Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

Groks Science Show

2008-07-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

The Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast Blog has moved...

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Holistic Birding

2008-07-16T00:38:00.000-07:00

Observing birds in nature is a rapidly growing past time for many birding enthusiasts, which is especially rewarding when combined with a holistic approach. On this program, Ted Floyd discussed holistic birding.

My favorite bird is the phoenix... ;)

Genetic Toxicology

2008-07-09T17:12:00.000-07:00

Toxicology tests have typically relied on outmoded and non-specific measures. On this program, Dr. Bruce Gillis discussed advances in genetic toxicology. In addition, Prof. Jerry Crabtree discussed transgenic technology.

Where's my frankenfood?

Fructose Consumption

2008-07-02T01:23:00.000-07:00

Fructose in the diet is the cause of many health problems. On this program, Prof. Richard Johnson discussed the effects of high fructose consumption.

But, I love my sugar high... ;)

Aging Memory

2008-06-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

The normal decline of our cognitive abilities is one of the hallmarks of the aging process. But, what is the dividing line between normal and abnormal memory loss? On this program, Martha Weinman Lear discussed normal memory loss.

Why did I write this... ;)

Sport Science

2008-06-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

While sports may thrill fans and spectators, professional athletes continue to make use of the latest developments in science and technology to improve their performance. On this program, Davin Coburn discussed the science of sports.

Can they explain why Tiger is so good? ;)

Exercising Brain

2008-06-11T00:03:00.000-07:00

While exercise is widely known to be beneficial for physical health, it can also greatly improve mental abilities as well. On this program, Dr. John Ratey discussed the effects of exercise on the brain.

What about the blueberries? ;)

NASCAR Energy

2008-06-04T00:31:00.000-07:00

Developing clean energy is a major challenge for both policy makers and scientists. On this program, Dr. Lester Brown discussed clean energy technology. In addition, Prof. Diandra Leslie-Pelecky discussed the physics of NASCAR.

When will NASCAR run on biofuels? ;)

Visual Thinking

2008-05-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Solving complex problems can be aided by the use of visual tools. However, these methods are often unknown outside of the scientific and engineering arenas. On this program, Dan Roam discussed visual problem solving.

How many licks does it take to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop? ;)

Alternative Energy Markets

2008-05-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Developing alternative energy sources will require extensive capital resources. On this program, Matthew Feller discussed methods for carbon sequestration. In addition, Miriam Horn discussed developing capital infrastructure for alternative energy technology.

Why not try the 7/11? ;)

Music Notes:
Intro: Japanese Telecom
Segue: Pancho Sanchez
Outro: Garage Groks

Negotiation

2008-05-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Effective negotiation is a skill that is necessary for resolving conflict peacefully, but the strategies and practices of negotiation are often not properly taught. On this program, William Ury discussed the power of a positive negotiation.

They obviously haven't met my mother... ;)

Music Notes:
Intro: Japanese Telecom
Segue 1: Miserlou
Segue 2: I'm in a hurry
Outro: Garage Groks

Nuclear Renewables

2008-05-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

The current peak oil crisis has intensified the search for renewable energy sources. One possible option is nuclear power. On this program, William Sweet discussed kicking the carbon habit.

Why can't they renew my hair? ;)

Music Notes:
Intro: Japanese Telecom
Segue 1: Amelie
Segue 2: Wallace and Grommit
Outro: Garage Groks

Dropsy Dialysis Transplant

2008-04-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

The kidneys are an often unappreciated organ in the human body. But, the importance of their function becomes readily apparent when something disrupts their normal operation. On this program, Dr. Steven J. Peitzman discussed a short history of failing kidneys.

What about my failing brain... ;)

Music Notes:
Intro: Japanese Telecom
Segue: Yellow
Outro: Garage Groks

Urban Development

2008-04-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

Developing the infrastructure of poor urban environments remains a major challenge for sustainable growth. On this program, Dr. Timothy Campbell discussed capacity building and urban development.

When will they get around to fixing the potholes? ;)

Body Rhythms

2008-04-16T23:41:00.000-07:00

The human body is regulated by multiple physiological processes that cycle throughout the day. On this program, Jennifer Ackerman discussed the science of body rhythms.

My body is in 5/4 time... ;)

Planet Hunting

2008-04-09T22:13:00.001-07:00

Astronomers searching for extrasolar worlds have recently discovered several fascinating planets orbiting other stars. On this program, Dr. Jason Wright discussed the science and technology behind the search for extrasolar worlds.

When will they find the lollipop planet?

Telephone Gambit

2008-04-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

Alexander Graham Bell is widely regarded as the inventor of the telephone. However, few may know the story of Elisha Gray, who may have been the first inventor of the telephone. On this program, Seth Shulman discussed the controversy and history of the telephone.

But, who invented 1-900-numbers? ;)

Napoleonic Science

2008-03-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

The exploration of Egypt and the middle east remained largely unknown to European scientists until 1798. At that time, a group of scientists, engineers, and artists began exploring the region under the leadership of Napoleon Bonaparte. On this program, Nina Burleigh discussed Napoleon, his scientists, and the exploration of Egypt.

Why didn't he explore the Bahamas... ;)

Alzheimer's Prevention

2008-03-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

Degenerative diseases of the brain such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's have until recently been accepted as a normal possibility of old age. However, recent advances in modern medicine are changing this view. Preventative measures can reduce the chance of developing these diseases, and effective treatments are being developed. On this program, Dr. Marwan Sabbagh discussed methods for preventing Alzheimer's disease.

But, can they prevent me from losing my hair? ;)

Quantum Hoops

2008-03-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

Science and sports seem strangely dissimilar, but both strive to bring out the best in human endeavors. On this program, Rick Greenwald discussed this quest for such consilience in Quantum Hoops.

Sports aggravates my asthma... ;)

Malaria

2008-03-05T00:24:00.000-08:00

Malaria has often been regarded as a third world disease. Yet, it has been found worldwide, with socioeconomic factors largely contributing to its prevalence or absence in different regions. On this program, Prof. Randall Packard discussed the history and treatment of malaria.

My blood gives mosquitoes diseases... ;)

Computer Malware

2008-02-27T08:48:00.000-08:00

As computers have become increasingly ubiquitous, so too has computer malware. How can we protect our computers from this onslaught of viruses, worms, and Trojan horses? On this program, David Perry discussed effective solutions to combat computer malware.

There's nothing on my computer to protect... ;)

Gorilla Behavior

2008-02-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

Gorillas are genetically very similar to humans, however our behavior seems widely divergent. But, we may have more in common with our primate relatives than one might suspect. On this program, Andrew Grant discussed lessons from gorilla behavior.

I like tropical fruit... ;)

Snake Oil Science

2008-02-13T20:45:00.001-08:00

Complementary and alternative medicine claims cures for ailments spanning the range from allergies to cancer. But, does scientific research support any of these claims? On this program, Prof. R. Barker Bausell discussed the problems with complementary and alternative therapies.

My insurance won't even let my doctor shake my hand... ;)

Supervolcanoes

2008-02-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

Supervolcanic eruptions have the potential to drastically alter the environment and seriously affect human civilization. Understanding the geological consequences of these events continues to challenge scientists. On this program, Dr. John Savino discussed the impact of a supervolcanic eruption.

I always have trouble controlling my eruptions... ;)