Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

The normal decline of our cognitive abilities is one of the hallmarks of the aging process. But, what is the dividing line between normal and abnormal memory loss? On this program, Martha Weinman Lear discussed normal memory loss.

While sports may thrill fans and spectators, professional athletes continue to make use of the latest developments in science and technology to improve their performance. On this program, Davin Coburn discussed the science of sports.

While exercise is widely known to be beneficial for physical health, it can also greatly improve mental abilities as well. On this program, Dr. John Ratey discussed the effects of exercise on the brain.

Developing clean energy is a major challenge for policy makers and scientists. On this program, Dr. Lester Brown discussed clean energy technology. In addition, Prof. Diandra Leslie-Pelecky discussed the physics of NASCAR.

Solving complex problems can be aided by the use of visual tools. However, these methods are often unknown outside of the scientific and engineering arenas. On this program, Dan Roam discussed visual problem solving.

Developing alternative energy sources will require extensive capital resources. On this program, Matthew Feller discussed methods for carbon sequestration. In addition, Miriam Horn discussed developing capital infrastructure for alternative energy technology.

Effective negotiation is a skill that is necessary for resolving conflict peacefully, but the strategies and practices of negotiation are often not properly taught. On this program, William Ury discussed the power of a positive negotiation.

The current peak oil crisis has intensified the search for renewable energy sources. One possible option is nuclear power. On this program, William Sweet discussed kicking the carbon habit.

The kidneys are an often unappreciated organ in the human body. But, the importance of their function becomes readily apparent when something disrupts their normal operation. On this program, Dr. Steven J. Peitzman discussed a short history of failing kidneys.

Developing the infrastructure of poor urban environments remains a major challenge for sustainable growth. On this program, Dr. Timothy Campbell discussed capacity building and urban development.

The human body is regulated by multiple physiological processes that cycle throughout the day. On this program, Jennifer Ackerman discussed the science of body rhythms.

Astronomers searching for extrasolar worlds have recently discovered several fascinating planets orbiting other stars. On this program, Dr. Jason Wright discussed the science and technology behind the search for extrasolar worlds.

Alexander Graham Bell is widely regarded as the inventor of the telephone. However, few may know the story of Elisha Gray, who may have been the first inventor of the telephone. On this program, Seth Shulman discussed the controversy and history of the telephone.

The exploration of Egypt and the middle east remained largely unknown to European scientists until 1798. At that time, a group of scientists, engineers, and artists began exploring the region under the leadership of Napoleon Bonaparte. On this program, Nina Burleigh discussed Napoleon, his scientists, and the exploration of Egypt.

Degenerative diseases of the brain such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons have until recently been accepted as a normal possibility of old age. However, recent advances in modern medicine are changing this view. Preventative measures can reduce the chance of developing these diseases, and effective treatments are being developed. On this program, Dr. Marwan Sabbagh discussed methods for preventing Alzheimers disease.

Science and sports seem strangely dissimilar, but both strive to bring out the best in human endeavors. On this program, Rick Greenwald discussed the quest for such consilience in Quantum Hoops.

Malaria has often been regarded as a third world disease. Yet, it has been found worldwide, with socioeconomic factors largely contributing to its prevalence or absence in different regions. On this program, Prof. Randall Packard discussed the history and treatment of malaria.

As computers have become increasingly ubiquitous, so too has computer malware. How can we protect our computers from this onslaught of viruses, worms, and Trojan horses? On this program, David Perry discussed effective solutions to combat computer malware.

Gorillas are genetically very similar to humans, however our behavior seems widely divergent. But, we may have more in common with our primate relatives than one might suspect. On this program, Andrew Grant discussed lessons from gorilla behavior.

Complementary and alternative medicine claims cures for ailments spanning the range from allergies to cancer. But, does scientific research support any of these claims? On this program, Prof. R. Barker Bausell discussed the problems with complementary and alternative therapies.

Supervolcanic eruptions have the potential to drastically alter the environment and seriously affect human civilization. Understanding the geological consequences of these events continues to challenge scientists. On this program, Dr. John Savino discussed the impact of a supervolcanic eruption.

Changes in the global environment are threatening the existence of many species of birds. But, what can be done to help? On this program, Dr. Jeffrey Wells discussed current bird conservation efforts.

The theory of evolution states that selective pressures result in the survival of the fittest. But, what selective pressures are placed on humans? It turns out that our worst enemy may be ourselves. On this program, Wendy Northcutt discussed the Darwin Awards. In addition, Caltech scientists discussed recent advances in geek fashion.

Sensory events are conveyed to our brains and interpreted in specialized maps of the outside world. On this program, Sandra Blakeslee discussed the function of these body maps in the brain.

The discovery of the Peking Man fossils in China was a landmark discovery for archaeologists and anthropologists. On this program, Dr. Amir Aczel discussed the discovery of the fossils and the tale of one of the main investigators involved in the project, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.

