Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

Charts and graphical displays of information are essential to the modern age, but they are only as useful if one is prepared to us them. On this episode, Prof. Alberto Cairo discussed his book, How Charts Lie.

What is the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe? How much closer are we to determining this issue? On this episode, Professor Michael Summers discussed the possibility of extraterrestrial life in his book, Imagined Life.

Hearing is one of the basic senses that is often ignored until something goes wrong. What can we do to protect our hearing and what are the current treatments for hearing problems? On this episode, David Owen discussed his book, Volume Control.

The scientific study of consciousness continues to be plagued by a gap in understanding that may be traced to the foundations of modern science. On this episode, Philip Goff discussed the foundations for a new science of consciousness.

Although modern medicine has improved health outcomes in the past century, it continues to overlook hidden factors for human health, such as kindness. On this episode, Dr. Kelli Harding discussed the Rabbit Effect.

The modern world has often forced us to become divorced from our connections with nature. On this episode, Gary Ferguson discussed eight master lessons of nature.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly outpacing the human ability to control it. How can we design human compatible AI systems? On this episode, Stuart Russell discussed the design of human compatible AI.

Among all of the self recovery programs, alcoholics anonymous may be the most influential and the foundation for all those that followed. On this episode, William Schaberg discussed Writing the Big Book: The Creation of A.A.

How does the brain give rise to subject feelings and is this the basis for consciousness? On this episode, Dr. Christof Koch discussed his research on consciousness.

Dogs may be unique in the capacity to form emotional bonds. What are the biological underpinnings of this behavior? On this episode, Dr. Clive Wynne discussed his book, Dog is Love.

The universe is filled with uncertainty, from the fundamental to the uncalculable. But, how can we deal with uncertainty in our predictions of the future. On this episode, Prof. Ian Stewart discussed Do Dice Play God.

How do the operations of the brain result in the mind? And, how has the study of the two been influenced by early medical cases? On this episode, Drs. Allan H. Ropper and Brian Burrell discussed how the brain lost its mind.

What is the best way to solve an everyday problem? On this episode, Randall Munroe, creator of xkcd, discussed his new book, How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems.

The opioid epidemic continues to affect countless lives, but how did it get to this point? What is the history of opium and its derivative opioids? On this episode, Dr. John Halpern discussed how an ancient flower shaped and poisoned our world.

Can your bathroom mirror show more than your reflection? On this episode, Thomas Serval discusses an operating system that works behind your mirror to enhance our digital lifestyle.

The natural world is filled with resources that are harvested without thought for the long term consequences. Can we live sustainably with the environment? On this episode, Edward Posnett discussed the strange harvests.

Stress can be overwhelming and sometimes even debilitating, but how can we deal with mild or chronic stress? On this episode, Dr. Amy Serin discussed the stress switch.

Advances in automated car technology are poised to revolutionize transportation. But, when will see the first generation of robotic cars? On this episode, Jason Torchinsky discussed Robot, Take the Wheel.

The American continents are often referred to as the New World by anthropologists. But could civilization have started far earlier than most experts think? On this episode, Graham Hancock discusses his hypothesis of a lost civilization.

One of the annoyances of modern life is background noise in our phone conversations. On this program, Davit Baghdasaryan discussed his AI powered app KRISP, which gives us clean voice communication.

The 50th anniversary of the first landings on the moon mark a notable landmark in the technological achievements of humanity. But, what is the legacy of the Apollo missions? On this episode, Dr. Roger Launius discussed the legacy of the moon landings.

What happens when a language dies? What happens to the culture and history of the speakers of that language? On this episode, Prof. Don Kulick discussed his book, A Death in The Rainforest.

Meteoric impacts are extremely frequent events on the earth, so much so that the next one might completely destroy the planet. On this episode, Gordon L. Dillow discussed these events in his book, Fire in the Sky.

Generic drugs are a ubiquitous part of the pharmaceutical market, but do they deliver the same effects? On this episode, Ms. Katherine Eban discussed problems with generic drug manufacturing.

Creativity and evolution may seem to be two completely different ideas, but what can the theory of evolution teach us about the creative process? On this episode, Dr. Andreas Wagner discussed his book, Life Finds a Way.

