science Show 2010-02-03
03 Feb 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Grieving is a complicated process, but one that has typically been characterized in the popular media using outmoded psychological models. On this pro...
Sea King -- Groks Science Show 2010-01-27
27 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
The remarkable world residing under the sea may have been unknown to many were it not for Jacques Cousteau. On this program, Brad Matsen discussed the...
Linguistic Ambiguity -- Groks Science Show 2010-01-20
20 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
The English language is remarkably well-suited for many forms of humorous wordplay. But, what is it about the structure of English that makes it parti...
NBO -- Groks Science Show 2010-01-13
13 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Negative Body Obsession, or NBO, can adversely affect the quality of life. However, overcoming NBO is possible with the correct approach. On this prog...
Serenity -- Groks Science Show 2010-01-06
06 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Severe anxiety can be a debilitating condition. Although medications are often the common form of treatment, other methods are available for achieving...
Age of Empathy -- Groks Science Show 2009-12-30
30 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Empathy is an emotion that is often thought to be uniquely human. However, studies of non-human primates are changing that view. On this program, Prof...
DARPA -- Groks Science Show 2009-12-23
23 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, also known as DARPA, has been at the forefront of numerous technological innovations. Yet, their work i...
Arctic Ice -- Groks Science Show 2009-12-16
16 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The Arctic Ocean is important politically, environmentally, and socially. However, the rapid melting of ice in the arctic is quickly changing the dyna...
Cultural Linguistics -- Groks Science Show 2009-12-09
09 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Is human language an innate characteristic of the human brain? Is there a universal grammar? Or, is language inherently tied to society and cultural f...
Happy Minds -- Groks Science Show 2009-12-02
02 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Common behavioral patterns and instincts are often the source of many forms of unhappiness. What can be done to ensure a happy mind? On this program, ...
Emotional Anatomy -- Groks Science Show 2009-11-25
25 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Emotions are widely regarded as simply products of the normal operations of the higher centers of the brain. But the role of sensory signals in elicit...
Medical Myths -- Groks Science Show 2009-11-18
18 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Common wisdom surrounds many medical conditions. But, how many of these popularly held beliefs are actually true? On this program, Anahad OConnor disc...
Estimation -- Groks Science Show 2009-11-11
11 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
How many people are having sex at this instant? How many piano tuners are in the city of Chicago? How can we come up with reasonable estimates to ques...
Cranioklepty -- Groks Science Show 2009-11-04
04 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The human skull has fascinated those interested in the inner workings of the human mind, even to the point of stealing skulls from the grave. On this ...
Lives of Stars -- Groks Science Show 2009-10-28
28 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The vast number of stars in the night sky exhibit the full panoply of stellar life stages. On this program, Dr. Ken Croswell discussed the life of sta...
Best Science Writing -- Groks Science Show 2009-10-21
21 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The rapid developments in science and technology are made easier to follow by excellent science writing. On this program, Jesse Cohen discussed the Be...
Darwin to DNA -- Groks Science Show 2009-10-14
14 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
With the rapid advances in genetic technology, the history of the genetic revolution is often forgotten. On this program, James Schwartz discussed the...
Clean Foods -- Groks Science Show 2009-10-07
07 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Eating a sustainable diet involves moving closer to the source of the nutrients. But, is this possible in most of our diets? On this program, Terry Wa...
Uranium Wars -- Groks Science Show 2009-09-30
30 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Uranium may be the most important element that shaped the history of the 20th century. On this program, Dr. Amir Aczel discussed Uranium Wars.
Net Metering -- Groks Science Show 2009-09-23
23 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Energy produced using solar technology can be credited to the consumer under new net metering policies. On this program, Tom Djokovich discussed solar...
Technological Innovations -- Groks Science Show 2009-09-16
16 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Technology drives much of the development of human society and economy. Yet, little attention is given to how technological innovations arise. On this...
Paralysis Research -- Groks Science Show 2009-09-09
09 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Living with paralysis is a challenge for affected individuals. On this program, Joseph Canose discussed new research and support for paralysis.
