Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

What can super-massive black holes tell us about the structure of our galaxy and the universe? On this program, Dr. Caleb Scharf discusses astrophysics and black holes.

Have you ever wondered how structures like limbs and jaws evolved? Paleontologist Michael Coates joins us to discuss how the devastating End-Devonian extinction impacted vertebrate life on Earth.

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.

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 this program, Dr. Cliff Frohlich join us to talk about human induced tremors.

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 his new book Resiliency: How Things Bounce Back.

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 program, Dr. Steven Gimbel discusses Einsteins Jewish Science: Physics at the intersection of politics and religion.

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 Agriculture: How Understanding Evolution Can Improve Agriculture.

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 enormous effort that went into detecting it.

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 Sciences has that feeling every day. She and her lab are in the middle of a museum and viewable to the thousands of people who pass by every day. We talk to Dr. Horvath about her work, her lab, and how the Nature Research Center inspires and educates.

What are the connections between the immune system and the brain? How could these interactions give rise to mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism? On this program, Prof. Paul H. Patterson discused Infectious Behavior.

Fifteen years ago, gene therapy was a promising technology with the potential to revolutionize medicine. Since then some of that potential has been fulfilled but the path from the lab to the clinic has been bumpy. Dr. Ricki Lewis joins us to discuss that path and her new book, The Forever Fix.

Over the past 20 years, coyotes have been moving into large midwestern cities like Chicago. Dr. Stanley Gehrt, the Principal Investigator of the Cook County Coyote Project, joins us to discuss the fascinating biology of these wily, urban coyotes.

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? On this program, Prof. Kentaka Aruga discussed the two main schools of thoughts on how the human population will progress.

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 this program, Prof. Richard Boehm discussed our moral origins.

A wide variety of apocalyptic prophecies and movements have occurred throughout history. But, what accounts for their continued emergence? On this program, Prof. Richard Landes discussed the history of millenial movements.

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 joins us to discuss, Garbology and Our Dirty Love Affair With Trash.

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 tracking for migratory birds and the cleverness of crows.

Have you ever noticed that people behave strangely in elevators? On this show, Dr. Dario Maestripieri discussed how studying the behavior of rhesus monkeys and other non-human primates can help us understand why humans act the way we do.

Although change is often desired, it is not usually achieved without trepidation. On this program, Dr. Jonathan Alpert discussed being fearless.

Math and language may seem separate, but the two are remarkably intertwined. On this program, Dr. Liesje Spaepen joins us to discuss how language shapes mathematical thought.

Mathematical equations often seem abstruse and disconnected from the real world, however many of these have changed the word we live in. On this program, Prof. Ian Stewart discussed the equations that changed the world.

Although technology rules modern life, the establishment of modern centers for technological education was not met without resistance. On this program, Matthew Pearl discussed the technologists.

The Amazon is one of the last unspoiled territories, where the indiginous tribes have remained largely untouched by modern civilization. On this program, Scott Wallace discussed the unconquered tribes of the Amazon.

We all know a lot about psychology, but it turns out that what we know is mostly wrong. Dr. John Cacioppo joins us this week to discuss how to teach difficult psychological concepts in an engaging way to first year psychology students.

Alzheimers Disease is an unfortunate fact of life in our world today. But advancements in science and medicine may one day change that fact. Dr. Paige Cramer joins us to discuss a potential new Alzheimers treatment..

Keeping up with the advances in science and technology can be daunting and it would help to have a brain trust. On this program, Garth Sundem discussed the Brain Trust.

Although willpower is often viewed as a personality trait of great fortitude and resilience, new research is showing the neurobiological basis for willpower. On this program, Dr. Kelly McGonigal discussed the willpower instinct.

Why do we fall in love? What is it about the circuitry and neurochemistry of the brain that enables this behavior? On this program, Kayt Sukel discussed Diry Minds.

It can be difficult to discern the impact of genes on behaviour from the effect of behaviour on genes. On this program Dr. Gene Robinson talks about using the honeybee and other eusocial insects to tease apart this web.

Why would a fish have lungs and breathe air? What can a live fish tell us about the evolution of tetrapods? On this program, Heather King joins us to discuss how lungfish walk.

The Affordable Care Act continues to spur debate and confusion. What are the consequences of the health care reform act? On this program, Prof. Jonathan Gruber discussed health care reform.

Is it possible to think deeply in an age of distraction? What are the pitfalls for ourselves and society to be driven to constant distraction? On this program, Prof. P.M. Forni discussed the thinking life.

Forgiving is a difficult task, even for the most resolute individual. How can we cultivate a sense of forgiveness? On this program, Mary Hayes Grieco discussed forgiveness.

Empathic motivations for pro-social behaviours are unique to humans, or are they? Dr. Peggy Mason joins us to discuss empathy and pro-social behaviour in rats.

Advances in biology have revolutionized modern medicine, but they have also spurred many ethical and political issues. On this program, Prof. Jonathan Moreno discussed the politics of biology.

The electric car has seen some fals starts, but new technical advances and changes to the global environment are propelling the adoption of these vehicles. On this program, Jim Motavalli discussed the new developments in the electric car.

Good ideas are often overlooked, while bad ideas may flouirsh. How does one insure that the best ideas are used? On this program, Prof. John Daly discussed the skills of advocacy.

Understanding the fundamental forces of nature is one of the hallmarks of modern physics. However, mathematically describing these forces often results in the emergence of infinities. On this program, Prof. Frank Close discussed the infinity puzzle.

Although military might is often viewed as the primary method for national security, forging economic relationships may be more beneficial in the long run. On this program, Prof. Lloyd J. Dumas discussed the peacekeeping economy.

Mind reading is not something we have to worry about in our daily lives, but the day when we do have that worry may be closer than we think. On this program, Paul Root Wolpe joined us to discuss why we should develop legal and ethical frameworks for dealing with mind reading sooner rather than later

The world of arms trading continues to affect global political and economic affairs. Yet, few investigations have delved into the shadowy and corrupt world of global arms trading. On this program, Andrew Feinstein discussed this shadow world.

The literary world would be a much poorer place without the works of Kurt Vonnegut, but few know about the life story of the author himself. On this program, Charles J. Shields discussed the life and times of Kurt Vonnegut.

What makes some applications more useable and enjoyable than others? Gamification is a method for improving the rewarding aspects of any application and changing behavior. On this program, Gabe Zichermann discussed gamification by design.

Technology has changed all aspects of our lives, but perhaps underappreciated is the effect technological advances have on sports. On this program, John Greenburg discussed how technology is changing sport.

Plastic debris has become a substantial threats to the oceans in the world. Where does this pollution originate and what can be done to stop it? On this program, Capt. Charles Moore discussed the pollution of the oceans by plastic.

Modern physics may seem remote from our daily lives, yet the discoveries in the field have the potential to change how we view the world. On this program, Lisa Randall discussed how discoveries in modern physics shape the world around us.

The expedition of Vasco Da Gama are often overshadowed by that of Columbus. But, these voyages perhaps more than those of Columbus changed the course of history. On this program, Nigel Cliff discussed how Vasco Da Gama turned the tide in a centuries-old clash of civilizations.

The rapid changes in technology are straining even those dedicated to their development. How can the science of attention change the way we live, learn and think with these new innovations? On this program, Prof. Cathy Davison discussed the brain science of attention.

Digital technology has revolutionized the modern world, but are there downsides to its influence on our personal lives and culture. On this program, Prof. Mark Bauerlein discussed the digital divide.

High blood pressure and hypertension are major health problems, yet in many cases, diet ay be a better treatment than prescription medication. On this program, Marla Heller discussed the DASH diet action plan.