Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

Our solar system contains nine acknowledged planets, each with their own unique personalities that continue to inspire scientists. On this episode, Dava Sobel discussed her perspective of the planets.

The evolution of human behavior is easily highlighted in comparative studies with our nearest relatives, chimpanzees and bonobos. On this program, Prof. Frans de Waal discussed Our Inner Ape.

The Constitution guarantees five fundamental freedoms, but a free culture requires openness amongst its citizens. On this program, Mitch Kapor discussed the Open Source movement as it pertains to software and other aspects of technology and life.

Faster than a speeding bullet? Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound? Superman may be confined to the comics, but could his superpowers exist in the natural world? On this program, Prof. James Kakalios discussed the Physics of Superheroes.

Symmetry or parity is intriguing, not only in the arts and music, but also in science and the natural world. Interestingly, parity may not be conserved between the mirror images of molecules and consequently their energies would not be equivalent. On this program, Professor Harris and Gina discussed how parity violation could be observed using sum frequency generation experiments.

The afterlife is generally the subject of theology, but what can science contribute to the issue? On this program, Mary Roach discusses the science of the afterlife.

Last year, 2005, has now been confirmed as the warmest year on record, but what must be done to stop this dangerous trend of global warming? Profs. Carl McDaniel and Stephen Schneider joined us on this program to discuss how these climate issues are best communicated to the public.

While scientific inquiry leads to the rational explanations for natural phenomena, the political interpretation of science often leads to chaos. On this program, Chris Mooney discussed the Republican War on Science.

Which Nobel Laureate was also a voice on The Simpsons? The answer is our guest Dudley Herschbach, who joined us to talk about molecular dynamics and voting systems.

The iPod is certainly an iCon, but a cult? On this episode, Leadner Kahney discussed the most popular music player in the world and his new book, The Cult of the iPod.

The efficiency of the stock market is a topic of much debate among economists. Yet, a scientific approach to betting effectively may maximize returns in an imperfect market. On this program, William Poundstone discussed the Kelly Formula for optimal investing.

Global warming is a larger threat than terrorism, according to our guest Sir David King, science advisor to UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. On this program, he discussed the indicators of this worldwide threat and counters the skeptics of climate change.

Besides his physical theories, Einstein is also well known for his considered pacificsm. With the world year of physics drawing to a close, we explored Einstein and his theology with our guest, John Brinster.

Is nuclear chemistry an oxymoron? On this program, Dr. Cynthia Gong described this little-known but important field of science and discussed Deinococcus radioduran, one of the most radiation resistant lifeforms known.

Although the internet is often viewed as a knowledge warehouse, the potential as a social medium is being explored by those interested in social networks. On this program, Jerry Michalski discussed social networks and the future of the internet.

The brain is composed of millions of neurons that are connected at specialized structures called synapses. The discovery of the synapse by Ramon y Cajal won him the Nobel Prize, but not without a contentious debate from another Nobel laureate, Camillo Golgi. On this program, Dr. Richard Rapport discussed the discovery of the nerve endings.

Weather forecasting may not be an exact science, but resources for encountering extreme weather changes have been around a long time. On this episode, Professor Garrison Sposito discussed the conditions leading to the recent hurricanes in North America and the government response.

In the year 1905, Albert Einstein published five papers that changed the face of modern physics and led to two Nobel Prizes, including one for Einstein himself. On this program, Prof. John Stachel discussed Einstein and the importance of each of these papers.

The Science Review publishes articles on the complete range of science and engineering activity occuring on campus. On this episode, Charlie Emrich and Jess Porter, editors at the BSR, discussed science journalism.

Solving a murder often requires analysis from forensic scientists. On this program, Dr. Frederick Zugibe, the former Chief Medical Examiner of Rockland County, discussed the techniques of forensic science.

Condensed matter physics deals with the interactions of matter at microscopic scales. On this program, Nobel laureate, Prof. Douglas Osheroff, discussed condensed matter physics.

Cosmological views of the universe have evolved from ideas as simple as a flat earth to current notions that accede the possibilty of multiple universes. On this program, Prof. David Park discussed the history of cosmology.

Current trends in urbanization are unsustainable with current practices. Randy Hayes, Oakland Sustainability Director, discussed his efforts at rainforest protection and urban sustainability.

The Nobel Prizes 2005. Professor Barney Grubbs discussed his father winning the Chemistry Prize. Professor Yuen-Ron Shen discussed the Physics Prize. And, Mary Miller joined us to to talk about the Nobel Prize Exhibit on display at the Exploratorium.

Creativity often requires venturing into the unknown. Nobel Prize winner Martin Pearl gives advice for up and coming scientists and thinkers. Terry Hazen also joined us to talk about pathogen detecting technology.