Groks Science Radio Show And Podcast

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.

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.