Can advances in theoretical math explain fundamental problems in physics and can experimental physics ever test some of these purely mathematical theories? On this episode, Graham Farmelo discussed his book, The Universe Speaks in Numbers.

The bond shared with animals defines much of what makes us human, but how can empathy and shared destinies with animals affect our physical, mental, and societal health? On this episode, Dr. Ayshar Akhtar discussed our symphony with animals?

Walking may be one of the unique aspects of humanity is our ability for bipedal walking. But, how has our modern lifestyle affected this uniquely human ability? On this episode. Antonia Malchik discussed a Walking Life.

Scientific findings are under increasing attack from pseudoscientific views. Why does this persist and what can be done to address this issue? On this episode, Lee C. McIntyre discussed the scientific attitude.

The theory of evolution can be applied to many aspects of human life, not just the genetic. On this episode, David Sloan Wilson discussed this view of life.

The history of the settlement of North America may be more complicated than the classic story of the land bridge. On this episode, Craig Childs discussed the Atlas of a Lost World.

You are what you eat, so the old saying goes. But, can you eat to beat disease? On this episode, Dr. William W. Li discussed eating to beat disease.

In spite of their potential, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have not met the promise of a global money standard. On this episode, Bram Cohen discusses sustainable blockchain for next generation digital currency.

The organization of human culture and society is often touted as the pinnacle of the rational human mind. But, are more basic affective processes actually at play? On this episode, Prof. Antonio Damasio discussed the strange order of things.

How has the role of science in society been shaped? Who were the key thinkers and how has scientific authority evolved? On this episode, Dr. Robert Crease discussed the workshop and the world.

Air pollution not only drives climate change but also respiratory and other health problems. On this episode, Jos Lelieveld discussed how lives could be saved today and in the future by eliminating the emissions associated with burning fossil fuels.

Outer space is certainly cool, but just how cool is it? On this episode, Kate Howells discussed her new book, Space is Cool as F-ck.

How do you fight an antibiotic-resistant bacteria? What would you do if one of your loved ones was fighting off such a bacteria? On this episode, Dr. Stephanie Strathdee discussed her story in the Perfect Predator.

What are the scientific principles behind building a bigger, leaner, and stronger body? On this episode, Michael Matthews discussed the scientific principles behind building muscle.

Can one molecule in the brain influence all of our daily desires and drives? On this episode, Dr. Daniel Lieberman discussed the molecule of more.

Although the daily chores of life may seem to be a burden, the ability to deal with these tasks is of growing importance. On this episode, Elizabeth Emens discussed tips and tricks for life admin.

The most important Hollywood studio of the cold war is one that you probably do not even know about. On this episode, Prof. Ned OGorman discussed the Lookout Mountain Studios.

The current trends around the world that drive the tension between globalism and nativism have buoyed many populist governmental changes. On this episode, Dr. Alexandre Muns Rubiol discussed how to bridge the digital divide.

A healthy lifestyle is always beneficial, but how can a mojito help? On this episode, Dr. Juan Rivera discussed the mojito diet.

Reading aloud has enormous benefits for children and adults, but why has this ancient activity fallen by the wayside? On this episode. Meghan Cox Gurdon discussed the power of reading aloud.

Hormone disrupting chemicals are found in our everyday environment, but what can we do to fight back? On this episode, Dr. Leonardo Trassande discussed the problem of hormone disrupting chemicals.

Quantum mechanics may seem to be an esoteric topic that has little impact on our daily lives. Surprisingly, one can find the influence of quantum mechanics in our daily breakfast. On this episode, Chad Orzel discussed Breakfast with Einstein.

What if computers could be as smart as otters? What would they do? On this program, Sam Liang joins us to talk about his artificial intelligence startup.

The setpoint theory suggests that our bodies have a natural range of weight that is determined. This setpoint can be changed to improve health and longevity. On this episode, Jonathan Bailor discussed the setpoint diet.

Chronic illness can be a challenge for those coping with their condition. How can one transcend a chronic illness? On this episode, Lisa Sniderman discussed a Light in the Darkness.