Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

Space travel has typically relied on conventional high energy routes, known as Hohmann Transfers, to move their payloads. However, low energy routes do exist and are currently being explored. On this program, Dr. Ed Belbruno from NASA discussed low energy space flight.

Surgical procedures, while often necessary for curing ailments, can sometimes be over-prescribed by clinicians. On this program, Peter Moore, editor at Mens Health, discussed unnecessary surgeries.

The invention of the telescope 400 years ago opened a window to the universe that continues to amaze and enlighten. On this program, Dr. Geoff Andersen discussed the history and invention of the telescope.

How does the US stack up to others in energy efficiency? Arthur Rosenfeld joined us again to discuss some of the encouraging lessons in energy development around the world.

Cancer is a disease that strikes fear by its mere mention. But, rapid advances in medical science are developing new treatments. On this program, Prof. David Nathan from Harvard MGH discussed new cancer therapies.

Continued developments in space exploration hold the promise for advancing human knowledge about the universe. But, how can humans reconcile these findings with their past beliefs. On this program, Prof. Albert Harrison discussed science, religion, and folklore in space exploration.

Evolution continues to be a contentious idea in modern society, especially in the United States, where it has spurred numerous legal battles over the right to teach the competing concept of Intelligent Design in public schools. On this program, Matthew Chapman discussed evolution vs. intelligent design in the Kitzmiller v. Dover Board of Education case.

While the incident that occurred in Roswell, NM is now 60 years old, theories and rampant speculation remain as to what occurred. On this program, Donald Schmitt discussed investigations into the Roswell incident. Special note: this is our -Independence Day- episode. If you do not get the joke, search the Internet Movie Database.

The Richter Scale is well known to anyone who has experienced an earthquake. But, most are unaware of the man who invented the scale. On this program, Dr. Susan Hough discussed the life and science of Dr. Charles Richter.

Since the launch of Sputnik in 1957, human space endeavors have rapidly evolved. On this program, Dr. Martin Collins discussed the history of the space age.

The occurrence of preventable disease in the United States can be lowered by simple lifestyle changes. On this program, Dr. Raymond Francis discussed the project to end disease.

Setting energy policy continues to be a challenge for government officials. On this program, Dr. Arthur Rosenfeld, California Energy Commissioner, discussed energy policy.

Crickets, cicadas, and katydids are the noise makers among the insects. But, how are their sounds distinguished from one another? On this program, Lang Elliot discussed the songs of insects.

Archaeological findings have generally focussed on the prehistoric activities of males, while neglecting those of females. However, recent archaeological findings are challenging this framework. On this program, Jake Page discussed these new archaeological findings.

Dark matter and dark energy comprise most of the known universe. But, what are the constituents of dark matter and energy? On this program, Dr. Dan Hooper from Fermilab discussed the dark cosmos.

Mathematical puzzles are not usually associated with entertainment. However, the Rubik Cube continues to amaze, confound, and entertain. On this program, Tyson Mao discussed solving the Rubik Cube.

What is the appropriate market mechanism for moving away from a fossil fuel economy? On this program, Lester Brown from the Earth Policy Institute discussed how carbon taxes could better represent the true cost of energy.

Morality often is considered a sociological issue. However, recent advances in neurobiology are demonstrating that human brains are innately constructed for morality. On this program, Prof. Marc Hauser from Harvard University discussed the biology of morality.

Pets often perplex their human companions with their eccentric behavior. On this program, Dr. Marty Becker discussed the intricacies of pet behavior.

Bubbles created via the process of cavitation have many applications. On this program, Prof. Christopher Brennen from Caltech discussed the physics of cavitation.

The sources of emotional pain are wide and varied, but are firmly rooted in the deepest centers of the brain. Treating such mental anguish thus requires accessing these deeply ingrained structures. On this program, Drs. Arthur and France Janov discussed Primal Healing.

The problem of evil has confounded philosophers and scientists alike. Is there a biological basis for evil? On this program, Prof. David Buss discussed the biology of evil.

The work of Poincare on the three-body problem later became the framework for studying chaotic systems. Since then, mathematicians have made progress in these and other dynamical systems. On this program, Mason Porter talked about exciting developments in this field. Travis Heime also discussed condensed matter physics.

Environmentalists have been concerned about pollution in the sea and the depletion of fisheries, but are these worries overblown? On this program, Stacey Viera of the National Fisheries Institutes, explains the health effects of mercury and NOAA work in promoting sustainable fishing.

Scientists estimate that one-third of today's increase in greenhouse gas emissions come from changes in the land-use. One way to sequester the carbon emissions is plant more trees but are other crops better suited? On this program, special correspondent Terry Yen talks about the promise of anthropogenic peat.