Information has never been more facile and easy to obtain, such that managing it can be almost overhwelming. But, how is information defined scientifically? And, what does the history of information tell us about its future?
Topics: science, technology, information theory, computers, communication, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
What is the basis for the common numerical counting systems found in mathematics? And, how do these vary across the globe? On this program, Alex Bellos discussed number theory.
Topics: science, math, euclid, numbers, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
MRSA, otherwise known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, may be the greatest public health threat since AIDS. What is being done to combat this deadly disease? On this program, Maryn McKenna discussed the threat of this Superbug.
Topics: science, MRSA, epidemiology, biology, public health, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed in young children. However, alternatives exist to the common treatments. On this program, Nancy O'Dell and Patricia Cook discussed stopping ADHD.
Topics: science, ADD, ADHD, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The rapid developments in science and technology are made easier to follow by excellent science writing. On this program, Jesse Cohen discussed the Best American Science Writing for 2009.
Topics: science, technology, journalism, best of 2009, science writing, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Some of us see self-driving cars as futuristic, not likely to become popular in our lifetime. But several companies are getting very close to launching their first lines of unmanned vehicles and many people want them. Today Corey Clothier of Local Motors joins us to talk about the state of autonomous vehicles, when they’ll be available, and how they could change the way we commute and travel.
Topics: driverless, autonomous, cars, automotive, unmanned, vehicles, corey clothier, science, technology,...
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
How much of the aging process is inevitable and how much can we control? On this episode, Dr. Michael Roizen discussed controlling the aging process.
Topics: science, technology, groks, aging
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Throughout history, physicians have made use of the placebo effect. Now, scientists are trying to understand how and why placebos work. Today Professor John Kelley, the Deputy Director of the Program in Placebo Studies & the Therapeutic Encounter at Harvard Medical School discusses the mechanisms of the placebo effect and its role in medicine.
Topics: groks, science, medicine, placebos, John Kelley, placebo effect, psychology
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The interaction between humans and animals has varied dramatically throughout human history. Animals have been seen as spiritual figures, servants, food, and pampered pets. On this episode, Brian Fagan discusses how animals have shaped our history and how our conception of them has changed over time.
Topics: animals, history, brian fagan, groks science show
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Carbohydrates are ubiquitous and multivariate molecules found throughout our bodies. Their roles extend beyond simply providing energy. This program featured a discussion with a recent MacArthur Fellow about these important molecules.
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Chronic stress causes negative impacts to the brain but caffeine can help to mitigate these effects. On this program, Rodrigo Cunha discusses the relationship between caffeine, stress, emotions.
Topics: caffeine, stress, emotions, alcohol, stimulants, adenosine, coffee, tea
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
On today’s show, author and journalist Rachel Swaby joins us to discuss a few of the substantial contributions that women have made to science.
Topics: Rachel Swaby, women, women in science, groks science show, science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Richard Feynman is known as one of the most imaginative and beloved physicists in history, reaching a public popularity that is uncommon for his field. Today we speak with his daughter Michelle Feynman about the collection of her father’s quotes that she recently published as well as stories and memories she has of him.
Topics: Richard Feynman, Michelle Feynman, physics, biography, groks science show
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The connection between scent and memory is powerful and can be startling. Many people have been caught off-guard by strong memories brought about simply by catching an everyday scent. Today we’re speaking with Dr. Virginia Barry, Chicago psychoanalyst and author of the unique book Scratch and Sniff Proust. She’ll help us understand the neuroscience behind the strong connection between memory and scent and why the brain is wired this way.
Topics: scent, senses, smell, memory, neuroscience, psychiatry, Groks Science Show, Virginia Barry
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
While most would readily accept that the brain controls behavior, few would acknowledge the role that genes play in shaping our actions. On this program, we investigated the link between genes and behavior with Prof. Gary Marcus from NYU.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Gamma ray bursts occur following massive stellar events, but their presence still remains enigmatic. On this program, we examined the astrophysics behind these intriguing signals.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Stem cell research is an international endeavor, and one country leading the way is Scotland. On this program, Dr. Ken Snowden discussed Scotland's biotechnology innovations.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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.
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The brain is composed of millions of neurons that are connected at specialized structures called synapses. The discovery of the synapse by Ramon y Cajal won him the Nobel Prize, but not without a contentious debate from another Nobel laureate, Camillo Golgi. On this program, Dr. Richard Rapport discussed the discovery of the nerve endings.