Alzheimer Research -- Groks Science Show 2009-09-02
02 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Alzheimer research has rapidly advanced in the past several years, yet simple daily habits may be even more important for preventing the onset of the ...
Promethean Science -- Groks Science Show 2009-08-26
26 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Communicating science to a young audience is facilitated by using novel techniques. On this program, Doug Richards discussed the Prometheus Project.
Medea Hypothesis -- Groks Science Show 2009-08-17
19 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The Gaia Hypothesis suggests that the various lifeforms on earth interact to sustain the habitability of the planet. But, could the opposite be true? ...
Cochlear Implants -- Groks Science Show 2009-08-12
12 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Cochlear implants are remarkable devices for alleviating lost hearing. But, how do these devices work? On this program, Prof. Valeriy Shafiro discusse...
Spy Technology -- Groks Science Show 2009-08-05
05 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Spy technology has been integral to the operations of CIA agents from the period of the cold war until the present day. On this program, Robert Wallac...
Frogs and Toads -- Groks Science Show 2009-07-29
29 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Some of the most distinctive members in the choral of nature are the frogs and toads. Yet, their unique sounds are often unappreciated. On this progra...
Moon Expeditions -- Groks Science Show 2009-07-22
22 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The moon landings changed the course of history and affected many lives, especially the astronauts who served on those missions. On this program, Andr...
Catching Fire -- Groks Science Show 2009-07-15
15 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The taming of fire may be one of the most critical events to shape the evolution of modern humans. On this program, Prof. Richard Wrangham discussed C...
Mindful Body -- Groks Science Show 2009-07-08
08 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The remarkable operations of the human body are often unnoticed until something goes awry. These unintended consequences can be avoided by simply payi...
Baby Brains -- Groks Science Show 2009-07-01
01 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The first formative years of life are critical for the development of the human brain. Yet, any memories from those early years are typically forgotte...
Why Files -- Groks Science Show 2009-06-24
24 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Discoveries in science and technology are often obfuscated by complex scientific terminology. But, simple and straightforward presentations can usuall...
Human Biology -- Groks Science Show 2009-06-17
17 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Although biologists have fact sheets for most organisms on the planet, the human has somehow escaped this treatment. On this program, Hannah Holmes di...
Foreign Transplants -- Groks Science Show 2009-06-10
10 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
For those awaiting organ transplants, everyday brings continued challenges for survival. One solution that some consider is to search overseas for an ...
Carbon Recycling -- Groks Science Show 2009-06-03
03 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Industrial processes produce carbon dioxide emissions at a staggering rate. Recycling carbon dioxide into fuel sources may help recapture some of thes...
Sustainable Business -- Groks Science Show 2009-05-27
27 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Is it possible for corporate and societal interests to coincide in the modern business world? On this program, Andrew Savitz discussed this intersecti...
Sexology -- Groks Science Show 2009-05-20
20 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Sex may be the reason that the world goes round, but can science provide the reason for the reason? On this program, Dr. Sharon Moalem discussed how s...
Eco Barons -- Groks Science Show 2009-05-13
13 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Although alleviating the changes to the global environment may seem like a daunting task for an individual, many enterprising people have decided to t...
Cold Fusion -- Groks Science Show 2009-05-06
06 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In the years since the famous experiment by Martin Fleischman and Stanley Pons, the field of cold fusion has had difficulty igniting the interest of t...
Flotsametrics -- Groks Science Show 2009-04-29
29 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Ocean currents are essential for the proper functioning of the global environment. Surprisingly, these currents may be studied by simply observing the...
Accelerating Evolution -- Groks Science Show 2009-04-22
22 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The effects of evolutionary pressures on recent human development have often been overlooked. Yet, within the past ten thousand years, modern humans m...
Supersense -- Groks Science Show 2009-04-15
15 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Everybody forms a model of the natural world based on their experience with it. However, sometimes these models are flawed and lead to superstitious b...
