Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

String theory may explain the fundamental properties of the universe. But, who can explain string theory? On this program, Steven Gubser discussed the little book of strings.

Environmental threats from global warming may be ameliorated by natural processes occurring on the earth. On this program, Melanie Lenart discussed life in the hothouse.

The search for habitable planets outside the solar system has been aided by advanced detection methods. What are the prospects for finding life outside the solar system? On this program, James Kasting discussed how to find a habitable planet.

Genetic testing is the centerpiece of predictive medicine. How can genetic tests inform and empower individuals regarding their health. On this program, Dr. Brandon Colby discussed outsmarting your genes.

MRSA, otherwise known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, may be the greatest public health threat since AIDS. What is being done to combat this deadly disease? On this program, Maryn McKenna discussed the threat of this Superbug.

Scientific theories often assume that all scientific principles can be eventually unified. But, is this true? On this program, Marcelo Gleiser discussed a Tear at the Edge of Creation.

Maintaining a healthy weight can be a challenge, especially with the myriad of diet options available. On this program, Dr. Leslie Van Romer discussed practical tips for getting into your pants.

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 program, Len Fisher discussed the Perfect Swarm.

Atavism refers to an organism adopting characteristics of an ancestral form. Such genetic throwbacks are fascinating subjects for evolutionary biologists. On this program, James Rollins discussed atavism in the Alter of Eden.

Engineering is often regarded as the practical implementation of scientific theories. On this program, Prof. Henry Petroski discussed the essential engineer.

Most approaches to curing ADHD rely on medications. On this program, Dr. Stanley Greenspan discussed overcoming ADHD without a pill. On the second half of the program, Dr. William Forstchen discussed the detrimental effects following the detonation of an electromagnetic pulse.

Astrobiologists continue to ponder the possibility of life on other planets. But, are we prepared if intelligent life makes contact? On this program, Prof. Evan Mandery discussed First Contact.

Longevity is a fashionable subject in the popular press. But, what is the scientific evidence supporting popular anti-aging approaches? And, can the country support an expanding elderly population. On this program, Greg Critser discussed Eternity Soup.

The universe is extremely big. Yet, understanding the vastness of space is easier than it may seem. On this program, Dr. Daniel Hudon discussed cosmology for the total novice.

Our consumer driven economies are imposing an enormous burden on the environment. Can traditional Japanese practices help us live more sustainably and comfortably? Reina Otsuka and Nanao Sonobe joins us to talk about Ecotwaza.

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 love and attraction.

Grieving is a complicated process, but one that has typically been characterized in the popular media using outmoded psychological models. On this program, Prof. George Bonanno discussed the Other Side of Sadness.

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 life and work of the famed Sea King.

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 particularly amenable to wordplay? On this program, Prof. Dallin D. Oaks discussed the structural ambiguities of the English language.

Negative Body Obsession, or NBO, can adversely affect the quality of life. However, overcoming NBO is possible with the correct approach. On this program, Sarah Maria discussed methods for dealing with NBO.

Severe anxiety can be a debilitating condition. Although medications are often the common form of treatment, other methods are available for achieving a more serene lifestyle. On this program, Steve Pavilanis discussed these methods for achieving a Life Less Anxious.

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. Frans de Waal discussed the age of empathy.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, also known as DARPA, has been at the forefront of numerous technological innovations. Yet, their work is often unheralded. On this program, Michael Belfiore discussed this department of mad scientists.

The Arctic Ocean is important politically, environmentally, and socially. However, the rapid melting of ice in the arctic is quickly changing the dynamics of humans and wildlife in the region. On this program, Dr. Alun Anderson discussed the future of the Arctic Ocean after the ice melts.

Is human language an innate characteristic of the human brain? Is there a universal grammar? Or, is language inherently tied to society and cultural forces? On this program, Prof. Daniel Everett discussed linguistics, the Piraha, and religion in Dont Sleep There are Snakes.

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, Dr. Harold Shinitzky discussed ten simple principles for developing a happy mind.

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 eliciting emotional responses may be of even greater relevance. On this program, Michael Jawer discussed the anatomy of emotion.

Common wisdom surrounds many medical conditions. But, how many of these popularly held beliefs are actually true? On this program, Anahad OConnor discussed the facts and myths about our health and the world we live in.

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 questions like these? On this program, Dr. Aaron Santos discussed how to estimate anything.

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 program, Colin Dickey discussed the practice of Cranioklepty.

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 stars.

The rapid developments in science and technology are made easier to follow by excellent science writing. On this program, Jesse Cohen discussed the Best American Science Writing for 2009.

With the rapid advances in genetic technology, the history of the genetic revolution is often forgotten. On this program, James Schwartz discussed the history of the gene from Darwin to DNA.

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 Walters discussed establishing a clean food diet.

Uranium may be the most important element that shaped the history of the 20th century. On this program, Dr. Amir Aczel discussed Uranium Wars.

Energy produced using solar technology can be credited to the consumer under new net metering policies. On this program, Tom Djokovich discussed solar energy technology and net metering.

Technology drives much of the development of human society and economy. Yet, little attention is given to how technological innovations arise. On this program, Prof. W. Brian Arthur discussed the nature of technology.

Living with paralysis is a challenge for affected individuals. On this program, Joseph Canose discussed new research and support for paralysis.

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 disease. On this program, Mark Underwood discussed Alzheimer research and prevention.

Communicating science to a young audience is facilitated by using novel techniques. On this program, Doug Richards discussed the Prometheus Project.

The Gaia Hypothesis suggests that the various lifeforms on earth interact to sustain the habitability of the planet. But, could the opposite be true? Is life on earth self-destructive? On this program, Prof. Peter Ward discussed the Medea Hypothesis.

Cochlear implants are remarkable devices for alleviating lost hearing. But, how do these devices work? On this program, Prof. Valeriy Shafiro discussed the mechanisms of normal hearing and cochlear implants.

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 Wallace discussed the secret world of spycraft.

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 program, Lang Elliot discussed the songs of frogs and toads.

The moon landings changed the course of history and affected many lives, especially the astronauts who served on those missions. On this program, Andrew Chaikin discussed Voices from the Moon.

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 Catching Fire.

The remarkable operations of the human body are often unnoticed until something goes awry. These unintended consequences can be avoided by simply paying attention to our bodies. On this program, Dr. Jeffrey Brantley discussed achieving a mindful body.

The first formative years of life are critical for the development of the human brain. Yet, any memories from those early years are typically forgotten. What is it like inside the mind of a baby? On this program, Dr. Charles Fernyhough discussed a thousand days of wonder.

Discoveries in science and technology are often obfuscated by complex scientific terminology. But, simple and straightforward presentations can usually help cut through the jargon. On this program, David J. Tenenbaum discussed the why files.

Although biologists have fact sheets for most organisms on the planet, the human has somehow escaped this treatment. On this program, Hannah Holmes discussed the biology of the well-dressed ape.