Understanding the global cycling of the atmosphere remains a profound challenge in science. The results have implications in many fields, most notably meteorology. This show featured a discussion of current research in atamospheric science.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Biomagnetism refers to the ability of organisms to sense magnetic fields. The study of biomagnetism encompasses many areas of research including the emerging field of geobiology.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
A multiverse is a theoretical construct that could describe the alternative realities that may exit simultaneous with our own. This program focused on the possibility of just such a reality.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Communicating developments in science and technology to the public at large is essential to establishing a science literate populace. However, translating the sometimes obscure jargon of the trade can be a challenge. This show examined this role of science journalism.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The San Francisco Fringe Festival brings together an eclectic group of performers. Among them, two performers started their careers in science and shifted to performance art. This show featured these performers discussing their transition from science to art.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Personal computers and the internet have become commonplace in modern living. However, this development was not inevitable and may be due in large part to the foresight of one man, J.C.R. Licklider. On this program, M. Mitchell Waldrop discussed the history of this revolution.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Cochlear implants are remarkable devices for alleviating lost hearing. But, how do these devices work? On this program, Prof. Valeriy Shafiro discussed the mechanisms of normal hearing and cochlear implants.
Topics: science, technology, biology, hearing, audiology, cochlear implants, neurobiology, hearing aids,...
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Observing birds in nature is a rapidly growing past time for many birding enthusiasts, which is especially rewarding when combined with a holistic approach. On this program, Ted Floyd discussed holistic birding.
Topics: science, birding, ethology
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The moon landings changed the course of history and affected many lives, especially the astronauts who served on those missions. On this program, Andrew Chaikin discussed Voices from the Moon.
Topics: science, aeronautics, space exploration, moon landing, NASA
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Discoveries in science and technology are often obfuscated by complex scientific terminology. But, simple and straightforward presentations can usually help cut through the jargon. On this program, David J. Tenenbaum discussed the why files.
Topics: science, why files, everyday science, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Toxicology tests have typically relied on outmoded and non-specific measures. On this program, Dr. Bruce Gillis discussed advances in genetic toxicology. In addition, Prof. Jerry Crabtree discussed transgenic technology.
Topics: science, genetics
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
While most diamonds in the world are mined from natural sources, technological advances are now making synthetic diamonds a viable alternative. On this program, Ulrich Boser discussed the world of synthetic diamonds.
Topics: science, diamonds, carbon, synthesis
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Although food production in the world has seen tremendous advances, recent challenges may threaten the supply of food. On this program, Paul Roberts discussed these challenges and the end of food.
Topics: science, agriculture, food
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Prostate cancer is a major issue for men. And, early detection is important for improving the odds of survival. Yet, it turns out dogs may help in this regard. On this program, Gregg Steben discussed cancer-sniffing dogs.
Topics: science, cancer, dogs, biology, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Although most scientists strive to win a Nobel Prize, a handful are even luckier to win an Ig Nobel Prize. On this program, Marc Abrahams discussed the winners of the 2010 Ig Nobel Prize.
Topics: science, Ig Nobel, humor, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Science and cooking are intertwined. How can science be applied to create magnificent cuisine? On this program, Jeff Potter discussed cooking for geeks.
Topics: science, cooking, geeks, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The theory of evolution continues to be supported by the weight of scientific evidence, yet the basic concepts and principles behind the theory continue to be misunderstood, ignored, or misstated. On this program, Prof. Richard Dawkins discussed The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution.
Topics: science, biology, evolution, natural selection, dawkins, richard dawkins, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The discovery of Pluto has received much attention lately, however capturing the zeitgeist of the time may best be achieved with some literary liberties. On this program, Michael Byers discussed the hunt for Planet X.
Topics: science, pluto, lowell observatory, flagstaff, clyde tombaugh, astronomy, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
String theory may explain the fundamental properties of the universe. But, who can explain string theory? On this program, Steven Gubser discussed the little book of strings.
Topics: science, physics, string theory, cosmology, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Why do humans have blood types? On this program, Laure Segurel talks about her work in finding out the origins of the ABO blood type. Alexei Kitaev also joins us to talk about quantum computing error correction.
Topic: blood type, ABO, genetics, quantum computing, error correction
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The theory of relativity is a landmark in modern physics, but one that can not be divorced from the socio-political climate of its time. On this program, Dr. Steven Gimbel discusses Einstein's Jewish Science: Physics at the intersection of politics and religion.
Topics: science, Einstein, physics, Judaism, politics, religion, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Social networks can drive mass sharing of videos and unusual memes. But is it also a good way to mobilize masses of people from around the globe for a common cause? On this program, Alex Rutherford talks about his team's study on locating balloons through the DARPA Network Challenge using social networks.
Topics: connectors, DARPA, six degree, social networks, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
They surround us. They live in us. They are bacteria. Some cause diseases, others produce cheese. Yet, the majority of bacteria on our planet have not been identified. On this program, Jeffrey McLean discusses the genomic sequencing of this dark matter of life.
