Episode #540
News Items
- Low Calorie Sweeteners
- Making Metals Stronger
- http://phys.org/news/2015-11-metals-stronger-sacrificing-ductility.html
- Fossilized Brains
Who's That Noisy
- Answer to last week: Architectural Instrument
Interview with Simon Singh
- http://simonsingh.net/
Science or Fiction
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Item #1
Science
A new report describes a method for adding quantum dots to standard lithium ion batteries, allowing a cell phone to fully charge in 30 seconds. http://news.vanderbilt.edu/2015/11/quantum-dots-made-from-fool%E2%80%99s-gold-boost-battery-performance/
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Item #2
Fiction
A study looking at medications stored aboard the ISS finds that, on average, drugs in microgravity degrade at twice the normal rate. http://www.aaps.org/News/Press_Room/Press_Releases/Medicines_Do_Not_Seem_to_Degrade_Faster_in_Space/
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Item #3
Science
Scientists have created the first porous liquid, a liquid with holes, allowing it to dissolve large amounts of gas. http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2015/11/11/Scientists-invent-worlds-first-porous-liquid/5471447277687/
Skeptical Quote of the Week.
“We ignore public understanding of science at our peril” — Eugenie Clark