SGU Episode 542
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| SGU Episode 542 |
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| November 28th 2015 |
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| (brief caption for the episode icon) |
| Skeptical Rogues |
| S: Steven Novella |
B: Bob Novella |
C: Cara Santa Maria |
J: Jay Novella |
E: Evan Bernstein |
| Quote of the Week |
'A professor can never better distinguish himself in his work than by encouraging a clever pupil, for the true discovers are among them, as comets amongst the stars.' |
| Links |
| Download Podcast |
| Show Notes |
| Forum Discussion |
Introduction
You're listening to the Skeptics' Guide to the Universe, your escape to reality.
What's the Word ()
- Homeostasis
News Items
Universe Resolution ()
Scientific Consensus ()
Hobbit Update ()
Gene drive in mosquitoes could eradicate malaria ()
- http://news.sciencemag.org/health/2015/11/gene-drive-turns-insects-malaria-fighters?rss=1 https://www.sciencenews.org/article/mosquitoes-engineered-zap-ability-carry-malaria
Questions and Emails
Question #1: Political Opinions ()
Hello! I wanted to start by saying how much of a fan I am of your podcast. I have been listening for four years now, and no matter where I am (I am an actor, and so move around a lot) you all give me a sense of place every week and remind me not to lose my objective mind. Sycophancy over. I had a question that struck me a while ago that I wanted to ask. In the last week it has become a clear burning issue and I wanted to hear your take on it. Essentially the question is: How do you manage to form objective political opinions about the world, when the source of all your information tends to be a media outlet with a narrative of their own? This seems very relevant in the wake of the Paris attacks regarding foreign policy, but I find it true of most political opinion. What are the sources you go to, as critical thinkers, to form your opinions about the world? I hope this finds you all well. Best wishes Harry Livingstone
Science or Fiction ()
Item #1: A new study finds that the Earth’s magnetic field is much closer to flipping polarity than previously thought and may happen this century. Item #2: After sequencing the genome of the tardigrade researchers found that about 6,000 genes, or over 17% of the tardigrade’s genome is composed of foreign DNA. Item #3: Engineers have made bionic roses, with transistors and electrodes incorporated into the leaves and stem, including a rose that can change color when an electrical current is applied.
Skeptical Quote of the Week ()
'A professor can never better distinguish himself in his work than by encouraging a clever pupil, for the true discovers are among them, as comets amongst the stars.' - Carl Linnaeus
S: The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe is produced by SGU Productions, dedicated to promoting science and critical thinking. For more information on this and other episodes, please visit our website at theskepticsguide.org, where you will find the show notes as well as links to our blogs, videos, online forum, and other content. You can send us feedback or questions to info@theskepticsguide.org. Also, please consider supporting the SGU by visiting the store page on our website, where you will find merchandise, premium content, and subscription information. Our listeners are what make SGU possible.
References
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