Overdosed America -- Groks Science Show 2009-04-08
08 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The pharmaceutical industry has produced numerous medications for a wide range of ailments. However, not all of these medications may be the safest, c...
Robotic Warfare -- Groks Science Show 2009-04-01
01 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Modern warfare increasingly utilizes robotic weaponry. Yet, the rules of robotic engagement have not been developed as completely as the technology. O...
Vaccine Safety -- Groks Science Show 2009-03-25
25 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Modern vaccines have contained many diseases in the world. Yet, despite their success, or perhaps because of it, dubious concerns have been raised reg...
Ethanol Production -- Groks Science Show 2009-03-18
18 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The search for alternative fuel sources is a major concern, and ethanol is a factor in this new energy market. New technologies for converting cellulo...
Longevity Factor -- Groks Science Show 2009-03-11
11 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Living a long and healthy life is possible with the right combination of food and exercise. And, new research is demonstrating the importance of polyp...
Smithsonian Ocean -- Groks Science Show 2009-03-04
04 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The oceans are essential for human survival. The Sant Ocean Hall at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History seeks to educate the public abo...
DSM Dilemma -- Groks Science Show 2009-02-25
25 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is considered the bible of modern psychiatry. However, many of the listed disorders are not ...
Numbers Game -- Groks Science Show 2009-02-18
18 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Large numbers and statistics constantly bombard us in the news, but putting those numbers into context is essential for understanding their real meani...
Evolutionary Truth -- Groks Science Show 2009-02-11
11 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Darwin Day, celebrated on Feb. 12, marks the 200th birthday anniversary of Charles Darwin and the 150th anniversary of his famed publication, On the O...
Game Theory -- Groks Science Show 2009-02-04
04 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Game theory is the field of study popularized by the depiction of John Nash in a Beautiful Mind. But, few may realize the relevance of game theory in ...
Mars Exploration -- Groks Science Show 2009-01-28
28 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Mars has garnered attention for generations, but the possible colonization of Mars especially tantalizes the imagination. On this program, Dr. Robert ...
Fermilab Higgs -- Groks Science Show 2009-01-21
21 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Fermi National Accelerator Lab, better known as Fermilab, has been actively searching for the elusive Higgs Boson. However, the clock is ticking and t...
Airplanes -- Groks Science Show 2009-01-14
14 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Airplanes are modern marvels whose ingenious development is the result of decades of innovation from numerous pioneers, thinkers, and tinkerers. On th...
Adult ADD -- Groks Science Show 2009-01-07
07 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Attention Deficit Disorder is a condition that is thought to mainly affect children. However, more adults are being diagnosed with the condition. On t...
Biosolar -- Groks Science Show 2008-12-31
31 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Current energy challenges will require advances in alternative energy technology. One of the most promising is solar power. On this program, Dr. David...
Body Mechanics -- Groks Science Show 2008-12-24
24 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The remarkable construction of the human body often provokes many questions, especially among children, but providing the answers may stump most adult...
Everyday Survival -- Groks Science Show 2008-12-17
17 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The ability to rapidly adapt to the environment is a hallmark of most higher organisms. However, humans have created special challenges to surviving i...
Cartesian Philosophy -- Groks Science Show 2008-12-10
10 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Cogito Ergo Sum. I think therefore I am. The philosophy of Rene Descartes has impacted modern society in many arenas from the sciences to the foundati...
Digital Natives -- Groks Science Show 2008-12-03
03 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Digital technology has radically changed the landscape of modern life, but what does this mean for those born into this digital era? On this program, ...
Food Supply -- Groks Science Show 2008-11-26
26 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Although food production in the world has seen tremendous advances, recent challenges may threaten the supply of food. On this program, Paul Roberts d...
Happiness -- Groks Science Show 2008-11-19
19 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Happiness is a state that most people try to achieve, but which often seems elusive. How can science inform our understanding of the pursuit of happin...
Information Bridge -- Groks Science Show 2008-11-12
12 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Although information technology has revolutionized modern life, many parts of the world still require considerable development. On this program, Manol...
