Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

Economics may be called the dismal science, but an economic perspective could help solve many puzzles in everyday life. On this episode, Steven Landsburg discussed how to outsmart an economist.

What can exploding teeth tell us about the progress of medical science? On this episode, Thomas Morris will discuss the mystery of the exploding teeth.

Although a spotless home may seem like a land where no creature may venture, one might be surprised to find several species residing there. On this episode, Rob Dunn discussed the animals that never leave us home alone.

The history of space exploration is vast and encompasses centuries of human activity. On this episode, Roger D. Launius discussed the Smithsonian history of space exploration.

The animal kingdom is a diverse and exciting place, but how much of what we know about it is true? On this episode, Nick Caruso discussed the truths and myths about the animal kingdom.

Black holes capture everything that passes its event horizon, even light. So, how can a black hole be seen? On this episode, Seth Fletcher discussed the event horizon telescope.

Zombies may seem confined to the stories of horror fiction, but the animal kingdom is replete with examples of real zombification. On this episode, Matt Simon discussed the plight of the living dead.

Humans nearly vanished due to a major explosion from the Toba Volcano. On this episode, Dr. Donald Prothero discusses when humans nearly vanished.

What does it take to make an impact in the tech publishing world? What leadership qualities and values do we need to build a successful and trustworthy organization? On this episode, Glenn Rifkin talks about the founder of IDG publishing and the lessons to thrive in the global computer publishing industry.

Cancer can take its toll on not only the patient, but also on the family, friends and caregivers that surround them. How do people cope with a cancer diagnosis? On this episode, Dr. Steven A. Curley discussed some of these stories in his new book, In My Hands.

Living on earth may be tough, but what about living in outer space? On this episode, Colin Stuart discussed how to live in space in the not-so-distant future.

The world may seem like an illogical place at time, but is there room for logic in an illogical world? On this episode. Dr. Eugenia Cheng discussed the art of logic in an illogical world.

A cemetery may not seem like the most ideal place to conduct science, but Mount Auburn Cemetery is involving citizens in a wide variety of scientific projects. On this episode, Paul Kwiatkowski and Jeanne Mooney discussed citizen science at Mount Auburn Cemetery.

Sleep is an essential part of our lives, but one that we rarely think about, unless something goes wrong. On this episode, Henry Nicholls discussed the neuroscience of sleep.

Traumatic brain injury and other brain disorders can be difficult to diagnose properly. Eye tracking is one technique to assess neurological function. On this episode, Dr. Jam Ghajar discussed neurological eye tracking.

Kids can be picky eaters, but is it possible to change their eating habits for the better? On this episode, Chef Gigi Gaggero discussed winning the food fight with kids.

What is the future of cargo delivery? Two brothers think it is in drones. On this episode, brothers Svilen and Konstantin Rangelov talk about their drone project, The Black Swan, that can transport 800 pounds of cargo over 1500 miles.

Sand is the most consumed natural resources on earth, incorporated in building materials throughout the world. But, are we endanger of depleting this resource? On this episode, Vince Beiser discussed the story of sand.

The modern world can be daunting to all creatures, especially the wild cats of America. On this episode, Will Solzenburg discussed his new book, Heart of a Lion.

What is the inner life of a fish? Is it possible to know what a fish knows? On this episode, Dr. Jonathan Balcombe discussed what a fish knows.

How can Heavy Metal music help us understand the Heisenberg uncertainty principle? On this episode, Dr. Philip Moriarty discussed heavy metal music and quantum physics.

New encryption methods and blockchain technology may assist with cybersecurity. On this episode, Larry Castro discussed advances in cybersecurity.

Hormones control just about everything in our bodies, but the scientific study of hormones has a long and sordid history. On this episode, Dr. Randi Hutter Epstein discussed the history of hormones.

The famous discoveries made by the investigators at the Jane Goodall campsite in Gombe were perhaps made possible by Ruth Davis. Who was she and what happened to her? On this episode, Dr. Dale Peterson discussed the Ghosts of Gombe.

Can you search what you see? Hardware and software improvements are enabling a new way for us to see the world. On this program, Kavita Bala joins us to talk about visual search and what it means for consumers and future of AR/VR.

