Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

HIV is a pernicious blight on modern society, but one that may have an interesting evolutionary history. On this program, we discussed mathematical models of HIV infection with Prof. Montgomery Slatkin of U.C. Berkeley.

Social networks have been popularized by the play, Six Degrees of Separation. But, predicting the behavior of these networks in reality proves to be quite challenging. We explored this issue with Prof. Duncan Watts from Columbia University.

Everyday events are readily explained within a scientific framework, yet science literacy is still quite low. On this program, Curt Suplee discussed everyday science education.

Consciousness remains one of the frontiers of modern science; however, innovative methodologies may soon reveal an understanding of how the brain gives rise to conscious experience. We discussed this issue with Prof. Christof Koch from Caltech.

The Hubbert peak defines the point of no return as far as fossil fuels are concerned. Have we reached this point? And, how do we create a sustainable energy future. We explored this issue with Prof. David Goodstein, Vice Provost of Caltech.

The Macintosh computer recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary, but the history of this computer goes back a little further. On the program, Jef Raskin, creator of the Apple Macinotsh, discussed the human-machine interface.

Studying atoms can be quite challenging, due in large part to their rapid velocities. However, novel methods for cooling atoms using lasers have revolutionized the field of condensed matter physics. We discussed this issue with Nobel Laureate, Prof. Stephen Chu

Electronic storage devices have become ubiquitous in daily life and hold most of our essential information. But, few people backup their data until it is too late. On this show, we explored novel methods of data backup.

The problems facing the earth's environment will rely on scientific solutions from numerous disciplines. Integrating these solutions with political resources remains a major challenge for the future, and was the focus of this discussion with Nobel Laureate, Prof. Y.T. Lee.

Each year, popular science magazine unveils the top 100 technological innovations for the previous year. What items made this list for 2003? A few surprises to be sure as revealed on this week's episode.

The role of the brain in controlling behavior is almost taken for granted, but the development of this idea may owe its existence to one seventeenth-century scientist, Dr. Thomas Willis.

Technological innovations continue to puzzle and confound even the most savvy technophiles. But, figuring out how to use these modern marvels can often be half the fun, as we discussed with our guest, Gregg Steben.

The recent landing of the Mars Explorer rover has renewed interest in the red planet. On this program, we talked with Andrew Mishkin, a senior systems at NASA, about the status of past, present, and future missions to Mars.

Preserving the environment requires an interdisciplinary approach, especially in terms of maintaining biological diversity. On this program, we explored issues in bioecology with our guest, Prof. Shepley Chen.

Robotics is a field that continues to inspire both professional and amateur scientists. Fortunately, robotics competitions provide the perfect venue for exploring these interests. Contestants from such a competition held at Fort Mason Center chatted with us about their inventions.

As oil resources begin to dwindle, the search for alternative energy sources is already yielding promising results. However, the application of these various alternatives will rely strongly on the regions where they are implemented. These economic and environmental factors were discussed on this episode with Prof. Toshihiko Nakata.

The health of our bodies is often determined by our mental state. The physical relation between these two is now being investigated with modern methods. On this program, we explored the mind/body relationship with Dr. Gabor Mate.

We spend roughly a third of our lives sleeping, and much of that time dreaming. But, the scientific nature and meaning of dreams remains elusive, and was the focus of this discussion with Dr. Veronica Tonay.

Establishing adequate policies for maintaining the environment remains a profound challenge requiring international cooperation. On this program, we explored this multi-faceted issue with Dr. Masaka Yamabi.

The Ig-Nobel Prizes are awarded every year to research that first makes you laugh, then makes you think. The founder of these unique awards, Dr. Marc Abrahams, joined us to discuss these awards.

Archaeological misconceptions are common, and have been promulgated by movies. Actual archaeological expeditions require more intensive work. On this program, we debunked many of these myths with our guest Eric Powell, editor of Archeology magazine.

The Siemens Westinghouse competition brings high school students together to compete in scientific research projects. The winners receive large scholarships and recognition. We talked with participants and organizers about this unique event.

Gravitational effects on the human body are especially prevalent on the gluteus maximus. Countering these effects is a unique device called the Biniki. On this show, we examined this unique everyday invention.

How did human intelligence evolve? On this program, Dr. Leonard Shlain discussed how female sexuality may have played a key role in this process.

Technology has dramatically altered the methods of modern warfare. Nowhere is this more evident than in the recent engagement in Iraq. On this program, we examined the effects of many of these technologies.