Berkeley Groks Science Radio Program Podcast
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Weekly science radio program produced by KALX in Berkeley, CA. Hosted by Dr. Charles Lee and Dr. Frank Ling, each show features interviews with scientists and technical innovators, humorous commentary on recent discoveries, plus the Grokitron 5000 and the World Famous Question of the Week! Tune in every week and rediscover the world as you think you know it.
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Write a Review of Berkeley Groks Science Radio Program Podcast
   
personalmedia, February 17, 2006
Reviewer: personalmedia
from Indiana
This weekly podcast is based upon a science radio podcast so the broadcast quality of the program is very good. The co-host Frank Ling is a bit difficult to understand at times. He has a very annoying voice. The podcast would have been more enjoyable to listen to if the other host would have done more talking.
This podcast, as the title suggests, is very scientific in nature. Listeners should have a good basic understanding of science to get the most out of this podcast. The podcast I reviewed opened with current scientific developments. The next segment centered around an interview with an author who researched and wrote about the life of Marie Curie. The content of the interview with Barbara Goldsmith was fascinating. The theme of women being suited for careers in science was deeply explored.
The Grokitron 5000 segment of the program generates some interesting discussions. The Question of the Week is also a hallmark segment of this podcast. Excellent podcast!

Podcast Feed URL: |
Podcast Website: http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~clgroks/
Negotiation -- Berkeley Groks 2008-05-14
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, May 14, 2008
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.
Download File - 18.4 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Nuclear Renewables -- Berkeley Groks 2008-05-07
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, May 07, 2008
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.
Download File - 21.8 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Dropsy Dialysis Transplant -- Berkeley Groks 2008-04-30
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Apr 30, 2008
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.
Download File - 19.2 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Urban Development -- Berkeley Groks 2008-04-23
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Apr 23, 2008
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.
Download File - 22.5 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Body Rhythms -- Berkeley Groks 2008-04-16
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Apr 16, 2008
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.
Download File - 24.6 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Planet Hunting -- Berkeley Groks 2008-04-09
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Apr 09, 2008
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.
Download File - 21.7 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Telephone Gambit -- Berkeley Groks 2008-04-02
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Apr 02, 2008
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.
Download File - 28.1 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Napoleonic Science -- Berkeley Groks 2008-03-26
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Mar 26, 2008
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.
Download File - 28.0 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Alzheimers Prevention -- Berkeley Groks 2008-03-19
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Mar 19, 2008
Degenerative diseases of the brain such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons 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 Alzheimers disease.
Download File - 18.7 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Quantum Hoops -- Berkeley Groks 2008-03-12
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Mar 12, 2008
Science and sports seem strangely dissimilar, but both strive to bring out the best in human endeavors. On this program, Rick Greenwald discussed the quest for such consilience in Quantum Hoops.
Download File - 26.6 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Malaria -- Berkeley Groks 2008-03-05
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Mar 05, 2008
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.
Download File - 26.4 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Computer Malware -- Berkeley Groks 2008-02-27
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Feb 27, 2008
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.
Download File - 26.2 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Gorilla Behavior -- Berkeley Groks 2008-02-20
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Feb 20, 2008
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.
Download File - 28.0 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Snake Oil Science -- Berkeley Groks 2008-02-13
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Feb 13, 2008
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.
Download File - 25.4 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Supervolcanoes -- Berkeley Groks 2008-02-06
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Feb 06, 2008
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.
Download File - 19.8 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Bird Conservation -- Berkeley Groks 2008-01-30
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Jan 30, 2008
Changes in the global environment are threatening the existence of many species of birds. But, what can be done to help? On this program, Dr. Jeffrey Wells discussed current bird conservation efforts.
Download File - 25.9 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Darwinian Fashion -- Berkeley Groks 2008-01-23
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Jan 23, 2008
The theory of evolution states that selective pressures result in the survival of the fittest. But, what selective pressures are placed on humans? It turns out that our worst enemy may be ourselves. On this program, Wendy Northcutt discussed the Darwin Awards. In addition, Caltech scientists discussed recent advances in geek fashion.
Download File - 27.0 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Body Maps -- Berkeley Groks 2008-01-16
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Jan 16, 2008
Sensory events are conveyed to our brains and interpreted in specialized maps of the outside world. On this program, Sandra Blakeslee discussed the function of these body maps in the brain.
Download File - 26.1 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Peking Man Fossils -- Berkeley Groks 2008-01-09
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Jan 09, 2008
The discovery of the Peking Man fossils in China was a landmark discovery for archaeologists and anthropologists. On this program, Dr. Amir Aczel discussed the discovery of the fossils and the tale of one of the main investigators involved in the project, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.
Download File - 26.6 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Reading Brain -- Berkeley Groks 2008-01-02
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Jan 02, 2008
Written language has evolved as a unique human trait for communicating ideas. But, how have human brains evolved to read and write? On this program, Prof. Maryanne Wolf discussed the evolution and development of the reading brain.
Download File - 26.9 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Incentive Economics -- Berkeley Groks 2007-12-26
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Dec 26, 2007
Economics is often viewed as the dismal science, but everyday decisions are often guided or aided by economic considerations. On this program, Prof. Tyler Cowen discussed incentive economics.
Download File - 21.8 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Sino-US Technology Relations -- Berkeley Groks 2007-12-19
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Dec 19, 2007
The relationship between China and the United States has far reaching implications in terms of politics, economics, and technology. On this program, Prof. June Dreyer from the University of Miami discussed Sino-US relations.
Download File - 25.1 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Ambiguous Math -- Berkeley Groks 2007-12-12
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Dec 12, 2007
Mathematics may appear to be constructed on absolute foundations derived from first principles. But, are mathematical tenets as absolute as they seem? On this program, Gaurav Suri discussed the philosophical implications of ambiguity in math.
