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.
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Episodes
Migratory Birds -- Groks Science Show 2012-05-09
May 09, 2012 15:01 - 29 minutes - 22.1 MBThe Korean DMZ is an important location for the path of migratory birds. On this program, Dr. Hiroyoshi Higuchi talks about the use of satellite tracking for migratory birds and the cleverness of crows.
Your Inner Macaque -- Groks Science Show 2012-05-02
May 02, 2012 15:01 - 24 minutes - 29.3 MBHave you ever noticed that people behave strangely in elevators? On this show, Dr. Dario Maestripieri discussed how studying the behavior of rhesus monkeys and other non-human primates can help us understand why humans act the way we do.
Fearless -- Groks Science Show 2012-04-25
April 25, 2012 15:01 - 22 minutes - 17.1 MBAlthough change is often desired, it is not usually achieved without trepidation. On this program, Dr. Jonathan Alpert discussed being fearless.
Counting Without Language -- Groks Science Show 2012-04-18
April 18, 2012 15:01 - 30 minutes - 24.4 MBMath and language may seem separate, but the two are remarkably intertwined. On this program, Dr. Liesje Spaepen joins us to discuss how language shapes mathematical thought.
Equations -- Groks Science Show 2012-04-11
April 11, 2012 15:01 - 31 minutes - 23.9 MBMathematical equations often seem abstruse and disconnected from the real world, however many of these have changed the word we live in. On this program, Prof. Ian Stewart discussed the equations that changed the world.
Technologists -- Groks Science Show 2012-04-04
April 04, 2012 15:01 - 26 minutes - 21.3 MBAlthough technology rules modern life, the establishment of modern centers for technological education was not met without resistance. On this program, Matthew Pearl discussed the technologists.
Unconquered -- Groks Science Show 2012-03-28
March 28, 2012 15:01 - 23 minutes - 19.2 MBThe Amazon is one of the last unspoiled territories, where the indiginous tribes have remained largely untouched by modern civilization. On this program, Scott Wallace discussed the unconquered tribes of the Amazon.
Science of Mind -- Groks Science Show 2012-03-21
March 21, 2012 15:01 - 31 minutes - 25.2 MBWe all know a lot about psychology, but it turns out that what we know is mostly wrong. Dr. John Cacioppo joins us this week to discuss how to teach difficult psychological concepts in an engaging way to first year psychology students.
Bexarotene and Alzheimers -- Groks Science Show 2012-03-14
March 14, 2012 15:01 - 29 minutes - 23.7 MBAlzheimers Disease is an unfortunate fact of life in our world today. But advancements in science and medicine may one day change that fact. Dr. Paige Cramer joins us to discuss a potential new Alzheimers treatment..
Brain Trust -- Groks Science Show 2012-03-07
March 07, 2012 15:01 - 30 minutes - 23.4 MBKeeping up with the advances in science and technology can be daunting and it would help to have a brain trust. On this program, Garth Sundem discussed the Brain Trust.
Willpower Instinct -- Groks Science Show 2012-02-29
February 29, 2012 15:01 - 27 minutes - 22.1 MBAlthough willpower is often viewed as a personality trait of great fortitude and resilience, new research is showing the neurobiological basis for willpower. On this program, Dr. Kelly McGonigal discussed the willpower instinct.
Dirty Minds -- Groks Science Show 2012-02-22
February 22, 2012 15:01 - 25 minutes - 19.6 MBWhy do we fall in love? What is it about the circuitry and neurochemistry of the brain that enables this behavior? On this program, Kayt Sukel discussed Diry Minds.
Bees and Eusocial Insects -- Groks Science Show 2012-02-15
February 15, 2012 15:01 - 32 minutes - 38.4 MBIt can be difficult to discern the impact of genes on behaviour from the effect of behaviour on genes. On this program Dr. Gene Robinson talks about using the honeybee and other eusocial insects to tease apart this web.
Walking Fish -- Groks Science Show 2012-02-08
February 08, 2012 15:01 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBWhy would a fish have lungs and breathe air? What can a live fish tell us about the evolution of tetrapods? On this program, Heather King joins us to discuss how lungfish walk.
Health Care Reform -- Groks Science Show 2012-02-01
February 01, 2012 15:01 - 21 minutes - 17.1 MBThe Affordable Care Act continues to spur debate and confusion. What are the consequences of the health care reform act? On this program, Prof. Jonathan Gruber discussed health care reform.
Thinking Life -- Groks Science Show 2012-01-25
January 25, 2012 15:01 - 23 minutes - 19.3 MBIs it possible to think deeply in an age of distraction? What are the pitfalls for ourselves and society to be driven to constant distraction? On this program, Prof. P.M. Forni discussed the thinking life.
Forgiveness -- Groks Science Show 2012-01-18
January 18, 2012 15:01 - 25 minutes - 20.4 MBForgiving is a difficult task, even for the most resolute individual. How can we cultivate a sense of forgiveness? On this program, Mary Hayes Grieco discussed forgiveness.
