Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

The progress of modern science owes much to the formulation of precise mathematical models of simple natural events. But, how do we accurately describe complex phenomena? On this program, Dr. Stephen Wolfram discussed intrinsic complexity in nature.

The Nobel Prizes were awarded again this year, and with it some controversies. On this program, we discussed the recent prizes in physics, chemistry, and medicine and physiology

Scientists often do not receive recognition for their work, and toil in relative obscurity. Nevertheless, their discoveries change the world. This show profiled ten scientists conducting such revolutionary work.

For many, heartburn is a constant source of irritation that must be endured daily. However, new treatments are available. We looked at some of these new approaches to managing heartburn with Dr. Paulo Pacheco.

The Xbox is a popular gaming console that when reduced to its bare elements is simply a graphics-enabled PC. This show featured a discussion with Andrew Huang of the technical and legal aspects to reverse engineering the Xbox.

Personal fitness is a major concern for many overweight Americans. This show profiled one fitness method called pilates. In addition, California gubernatorial candidate, Mary Carey shared her views on technology policy.

Space travel was once the sole domain of large government agencies, but is now becoming available for private citizens. On this program, we discussed space travel for the general public with Eric Anderson, CEO of Space Adventures.

Film editing has become remarkably easy with the use of computer aided tools. However, the aesthetics of film editing are not so readily automated. On this show, Michael Rubin discussed techniques for computer film editing.

What is intelligence? Do animals possess some form of it, or are humans unique? On this show, we addressed these questions of animal intelligence with Eugene Linden.

Advances in manipulating materials on the nano-scale is beginning to yield promising results. The current state of the field was discussed on this show with William Atkinson.

Fossil fuels are a problematic energy source. They are bad for the environment and are non-renewable. Developing the resources and infrastructure for renewable energy sources is a major goal of the next century. On this program, we explored such renewable energy sources with Prof. Daniel M. Kammen.

Shakespearean insights into the human condition also reflect fundamental operating processes of the human brain. On this show, Prof. Paul Matthews discussed the guid between Shakespeare and modern neuroscience.

Before Sigmund Freud revealed his insights of human psychology, thrillers such as Therese Raquin were already exploring this issue. On this show, we took a closer look at this novel work.

What if the military were designing genetically-engineered animals to serve as soldiers? That's the premise of a new novel by Stephen J. Cannell, based on current scientific technology. On this show, we explored the implications of such a development with the author.

Richard Feynman, one of the best known physicists of our time, is known not only for his scientific work, but also for his unique personality. This show examined the very human side of this very extraordinary man.

In the rarified circles of mathematical research, understanding theorems often precedes cultivating human relations. On this program, actors from Proof, the prize winning play, explored this issue in depth.

Astronomers are continuing to examine the early universe by exploring results from the Hubble telescope and other surveys. Time magazine science writer, Michael Lemonick, shared with us the most recent findings.

The Matrix movies are well known for their innovative special effects. On this program, Dr. Paul Debevec discussed many of the special effects that he helped create for these films.

Our moral sense is such an integral part of our being that often we may be unaware of how we come by our beliefs. Indeed, the complex interplay of nature and nurture in developing this sense remains a profound mystery. This episode featured a discussion with Dr. Anne Colby regarding some of these factors.

The launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union was an event that profoundly changed the course of history. In the United States, it spurred the rapid development of the scientific establishment that remains in place today. On this show, Paul Dickson discussed the effects resulting from the launch of Sputnik.

A major goal in physics is constructing a theory that unifies the four fundamental forces. The leading contender in this debate is String Field Theory, and was the focus of this discussion with Prof. Michio Kaku.

Robotics is a field that has revolutionized our modern society. The next-generation of robots will perform duties that were once thought impossible. On this show, a group of mechanical engineers discussed the future of robotics.

Deep Blue may currently be the most famous chess-playing machine, but it was certainly not the first. In fact, the development of chess-playing automata may have originated with an elaborate eighteenth-century hoax known as The Turk. On this show, we explored the unique history of this innovative machine with Tom Standage.

The popular coverage of science in the media is often limited to the superficial descriptions of flashy discoveries, leaving in depth examination of critical issues unexplored. This program featured a discussion with Prof. Michael Pollan of the science beyond the headlines.

Can art exist without human observers? Or, is art wholly an expression of the unique capacities of the human brain? On this program, Prof. Semir Zeki discussed how the human brain could give rise to artistic expression.