Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

The English language is remarkably well-suited for many forms of humorous wordplay. But, what is it about the structure of English that makes it particularly amenable to wordplay? On this program, Prof. Dallin D. Oaks discussed the structural ambiguities of the English language.

Negative Body Obsession, or NBO, can adversely affect the quality of life. However, overcoming NBO is possible with the correct approach. On this program, Sarah Maria discussed methods for dealing with NBO.

Severe anxiety can be a debilitating condition. Although medications are often the common form of treatment, other methods are available for achieving a more serene lifestyle. On this program, Steve Pavilanis discussed these methods for achieving a Life Less Anxious.

Empathy is an emotion that is often thought to be uniquely human. However, studies of non-human primates are changing that view. On this program, Prof. Frans de Waal discussed the age of empathy.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, also known as DARPA, has been at the forefront of numerous technological innovations. Yet, their work is often unheralded. On this program, Michael Belfiore discussed this department of mad scientists.

The Arctic Ocean is important politically, environmentally, and socially. However, the rapid melting of ice in the arctic is quickly changing the dynamics of humans and wildlife in the region. On this program, Dr. Alun Anderson discussed the future of the Arctic Ocean after the ice melts.

Is human language an innate characteristic of the human brain? Is there a universal grammar? Or, is language inherently tied to society and cultural forces? On this program, Prof. Daniel Everett discussed linguistics, the Piraha, and religion in Dont Sleep There are Snakes.

Common behavioral patterns and instincts are often the source of many forms of unhappiness. What can be done to ensure a happy mind? On this program, Dr. Harold Shinitzky discussed ten simple principles for developing a happy mind.

Emotions are widely regarded as simply products of the normal operations of the higher centers of the brain. But the role of sensory signals in eliciting emotional responses may be of even greater relevance. On this program, Michael Jawer discussed the anatomy of emotion.

Common wisdom surrounds many medical conditions. But, how many of these popularly held beliefs are actually true? On this program, Anahad OConnor discussed the facts and myths about our health and the world we live in.

How many people are having sex at this instant? How many piano tuners are in the city of Chicago? How can we come up with reasonable estimates to questions like these? On this program, Dr. Aaron Santos discussed how to estimate anything.

The human skull has fascinated those interested in the inner workings of the human mind, even to the point of stealing skulls from the grave. On this program, Colin Dickey discussed the practice of Cranioklepty.

The vast number of stars in the night sky exhibit the full panoply of stellar life stages. On this program, Dr. Ken Croswell discussed the life of stars.

The rapid developments in science and technology are made easier to follow by excellent science writing. On this program, Jesse Cohen discussed the Best American Science Writing for 2009.

With the rapid advances in genetic technology, the history of the genetic revolution is often forgotten. On this program, James Schwartz discussed the history of the gene from Darwin to DNA.

Eating a sustainable diet involves moving closer to the source of the nutrients. But, is this possible in most of our diets? On this program, Terry Walters discussed establishing a clean food diet.

Uranium may be the most important element that shaped the history of the 20th century. On this program, Dr. Amir Aczel discussed Uranium Wars.

Energy produced using solar technology can be credited to the consumer under new net metering policies. On this program, Tom Djokovich discussed solar energy technology and net metering.

Technology drives much of the development of human society and economy. Yet, little attention is given to how technological innovations arise. On this program, Prof. W. Brian Arthur discussed the nature of technology.

Living with paralysis is a challenge for affected individuals. On this program, Joseph Canose discussed new research and support for paralysis.

Alzheimer research has rapidly advanced in the past several years, yet simple daily habits may be even more important for preventing the onset of the disease. On this program, Mark Underwood discussed Alzheimer research and prevention.

Communicating science to a young audience is facilitated by using novel techniques. On this program, Doug Richards discussed the Prometheus Project.

The Gaia Hypothesis suggests that the various lifeforms on earth interact to sustain the habitability of the planet. But, could the opposite be true? Is life on earth self-destructive? On this program, Prof. Peter Ward discussed the Medea Hypothesis.

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.

Spy technology has been integral to the operations of CIA agents from the period of the cold war until the present day. On this program, Robert Wallace discussed the secret world of spycraft.