Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

While science often strives to reveal the best elements of nature, it often can reveal the worst. On this program, Mark Frauenfelder discussed some of the worst science.

While the recent shuttle launch marks a momentary return for NASA to manned space flight, private enterprise is not far behind. The world altitude record was broken by Burt Rutan and SpaceShipOne, claiming the Ansari X-Prize. On this program, Brian Binnie, the pilot, discussed breaking the world altitude record.

It takes a very special person to be a fine man. The bar is set by none other than the physicist Richard P. Feynman. On this program, his daughter Michelle Feynman talks about the life of her father and her recent book The Feynman Letters: Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track.

Vineyards across Europe were nearly destroyed in the late 1800s by a pestilent aphid known as Phylloxera vastatrix. The scientific quest to discover a remedy and save wine for the world was discussed on this program with Mr. Christy Campbell

Albert Einstein was not only known for pushing the boundaries of science, he is also remembered for his insights into humanity, love, and pacifism. On this program, Ms. Alice Caliprice discussed The New Quotable Einstein.

Stem cell research is an international endeavor, and one country leading the way is Scotland. On this program, Dr. Ken Snowden discussed Scotland biotechnology innovations.

While solar energy may be one of the most viable forms of renewable energy, it has not yet reached the level of affordability for most consumers. On this program, Monique Sullivan discussed this issue and the million home solar energy initiative.

The history of the personal computer has strong roots in the societal changes that occurred during the 1960s. On this program, Prof. John Markoff discussed the 60s counterculture and the personal computing revolution.

The 21st century is regarded by many as the Pacific Century. But, the emergence of China as a superpower offers opportunities and risks. In this roundtable, Takesato Watanabe, Adam Gamble, Scott Savitt, and Richard Kiwata discusses Japan-China relations, their respective media, and the power of the internet to transform their relationship.

Breakthroughs in biomedical research will soon allow us to live longer, grow stronger, and think smarter. But, will these advances come at a price? On this program, Ramez Naam discussed the promise of biological enhancement..

Why do birds sing? The scientific exploration of bird song has uncovered many underlying biological mechanisms, and the aesthetic beauty of their music continues to fascinate scientists and musicians alike. On this program, Prof. David Rothenberg discussed why birds sing.

Research at public universities is increasingly being driven by profit motives that undermine academic integrity and limit the free expression of ideas. What does this shift mean for higher education? On this program, Jennifer Washburn discussed the corporate corruption of higher education.

Fundamental particle physics is replete with novel theories that are merely academic until experimentally verified by high energy particle colliders. On this program, Prof. Michael Peskin from the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center discussed these experimental techniques.

Scientists draw their inspiration from many sources, and a common one is science fiction. On this program, Prof. Gregory Benford, physicist and SF novelist, discussed science fiction writing and its influence on scientific inquiry.

The stock market may often seem impenetrable to personal investing, but advances in internet trading have vastly simplified many complex transactions. On this program, Bonnie Biafore discusses online investing hacks.

Commercials pervade modern society. While most of us may feel immune to their influence, they still can powerfully influence behavior, especially in children. On this program, Dr. Susan Linn from Harvard University discussed creating a commercial free childhood.

How did the univere begin? How will it end? The answers to these questions have remained elusive, but for the first time in human history, there is hope that these mysteries of the universe can be uncovered. Noted author and particle physicist Simon Singh discusses these ageless questions.

In this information age, presenting data simply and effectively is essential for comunicating ideas. Yet, the graphical display of data is a relatively recent innovation, as discussed on this program with Prof. Howard Wainer.

While nitric oxide may be infamously known for mediating erections, its role in the health of the heart has not been widely publicized. On this show, Nobel Laureate, Louis Ignarro, discussed these effects of nitric oxide.

Economic models typically consider market activities as solely determined by monetary motives, but a true examination of economic forces must consider human values as drivers of market decisions. On this program, Nobel laureate Prof. Amartya Sen discussed value economics.

While superstring theory dominates the landscape of unified field theories, alternative theories exist, such as twister theory. On this program, Sir Roger Penrose joined us to discuss the structure of the universe and quantum consciousness.

Heart disease is currently the number one killer of women, but few know about this risk to their health. On this program, Dr. Arthur Agatston, author of the South Beach Diet, discussed preventing heart disease.

Physicists are constantly searching for elegant theories that describe the universe. One such theory, string theory, has the potential to unify the disparate theories of quantum mechanics and general relativity.

The City of Berkeley has consistently been at the forefront of the environmental movement. David Williamson, director of the curbside recycling program in Berkeley, talks about converting their fleet to biodiesel.

