Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

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.

Drugs are a ubiquitous part of modern life. However, separating the facts from the myths about drug use can often be a challenge. On this program, Prof. Cynthia Kuhn discussed the science of drugs.

The rapid pace of technological change is daunting for those attempting to predict the outcome of these many innovations. On this program, David Houle discussed living in the Shift Age and its implications for the future.

Science is often construed as being divorced from diplomatic considerations. Yet, scientists, due to their shared concerns, are uniquely poised to break political and national barriers. On this program, Cathy Campbell discussed the importance of science diplomacy.

Although love is said to make the world go round, most might concede that sex is the real prime mover. On this program, Faye Flam discussed how the quest for sex has shaped the modern man.

From killer viruses to the infinite digits of pi, science is continually confronting the unknown. But, what science uncovers may be unsettling at times. On this program, Richard Preston discussed journeys to the edge of science in Panic in Level 4.

Mathematics is often regarded as highly abstract, yet many fundamental explanations about the natural world have come from seemingly arcane mathematical research. On this program, Prof. James Stein discussed how math explains the world.

Black holes are the mysterious remnants of collapsed stars. But, the physics behind these objects remains surrounded by as much myth as science. On this program, Prof. Leonard Susskind discussed the current physical theories behind black holes.

The brain is a fascinating and complex organ that often baffles and confuses those who own it. Sometimes, a manual would be helpful. On this program, Matthew MacDonald discussed the missing manual for the human brain.

Randomness is a fundamental part of natural physical phenomena. Yet, it is often unappreciated how these stochastic processes affect our daily lives. On this program, Dr. Leonard Mlodinow discussed the random walk.

While most diamonds in the world are mined from natural sources, technological advances are now making synthetic diamonds a viable alternative. On this program, Ulrich Boser discussed the world of synthetic diamonds.

Animal research is fundamental to the remarkable advances in medical science. Yet, controversy continues to exist regarding the role of animals in medical research. On this program, Prof. P. Michael Conn discussed the animal research war.

The human brain is capable of remarkable tasks. But surprisingly, it is not optimally designed for solving most problems. On this program, Prof. Gary Marcus discussed how the brain is like a kluge.

Observing birds in nature is a rapidly growing past time for many birding enthusiasts, which is especially rewarding when combined with a holistic approach. On this program, Ted Floyd discussed holistic birding.

Toxicology tests have typically relied on outmoded and non-specific measures. On this program, Dr. Bruce Gillis discussed advances in genetic toxicology. In addition, Prof. Jerry Crabtree discussed transgenic technology.

Fructose in the diet is the cause of many health problems. On this program, Prof. Richard Johnson discussed the effects of high fructose consumption.