Download File - 26.7 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Musical Brain -- Berkeley Groks 2007-12-05
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Dec 05, 2007
Music has powerful emotive and expressive qualities that transcend its description as a purely physical phenomenon. This is of course due to how the brain processes musical information. On this program, Prof. Daniel Levitin discussed the musical brain.
Download File - 23.4 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Rocketeers -- Berkeley Groks 2007-11-28
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Nov 28, 2007
Space travel is quickly becoming part of private enterprise, with several entrepreneurs developing technologies that will enable future space flight. On this program, Michael Belfiore discussed the development of the privatized space industry.
Download File - 24.1 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Gratitude -- Berkeley Groks 2007-11-21
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Nov 21, 2007
Gratitude and thankfulness are often in short supply. But, what can science tell us about increasing our sense of thankfulness? On this program, Prof. Robert Emmons discussed the psychology of gratitude.
Download File - 24.4 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Medical Ethics -- Berkeley Groks 2007-11-14
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Nov 14, 2007
Medical practitioners must put the interests of their patients first and foremost. But, do doctors always follow this maxim? On this program, Dr. Joshua Spanogle joined us to discuss issues in medical ethics.
Download File - 21.6 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Planet History -- Berkeley Groks 2007-11-07
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Nov 07, 2007
Scientific observation of the planets in our solar system has a long and florid history. With the increased exploration of the planets, fascinating insights have quickly emerged. On this program, Dr. Richard Corfield presented the natural history of the solar system.
Download File - 30.5 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Scientific Faith -- Berkeley Groks 2007-10-31
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Oct 31, 2007
Science relies on empirical evidence to support its central theories and tenets, while religious belief relies on the faith of the believer. Can these two separate worldviews be reconciled? On this program, Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute discussed science and religious faith.
Download File - 21.3 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Altered Oceans -- Berkeley Groks 2007-10-24
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Oct 24, 2007
Changes in the ocean environment are rapidly affecting the well being of both human and marine life. On this program, Kenneth R. Weiss from the L.A. Times examined the altered oceans.
Download File - 24.4 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
General Ignorance -- Berkeley Groks 2007-10-17
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Oct 17, 2007
There are some facts that are common knowledge, but these often turn out to be completely wrong. When does common knowledge become general ignorance? On this program, John Lloyd and John Mitchinson from the BBC program, QI, will discuss the book of general ignorance.
Download File - 28.7 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Bright Young Minds -- Berkeley Groks 2007-10-03
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Oct 03, 2007
Early childhood is the period when most of the mental faculties of the brain are formed. Yet, much of our education takes place much later in life. What can be done to assure a bright childhood? On this program, Dr. Jill Stamm discussed early childhood learning and development.
Download File - 26.4 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Heart Depression -- Berkeley Groks 2007-09-26
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Sep 26, 2007
Heart disease and depression seem like unrelated ailments. However, new research is finding that the occurrence of one can result in the manifestation of the other. On this program, Dr. Lawson Wulsin discussed the link between heart disease and depression.
Download File - 25.0 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Darwin and Religion -- Berkeley Groks 2007-09-19
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Sep 19, 2007
The theory of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin has served as the basis for modern biological research. But, is evolution at odds with religious beliefs? On this program, Prof. Francisco Ayala from U.C. Irvine discussed Darwin and Religion.
Download File - 22.6 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Fecal Science -- Berkeley Groks 2007-09-12
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Sep 12, 2007
While most might experience revulsion by fecal matter, the constitution of poo can actually tell a lot about gastrointestinal health. On this program, Dr. Anish Sheth and Josh Richmond discussed the science of poo.
Download File - 24.6 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Wikinomics -- Berkeley Groks 2007-09-05
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Sep 05, 2007
Collaboration in business is important for the development of ideas and products. Technological innovations are facillitating this process. On this program, Don Tapscott discussed Wikinomics and how mass collaboration is changing business.
Download File - 25.1 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Nitric Oxide Disease -- Berkeley Groks 2007-08-29
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Aug 29, 2007
Nitric oxide is a ubiquitous molecule in the body that is involved in several important physiological processes. However, diseases may arise when the regulation of nitric oxide is disrupted. On this program, Prof. Martin Pall from Washington State University discussed the role of nitric oxide in disease.
Download File - 24.4 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Low Energy Space Flight -- Berkeley Groks 2007-08-22
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Aug 22, 2007
Space travel has typically relied on conventional high energy routes, known as Hohmann Transfers, to move their payloads. However, low energy routes do exist and are currently being explored. On this program, Dr. Ed Belbruno from NASA discussed low energy space flight.
Download File - 24.1 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Surgical Faux Pas -- Berkeley Groks 2007-08-15
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Aug 15, 2007
Surgical procedures, while often necessary for curing ailments, can sometimes be over-prescribed by clinicians. On this program, Peter Moore, editor at Mens Health, discussed unnecessary surgeries.
Download File - 20.6 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Optical Telescopes -- Berkeley Groks 2007-08-08
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Aug 08, 2007
The invention of the telescope 400 years ago opened a window to the universe that continues to amaze and enlighten. On this program, Dr. Geoff Andersen discussed the history and invention of the telescope.
Download File - 25.3 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
Energy Efficiency -- Berkeley Groks 2007-08-01
Charles Lee and Frank Ling Wed, Aug 01, 2007
How does the US stack up to others in energy efficiency? Arthur Rosenfeld joined us again to discuss some of the encouraging lessons in energy development around the world.
Download File - 26.7 MB Listen To This Podcast (Streaming Audio)
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