Written language has evolved as a unique human trait for communicating ideas. But, how have human brains evolved to read and write? On this program, Prof. Maryanne Wolf discussed the evolution and development of the reading brain.

Economics is often viewed as the dismal science, but everyday decisions are often guided or aided by economic considerations. On this program, Prof. Tyler Cowen discussed incentive economics.

The relationship between China and the United States has far reaching implications in terms of politics, economics, and technology. On this program, Prof. June Dreyer from the University of Miami discussed Sino-US relations.

Mathematics may appear to be constructed on absolute foundations derived from first principles. But, are mathematical tenets as absolute as they seem? On this program, Gaurav Suri discussed the philosophical implications of ambiguity in math.

Music has powerful emotive and expressive qualities that transcend its description as a purely physical phenomenon. This is of course due to how the brain processes musical information. On this program, Prof. Daniel Levitin discussed the musical brain.

Space travel is quickly becoming part of private enterprise, with several entrepreneurs developing technologies that will enable future space flight. On this program, Michael Belfiore discussed the development of the privatized space industry.

Gratitude and thankfulness are often in short supply. But, what can science tell us about increasing our sense of thankfulness? On this program, Prof. Robert Emmons discussed the psychology of gratitude.

Medical practitioners must put the interests of their patients first and foremost. But, do doctors always follow this maxim? On this program, Dr. Joshua Spanogle joined us to discuss issues in medical ethics.

Scientific observation of the planets in our solar system has a long and florid history. With the increased exploration of the planets, fascinating insights have quickly emerged. On this program, Dr. Richard Corfield presented the natural history of the solar system.

Science relies on empirical evidence to support its central theories and tenets, while religious belief relies on the faith of the believer. Can these two separate worldviews be reconciled? On this program, Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute discussed science and religious faith.

Changes in the ocean environment are rapidly affecting the well being of both human and marine life. On this program, Kenneth R. Weiss from the L.A. Times examined the altered oceans.

There are some facts that are common knowledge, but these often turn out to be completely wrong. When does common knowledge become general ignorance? On this program, John Lloyd and John Mitchinson from the BBC program, QI, will discuss the book of general ignorance.

Early childhood is the period when most of the mental faculties of the brain are formed. Yet, much of our education takes place much later in life. What can be done to assure a bright childhood? On this program, Dr. Jill Stamm discussed early childhood learning and development.

Heart disease and depression seem like unrelated ailments. However, new research is finding that the occurrence of one can result in the manifestation of the other. On this program, Dr. Lawson Wulsin discussed the guid between heart disease and depression.

The theory of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin has served as the basis for modern biological research. But, is evolution at odds with religious beliefs? On this program, Prof. Francisco Ayala from U.C. Irvine discussed Darwin and Religion.

While most might experience revulsion by fecal matter, the constitution of poo can actually tell a lot about gastrointestinal health. On this program, Dr. Anish Sheth and Josh Richmond discussed the science of poo.

Collaboration in business is important for the development of ideas and products. Technological innovations are facillitating this process. On this program, Don Tapscott discussed Wikinomics and how mass collaboration is changing business.

Nitric oxide is a ubiquitous molecule in the body that is involved in several important physiological processes. However, diseases may arise when the regulation of nitric oxide is disrupted. On this program, Prof. Martin Pall from Washington State University discussed the role of nitric oxide in disease.

Space travel has typically relied on conventional high energy routes, known as Hohmann Transfers, to move their payloads. However, low energy routes do exist and are currently being explored. On this program, Dr. Ed Belbruno from NASA discussed low energy space flight.

Surgical procedures, while often necessary for curing ailments, can sometimes be over-prescribed by clinicians. On this program, Peter Moore, editor at Mens Health, discussed unnecessary surgeries.

The invention of the telescope 400 years ago opened a window to the universe that continues to amaze and enlighten. On this program, Dr. Geoff Andersen discussed the history and invention of the telescope.

How does the US stack up to others in energy efficiency? Arthur Rosenfeld joined us again to discuss some of the encouraging lessons in energy development around the world.

Cancer is a disease that strikes fear by its mere mention. But, rapid advances in medical science are developing new treatments. On this program, Prof. David Nathan from Harvard MGH discussed new cancer therapies.

Continued developments in space exploration hold the promise for advancing human knowledge about the universe. But, how can humans reconcile these findings with their past beliefs. On this program, Prof. Albert Harrison discussed science, religion, and folklore in space exploration.

Evolution continues to be a contentious idea in modern society, especially in the United States, where it has spurred numerous legal battles over the right to teach the competing concept of Intelligent Design in public schools. On this program, Matthew Chapman discussed evolution vs. intelligent design in the Kitzmiller v. Dover Board of Education case.