Topics: PM 61, bacteria, biofilm, JCVI, Craig Venter, microbes
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
What happens when old friends meet again? Wildness ensues. On this episode, our man on the street Vikram Kulkarni, joins us to talk about the science of Oakland.
Topics: Nobel Prizes, gravity, nuclear power, high-speed rail, MBSR, stress relief, iPhone
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Theories in political science enable several possible resolutions to various sociological and political situations, even to a zombie invasion. On this program, Dan Drezner discussed zombie politics.
Topics: science, political science, international politics, zombies, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The periodic table of the elements represents one of the crowning achievements of modern science. More surprising may be the history behind the table and the elements of nature. On this program, Sam Kean discussed the periodic table of the elements.
Topics: science, chemistry, periodic table, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast
The universe is a large and mysterious place. How did it begin? How will it end? And, what are the steps along the way? On this program, Prof. Brian Cox discussed the wonders of the universe.
Topics: science, universe, cosmology, astronomy, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Understanding the fundamental forces of nature is one of the hallmarks of modern physics. However, mathematically describing these forces often results in the emergence of infinities. On this program, Prof. Frank Close discussed the infinity puzzle.
Topics: science, cosmology, particle physics, physics, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Forensic science has developed many advanced methods to aid crimanologists. On this program, Douglas Starr discussed the origins of forensic science.
Topics: science, technology, forensic science, Alexandre Lacassagne, Joseph Vacher, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The population of the world continues to grow, but can the earth sustain it? On this program, Alan Weisman discussed sustainable population growth.
Topics: science, population growth, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast
The barriers to inventing and tinkering keep falling as computers become more powerful and 3D printing becomes ubiquitous. But does America still have the spirit of innovation? On this episode, Tracy McSheery discusses the opportunities for entrepreneurship, the role of education, and his successful startup.
Topic: innovation, garage, education, Android, motion capture, 3D printing, computing, gears
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The popular coverage of science in the media is often limited to the superficial descriptions of "flashy" discoveries, leaving in depth examination of critical issues unexplored. This program featured a discussion of the science beyond the headlines.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Predicted 100 years ago by Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity, gravitational waves have finally been detected. Today Dr. Marco Cavaglia, assistant spokesperson for the LIGO scientific collaboration, joins us to explain what these waves are, how they were detected, and what they can tell us about the universe.
Topics: gravitational waves, gravity, physics, LIGO, Marco Cavaglia, groks science show
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Are child prodigies and those with autism related? On this episode, Kimberly Stephens discussed prodigy's cousin.
Topics: prodigy, groks, autism, science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
America is already great, as President Obama has reminded us. But does the country have a strategy? Perhaps militarily but does the country have a grand vision for prosperity, security, and sustainability? On this episode, Joel Makower discusses America's path to a brighter future in his new book The Grand Strategy.
Topics: America, sustainability, environment, energy, Pentagon, strategy, policies, walkable communities
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Are we prepared to cope with food shortages? What can we can learn from how societies coped with past climate induced crop disasters? On this program, Margaret Nelson discusses how social factors plays a role determining the survivability of societies. Plus, the Groks' review of The Force Awakens!
Topics: climate adaptation, food security, networks, mobility
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Maintaining the earth's environment is a critical scientific and political issue. On this program, Prof. Hoffman discussesd current research directed at maintaining the earth's environment.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The hype surrounding the Google IPO may have overshadowed the vast number of competing search engines. On this program, we examined one such search engine called Blinkx.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Ittai Eres and Unjin Lee discuss this year's Ig Nobel prizes, and review some of the most interesting award recipients from the past.
Topics: science, ig nobel, nobel, prize, award, darwin, groks, groks science show
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Ordinary citizens are now contributing in extraordinary ways to the scientific enterprise. On this episode, Caren Cooper discussed citizen science.
Topics: science, citizen, groks
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Stem cells are progenitor cells that give rise to mature cell types. In the nervous system, adult neural stem cells give rise to new nerve cells in the brain. This show featured an interview discussing current research on adult neurogenesis.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
A healthy diet and exercise is essential to long life, prosperity, and even love. This show offered tips for celebrating a healthy Valentine's Day.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Each year over 100 million flu shots are administered, but the recent announcement that this year's supply will be cut in half will complicate matters. On this program, we examined the upcoming flu vaccine shotage.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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, which were explored on this weeks episode.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The growing limitation on energy resources does not necessitate an increase in energy production. An increase in efficiency may resolve many of these difficulties. On this program, the former director of the EPA, Dr. John Hoffman, discussed efficient energy use.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
The Riemann Hypothesis has been proclaimed as the greatest unsolved problem in mathematics, having remained unsolved for over a century. The person who solves it can claim a million dollar prize from the American Institute of Mathematics. We discussed this hypothesis with John Derbyshire, author of Prime Obsession.
Topic: Science
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
Oil dependence has ramifications beyond those of transportation. A shortage in its supply can affect many areas, including agriculture, business, and urban design. On this program, James Howard Kunstler will discuss this long emergency.
Topics: science, peak oil, long emergency
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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.
Topics: science, methane hydrate, marine geology
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
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.
Topics: science, size, biology
Source: Groks Science Radio Show Podcast