Technology often comes into conflict with nature. How has technology changed how we interact with the world? On this episode, Lawrence Millman discussed issues in his book: At The End of the World.

Optimal hydration is important for our bodies to function properly, but are there sources of water that are more hydrating than others. On this episode, Gina Bria discussed the importance of hydration and the fourth phase of water.

Can poor jaw development lead to disorders like sleep disturbances? On this episode, Dr. Paul Erlich discussed the hidden epidemic of poor jaw development.

Heredity is often taught as a straightforward biological concept involving one gene and one trait, but all of the factors involved in heredity are more complicated. On this episode, Carl Zimmer discussed heredity.

Anger may be one of the most difficult emotions to manage, but how can we manage healthy and destructive anger? On this episode, Bernard Golden discussed anger management.

Uncovering the mysteries of the brain is an ongoing endeavor. So, what do we really know about the brain? On this episode, Dr. David Linden discussed these issues in the new book, Think Tank.

Dinosaurs have long captivated the public imagination, but how much do we really know about their history? On this episode, Dr. Steve Brusatte discussed the rise and fall of the dinosaurs.

Sports are a big part of popular culture, but how can neuroscience improve how professional sports are played? On this episode, Zach Schonbrun discussed the neuroscience of sports.

Efficiency may be a hallmark of effective organizations, but is the quest for efficiency beneficial in the long run? On this episode, Dr. Edward Tenner discussed the efficiency paradox.

Swearing as an integral part of our language, but what can science tell us about why we swear? On this episode, Benjamin Bergen discussed the science of swearing.

Consensus is often proposed as the most important thing to achieve in a group interaction, but is there benefit in dissent? On this episode, Prof. Charlan Nemeth discussed the importance of dissent.

Raising kids in a screen-filled world can be especially daunting, but can screen time actually be beneficial? On this episode, Angela Santomero discussed parenting in a screen-filled world?

The tragedy of flight 242 remains a potent reminder in the history of aviation. What lessons were learned and how did the people recover? On this episode, Samme Chittum discussed the tragedy of flight 242.

Quantum mechanics may be a powerful theory that enables everyday life, but what does it tell us about the nature of reality? On this episode, Dr. Adam Becker discusses the search for meaning of quantum mechanics.

The tech industry, while enormously successful, has seen many of its jobs move away from the United States. On this episode, Hilarie Gamm discussed the billions lost in the tech industry.

Resilience is a term that is often referred to when discussing highly effective individuals. But, how do we build resilience in kids? On this episode, Dr. Kate Lund discussed building resilience in kids.

What are the hidden motives behind our actions? Why do our brains make up stories about our actions to keep us unaware of our real motives? On this episode, Dr. Robin Hanson discussed the elephant in the brain.

Annihilation, the new film by Alex Garland, explores the self-destructive capacity of humans in a unique alien landscape. On this episode, Dr. Adam Rutherford discussed his contributions to the development of Annihilation.

The epic migration of songbirds heralds the dawning of spring. But, what does their migration tell us about nature? On this episode, Bruce Beehler discussed the springtime songbird migration.

Modern phones have gone from being a tool to a temptation. But, how do we break the cycle of addiction to our phones? On this episode, Catherine Price discussed how to break up with your phone.

A rare eclipse of a blue, super-moon will occur in North America on January 31. What is this rare triple event? On this episode, Dr. Andrew Fraknoi discussed the eclipse of the blue, super-moon.

Is there a god? And, can science provide any insight into this most pressing philosophical question? On this episode, Dr. Bernard Haisch discussed a scientific inquiry into the god question.

Although weight loss may be a challenging problem, economic theory may be able to provide a solution. On this episode, Rob Barnett discussed the economist diet.

Months after Hurricane Maria the Puerto Rico, the island faces food, water, and electricity shortages. On this episode, Ingrid Montes discusses the recovery efforts on Puerto Rico and shares her thoughts on science and society.

What will be the next step in human evolution? Will genetic engineering and artificial intelligence be the driving force? On this episode, Dr. Don Simborg discussed what comes after Homo sapiens?