Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

Although competition may seem to drive the natural world, cooperation may be the bigger motivating force. On this program, Martin Nowak discussed supercooperators.

Classical studies of the brain have relied on recording from single neurons at one time. However, understanding the interactions of multiple neurons requires different approaches. On this program, Konrad Kording discussed recording from multiple neurons in the brain.

Author Seth Mnookin explores the science, or lack thereof, behind the anti-vaccine movement. Starting with legitimate fears surrounding the polio vaccine in its earliest stages, The Panic Virus delves deep into the personal stories and clinical data to find out whether the perceived guid between childhood vaccinations and developmental disorders is fact or fiction.

Parenthood can be especially daunting, but being a geek may help. On this program, Ken Denmead discussed geeky activities for parents and their kids.

The changes to the environment caused by global warming have complex effects on the ecosystems of the earth. On this program, Richard Pearson discussed the effects of climate change on biodiversity.

Becoming a professional scientist requires years of education culminating in an advanced degree. Yet, navigating a career in science requires more than just an advanced degree. On this program, Peter Feibelman discussed forging a career in science.

Theories in political science enable several possible resolutions to various sociological and political situations, even to a zombie invasion. On this program, Dan Drezner discussed zombie politics.

Information has never been more facile and easy to obtain, such that managing it can be almost overhwelming. But, how is information defined scientifically? And, what does the history of information tell us about its future? On this program, James Gleick discussed information theory.

Polar bears are iconic figures of the arctic. Yet, their habitat and existence is being threatened by ongoing changes to the global environment. On this program, Kieran Mulvaney discussed the life and future of the great white bear.

The FIRST competition brings together students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. On this program, Neal Bascomb profiles one such team in the New Cool.

The belief in god or a supernatural power permeates all of human civilization. How does such a belief arise from the normal biology of the human mind? On this program, Jesse Bering discussed the belief instinct.

Forensic science has developed many advanced methods to aid crimanologists. On this program, Douglas Starr discussed the origins of forensic science.

The Groks Science Show turns ten years old this week. On this program, we look back at ten years of the Groks Science Show.

Sugar may seem like a common household ingredient, however the tortuous history and science behind the establishment of sugar has had global effects. On this program, Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos discussed how sugar changed the world.

Space may be the final frontier, but exploring it will require plenty of ingenuity. What is in store for space exploration in 2011? On this program, Tariq Malik discussed the upcoming year in space exploration.

Our pets provide years of enjoyment. So much so, that the possibility of preserving their existence indefinitely is a tantalizing prospect. On this program, John Woestendiek discussed the science and practice of cloning pets.

The common cold and flu are major disrupters of daily life and result in several man-hours of lost productivity. But, what if these could be prevented? On this program, Cass Ingram discussed essential oil treatments for the cold and flu.

Are some people intrinsically happier than others or do they just exhibit happier behaviors? On this show, Shawn Achor discussed the science of happiness.

What can a pebble tell us about the history of the earth? And, what are the geological tools that can unravel this mystery? On this program, Jan Zalasiewicz discussed the planet in a pebble.

How should we cope to the threat of climate change? On this program, Professor John Hay discusses strategies for climate adaptation and the role of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed in young children. However, alternatives exist to the common treatments. On this program, Nancy ODell and Patricia Cook discussed stopping ADHD.

Although most scientists strive to win a Nobel Prize, a handful are even luckier to win an Ig Nobel Prize. On this program, Marc Abrahams discussed the winners of the 2010 Ig Nobel Prize.

Fungi is everywhere. It is a decomposer and it can be a parasite. But can it also be the key to environmental sustainability? On this program, Sue Van Hook discussed the wonders of this mysterious life form.

Consciousness may seem to be beyond the realm of scientific inquiry, but increasing experimental observations are detailing the neuronal correlates of consciousness. On this program, Prof. Antonio Damasio discussed how self comes to mind.

The amazing technological developments of the modern age have been enabled in part through the advances in quantum physics. On this program, Prof. James Kakalios discussed the amazing story of quantum mechanics.

Science and cooking are intertwined. How can science be applied to create magnificent cuisine? On this program, Jeff Potter discussed cooking for geeks.

