Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast
1,089 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★ - 34 ratingsWeekly science radio program hosted by Dr. Charles Lee and Dr. Frank Ling. Each show features interviews with scientists and technical innovators, humorous commentary on recent discoveries, plus the Grokotron 5000 and the World Famous Question of the Week! Tune in every week and rediscover the world as you think you know it.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Missing Microbes -- Groks Science Show 2014-04-23
April 23, 2014 15:01 - 15 minutes - 12.9 MBInnovations in modern society have created several benefits to human health, but they may have also created changes to human development. On this episode, Dr. Martin Blaser discussed changes to the human microbiome.
Extreme Life of the Sea -- Groks Science Show 2014-04-16
April 16, 2014 15:01 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBDr. Stephen Palumbi talks about his book, The Extreme Life of the Sea, on the fastest, oldest, and smallest creatures that live in the coldest, hottest, and deepest parts of the ocean.
One Percent Inspiration -- Groks Science Show 2014-04-09
April 09, 2014 15:01 - 30 minutes - 27.4 MBThe barriers to inventing and tinkering keep falling as computers become more powerful and 3D printing becomes ubiquitous. On this episode, Tracy McSheery discusses the opportunities for entrepreneurship.
Mind Reading-- Groks Science Show 2014-04-02
April 02, 2014 15:01 - 36 minutes - 26.7 MBWe constantly making inferences about the thoughts and beliefs of others but how often do we get it right? On this episode, Dr. Nicholas Epley, professor at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business discusses Mindwise.
Mindless -- Groks Science Show 2014-03-26
March 26, 2014 15:01 - 20 minutes - 16.6 MBComputer business systems have been designed to streamline and increase productivity in various organizations. But, have these systems been implemented appropriately? On this episode, Simon Head discussed why smarter machines are making dumber humans.
Sea Change -- Groks Science Show 2014-03-19
March 19, 2014 15:01 - 20 minutes - 17.8 MBThe ocean is changing rapidly. Sophie McCoy explains her research on how these changes are affecting the marine ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest.
Investigating Happy Minds -- Groks Science Show 2014-03-12
March 12, 2014 15:01 - 23 minutes - 19.5 MBMost people would agree that a biological understanding of mental illness is an important effort. On this episode, Dr. Richard Davidson discussed positive states of mind.
Making Labs Happy -- Groks Science Show 2014-03-05
March 05, 2014 15:01 - 13 minutes - 11.6 MBWhy do lab supplies cost so much? Is there a way to make science more efficient? On this episode, Tom Ruginis discussed improving the happiness of scientists and the quality of their research.
Wizard of Menlo Park -- Groks Science Show 2014-02-26
February 26, 2014 15:01 - 30 minutes - 39.2 MBThomas Edison is widely regarded as one of the greatest inventors. His influences on industry and technology remain with us today. On this episode, Leonard DeGraaf discussed the life and works of Thomas Edison.
Planet of the Apes -- Groks Science Show 2014-02-19
February 19, 2014 15:01 - 27 minutes - 21.5 MBWhat can our closest living relatives, great apes like the chimpanzee and bonobo, teach us about ourselves? On this episode, Dale Peterson joins us to discuss these fascinating, yet sadly endangered, animals.
Neutrino Hunters -- Groks Science Show 2014-02-12
February 12, 2014 15:01 - 34 minutes - 24.2 MBTrillions of subatomic particles called neutrinos are zipping through our bodies every second of every day. On this episode, Dr. Ray Jayawardhana discussed the hunt for neutrinos.
Seahorses and Jellyfish -- Groks Science Show 2014-02-05
February 05, 2014 15:01 - 25 minutes - 35.9 MBDr. Brad Gemmell gives us a glimpse into the secret predatory lives of seahorses, and describes how we are getting ideas from the anatomy of the jellyfish for designing vehicles for water and air travel.
Monkey Voyage -- Groks Science Show 2014-01-29
January 29, 2014 15:01 - 20 minutes - 17.9 MBHow do the species of the world wind up in their geographical locations? On this episode, Prof. Alan De Queiroz discusses ocean crossings and speciation.
Mathematical Universe -- Groks Science Show 2014-01-22
January 22, 2014 15:01 - 22 minutes - 18.4 MBWhat is the nature of reality? And, how can math provide the answers? On this program, Prof. Max Tegmark discussed the ultimate nature of reality.
Evolution of the Eye -- Groks Science Show 2014-01-15
January 15, 2014 15:01 - 33 minutes - 49.1 MBThe wide array of eye designs in the animal kingdom reflects the critical role that sight plays in the well-being of an animal. On this episode, Dr. Ivan Schwab tells us the story of eye evolution.
Chasing Shackleton -- Groks Science Show 2014-01-08
January 08, 2014 15:01 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MBSir Ernest Shackleton and his journey to Antartica is best known for the heroic and epic tale of survival that ensued following the initial disasters that were encountered. On this program, Tim Jarvis discussed recreating this epic voyage of survival.