Topics: science, neurobiology
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Nanotechnology innovations have the potential to revolutionize daily living. But, separating the science from the science fiction is a challenge both for scientists and investors. On this program, Dr. Matthew Laudon and Darrell Brookstein discussed the promise of nanotechnology.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The connection between inflammation and aging may be related in part by the foods we eat. On this program, Dr. Nicholas Perricone discussed his theory for a healthy diet.
Topics: science, nutrition
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
2005 has now been confirmed as the warmest year on record, but what must be done to stop this dangerous trend of global warming? Carl McDaniel and Stephen Schneider joined us on this program to talk about how these climate issues are best communicated to the public.
Topics: science, global warming, science communication
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The problems facing the earth's environment will rely on scientific solutions from numerous disciplines. Integrating these solutions with political resources remains a major challenge for the future, and was the focus of this discussion with Nobel Laureate, Prof. Y.T. Lee.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Social networks have been popularized by the play "Six Degrees of Separation". But, predicting the behavior of these networks in reality proves to be quite challenging. We explored this issue with Prof. Duncan Watts from Columbia University.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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 Dr. Simon Singh discusses these ageless questions.
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Consciousness remains one of the frontiers of modern science; however, innovative methodologies may soon reveal an understanding of how the brain gives rise to conscious experience. We discussed this issue with Prof. Christof Koch from Caltech.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Besides his physical theories, Einstein is also well known for his considered pacificism. With the world year of physics drawing to a close, we explored Einstein and his theology with our guest John Brinster.
Topics: Science, physics, Einstein, theology, pacificism
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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, how mass collaboration is changing business.
Topics: science, wikinomics, economics, collaboration
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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.
Topics: science, cancer, therapy
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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.
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Topics: science, poo, fecal matter, gastrointestinal
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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.
Topics: science, mathematics, everyday
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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.
Topics: science, altruism, evolution
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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.
Topics: science, astronomy, universe, stardust, comets
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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.
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Topics: science, exercise, neuroscience
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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.
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Topics: science, dark matter, physics
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
While electronic mail has revolutionized global communication, its ubiquity is not without a cost...spam. How does one deal with the ever growing amounts of electronic junk mail. On this program, we featured one innovative approach.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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.
Topics: science, neuroethology, animal behavior
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Engineering is often regarded as the practical implementation of scientific theories. On this program, Prof. Henry Petroski discussed the essential engineer.
Topics: science, technology, engineering, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Swarm behavior is found throughout nature in ants, birds and even humans. But, what is a smart swarm and how can we learn from them? On this program, Peter Miller discussed the Smart Swarm with guest host, Dr. Elise Covic.
Topics: science, biology, population dynamics, chaos, sociology, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The remarkable world residing under the sea may have been unknown to many were it not for Jacques Cousteau. On this program, Brad Matsen discussed the life and work of the famed Sea King.
Topics: science, oceanography, conservation, SCUBA, cousteau, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Math may often seem daunting and unapproachable, even for professional mathematicians. Luckily, math can also be viewed as hot and sexy. On this program, Danica McKellar discussed hot math.
Topics: science, math, wonder years, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
For many, heartburn is a constant source of irritation that must be endured daily. However, new treatments are available. We looked at some of these new approaches to managing heartburn.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
How did human intelligence evolve? On this program, Dr. Leonard Shlain discussed how female sexuality may have played a key role in this process.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The universe is very large, which makes understanding its origins complicated. But, the fundamental principles are readily accessible with some creative assistance. On this program, James Lu Dunbar discussed the Universe Verse.
Topics: science, cosmology, physics, astronomy, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Empathy is an emotion that is often thought to be uniquely human. However, studies of non-human primates are changing that view. On this program, Prof. Frans de Waal discussed the age of empathy.
Topics: science, empathy, biology, sociology, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Severe anxiety can be a debilitating condition. Although medications are often the common form of treatment, other methods are available for achieving a more serene lifestyle. On this program, Steve Pavilanis discussed these methods for achieving a Life Less Anxious.
Topics: science, anxiety, panic attacks, serenity, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The human skull has fascinated those interested in the inner workings of the human mind, even to the point of stealing skulls from the grave. On this program, Colin Dickey discussed the practice of Cranioklepty.
Topics: science, grave robbing, craniokelpty, phrenology, Franz Joseph Gall, Haydn, Beethoven, Goya, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
