Groks Science Radio Show And Podcast

Although the internet is often viewed as a knowledge warehouse, the potential as a social medium is being explored by those interested in social networks. On this program, Jerry Michalski discussed social networks and the future of the internet.

The brain is composed of millions of neurons that are connected at specialized structures called synapses. The discovery of the synapse by Ramon y Cajal won him the Nobel Prize, but not without a contentious debate from another Nobel laureate, Camillo Golgi. On this program, Dr. Richard Rapport discussed the discovery of the nerve endings.

Weather forecasting may not be an exact science, but resources for encountering extreme weather changes have been around a long time. On this episode, Professor Garrison Sposito discussed the conditions leading to the recent hurricanes in North America and the government response.

In the year 1905, Albert Einstein published five papers that changed the face of modern physics and led to two Nobel Prizes, including one for Einstein himself. On this program, Prof. John Stachel discussed Einstein and the importance of each of these papers.

The Science Review publishes articles on the complete range of science and engineering activity occuring on campus. On this episode, Charlie Emrich and Jess Porter, editors at the BSR, discussed science journalism.

Solving a murder often requires analysis from forensic scientists. On this program, Dr. Frederick Zugibe, the former Chief Medical Examiner of Rockland County, discussed the techniques of forensic science.

Condensed matter physics deals with the interactions of matter at microscopic scales. On this program, Nobel laureate, Prof. Douglas Osheroff, discussed condensed matter physics.

Cosmological views of the universe have evolved from ideas as simple as a flat earth to current notions that accede the possibilty of multiple universes. On this program, Prof. David Park discussed the history of cosmology.

Current trends in urbanization are unsustainable with current practices. Randy Hayes, Oakland Sustainability Director, discussed his efforts at rainforest protection and urban sustainability.

The Nobel Prizes 2005. Professor Barney Grubbs discussed his father winning the Chemistry Prize. Professor Yuen-Ron Shen discussed the Physics Prize. And, Mary Miller joined us to to talk about the Nobel Prize Exhibit on display at the Exploratorium.

Creativity often requires venturing into the unknown. Nobel Prize winner Martin Pearl gives advice for up and coming scientists and thinkers. Terry Hazen also joined us to talk about pathogen detecting technology.

Nanotechnology innovations have the potential to revolutionize daily living. But, separating the science from the science fiction is a challenge both for scientists and investors. On this program, Dr. Matthew Laudon and Darrell Brookstein discussed the promise of nanotechnology.

Nature has evolved without an electrical power grid, but can humans learn to live without one as well? Todd Jersey, architect and designer, joined us to talk about permaculture.

Despite the setbacks with the space shuttle, NASA is continuing to expand its missions in other ways. On this program, George Larson, editor of Air and Space Smithsonian magazine, discussed the recent developments at NASA.

Subsidies have a mixed history of success. But with the California Solar Roofs bill SB1 currently under debate in the California State Assembly, there are expectations that this government initiative will make photovoltaic technology affordable for everyone. Jesse Quay from Sun Light and Power explains the economics and technology behind solar photovoltaic panels.

The physical laws governing planetary motion were first defined by Johannes Kepler using the data of Tyco Brahe. On this program, Joshua and Anne-Lee Gilder discussed this discovery and the controversy surrounding it.

What does it take to be a genius? Barbara Goldsmith joins us to explore the world of Marie Curie in her book Obsessive Genius.

Deep sea exploration was pioneered by two men, William Beebe and Otis Barton. The remarkable story of their adventure into the deep sea abyss was discussed on this program with Brad Matsen.

While science often strives to reveal the best elements of nature, it often can reveal the worst. On this program, Mark Frauenfelder discussed some of the worst science.

While the recent shuttle launch marks a momentary return for NASA to manned space flight, private enterprise is not far behind. The world altitude record was broken by Burt Rutan and SpaceShipOne, claiming the Ansari X-Prize. On this program, Brian Binnie, the pilot, discussed breaking the world altitude record.