Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

Nanotechnology innovations have the potential to revolutionize daily living. But, separating the science from the science fiction is a challenge both for scientists and investors. On this program, Dr. Matthew Laudon and Darrell Brookstein discussed the promise of nanotechnology.

Nature has evolved without an electrical power grid, but can humans learn to live without one as well? Todd Jersey, architect and designer, joined us to talk about permaculture.

Despite the setbacks with the space shuttle, NASA is continuing to expand its missions in other ways. On this program, George Larson, editor of Air and Space Smithsonian magazine, discussed the recent developments at NASA.

Subsidies have a mixed history of success. But with the California Solar Roofs bill SB1 currently under debate in the California State Assembly, there are expectations that this government initiative will make photovoltaic technology affordable for everyone. Jesse Quay from Sun Light and Power explains the economics and technology behind solar photovoltaic panels.

The physical laws governing planetary motion were first defined by Johannes Kepler using the data of Tyco Brahe. On this program, Joshua and Anne-Lee Gilder discussed this discovery and the controversy surrounding it.

What does it take to be a genius? Barbara Goldsmith joins us to explore the world of Marie Curie in her book Obsessive Genius.

Deep sea exploration was pioneered by two men, William Beebe and Otis Barton. The remarkable story of their adventure into the deep sea abyss was discussed on this program with Brad Matsen.

While science often strives to reveal the best elements of nature, it often can reveal the worst. On this program, Mark Frauenfelder discussed some of the worst science.

While the recent shuttle launch marks a momentary return for NASA to manned space flight, private enterprise is not far behind. The world altitude record was broken by Burt Rutan and SpaceShipOne, claiming the Ansari X-Prize. On this program, Brian Binnie, the pilot, discussed breaking the world altitude record.

It takes a very special person to be a fine man. The bar is set by none other than the physicist Richard P. Feynman. On this program, his daughter Michelle Feynman talks about the life of her father and her recent book The Feynman Letters: Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track.

Vineyards across Europe were nearly destroyed in the late 1800s by a pestilent aphid known as Phylloxera vastatrix. The scientific quest to discover a remedy and save wine for the world was discussed on this program with Mr. Christy Campbell

Albert Einstein was not only known for pushing the boundaries of science, he is also remembered for his insights into humanity, love, and pacifism. On this program, Ms. Alice Caliprice discussed The New Quotable Einstein.

Stem cell research is an international endeavor, and one country leading the way is Scotland. On this program, Dr. Ken Snowden discussed Scotland biotechnology innovations.

While solar energy may be one of the most viable forms of renewable energy, it has not yet reached the level of affordability for most consumers. On this program, Monique Sullivan discussed this issue and the million home solar energy initiative.

The history of the personal computer has strong roots in the societal changes that occurred during the 1960s. On this program, Prof. John Markoff discussed the 60s counterculture and the personal computing revolution.

The 21st century is regarded by many as the Pacific Century. But, the emergence of China as a superpower offers opportunities and risks. In this roundtable, Takesato Watanabe, Adam Gamble, Scott Savitt, and Richard Kiwata discusses Japan-China relations, their respective media, and the power of the internet to transform their relationship.

Breakthroughs in biomedical research will soon allow us to live longer, grow stronger, and think smarter. But, will these advances come at a price? On this program, Ramez Naam discussed the promise of biological enhancement..

Why do birds sing? The scientific exploration of bird song has uncovered many underlying biological mechanisms, and the aesthetic beauty of their music continues to fascinate scientists and musicians alike. On this program, Prof. David Rothenberg discussed why birds sing.

Research at public universities is increasingly being driven by profit motives that undermine academic integrity and limit the free expression of ideas. What does this shift mean for higher education? On this program, Jennifer Washburn discussed the corporate corruption of higher education.

Fundamental particle physics is replete with novel theories that are merely academic until experimentally verified by high energy particle colliders. On this program, Prof. Michael Peskin from the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center discussed these experimental techniques.

Scientists draw their inspiration from many sources, and a common one is science fiction. On this program, Prof. Gregory Benford, physicist and SF novelist, discussed science fiction writing and its influence on scientific inquiry.

The stock market may often seem impenetrable to personal investing, but advances in internet trading have vastly simplified many complex transactions. On this program, Bonnie Biafore discusses online investing hacks.

Commercials pervade modern society. While most of us may feel immune to their influence, they still can powerfully influence behavior, especially in children. On this program, Dr. Susan Linn from Harvard University discussed creating a commercial free childhood.

How did the univere begin? How will it end? The answers to these questions have remained elusive, but for the first time in human history, there is hope that these mysteries of the universe can be uncovered. Noted author and particle physicist Simon Singh discusses these ageless questions.

In this information age, presenting data simply and effectively is essential for comunicating ideas. Yet, the graphical display of data is a relatively recent innovation, as discussed on this program with Prof. Howard Wainer.