Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast artwork

Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

1,086 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★ - 34 ratings

Weekly 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

Meathooked -- Groks Science Show 2016-03-23

March 23, 2016 15:01 - 23 minutes - 18.6 MB

Meat is a staple of the diet of many cultures, but its use may be outweighed by many factors. On this episode, Marta Zaraska discussed the history of our obsession with meat.

Zika Virus -- Groks Science Show 2016-03-16

March 16, 2016 15:01 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MB

In January 2016, the World Health Organization predicted that Zika virus would spread through most of the Americas by the end of the year. On this episode, Dr. Brenda Wilson discussed the Zika virus.

Lingua Isomorphica -- Groks Science Show 2016-03-09

March 09, 2016 15:01 - 24 minutes - 19.2 MB

For most grown ups, a foreign language may seem unintelligible. But, human languages may be more similar than one might think. On this program, Tanmoy Bhattacharya discusses a common structure underlying word meaning.

Gravitational Waves -- Groks Science Show 2016-03-02

March 02, 2016 15:01 - 26 minutes - 23.6 MB

Predicted 100 years ago by Albert Einstein and his general theory of relativity, gravitational waves have finally been detected. On this episode, Dr. Marco Cavaglia explained these waves and what they can tell us about the universe.

Aberrant Personalities -- Groks Science Show 2016-02-24

February 24, 2016 15:01 - 16 minutes - 13.8 MB

Narcissism and psychopathy are not generally well regarded personality traits, but how do we identify those personality types. On this program, Dr. Frieda Birnbaum discussed these aberrant personality types.

First Bite -- Groks Science Show 2016-02-17

February 17, 2016 15:01 - 30 minutes - 22.7 MB

While we may be born with some innate food preferences, most of our eating habits are learned and vary dramatically across cultures. On this episode, Bee Wilson discusses how we learn to eat and whether we can change our approach to food.

Pretty Good Security -- Groks Science Show 2016-02-10

February 10, 2016 15:01 - 22 minutes - 18.2 MB

The recents events guided to terrorism have renewed the debate on balancing individual privacy and public security. On this program, Michael Kearns discusses algorithms that could ensure privacy while maintaining public security.

Nutrition Problem -- Groks Science Show 2016-02-03

February 03, 2016 15:01 - 23 minutes - 18.7 MB

Nutrition research may have problems. On this episode, we talk with Christie Aschwanden about what she found when she used some common tools utilized in nutrition research.

Confidence Game -- Groks Science Show 2016-01-27

January 27, 2016 15:01 - 20 minutes - 17.9 MB

How do con artists ply their trade? And, who is a potential victim? On this episode, Maria Konnikova discussed the confidence game.

Intimate Bond -- Groks Science Show 2016-01-20

January 20, 2016 15:01 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MB

The interaction between humans and animals has varied dramatically throughout human history. On this episode, Brian Fagan discussed how animals have shaped our history and how our conception of them has changed over time.

Paris Accord -- Groks Science Show 2016-01-13

January 13, 2016 15:01 - 24 minutes - 20.4 MB

The international negotiations for addressing climate change has been fraught with rancor but the COP21 meeting in Paris last month marks a turning point. On this program, David Victor discusses the Paris Agreement.

Ancient Human Civilizations -- Groks Science Show 2016-01-06

January 06, 2016 15:01 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MB

The history of ancient human civilization is mysterious almost by definition. On this episode, Graham Hancock presents an alternative story of the past.

Food Security -- Groks Science Show 2015-12-30

December 30, 2015 15:01 - 19 minutes - 16.5 MB

Are we prepared to cope with food shortages? On this episode, Margaret Nelson discusses how social factors plays a role determining the survivability of societies.

Magical Science -- Groks Science Show 2015-12-23

December 23, 2015 15:01 - 24 minutes - 20.6 MB

What does mythology tell us about the scientific environment of those who created them? On this episode, Matt Kaplan discussed the science of the magical.

Gene Editing -- Groks Science Show 2015-12-16

December 16, 2015 15:01 - 33 minutes - 28.4 MB

Scientists can now make precise changes to the DNA of humans and animals thanks to recent advances in gene editing technology. On this episode, Dr. Hank Greely discussed the medical promises and perils of this technology.

Forest Carbon Dynamics -- Groks Science Show 2015-12-09

December 09, 2015 15:01 - 19 minutes - 15.5 MB

What are the effects of climate change on forests? On this episode, William Anderegg discusses forest carbon dynamics.

