Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

While nitric oxide may be infamously known for mediating erections, its role in the health of the heart has not been widely publicized. On this show, Nobel Laureate, Louis Ignarro, discussed these effects of nitric oxide.

Economic models typically consider market activities as solely determined by monetary motives, but a true examination of economic forces must consider human values as drivers of market decisions. On this program, Nobel laureate Prof. Amartya Sen discussed value economics.

While superstring theory dominates the landscape of unified field theories, alternative theories exist, such as twister theory. On this program, Sir Roger Penrose joined us to discuss the structure of the universe and quantum consciousness.

Heart disease is currently the number one killer of women, but few know about this risk to their health. On this program, Dr. Arthur Agatston, author of the South Beach Diet, discussed preventing heart disease.

Physicists are constantly searching for elegant theories that describe the universe. One such theory, string theory, has the potential to unify the disparate theories of quantum mechanics and general relativity.

The City of Berkeley has consistently been at the forefront of the environmental movement. David Williamson, director of the curbside recycling program in Berkeley, talks about converting their fleet to biodiesel.

While nothing can undo the devastation caused by the recent tsunami disaster in southeast asia, improvements in global monitoring of seismic activity may lessen the effects of future events. On this program, Prof. Jeffrey Park discussed seismographic monitoring.

Recent discoveries from the Mars and Titan landings have rekindled interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial life. On this program, Prof. David Grinspoon discussed these findings, astrobiology, and his book, Lonely Planets.

Global warming is a scientific issue that is particularly sensitive to the political climate. On this program, Prof. Patrick J. Michaels from the University of Virginia discussed the politics of global warming.

The human body is best suited for survival in a limited range of environments, yet when stretched to its limits can exist in a wide range of extreme situations. On this program, global explorer and physician, Dr. Kenneth Kammler discussed surviving at the extremes.

Milk does a body good, in more ways than one. On this program, we discussed the benefits of lactoferrin with Dr. Itsumori Harada. In addition, Adam Goldstein discussed the secrets of Applescript.

New year resolutions will come and go, but with the right motivation they can be fully realized. On this program, former Heavyweight Boxing Champion, George Foreman, discussed how to meet fitness goals.

The personal computing revolution is a relatively recent historical event, but one that is already open to historical interpretation. On this program, Andy Hertzfeld discussed his insider look at the creation of the Macintosh, as portrayed in his book, Revolution in the Valley.

The 2004 year in science led to developments ranging from private space flight to cloned cats. On this program, we recapped the year in science with Popular Science editor, Suzanne Kantra.

Robotics and theology may seem to be incompatible disciplines, but robots may be more a reflection of our humanity than our technological prowess. On this program, Prof. Anne Foerst discussed her book, God in the Machine: What Robots Teach Us About Humanity and God.

Weather prediction can be notoriously unreliable. But, one publication has been doing it with 80% accuracy since 1792. The Old Farmers Almanac.

The expressive fervor of cultish beliefs can take many forms, especially when the object of such devotion is the Macintosh computer. On this program, we examined the Cult of Mac, with Wired Magzine editor Leander Kahney.

While the holiday season offers many temptations for ruining an otherwise healthy diet, chocolate may be a gulity pleasure with unexpected health benefits. Also on this program, we discussed the secret to beating the casino at Blackjack.

Lasers have multiple applications, from simple pointing devices to guiding missiles. On this program, Nobel Laureate Prof. Charles Townes discussed the development of the laser.

Campus life is full of stress, which is a normal part of academic life. Coping with these challenges can often lead to depression. On this program, we explored dealing with depression on campus.

The theory of plate tectonics describes many geological phenomenon. However, to accurately predict the interactions at plate boundaries which could result in earthquakes requires a more refined model, which was discussed on this program with Prof. Jean-Phillipe Avouac.

The proliferation of spam e-mail peddling everything from home mortgages to male enhancement may cause one to wonder, Who writes this stuff? On this program, Brian McWilliams profiles some of these spam peddlers as portrayed in his book, Spam Kings.

Stem cell research promises to develop cures for a variety of ailments, but the current government restrictions on this research has forced investigators to improvise their methods. As a result, California voters have proposed a bond measure to fund this research.

With the growing scarcity of fossil fuels, alternative energy sources are actively being investigated. Currently, hydrogen based fuel systems have been heralded in the press as being the solution. But beyond the hype, the hydrogen economy faces critical challenges.

Each year over 100 million flu shots are administered, but the recent announcement that this year the supply will be cut in half will complicate matters. On this program, we examined the upcoming flu vaccine shortage.