Empathy in Rats -- Groks Science Show 2012-01-11
January 11, 2012 15:01 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MBEmpathic motivations for pro-social behaviours are unique to humans, or are they? Dr. Peggy Mason joins us to discuss empathy and pro-social behaviour in rats.
Body Politic -- Groks Science Show 2012-01-04
January 04, 2012 15:01 - 26 minutes - 21.5 MBAdvances in biology have revolutionized modern medicine, but they have also spurred many ethical and political issues. On this program, Prof. Jonathan Moreno discussed the politics of biology.
Electric Cars -- Groks Science Show 2011-12-28
December 28, 2011 15:01 - 26 minutes - 21.8 MBThe electric car has seen some fals starts, but new technical advances and changes to the global environment are propelling the adoption of these vehicles. On this program, Jim Motavalli discussed the new developments in the electric car.
Advocacy -- Groks Science Show 2011-12-21
December 21, 2011 15:01 - 23 minutes - 19 MBGood ideas are often overlooked, while bad ideas may flouirsh. How does one insure that the best ideas are used? On this program, Prof. John Daly discussed the skills of advocacy.
Infinity Puzzle -- Groks Science Show 2011-12-14
December 14, 2011 15:01 - 26 minutes - 20.3 MBUnderstanding 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.
Peacekeeping Economy -- Groks Science Show 2011-12-07
December 07, 2011 15:01 - 31 minutes - 24.1 MBAlthough military might is often viewed as the primary method for national security, forging economic relationships may be more beneficial in the long run. On this program, Prof. Lloyd J. Dumas discussed the peacekeeping economy.
Mind Reading Ethics -- Groks Science Show 2011-11-30
November 30, 2011 15:01 - 27 minutes - 21.2 MBMind reading is not something we have to worry about in our daily lives, but the day when we do have that worry may be closer than we think. On this program, Paul Root Wolpe joined us to discuss why we should develop legal and ethical frameworks for dealing with mind reading sooner rather than later
Global Arms -- Groks Science Show 2011-11-23
November 23, 2011 15:01 - 30 minutes - 19 MBThe world of arms trading continues to affect global political and economic affairs. Yet, few investigations have delved into the shadowy and corrupt world of global arms trading. On this program, Andrew Feinstein discussed this shadow world.
Vonnegut -- Groks Science Show 2011-11-16
November 16, 2011 15:01 - 30 minutes - 22.9 MBThe literary world would be a much poorer place without the works of Kurt Vonnegut, but few know about the life story of the author himself. On this program, Charles J. Shields discussed the life and times of Kurt Vonnegut.
Gamification -- Groks Science Show 2011-11-02
November 02, 2011 15:01 - 25 minutes - 19 MBWhat makes some applications more useable and enjoyable than others? Gamification is a method for improving the rewarding aspects of any application and changing behavior. On this program, Gabe Zichermann discussed gamification by design.
Technological Sport -- Groks Science Show 2011-10-26
October 26, 2011 15:01 - 27 minutes - 17.9 MBTechnology has changed all aspects of our lives, but perhaps underappreciated is the effect technological advances have on sports. On this program, John Greenburg discussed how technology is changing sport.
Plastic Oceans -- Groks Science Show 2011-10-19
October 19, 2011 15:01 - 25 minutes - 15.3 MBPlastic debris has become a substantial threats to the oceans in the world. Where does this pollution originate and what can be done to stop it? On this program, Capt. Charles Moore discussed the pollution of the oceans by plastic.
Heavenly Physics -- Groks Science Show 2011-10-12
October 12, 2011 15:01 - 23 minutes - 18.8 MBModern physics may seem remote from our daily lives, yet the discoveries in the field have the potential to change how we view the world. On this program, Lisa Randall discussed how discoveries in modern physics shape the world around us.
Holy War -- Groks Science Show 2011-10-05
October 05, 2011 15:01 - 24 minutes - 18.8 MBThe expedition of Vasco Da Gama are often overshadowed by that of Columbus. But, these voyages perhaps more than those of Columbus changed the course of history. On this program, Nigel Cliff discussed how Vasco Da Gama turned the tide in a centuries-old clash of civilizations.
Attention -- Groks Science Show 2011-09-28
September 28, 2011 15:01 - 28 minutes - 19.2 MBThe rapid changes in technology are straining even those dedicated to their development. How can the science of attention change the way we live, learn and think with these new innovations? On this program, Prof. Cathy Davison discussed the brain science of attention.
Digital Division -- Groks Science Show 2011-09-21
September 21, 2011 15:01 - 27 minutes - 17.8 MBDigital technology has revolutionized the modern world, but are there downsides to its influence on our personal lives and culture. On this program, Prof. Mark Bauerlein discussed the digital divide.
