Groks Science Radio Show And Podcast

The history of the personal computer has strong roots in the societal changes that occurred during the 1960s. On this program, Prof. John Markoff discussed the 60s counterculture and the personal computing revolution.

The 21st century is regarded by many as the Pacific Century. But, the emergence of China as a superpower offers opportunities and risks. In this roundtable, Takesato Watanabe, Adam Gamble, Scott Savitt, and Richard Kiwata discusses Japan-China relations, their respective media, and the power of the internet to transform their relationship.

Breakthroughs in biomedical research will soon allow us to live longer, grow stronger, and think smarter. But, will these advances come at a price? On this program, Ramez Naam discussed the promise of biological enhancement..

Why do birds sing? The scientific exploration of bird song has uncovered many underlying biological mechanisms, and the aesthetic beauty of their music continues to fascinate scientists and musicians alike. On this program, Prof. David Rothenberg discussed why birds sing.

Research at public universities is increasingly being driven by profit motives that undermine academic integrity and limit the free expression of ideas. What does this shift mean for higher education? On this program, Jennifer Washburn discussed the corporate corruption of higher education.

Fundamental particle physics is replete with novel theories that are merely academic until experimentally verified by high energy particle colliders. On this program, Prof. Michael Peskin from the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center discussed these experimental techniques.

Scientists draw their inspiration from many sources, and a common one is science fiction. On this program, Prof. Gregory Benford, physicist and SF novelist, discussed science fiction writing and its influence on scientific inquiry.

The stock market may often seem impenetrable to personal investing, but advances in internet trading have vastly simplified many complex transactions. On this program, Bonnie Biafore discusses online investing hacks.

Commercials pervade modern society. While most of us may feel immune to their influence, they still can powerfully influence behavior, especially in children. On this program, Dr. Susan Linn from Harvard University discussed creating a commercial free childhood.

How did the univere begin? How will it end? The answers to these questions have remained elusive, but for the first time in human history, there is hope that these mysteries of the universe can be uncovered. Noted author and particle physicist Simon Singh discusses these ageless questions.

In this information age, presenting data simply and effectively is essential for comunicating ideas. Yet, the graphical display of data is a relatively recent innovation, as discussed on this program with Prof. Howard Wainer.

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.