Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

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.

For those awaiting organ transplants, everyday brings continued challenges for survival. One solution that some consider is to search overseas for an organ, which poses its own unique obstacles and challenges. On this program, Daniel Asa Rose discussed his search for a kidney in China.

Industrial processes produce carbon dioxide emissions at a staggering rate. Recycling carbon dioxide into fuel sources may help recapture some of these emissions into a useful form. On this program, Byron Elton discussed carbon recycling technology.

Is it possible for corporate and societal interests to coincide in the modern business world? On this program, Andrew Savitz discussed this intersection and the triple bottom line.

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 sex works.

Although alleviating the changes to the global environment may seem like a daunting task for an individual, many enterprising people have decided to take on the challenge. On this program, Edward Humes discussed the new generation of Eco Barons.

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 the scientific community. However, recent advances are now sparking renewed promise and focus. On this program, Dr. Michael McKubre and Dr. Irving Dardik discussed the advances in cold fusion research.

Ocean currents are essential for the proper functioning of the global environment. Surprisingly, these currents may be studied by simply observing the items that float on it. On this program, Dr. Curt Ebbesmeyer discussed flotsametrics.

The effects of evolutionary pressures on recent human development have often been overlooked. Yet, within the past ten thousand years, modern humans may have been evolving under enormous selective pressures. On this program, Prof. Gregory Cochran discussed how civilization accelerated human evolution.

Everybody forms a model of the natural world based on their experience with it. However, sometimes these models are flawed and lead to superstitious beliefs. On this program, Dr. Bruce Hood discussed the origins of superstitious beliefs and why we believe in the unbelievable.

The pharmaceutical industry has produced numerous medications for a wide range of ailments. However, not all of these medications may be the safest, cheapest, or most efficacious form of treatment. On this program, Dr. John Abramson discussed Overdosed America.

Modern warfare increasingly utilizes robotic weaponry. Yet, the rules of robotic engagement have not been developed as completely as the technology. On this program, Dr. P.W. Singer discussed the challenges of robotic warfare.

Modern vaccines have contained many diseases in the world. Yet, despite their success, or perhaps because of it, dubious concerns have been raised regarding their safety and necessity. On this program, Dr. Martin Myers discussed the safety of modern vaccines.

The search for alternative fuel sources is a major concern, and ethanol is a factor in this new energy market. New technologies for converting cellulose to ethanol may help supply much of the demand. On this program, Arnold Klann discussed bluefire ethanol.

Living a long and healthy life is possible with the right combination of food and exercise. And, new research is demonstrating the importance of polyphenols, such as resveratrol. On this program, Dr. Joseph Maroon discussed the longevity factor.

The oceans are essential for human survival. The Sant Ocean Hall at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History seeks to educate the public about the importance of the oceans. On this program, Deborah Cramer discussed Smithsonian Ocean, Our Water, Our World.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is considered the bible of modern psychiatry. However, many of the listed disorders are not without controversy. On this program, Prof. Christopher Lane discussed the issues surrounding the DSM IV.

Large numbers and statistics constantly bombard us in the news, but putting those numbers into context is essential for understanding their real meaning. On this program, Andrew Dilnot from Oxford University discussed the numbers game.

Darwin Day, celebrated on Feb. 12, marks the 200th birthday anniversary of Charles Darwin and the 150th anniversary of his famed publication, On the Origin of Species. Yet, despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the modern evolutionary theory, controversy still abounds. On this program, Prof. Jerry Coyne from the University of Chicago discussed why evolution is true.

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 everyday life. On this program, Dr. Len Fisher discussed the application of game theory to everyday situations.

Mars has garnered attention for generations, but the possible colonization of Mars especially tantalizes the imagination. On this program, Dr. Robert Zubrin discussed the possibilities for colonizing Mars.

Fermi National Accelerator Lab, better known as Fermilab, has been actively searching for the elusive Higgs Boson. However, the clock is ticking and their time may soon be up. On this program, Clayton Brown discussed the Atom Smashers.

Airplanes are modern marvels whose ingenious development is the result of decades of innovation from numerous pioneers, thinkers, and tinkerers. On this program, Mr. Jay Spenser discussed the history of the airplane.

Attention Deficit Disorder is a condition that is thought to mainly affect children. However, more adults are being diagnosed with the condition. On this program, Dr. Lara Honos-Webb discussed the gift of adult ADD.

Current energy challenges will require advances in alternative energy technology. One of the most promising is solar power. On this program, Dr. David Lee discussed advances in biosolar materials.

The remarkable construction of the human body often provokes many questions, especially among children, but providing the answers may stump most adults. On this program, Dr. Beth Ann Ditkoff discussed how the body works. In addition, Prof. Mason Porter discussed Oxford mathematics.

The ability to rapidly adapt to the environment is a hallmark of most higher organisms. However, humans have created special challenges to surviving in the modern landscape. On this program, Laurence Gonzales discussed everyday survival.

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 foundations of democratic governments. On this program, Russell Shorto discussed the history of Cartesian philosophy. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Jeffery A. Winer, friend and mentor.

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, Prof. John Palfrey discussed the digital natives.

Although food production in the world has seen tremendous advances, recent challenges may threaten the supply of food. On this program, Paul Roberts discussed these challenges and the end of food.

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 happiness? On this program, Prof. Ed Diener discussed the science of happiness.

Although information technology has revolutionized modern life, many parts of the world still require considerable development. On this program, Manolo Figallo discussed bridging the information gap in developing parts of the world.

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, Prof. Paul Ehrlich discussed human population biology and its relation to the environment.

Wireless technology is providing a novel approach to physical therapy that may vastly improve recovery efforts. On this program, Robert Prunetti discussed wireless therapy. In addition, cloud computing networks may be the next step for mobile computing and data storage. Joining us was Daryl Adams, who discussed the advantages of cloud computing.

Although computer software is a ubiquitous facet of daily life, the security of most applications leaves much to be desired. On this program, David Rice discussed the real cost of insecure software.

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. On this program, Prof. Michael Gazzaniga discussed the cognitive neuroscience of the human brain.