Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

Although 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.

Although 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.

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.

Advances 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 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.

Sustainability 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.

University 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.

Although competition may seem to drive the natural world, cooperation may be the bigger motivating force. On this program, Martin Nowak discussed supercooperators.

Classical studies of the brain have relied on recording from single neurons at one time. However, understanding the interactions of multiple neurons requires different approaches. On this program, Konrad Kording discussed recording from multiple neurons in the brain.

Author Seth Mnookin explores the science, or lack thereof, behind the anti-vaccine movement. Starting with legitimate fears surrounding the polio vaccine in its earliest stages, The Panic Virus delves deep into the personal stories and clinical data to find out whether the perceived guid between childhood vaccinations and developmental disorders is fact or fiction.

Parenthood can be especially daunting, but being a geek may help. On this program, Ken Denmead discussed geeky activities for parents and their kids.

The changes to the environment caused by global warming have complex effects on the ecosystems of the earth. On this program, Richard Pearson discussed the effects of climate change on biodiversity.

Becoming a professional scientist requires years of education culminating in an advanced degree. Yet, navigating a career in science requires more than just an advanced degree. On this program, Peter Feibelman discussed forging a career in science.

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.

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? On this program, James Gleick discussed information theory.

Polar bears are iconic figures of the arctic. Yet, their habitat and existence is being threatened by ongoing changes to the global environment. On this program, Kieran Mulvaney discussed the life and future of the great white bear.

The FIRST competition brings together students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. On this program, Neal Bascomb profiles one such team in the New Cool.

The belief in god or a supernatural power permeates all of human civilization. How does such a belief arise from the normal biology of the human mind? On this program, Jesse Bering discussed the belief instinct.

Forensic science has developed many advanced methods to aid crimanologists. On this program, Douglas Starr discussed the origins of forensic science.

The Groks Science Show turns ten years old this week. On this program, we look back at ten years of the Groks Science Show.

Sugar may seem like a common household ingredient, however the tortuous history and science behind the establishment of sugar has had global effects. On this program, Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos discussed how sugar changed the world.

Space may be the final frontier, but exploring it will require plenty of ingenuity. What is in store for space exploration in 2011? On this program, Tariq Malik discussed the upcoming year in space exploration.

Our pets provide years of enjoyment. So much so, that the possibility of preserving their existence indefinitely is a tantalizing prospect. On this program, John Woestendiek discussed the science and practice of cloning pets.

The common cold and flu are major disrupters of daily life and result in several man-hours of lost productivity. But, what if these could be prevented? On this program, Cass Ingram discussed essential oil treatments for the cold and flu.

Are some people intrinsically happier than others or do they just exhibit happier behaviors? On this show, Shawn Achor discussed the science of happiness.