The continued clashes between science and religion over the theory of evolution appears to have no middle ground for agreement. But, can these two worldviews be reconciled? On this program, Ron Frost discussed the debate over evolution.

The theory of cognitive dissonance was one of the revolutionary ideas in social psychology, and it was developed by one of the pioneers in the field. On this program, Elliot Aronson discussed life as a social psychologist.

What is the process of induction and how does it benefit the progress of scientific ideas? On this program, David Harriman discussed the logical leap and inductive reasoning in physics.

What is in a name? How are our behaviors and outcomes determined? Does nature or nurture play the biggest role? On this program, Wes Moore discussed the Other Wes Moore with guest host Mario.

Morality is often viewed as being outside the domain of scientific inquiry, but is an objective understanding of morality possible? On this program, Sam Harris discussed the Moral Landscape.

The broad and complex world of science is distilled by adept science writers who capture and lead the imagination. On this program, Jesse Cohen discussed the best American science writing in 2010.

The theory of evolution continues to be supported by the weight of scientific evidence, yet the basic concepts and principles behind the theory continue to be misunderstood, ignored, or misstated. On this program, Prof. Richard Dawkins discussed The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution.

Genetic sequencing once was a prohibitively costly endeavor costing billions of dollars and untold number of man-hours. Yet, the price for sequencing has plummeted rapidly such that personalized genomic sequencing may soon be available. On this program, Kevin Davies discussed the thousand dollar genome.

Mantids are a diverse and amazing order of insects, whose attributes continue to amaze and astound scientists. On this program, Dr. Gavin Svenson and Dr. David Yager discussed mantodea.

What will the weather of the future be like? What do current trends tell us about changes to the global environment. On this program, Heidi Cullen discussed the weather of the future.

Math may often seem daunting and unapproachable, even for professional mathematicians. Luckily, math can also be viewed as hot and sexy. On this program, Danica McKellar discussed hot math.

Cancer is a formidable disease, but overcoming it is aided by proper nutrition during therapy. On this program, Jodi Buckman Weinstein discussed proper nutrition during cancer therapy.

The discovery of Pluto has received much attention lately, however capturing the zeitgeist of the time may best be achieved with some literary liberties. On this program, Michael Byers discussed the hunt for Planet X.

The Voyager spacecraft have given us our best glimpse of the outer planets. But, how do these missions fit into a broader history of exploration? On this program, Prof. Stephen Pyne discussed the history of Voyager.

Swarm behavior is found throughout nature in ants, birds and even humans. But, what is a smart swarm and how can we learn from them? On this program, Peter Miller discussed the Smart Swarm with guest host, Dr. Elise Covic.

Resistance is not futile. It is just extremely difficult to overcome. How does one overcome resistance to change within an organization? On this program, Rick Mauer discussed how to institute lasting change.

Archaeology is often portrayed as a romantic adventure to the remote corners of the globe. But, what is the life of an archaeologist really like? On this program, Dr. Donald Ryan discussed unconventional archaeology.

Prostate cancer is a major issue for men. And, early detection is important for improving the odds of survival. Yet, it turns out dogs may help in detecting prostate cancer. On this program, Gregg Stebben discussed cancer detection by dogs

What is a scientific phenomenalist? And, how does it relate to rock music? On this program, David Lovering discussed his endeavors as a scientific phenomenalist and as the drummer for the Pixies. Guest host: Dr. Elise Covic.

What is the basis for the common numerical counting systems found in mathematics? And, how do these vary across the globe? On this program, Alex Bellos discussed number theory.

The universe is very large, which makes understanding its origins complicated. But, the fundamental principles are readily accessible with some creative assistance. On this program, James Lu Dunbar discussed the Universe Verse.

Bonobos have been described as the peace-loving apes. But, how is this related to a bonobo handshake? On this program, Vanessa Woods discussed the Bonobo Handshake.

Ants are amazing creatures due to their variety, ubiquity, and complexity of behavior. And, they share many unique features with humans. On this program, Mark Moffett discussed his adventures among ants.

What separates elite athletes from the weekend warriors? How is it possible to achieve high performance in any endeavor? On this program, Matthew Syed discussed the science of success.