DASH Diet -- Groks Science Show 2011-09-14
September 14, 2011 15:01 - 25 minutes - 20.7 MBHigh blood pressure and hypertension are major health problems, yet in many cases, diet ay be a better treatment than prescription medication. On this program, Marla Heller discussed the DASH diet action plan.
Infinite Beginnings -- Groks Science Show 2011-09-07
September 07, 2011 15:01 - 27 minutes - 15.1 MBHow are explanations of the world developed and how do we sort good and bad explanations? Is there a limit to our knowledge of the world? On this program, Prof. David Deutsch discussed the beginning of infinity.
Absolutely Small -- Groks Science Show 2011-08-31
August 31, 2011 15:01 - 31 minutes - 22 MBQuantum mechanics may seem to be an intimidating topic, yet it is fundamental to understanding the everyday world. On this program, Prof. Michael Fayer discussed how quantum theory explains our everyday world.
Apollo 15 -- Groks Science Show 2011-08-24
August 24, 2011 15:01 - 29 minutes - 23.8 MBThe Apollo program is a landmark in the history of space exploration and perhaps the most successful mission of the series was Apollo 15. On this program, Ret. Col. Al Worden discussed the space program and Apollo 15.
Anosmia -- Groks Science Show 2011-08-17
August 17, 2011 15:01 - 23 minutes - 19.3 MBThe sense of smell may often seem to be expendable, yet it has a pivotal role in both our survival and hedonic enjoyment of food. On this program, Molly Birnbaum discussed the role of smell in our daily lives.
Memes -- Groks Science Show 2011-08-10
August 10, 2011 15:01 - 29 minutes - 24.2 MBWhy do some ideas thrive, while others rarely see the light of day? Is there a competition for ideas and are they selected in much the same way that evolution selects for succesful genes? On this program, Jonnie Hughes discusses memes and the Origin of Tepees.
Internet Scams -- Groks Science Show 2011-08-03
August 03, 2011 15:01 - 31 minutes - 23.8 MBThe advent of new technologies has opened up a new avenue for scam artists. How do we protect ourselves against scams online and in daily life? On this program, Fred Claridge discussed tips for avoiding internet scam artists.
Wonderous Universe -- Groks Science Show 2011-07-27
July 27, 2011 15:01 - 27 minutes - 21.7 MBThe 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.
Food Addiction -- Groks Science Show 2011-07-20
July 20, 2011 15:01 - 25 minutes - 19.4 MBFood addiction may be a major cause of obesity. What are the causes of food addiction and how can they be overcome? On this program, Hedley Turk discussed why intelligent people are overweight.
Character Flux -- Groks Science Show 2011-07-06
July 06, 2011 15:01 - 28 minutes - 23.4 MBAlthough we often view our moral character as being immutable, behavioral research has begun to demonstrate the intense flexibility of our moral character. On this program, David DeSteno discussed the biology of character.
Medical Caveats -- Groks Science Show 2011-06-29
June 29, 2011 15:01 - 24 minutes - 20.7 MBAlthough medical care is ideally practicied in a fault free environment, avoiding mistakes can often be aided by vigilant patient awareness. On this program, Gregg Stebben discussed tips for avoiding medical mistakes.
Disappearing Spoon -- Groks Science Show 2011-06-22
June 22, 2011 15:01 - 28 minutes - 22.8 MBThe 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.
Smart Medicine -- Groks Science Show 2011-06-15
June 15, 2011 15:01 - 24 minutes - 20.5 MBAdvances in information technology are revolutioning the way medicine is practiced. Team-based and patient-centered models have begun to modernize medicine for both doctors and patients. On this program, William Hanson discussed Smart Medicine.
Bees -- Groks Science Show 2011-06-08
June 08, 2011 15:01 - 29 minutes - 25.5 MBBees are remarkable creatures that serve an important role in agriculture. Yet, their numbers are dwindling due to disease and the fewer number of bee keepers cultivating their use. On this program, Hannah Nordhaus discussed the plight of the agricultural bee.
Sustainable Walmart -- Groks Science Show 2011-06-01
June 01, 2011 15:01 - 24 minutes - 21.4 MBSustainability and Walmart are not generally uttered in the same breath. Yet, the largest retailer in the world is becoming greener. On this program, Edward Humes discussed the greening of Walmart.
Sexual Identity and Social Media -- Groks Science Show 2011-05-25
May 25, 2011 15:01 - 32 minutes - 36.4 MBUniversity of Chicago associate professor of gynecology and obstetrics and chief of Family Planning, Dr. Melissa Gilliam joins us to discuss sexual health in young people. Everything from race and ethnicity to political persuasion and social media is discussed in terms of how the younger generations think about sex, health, and identity.
SuperCooperators -- Groks Science Show 2011-05-18
May 18, 2011 15:01 - 25 minutes - 21.6 MBAlthough competition may seem to drive the natural world, cooperation may be the bigger motivating force. On this program, Martin Nowak discussed supercooperators.