While nothing can undo the devastation caused by the recent tsunami disaster in southeast asia, improvements in global monitoring of seismic activity may lessen the effects of future events. On this program, Prof. Jeffrey Park discussed seismographic monitoring.

Recent discoveries from the Mars and Titan landings have rekindled interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial life. On this program, Prof. David Grinspoon discussed these findings, astrobiology, and his book, Lonely Planets.

Global warming is a scientific issue that is particularly sensitive to the political climate. On this program, Prof. Patrick J. Michaels from the University of Virginia discussed the politics of global warming.

The human body is best suited for survival in a limited range of environments, yet when stretched to its limits can exist in a wide range of extreme situations. On this program, global explorer and physician, Dr. Kenneth Kammler discussed surviving at the extremes.

Milk does a body good, in more ways than one. On this program, we discussed the benefits of lactoferrin with Dr. Itsumori Harada. In addition, Adam Goldstein discussed the secrets of Applescript.

New year resolutions will come and go, but with the right motivation they can be fully realized. On this program, former Heavyweight Boxing Champion, George Foreman, discussed how to meet fitness goals.

The personal computing revolution is a relatively recent historical event, but one that is already open to historical interpretation. On this program, Andy Hertzfeld discussed his insider look at the creation of the Macintosh, as portrayed in his book, Revolution in the Valley.

The 2004 year in science led to developments ranging from private space flight to cloned cats. On this program, we recapped the year in science with Popular Science editor, Suzanne Kantra.

Robotics and theology may seem to be incompatible disciplines, but robots may be more a reflection of our humanity than our technological prowess. On this program, Prof. Anne Foerst discussed her book, God in the Machine: What Robots Teach Us About Humanity and God.

Weather prediction can be notoriously unreliable. But, one publication has been doing it with 80% accuracy since 1792. The Old Farmers Almanac.

The expressive fervor of cultish beliefs can take many forms, especially when the object of such devotion is the Macintosh computer. On this program, we examined the Cult of Mac, with Wired Magzine editor Leander Kahney.

While the holiday season offers many temptations for ruining an otherwise healthy diet, chocolate may be a gulity pleasure with unexpected health benefits. Also on this program, we discussed the secret to beating the casino at Blackjack.

Lasers have multiple applications, from simple pointing devices to guiding missiles. On this program, Nobel Laureate Prof. Charles Townes discussed the development of the laser.

Campus life is full of stress, which is a normal part of academic life. Coping with these challenges can often lead to depression. On this program, we explored dealing with depression on campus.

The theory of plate tectonics describes many geological phenomenon. However, to accurately predict the interactions at plate boundaries which could result in earthquakes requires a more refined model, which was discussed on this program with Prof. Jean-Phillipe Avouac.

The proliferation of spam e-mail peddling everything from home mortgages to male enhancement may cause one to wonder, Who writes this stuff? On this program, Brian McWilliams profiles some of these spam peddlers as portrayed in his book, Spam Kings.

Stem cell research promises to develop cures for a variety of ailments, but the current government restrictions on this research has forced investigators to improvise their methods. As a result, California voters have proposed a bond measure to fund this research.

With the growing scarcity of fossil fuels, alternative energy sources are actively being investigated. Currently, hydrogen based fuel systems have been heralded in the press as being the solution. But beyond the hype, the hydrogen economy faces critical challenges.

Each year over 100 million flu shots are administered, but the recent announcement that this year the supply will be cut in half will complicate matters. On this program, we examined the upcoming flu vaccine shortage.

Special coverage of the 2004 Nobel Prize Awards in Medicine or Physiology, Physics, and Chemistry.

Astronomers are interested in the fate of stars, but what happens to stars of the Holywood variety? On this program, Wil Wheaton talks about blogging, life after Star Trek, and his book, Just a Geek.

The neural mechanisms responsible for generating conscious states are slowly being revealed through scientific inquiry. On this program, Prof. Gerald Edelman joined us to discuss the scientific exploration of consciousness.

Although visible telescope have shed new light on celestial objects, radio astronomy has pushed the boundaries even farther. On this program, Prof. Jack Welch discussed radio astronomy and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

With currently diminishing energy resources, the search for alternative energy sources is of prime importance. But, often lost in the debate is the role of efficient energy use. Steve Nadel talks about energy efficiency in America.

The asymmetric structure of biologically active molecules has confounded those interested in replicating their structures. However, novel chemical methods are being developed to attack this synthetic problem, as revealed on this episode.

The hype surrounding the Google IPO may have overshadowed the vast number of competing search engines. On this program, we talked with Kathy Rittweger, cofounder of one such search engine called Bguidx.