Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

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.

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.