Dominant Animal -- Groks Science Show 2008-11-05
05 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Humans have evolved to become the dominant life form on the planet, but in the process have extracted a heavy toll on the environment. On this program...
Therapy Clouds -- Groks Science Show 2008-10-29
29 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Wireless technology is providing a novel approach to physical therapy that may vastly improve recovery efforts. On this program, Robert Prunetti discu...
Software Security -- Groks Science Show 2008-10-22
22 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Although computer software is a ubiquitous facet of daily life, the security of most applications leaves much to be desired. On this program, David Ri...
Human Cognition -- Groks Science Show 2008-10-15
15 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Although evolution has only recently led to the emergence of the human species, the capacities of the human brain may be unique in the animal kingdom....
Drugs -- Groks Science Show 2008-10-08
08 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Drugs are a ubiquitous part of modern life. However, separating the facts from the myths about drug use can often be a challenge. On this program, Pro...
Shift Age -- Groks Science Show 2008-10-01
01 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The rapid pace of technological change is daunting for those attempting to predict the outcome of these many innovations. On this program, David Houle...
Science Diplomacy -- Groks Science Show 2008-09-24
24 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Science is often construed as being divorced from diplomatic considerations. Yet, scientists, due to their shared concerns, are uniquely poised to bre...
Sex Evolution -- Groks Science Show 2008-09-17
17 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Although love is said to make the world go round, most might concede that sex is the real prime mover. On this program, Faye Flam discussed how the qu...
Edge of Science -- Groks Science Show 2008-09-10
10 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
From killer viruses to the infinite digits of pi, science is continually confronting the unknown. But, what science uncovers may be unsettling at time...
Math World -- Groks Science Show 2008-09-03
03 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Mathematics is often regarded as highly abstract, yet many fundamental explanations about the natural world have come from seemingly arcane mathematic...
Black Holes -- Groks Science Show 2008-08-27
27 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Black holes are the mysterious remnants of collapsed stars. But, the physics behind these objects remains surrounded by as much myth as science. On th...
Brain Manual -- Groks Science Show 2008-08-20
20 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The brain is a fascinating and complex organ that often baffles and confuses those who own it. Sometimes, a manual would be helpful. On this program, ...
Random Walk -- Groks Science Show 2008-08-13
13 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Randomness is a fundamental part of natural physical phenomena. Yet, it is often unappreciated how these stochastic processes affect our daily lives. ...
Synthetic Diamonds -- Groks Science Show 2008-08-06
06 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
While most diamonds in the world are mined from natural sources, technological advances are now making synthetic diamonds a viable alternative. On thi...
Animal Research -- Groks Science Show 2008-07-30
30 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Animal research is fundamental to the remarkable advances in medical science. Yet, controversy continues to exist regarding the role of animals in med...
Haphazard Minds -- Groks Science Show 2008-07-23
23 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The human brain is capable of remarkable tasks. But surprisingly, it is not optimally designed for solving most problems. On this program, Prof. Gary ...
Holistic Birding -- Groks Science Show 2008-07-16
16 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Observing birds in nature is a rapidly growing past time for many birding enthusiasts, which is especially rewarding when combined with a holistic app...
Genetic Toxicology -- Groks Science Show 2008-07-09
09 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Toxicology tests have typically relied on outmoded and non-specific measures. On this program, Dr. Bruce Gillis discussed advances in genetic toxicolo...
Fructose Disease -- Groks Science Show 2008-07-02
02 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Fructose in the diet is the cause of many health problems. On this program, Prof. Richard Johnson discussed the effects of high fructose consumption.
Aging Memory -- Groks Science Show 2008-06-25
25 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The normal decline of our cognitive abilities is one of the hallmarks of the aging process. But, what is the dividing line between normal and abnormal...
Sport Science -- Groks Science Show 2008-06-18
18 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
While sports may thrill fans and spectators, professional athletes continue to make use of the latest developments in science and technology to improv...