Groks Science Radio Show And Podcast

Size matters... especially in biology. But the dimensions of living organisms are often disregarded, while it is arguably essential to their study. On this program, Prof. John Tyler Bonner discussed why size matters in biology.

Altruistic behavior is seemingly at odds with the classic notion of evolution. How can altruism be reconciled with the survival of the fittest? On this program, Prof. Lee Alan Dugatkin discussed the altruism equation.

Billions and billions of years ago, stars in the universe created elements that scattered throughout the galaxies. Until recently, these dust particles from the early universe were frozen in comets. On this program, Dr. Andrew Westphal discussed the StarDust project, the challenges in collecting comet dust and the surprising discoveries made from these samples.

Tracking the evolutionary changes that give rise to new species has become more refined with the advent of molecular biological tools. Changes in DNA sequences over time can now be measured across species to provide a genetic picture of evolution in action. On this program, Prof. Sean B. Carroll discussed these new findings.

For many technophiles, Christmas comes a couple weeks after the fact. At Macworld 2007, we saw a glimpe of what future telephony will look like, but at the same time, developers have products ready to go. On this program, Jon Philips from MacLife magazine discussed current trends in computing. Also, Kevin Ford talked about advanced telephone systems.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. But, what are the physical processes that underlie the formation of snowflakes, and how can this process be reproduced? On this program, Prof. Kenneth Libbrecht from Caltech discussed the physics of snowflakes.

Most of us know earthquakes by their groundbreaking nature, but what has intrigued seismologists recently are silent earthquakes. On this program, Prof. Paul Segall discussed the significance of these imperceptible ground movements. In addition, Chuck McMinn discussed combined heat and power systems at Vineyard29.

The origin of our belief systems may have strong biological underpinnings. On this program, Prof. Andrew Newberg discussed the biology of our beliefs.

Technological changes are occuring at a rapid pace, and keeping up with those changes is a challenge to even the most astute technophile, not to mention those averse to technology. On this program, the technology folks, Martina and John, discussed dealing with technology.

The growing disparities in health care provided by primary care physicians has caused some to offer a service known as concierge medicine. But, this potential cure may result in more problems than solutions. On this program, Dr. Robin Cook discussed the problems with concierge medicine.

Quantum computing makes use of the unique quantum states of a molecular system to store information. On this program, Dr. Michael Hartmann discussed quantum information theory. In addition, Chin Ong discussed the agricultural merits of bamboo.

The prevalent image of old age is one of infirmity, but studies of centenarians demonstrate that a vibrant lifestyle is possible. On this program, Dr. Maoshing Ni discussed everyday habits for ensuring a long and healthy life.

The role of science in government has often been neglected. The Union of Concerned Scientists is a group that brings scientific opinion to major policy issues. On this program, Prof. Kurt Gottfried, chair of the UCS, discussed science representation in the government. In addition, Vikram Kukarni discussed geotechnical engineering.

Biomedical research often encounters vocal opposition from both sides of the political spectrum. On this program, Prof. Lee Silver discussed the clash of science and spirituality in biological research.

While the United States has lagged in deploying renewable energy into its economy, others have pursued a more aggressive policy of lowering greenhouse gas emissions. On this program, Craig Morris discussed Germany and their move toward solar and wind power.

Oil dependence has ramifications beyond those of transportation. A shortage in its supply can affect many areas, including agriculture, business, and urban design. On this program, James Howard Kunstler will discuss this long emergency.

How did the universe begin? How will it end? And, what do we do in the mean time? On this program, Prof. P. James Peebles from Princeton University discussed cosmology, dark matter, and the large scale universe.

Global health care disparaties are all to evident, made even more stark by the remarkable advances in medical science. But, what can be done to resolve these global health care inequities? On this program, Dr. Edward O'Neill, Jr. discussed global health care solutions.

What better way is there to celebrate the Big Bang than with a Nobel Prize. On this program, Prof. Alex Filipenko commented on the 2006 prize in physics. Prof. Caroline Kane joined us to discuss the chemistry prize. Finally, Nobel laureate Prof. Peter Doherty discussed how to win the Nobel Prize.

The devastating tsunami that engulfed southeast asia in 2004 has heightened awareness of the range and magnitude of this catastrophe. But, how can such events be ameliorated in the future? On this program, Dr.Patricio Bernal and Prof. Robert Dalrymple discussed tsunami warning methods. In addition, Nicola Stuber discussed night flying contribution to greenhouse gas, and Patricia Schultz discussed 1000 places to visit before you die. Finally, Robert Bullock discussed the Taiwan Film Festival.