Prescribing Placebos -- Groks Science Show 2015-12-02

December 02, 2015 15:01 - 28 minutes - 27 MB

Throughout history, physicians have made use of the placebo effect. On this episode, Professor John Kelley discussed the mechanisms of the placebo effect and its role in medicine.

Traumatic Brain Injury -- Groks Science Show 2015-11-25

November 25, 2015 15:01 - 22 minutes - 18.7 MB

Traumatic brain injury can result in the emergence of severe psychiatric symptoms. On this episode, Dr. Sandeep Vaishnavi discussed the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatic problems associated with traumatic brain injury.

Sentimental Sense -- Groks Science Show 2015-11-18

November 18, 2015 15:01 - 32 minutes - 27.2 MB

The connection between scent and memory is powerful and can be startling. On this episode, Dr. Virginia Barry, Chicago psychoanalyst and discussed the neuroscience behind memory and scent.

Aerosols Stratospheric -- Groks Science Show 2015-11-11

November 11, 2015 15:01 - 23 minutes - 20.4 MB

How do aerosols, or tiny particles, affect the climate? On this program, John Moore discusses the science of dust in the sky.

Debating Time -- Groks Science Show 2015-11-04

November 04, 2015 15:01 - 31 minutes - 24.3 MB

n 1922, two famous men publically debated the nature of time. On this episode, Jimena Canales discussed the debate of Albert Einstin and Henri Bergson.

Brain History -- Groks Science Show 2015-10-28

October 28, 2015 15:01 - 18 minutes - 16.2 MB

The history of neuroscience is still in a relative infancy compared with other sciences. On this episode, Tom Jackson discussed an illustrated history of the brain.

Quotable Feynman -- Groks Science Show 2015-10-21

October 21, 2015 15:01 - 19 minutes - 17.1 MB

Richard Feynman is known as one of the most imaginative and beloved physicists in history. On this episode, Michelle Feynman discusses quotes from her father and memories she has of him.

Improbability Principle -- Groks Science Show 2015-10-07

October 07, 2015 15:01 - 22 minutes - 11.3 MB

When is a coincidence not a coincidence? On this episode, Dr. David Hand discusses his book, The Improbability Principle, and why miracles and coincidences happen much more often than we would expect.

Narcissism -- Groks Science Show 2015-09-30

September 30, 2015 15:01 - 6 minutes - 5.47 MB

Narcissism may have become more prevalent and even celebrated in society. On this episode, Dr. Joseph Burgo discussed the narcissist you know.

Mixed Fires -- Groks Science Show 2015-09-23

September 23, 2015 15:01 - 14 minutes - 12.6 MB

Mixed severity fires help to rejuvenate the forests, but how will current policy shifts affect the health of the forests. On this episode, Dominick DellaSalla discussed the importance of mixed severity fires.

SuperBetter -- Groks Science Show 2015-09-16

September 16, 2015 15:01 - 32 minutes - 28.4 MB

Games are great at activating our motivation and putting us in a problem solving mindset. On this episode, Jane McGonigal discussed SuperBetter, a method of using a gameful mindset to approach challenges in life.

Mercury Mystery -- Groks Science Show 2015-09-09

September 09, 2015 15:01 - 17 minutes - 15 MB

Scientists have long known and taught that mercury is a neurotoxin in humans and animals. On this program, Jennifer Cossaboon talks about a surprising source of mercury in the seas.

Autisms Mysteries -- Groks Science Show 2015-09-02

September 02, 2015 15:01 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MB

Despite increasing awareness about autism, it remains one of the most mysterious topics of this generation. On this episode, Steve Silberman addresses some of the mysteries of autism.

Driverless -- Groks Science Show 2015-08-26

August 26, 2015 15:01 - 32 minutes - 28.6 MB

Several companies are getting very close to launching their first lines of unmanned vehicles. On this episode, Corey Clothier discussed the state of autonomous vehicles.

Controlling Aging -- Groks Science Show 2015-08-19

August 19, 2015 15:01 - 16 minutes - 12.4 MB

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.

Commencing Transmission -- Groks Science Show 2015-08-12

August 12, 2015 15:01 - 23 minutes - 20.1 MB

The brain works by sending signals between cells through the rapid-fire release of neurotransmitters. On this episode, Alex Brunger discusses how specific proteins trigger communication between brain cells.

Supporting Innovation -- Groks Science Show 2015-08-05

August 05, 2015 15:01 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MB

Dr. Kathie Olsen discussed the current budgetary crunch in scientific funding and how it affects researchers in the United States.