BRAIN Initiative -- Groks Science Show 2014-01-01
January 01, 2014 15:01 - 35 minutes - 30 MBWhat is the BRAIN initiative? On this episode, neuroscientist Partha Mitra, offers background and insight.
10K Year Feast -- Groks Science Show 2013-12-25
December 25, 2013 15:01 - 22 minutes - 20.1 MBAre current trends in food production and consumption sustainable? On this episode, Junko Habu discusses findings from the Jomon civilization and its implications for global climate change.
The Gap -- Groks Science Show 2013-12-11
December 11, 2013 15:01 - 21 minutes - 19.1 MBHumans seem very distinct from other animals, but what is it about the human mind that truly defines as uniquely human? On this episode, Prof. Thomas Suddendorf discussed the gap between humans and other animals.
Paneled Mind -- Groks Science Show 2013-12-04
December 04, 2013 15:01 - 33 minutes - 25.8 MBDr. Dwayne Godwin contributes regularly to Scientific American in the form of neuroscience comics. On this episode, he discusses his creative process and goals for the series.
Countdown -- Groks Science Show 2013-11-27
November 27, 2013 15:01 - 21 minutes - 17.5 MBThe population of the world continues to grow, but can the earth sustain it? On this program, Alan Weisman discussed sustainable population growth.
Discovering Bird Species -- Groks Science Show 2013-11-20
November 20, 2013 15:01 - 20 minutes - 16.9 MBEvolution has created a wide range of bird species, many of which have not been characterized. On this episode, Ben Winger discusses his research on how new species of birds evolve and his work in the Peruvian cloud forests
Everything Pill -- Groks Science Show 2013-11-13
November 13, 2013 15:01 - 22 minutes - 19.3 MBThe range of mental conditions is part of daily life, but at what point do downturns become pathological? On this program, Dr. Steven Walker discussed weighing therapy and pharmaceutical treatments for mental conditions.
Space Robots -- Groks Science Show 2013-11-06
November 06, 2013 15:01 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MBWe have learned a great deal about the surface of Mars, the moons of Saturn, and the origins of our universe. On this episode, Chris Impey discussed unmanned space exploration of distant worlds.
Kivalina Climate Change -- Groks Science Show 2013-10-30
October 30, 2013 15:01 - 24 minutes - 20.6 MBClimate change often seems massive, yet remote. However, the impacts are being felt around the globe. On this program, Elizabeth Gaylynn Baker discussed the impact of climate change.
Love and Math -- Groks Science Show 2013-10-23
October 23, 2013 15:01 - 28 minutes - 24.4 MBThe subject of mathematics often seems dry and removed from reality. On this episode, Prof. Edward Frenkel discussed the hidden reality of math and the Langlands program.
Brain Plasticity -- Groks Science Show 2013-10-16
October 16, 2013 15:01 - 24 minutes - 33.2 MBBrain plasticity happens not only early in life but also in adulthood, as well as in response to traumatic brain injury. On this episode, Dr. Michael Merzenich discussed the biology of brain plasticity.
Science of Oakland -- Groks Science Show 2013-10-09
October 09, 2013 15:01 - 26 minutes - 20.9 MBWhat 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.
Relaxation through Neurogenesis -- Groks Science Show 2013-10-02
October 02, 2013 15:01 - 25 minutes - 18.3 MBAnxiety disorders are a part of life for people around the world, but there has been a revolution in our understanding of these disorders. Dr. Mazen Kheirbek discusses anxiety disorders, adult neurogenesis, and the hippocampus.
Rational Animal -- Groks Science Show 2013-09-25
September 25, 2013 15:01 - 28 minutes - 23.3 MBHuman behavior is often viewed as being eminently rational. However, modern psychology has shown that behavior is often guided more by evolutionary constraints. On this program, Prof. Douglas T. Kenrick discussed the evolutionary basis of human thinking.
Universe Verse -- Groks Science Show 2013-09-11
September 11, 2013 15:01 - 27 minutes - 23.6 MBAs the internet expands, the barriers to spreading scientific knowledge falls. Yet, there is never enough science education. On this program, James Dunbar talks about the Universe Verse
Self-Driving Cars -- Groks Science Show 2013-09-04
September 04, 2013 15:01 - 33 minutes - 37.4 MBSeveral car companies promising to release nearly self driving cars in the next decade. On this episode, Dr. Steve Underwood discusses self driving cars.
Fracking -- Groks Science Show 2013-08-28
August 28, 2013 15:01 - 29 minutes - 24.9 MBHydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has been lauded as the solution to the peak oil problem, and will provide hundreds of years of cheap energy. But, the reality is very different. On this program, Richard Heinberg discussed the false promises of franking.
