Skeptics Guide

The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe Skepticast #978 April 2nd 2024 Segment #1. Quickie with Bob Silicon spikes www.sciencedaily.com/releases... Segment #2. News Items News Item #1 - Havana Syndrome theness.com/neurologicablog/w... News Item #2 - Robo Taxis in NY www.popsci.com/technology/nyc... News Item #3 - Rebellions and Cultural Memory chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/www.nber.org/system/files/wor... News Item #4 - Gravitational Waves and Human Life phys.org/news/2024-03-gravita... Segment #3. Who’s That Noisy Segment #4. Your Questions and E-mails Question #1: Evolution of Gullibility Great show, but everyone says that. Nevertheless, it is. My question - what's the evolutionary benefit of gullibility? My premises - 1. There appears to be a long history of received wisdom about how the world works. E.g. 'it is what it is'. That goes back in written texts at least as far as Gilgamesh, and therefore probably further. 2. This trait, despite on the face of it inclining towards "not very useful, because, well, reality dude" has survived and flourishes. 3. Traits can survive without being useful if they're not harmful, but given the small percentage of skeptics, it suggests an advantage. 4. Given this, is there an evolutionary benefit to gullibility? And if so, what? Asking for a friend 😉 Keep it up guys, seriously. Lots of us out here admire what you do... Kind Regards Malcolm Segment #5. Science or Fiction Each week our host will come up with three science news items or facts, two genuine, one fictitious. He will challenge our panel of skeptics to sniff out the fake - and you can play along. Theme: Eggs Item 1: By weight the egg white is >90% protein, while the egg yolk is >90% fat. Item 2: Easter egger chickens are a breed that can lay eggs which are yellow, blue, green, cream, or even pink. Item 3: In the US eggs must be refrigerated once harvested and cleaned, while in Europe eggs are stored at room temperature. Segment #6. Skeptical Quote of the Week “As always in life, people want a simple answer . . . and it’s always wrong.” - Susan Greenfield, Neurochemist currently researching Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

[@JeffVanDusseldorp]

Andrea is excellent. The conversation flows great and she's really smart.

[@Motore]

Hello, I still don't understand why you don't put these episodes in the playlist which you set as podcast (which you have already been doing 6 months ago) so the podcast can be added to KZbin Music (google's new podcast platform). I am of course listening to your podcast in KZbin Music via RSS feed, but having it directly from KZbin should be better. Can you add it?

[@CultureAgent]

I think I've aced WTN and Science or Fiction this week. Just waiting on the WTN results next week!

[@daveconvoy5793]

Always great to have Andrea on. She’s always got something interesting and insightful to say on most matters and she really bossed science or fiction !

[@nicholaicheck]

[0:20] Welcome back Andrea [0:34] Evan and Cara missing [1:13] Butcher knife update [2:59] Bob's Alaska trip report [7:16] Special treat discussion [9:57] Quickie with Bob [11:54] News Item #1 - Havana Syndrome [34:08] News Item #2 - Robo Taxis in NY [47:59] News Item #3 - Rebellions and Cultural Memory [1:05:29] News Item #4 - Gravitational Waves and Human Life [1:15:26] Question #1: Evolution of Gullibility [1:24:56] Who’s That Noisy [1:30:04] Dallas trip [1:32:39] How to support the show [1:33:27] Science or Fiction [1:48:22] Quote of the Week

[@thetimebinder]

34:08 Phoenix Arizona literally has robotaxis right now and have had them for some time.

[@gregczarlinski2811]

Hi Guys. I just discovered your podcast recently and read your book “skeptics guide…” after it was recommended to me by a lot of people on facebook science book club group. I loved it and love what you do and wish this channel had millions of subscribers and views. I hate the fact that fb algorithm doesn’t promote shows like this to people because the public is just so stupid. What has happened to education? Why aren’t teachers teaching children how to think not what to think and why isn’t science taught from day one. In my opinion religion is to blame for scientific illiteracy.

[@JayNovella]

Hey Greg. I'm glad you found us!

[@michaelsheffield6852]

Welcome Andrea