Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

How are explanations of the world developed and how do we sort good and bad explanations? Is there a limit to our knowledge of the world? On this program, Prof. David Deutsch discussed the beginning of infinity.

Quantum mechanics may seem to be an intimidating topic, yet it is fundamental to understanding the everyday world. On this program, Prof. Michael Fayer discussed how quantum theory explains our everyday world.

The Apollo program is a landmark in the history of space exploration and perhaps the most successful mission of the series was Apollo 15. On this program, Ret. Col. Al Worden discussed the space program and Apollo 15.

The sense of smell may often seem to be expendable, yet it has a pivotal role in both our survival and hedonic enjoyment of food. On this program, Molly Birnbaum discussed the role of smell in our daily lives.

Why do some ideas thrive, while others rarely see the light of day? Is there a competition for ideas and are they selected in much the same way that evolution selects for succesful genes? On this program, Jonnie Hughes discusses memes and the Origin of Tepees.

The advent of new technologies has opened up a new avenue for scam artists. How do we protect ourselves against scams online and in daily life? On this program, Fred Claridge discussed tips for avoiding internet scam artists.

The universe is a large and mysterious place. How did it begin? How will it end? And, what are the steps along the way? On this program, Prof. Brian Cox discussed the wonders of the universe.

Food addiction may be a major cause of obesity. What are the causes of food addiction and how can they be overcome? On this program, Hedley Turk discussed why intelligent people are overweight.

Although we often view our moral character as being immutable, behavioral research has begun to demonstrate the intense flexibility of our moral character. On this program, David DeSteno discussed the biology of character.

Although medical care is ideally practicied in a fault free environment, avoiding mistakes can often be aided by vigilant patient awareness. On this program, Gregg Stebben discussed tips for avoiding medical mistakes.

The periodic table of the elements represents one of the crowning achievements of modern science. More surprising may be the history behind the table and the elements of nature. On this program, Sam Kean discussed the periodic table of the elements.

Advances in information technology are revolutioning the way medicine is practiced. Team-based and patient-centered models have begun to modernize medicine for both doctors and patients. On this program, William Hanson discussed Smart Medicine.

Bees are remarkable creatures that serve an important role in agriculture. Yet, their numbers are dwindling due to disease and the fewer number of bee keepers cultivating their use. On this program, Hannah Nordhaus discussed the plight of the agricultural bee.

Sustainability and Walmart are not generally uttered in the same breath. Yet, the largest retailer in the world is becoming greener. On this program, Edward Humes discussed the greening of Walmart.

University of Chicago associate professor of gynecology and obstetrics and chief of Family Planning, Dr. Melissa Gilliam joins us to discuss sexual health in young people. Everything from race and ethnicity to political persuasion and social media is discussed in terms of how the younger generations think about sex, health, and identity.

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.