Animal Cannabis -- Groks Science Show 2015-07-29

July 29, 2015 15:01 - 18 minutes - 15.5 MB

Watching a pet suffer through an illness can be heartbreaking, but can cannabis be a therapeutic to alleviate pain in animals? On this episode, Darlene Arden discussed medical cannabis for animals.

Moores Law -- Groks Science Show 2015-07-22

July 22, 2015 15:01 - 30 minutes - 25 MB

Gordon Moore has perhaps done more to revolutionize our modern world than any other scientist, but few may know about his achievements. On this episode, Arnold Thackray discussed the life and times of Gordon Moore.

A Beautiful Question-- Groks Science Show 2015-07-15

July 15, 2015 15:01 - 32 minutes - 28.2 MB

What do movie stars, ocean sunsets, and the fundamental laws of physics all have in common? On this episode, Frank Wilczek discussed how the universe embodies beautiful ideas and the ways this realization has affected his work.

Chemistry of Aging -- Groks Science Show 2015-07-08

July 08, 2015 15:01 - 25 minutes - 20.3 MB

How do we measure aging and does everyone age at the same rate? On this program, Dan Bleksy answers these questions and what our appearances tell us about the age of our organs.

Zen and Cytology -- Groks Science Show 2015-07-01

July 01, 2015 15:01 - 13 minutes - 11.7 MB

Drs. Jeffrey Mueller and Allison Cavallo discuss their mission trips to Nigeria and other African countries where they provided care in underserved populations.

Unprocessed -- Groks Science Show 2015-06-24

June 24, 2015 15:01 - 16 minutes - 13.8 MB

Our food supply is so integral to our lives that few may notice the degree of processing involved. On this episode, Megan Kimble discussed unprocessed foods.

Girl Power -- Groks Science Show 2015-06-17

June 17, 2015 15:01 - 25 minutes - 22.6 MB

Author and journalist Rachel Swaby discussed a few of the substantial contributions that women have made to science.

Elixir of Life -- Groks Science Show 2015-06-10

June 10, 2015 15:01 - 28 minutes - 20 MB

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

AI Economy -- Groks Science Show 2015-06-03

June 03, 2015 15:01 - 13 minutes - 11.7 MB

Artificial intelligence and robotics will change the economy of the future. On this episode, Kip Marlow discussed the economics of AI.

Tomorrowland -- Groks Science Show 2015-05-27

May 27, 2015 15:01 - 32 minutes - 31.9 MB

What will the future bring? On this episode, Steven Kotler discusses how science fiction ideas have moved from the imagination of authors to real innovations that will impact our lives

The Future Earth -- Groks Science Show 2015-05-20

May 20, 2015 15:01 - 26 minutes - 21.5 MB

The countries of the world have not yet come to a global agreement on limiting the greenhouse gases climate change. On this program, Nobel Laureate Yuan T. Lee discusses the Future Earth program.

Tau or Beta -- Groks Science Show 2015-05-13

May 13, 2015 15:01 - 25 minutes - 15.4 MB

Despite years of research, we still do not understand much about the actual development of Alzheimers disease. On this episode, Dr. Melissa Murray joins us to discuss some of the recent research implicating two different proteins, tau and beta-amyloid.

The Monkey Dance -- Groks Science Show 2015-05-06

May 06, 2015 15:01 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MB

Millions of people paid to watch the Mayweather Pacquiao boxing match. Why? On this episode, we talk with English professor and cage fighter Dr. Jonathan Gottschall.

Gene Therapy Plan -- Groks Science Show 2015-04-29

April 29, 2015 15:01 - 25 minutes - 20.5 MB

What is epigenetics and how can our lifestyle influence the expression of our genes? On this episode, Dr. Mitchell L. Gaynor discussed the gene therapy plan.

Snowball Mystery -- Groks Science Show 2015-04-22

April 22, 2015 15:01 - 16 minutes - 14.3 MB

In different earth periods, scientists have speculated that the planet was covered in glacier. On this program, Daniel Herwartz shows how the past climate can be reconstructed through oxygen isotope analysis.

Galileo Middle Finger -- Groks Science Show 2015-04-15

April 15, 2015 15:01 - 28 minutes - 24.7 MB

In their pursuit of truth and understanding of the natural world, scientists have been known to step on some toes. On this episode, Professor Alice Dreger discussed the conflicts between social justice activists and scientists.

3D Supercapacitors -- Groks Science Show 2015-04-08

April 08, 2015 15:01 - 23 minutes - 19.9 MB

Affordable and efficient energy storage is the holy grail of energy technology. On this program, Maher El-Kady discussed the science and synthesis of graphene based storage devices.

Books

A Beautiful Mind
1 Episode
Planet of the Apes
1 Episode