Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

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.

While the incident that occurred in Roswell, NM is now 60 years old, theories and rampant speculation remain as to what occurred. On this program, Donald Schmitt discussed investigations into the Roswell incident. Special note: this is our -Independence Day- episode. If you do not get the joke, search the Internet Movie Database.

The Richter Scale is well known to anyone who has experienced an earthquake. But, most are unaware of the man who invented the scale. On this program, Dr. Susan Hough discussed the life and science of Dr. Charles Richter.

Since the launch of Sputnik in 1957, human space endeavors have rapidly evolved. On this program, Dr. Martin Collins discussed the history of the space age.

The occurrence of preventable disease in the United States can be lowered by simple lifestyle changes. On this program, Dr. Raymond Francis discussed the project to end disease.

Setting energy policy continues to be a challenge for government officials. On this program, Dr. Arthur Rosenfeld, California Energy Commissioner, discussed energy policy.

Crickets, cicadas, and katydids are the noise makers among the insects. But, how are their sounds distinguished from one another? On this program, Lang Elliot discussed the songs of insects.

Archaeological findings have generally focussed on the prehistoric activities of males, while neglecting those of females. However, recent archaeological findings are challenging this framework. On this program, Jake Page discussed these new archaeological findings.

Dark matter and dark energy comprise most of the known universe. But, what are the constituents of dark matter and energy? On this program, Dr. Dan Hooper from Fermilab discussed the dark cosmos.

Mathematical puzzles are not usually associated with entertainment. However, the Rubik Cube continues to amaze, confound, and entertain. On this program, Tyson Mao discussed solving the Rubik Cube.

What is the appropriate market mechanism for moving away from a fossil fuel economy? On this program, Lester Brown from the Earth Policy Institute discussed how carbon taxes could better represent the true cost of energy.

Morality often is considered a sociological issue. However, recent advances in neurobiology are demonstrating that human brains are innately constructed for morality. On this program, Prof. Marc Hauser from Harvard University discussed the biology of morality.

Pets often perplex their human companions with their eccentric behavior. On this program, Dr. Marty Becker discussed the intricacies of pet behavior.

Bubbles created via the process of cavitation have many applications. On this program, Prof. Christopher Brennen from Caltech discussed the physics of cavitation.

The sources of emotional pain are wide and varied, but are firmly rooted in the deepest centers of the brain. Treating such mental anguish thus requires accessing these deeply ingrained structures. On this program, Drs. Arthur and France Janov discussed Primal Healing.

The problem of evil has confounded philosophers and scientists alike. Is there a biological basis for evil? On this program, Prof. David Buss discussed the biology of evil.

The work of Poincare on the three-body problem later became the framework for studying chaotic systems. Since then, mathematicians have made progress in these and other dynamical systems. On this program, Mason Porter talked about exciting developments in this field. Travis Heime also discussed condensed matter physics.

Environmentalists have been concerned about pollution in the sea and the depletion of fisheries, but are these worries overblown? On this program, Stacey Viera of the National Fisheries Institutes, explains the health effects of mercury and NOAA work in promoting sustainable fishing.

Scientists estimate that one-third of today's increase in greenhouse gas emissions come from changes in the land-use. One way to sequester the carbon emissions is plant more trees but are other crops better suited? On this program, special correspondent Terry Yen talks about the promise of anthropogenic peat.

Disease has a negative connotation in evolutionary thought. But, in some instances, a selective advantage may be conferred by disease processes. On this program, Dr. Sharon Moalem discussed the survival of the sickest.

A huge potential for our energy needs lies at the bottom of the ocean in the form of methane hydrates. But what happens when the ocean burps and large amounts of natural gas are liberated into the atmosphere? On this program, MBARI scientist Charles Paull discusses how these greenhouse gases could be abruptly released.

Do I have a chance with them? Should I drink the milk at the back of the refrigerator? Solving everyday problems like these can be especially problematic without the proper tools. Luckily, math can provide the answer. On this program, Garth Sundem discussed mathematical solutions to everyday problems.

Size matters... especially in biology. But the dimensions of living organisms are often disregarded, while it is arguably essential to their study. On this program, Prof. John Tyler Bonner discussed why size matters in biology.

Altruistic behavior is seemingly at odds with the classic notion of evolution. How can altruism be reconciled with the survival of the fittest? On this program, Prof. Lee Alan Dugatkin discussed the altruism equation.

Billions and billions of years ago, stars in the universe created elements that scattered throughout the galaxies. Until recently, these dust particles from the early universe were frozen in comets. On this program, Dr. Andrew Westphal discussed the StarDust project, the challenges in collecting comet dust and the surprising discoveries made from these samples.

Tracking the evolutionary changes that give rise to new species has become more refined with the advent of molecular biological tools. Changes in DNA sequences over time can now be measured across species to provide a genetic picture of evolution in action. On this program, Prof. Sean B. Carroll discussed these new findings.

For many technophiles, Christmas comes a couple weeks after the fact. At Macworld 2007, we saw a glimpe of what future telephony will look like, but at the same time, developers have products ready to go. On this program, Jon Philips from MacLife magazine discussed current trends in computing. Also, Kevin Ford talked about advanced telephone systems.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. But, what are the physical processes that underlie the formation of snowflakes, and how can this process be reproduced? On this program, Prof. Kenneth Libbrecht from Caltech discussed the physics of snowflakes.

Most of us know earthquakes by their groundbreaking nature, but what has intrigued seismologists recently are silent earthquakes. On this program, Prof. Paul Segall discussed the significance of these imperceptible ground movements. In addition, Chuck McMinn discussed combined heat and power systems at Vineyard29.

The origin of our belief systems may have strong biological underpinnings. On this program, Prof. Andrew Newberg discussed the biology of our beliefs.

Technological changes are occuring at a rapid pace, and keeping up with those changes is a challenge to even the most astute technophile, not to mention those averse to technology. On this program, the technology folks, Martina and John, discussed dealing with technology.

The growing disparities in health care provided by primary care physicians has caused some to offer a service known as concierge medicine. But, this potential cure may result in more problems than solutions. On this program, Dr. Robin Cook discussed the problems with concierge medicine.

Quantum computing makes use of the unique quantum states of a molecular system to store information. On this program, Dr. Michael Hartmann discussed quantum information theory. In addition, Chin Ong discussed the agricultural merits of bamboo.

The prevalent image of old age is one of infirmity, but studies of centenarians demonstrate that a vibrant lifestyle is possible. On this program, Dr. Maoshing Ni discussed everyday habits for ensuring a long and healthy life.

The role of science in government has often been neglected. The Union of Concerned Scientists is a group that brings scientific opinion to major policy issues. On this program, Prof. Kurt Gottfried, chair of the UCS, discussed science representation in the government. In addition, Vikram Kukarni discussed geotechnical engineering.

Biomedical research often encounters vocal opposition from both sides of the political spectrum. On this program, Prof. Lee Silver discussed the clash of science and spirituality in biological research.