Episode #489

Episode #489

News Items

• Landing on a Comet
• Feeling of Presence
• Doubting the Higgs
• Food Babe Nonsense

Who's That Noisy

• Answer to last week: Penguins

Science or Fiction [ Show Answers ]

• Item #1 Science

  New research indicates that a stimulant drug, modafinil, enhances cognitive performance for those at the low end of the spectrum, but impairs performance for healthy individuals. http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0110639

• Item #2 Fiction

  The USDA has approved a new genetically modified potato that has 40% of the calories of existing cultivars typically used for chips and fries. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/usda-approves-gmo-potato-designed-simplot-26770538

• Item #3 Science

  New research in mice finds an association between the type of bacteria found in the gut and the presence of mental behaviors suggestive of anxiety, depression, and autism. http://www.nature.com/news/gut-brain-link-grabs-neuroscientists-1.16316

Skeptical Quote of the Week.

“The voice of reason is small, but very persistent.” – Sigmund Freud memorial