Episode #292
News Items
Who's That Noisy
- Answer to last week: a goat
Interview with Kevin Folta
- Kevin M. Folta Ph.D., Associate Professor Horticultural Sciences Department and the Graduate Program in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology University of Florida
Question #1 – Product Reviews
- Hello skeptics. I have been buying appliances for my new apartment and reading a lot of reviews online. I’ve been driving myself crazy worrying about negative product reviews and suddenly it dawned on me: the reviews are self selected, not a true reflection of the product. Product reviews are pretty low on the list of things we ‘need to get the word out’ about but I thought it was pretty interesting that critical thinking really help out. This is just one more reason kids should be taught these skills. I have been a long time listener and wanted to thank you all for the great information you share every week. Alex Ruhl Largo Florida
Science or Fiction
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Item #1
Science
Biologists have discovered the existence of a new animal phylum, bringing the total to 36. http://www.mpg.de/1164493/deuterostomia_phylogeny_xenacoelomorpha
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Item #2
Fiction
A recent review of research in sub-Saharan women indicates that intravaginal lavage with soap is associated with a significant reduction in risk of HIV contraction. http://esciencenews.com/articles/2011/02/15/intravaginal.practices.are.associated.with.acquiring.hiv.infection
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Item #3
Science
According to new research, the number of adult Americans who demonstrate a basic level of scientific literacy has increased over the last 20 years from 10% to 28%. http://ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/story.php?id=8265
Skeptical Quote of the Week.
‘Reason is not automatic. Those who deny it cannot be conquered by it. Do not count on them. Leave them alone.’ Ayn Rand