Octopus Garden -- Groks Science Show 2013-08-21
August 21, 2013 15:01 - 25 minutes - 21.6 MBYou might think that sharks are the strangest animals in the ocean. In fact, they have so many peculiarities that they seem almost alien! On this episode, biologists Carrie Albertin and Judit Pungor discussed these bizarre and wonderful animals.
Theory of Almost Everything -- Groks Science Show 2013-08-14
August 14, 2013 15:01 - 28 minutes - 23.7 MBThe Standard Model aims to explain phenomena of the very small and the very large. Yet, not quite everything in the universe can be explained by it. On this program, Thomas Buckholtz discussed complementary mathematics to bridge gaps in the Standard Model.
Better Open -- Groks Science Show 2013-08-07
August 07, 2013 15:01 - 31 minutes - 39.6 MBMost scientific articles are not published in open access journals. On this program, Dr. Patrick Brown and Dr. Michael Eisen discussed the state of the publishing system, the shift towards open access, and the story of PLoS.
Critical Thinking -- Groks Science Show 2013-07-31
July 31, 2013 15:01 - 28 minutes - 23.9 MBAlthough critical thinking is essential for effective communication and problem solving, the techniques for critical thinking are often not employed effectively. On this program, Dr. Linda Elder discussed how to think critically.
Sudden Wealth Syndrome -- Groks Science Show 2013-07-24
July 24, 2013 15:01 - 18 minutes - 15.8 MBSudden wealth can be a blessing and a curse, especially if the wealth is mismanaged. On this episode, Mr. Irvin Schorsch discussed dealing with sudden wealth syndrome.
Fossil Lake -- Groks Science Show 2013-07-17
July 17, 2013 15:01 - 20 minutes - 16 MBFossil Lake is a fascinating place in terms of the insight it gives us into communities of long extinct animals. On this episode, Dr. Lance Grande discussed his new book, The Lost World of Fossil Lake.
Zap Em -- Groks Science Show 2013-07-10
July 10, 2013 15:01 - 21 minutes - 18.3 MBExposure to radiation gave us Spiderman and the Incredible Hulk but what really happens when people are exposed to it? On this program, Dr. Charles Limoli discusses radiation and brain cells.
Age of Ivory -- Groks Science Show 2013-07-03
July 03, 2013 15:01 - 23 minutes - 22.1 MBLess than a half a million African elephants live in the wild and more than 25,000 of those are poached every year. On this episode, Dr. Kevin Uno discussed carbon, ecology, elephants, and conservation
Doing It -- Groks Science Show 2013-06-26
June 26, 2013 15:01 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBAlthough sex is an integral part of human existence, there is still that most of us are in the dark about. On this program, Dr. Robert Martin discussed the evolution of sexual behaviors in humans.
Helping Oysters -- Groks Science Show 2013-06-19
June 19, 2013 15:01 - 29 minutes - 44.7 MBOysters face an ocean of difficulty but offer us a world of good. Dr. George Waldbusser joins us to discuss oysters and his work concerning the effects of ocean acidification on oyster development.
Sink Mystery -- Groks Science Show 2013-06-12
June 12, 2013 15:01 - 24 minutes - 23.3 MBThey surround us. They live in us. They are bacteria. Some cause diseases, others produce cheese. On this program, Jeffrey McLean discusses the genomic sequencing of bacteria.
Return to Sender -- Groks Science Show 2013-06-05
June 05, 2013 15:01 - 28 minutes - 38.7 MBKen Weiss has some of the most controversial samples in all of anthropology. Dr. Weiss joined us to discuss the controversy surrounding these samples and the enormous difficulty with returning these samples to the Yanomami.
Terminated -- Groks Science Show 2013-05-29
May 29, 2013 15:01 - 27 minutes - 22 MBThe rapid increases in the processing power of computers is heralding a brave new world where jobs will be completely automated. On this program, Kevin Drum discussed the economics of a robotic future.
Universe Ticket -- Groks Science Show 2013-05-22
May 22, 2013 15:01 - 20 minutes - 16.8 MBThe universe is a very large place and it often helps to have a guide. On this episode, Megan Watzke discussed a guide to the cosmos.
Changing Dinosaurs -- Groks Science Show 2013-05-15
May 15, 2013 15:01 - 32 minutes - 25.8 MBThe dinosaurs of our childhood have changed so much over the years. On this episode, science writer Brian Switek discussed his new book, My Beloved Brontosaurus.
Canary in Coal Mine -- Groks Science Show 2013-05-08
May 08, 2013 15:01 - 25 minutes - 21.7 MBThe natural disasters that small islands face are regarded as the canary in a coal mine on the issue of global climate change. On this program, John Hay discussed the importance small island countries.
Science of Longevity -- Groks Science Show 2013-05-01
May 01, 2013 15:01 - 27 minutes - 21.4 MBWho doesn't want to live a longer, healthier life? What can a laboratory worm, the nematode, teach us about longevity? On this episode, Professor Ted Anton joins us to discuss The Longevity Seekers.