Friction Science -— Groks Science Show 2026-01-21

A healthy gut microbiome is essential for the normal operations of the body, but it is often misunderstood. On this episode, Dr. Oscar Coetzee discussed the gut microbiome.

Facing a cancer diagnosis can be a daunting prospect, which can be helped by having a playbook. On this episode, Joelle Kaufman discussed her book, Crushing the Cancer Curveball.

Friction is essential for the physical operations of everything from stars to machines to atomic forces. On this episode, Dr. Jennifer Vail discussed her book, Friction: A Biography.

Can the complexity of the universe be described in terms of a simple rule based system? On this episode, Dr. Steven Wolfram discussed cellular automata, from an interview originally aired on 10.15.03.

Fullerenes have found applications in many areas of the physical sciences, but can it also influence biological health? On this episode, Chris Burres discussed his book, Live Longer and Better.

Advances in quantum computing are based on fundamental scientific advances in condensed matter physics. On this episode, Dr. Steven Chu discussed cooling atoms with lasers, from an interview originally broadcast 02.25.04.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping all aspects of the modern world, including the military battlefield. How will AI impact future conflicts? On this episode, Col. Dr. George Dougherty discussed his book, Beast in the Machine.

Vaccines have greatly improved public health, but their continued use is being hampered by misinformation, distrust, and inequity. On this episode, Dr. Seth Berkley discussed his book, Fair Doses.

Submarines are marvels of modern technological warfare, but the story of one of the most effective, the USS Tang, has not widely known. On this episode, Tom Clavin discussed his book, Running Deep.

Navigating the medical system can be daunting when dealing with an illness. What lessons can we learn from a broader perspective? On this episode, Jonathan Gleason discussed his book, Field Guide to Falling Ill.