Skeptics Guide #908

The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe Skepticast #908 December 1st 2022 Segment #1. Quickie with Bob The tilt in our stars: The shape of the Milky Way's halo of stars is realized https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221118144107.htm Segment #2. News Items News Item #1 – Plan to Colonize the Moon https://www.vox.com/recode/2022/11/22/23473483/white-house-joe-biden-moon-artemis-permanent-outpost-spacex News Item #2 – Cannabis for Pain https://theconversation.com/cannabis-is-no-better-than-a-placebo-for-treating-pain-new-research-195394 News Item #3 – Acupuncture for Backpain https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/acupuncture-for-backpain-in-pregnancy-more-terrible-reporting/ News Item #4 – New SI Units https://www.newscientist.com/article/2347426-ronnametres-and-quettagrams-have-joined-the-ranks-of-si-units/ News Item #5 – 911 Call Analysis https://www.propublica.org/article/911-call-analysis-jessica-logan-evidence Segment #3. Who’s That Noisy Segment #4. Your Questions and E-mails Question #1: Science or Fiction I really enjoy the podcast and Science or Fiction is a particular favourite of mine. I play along at home and while I haven't kept records am quietly confident I would be awarded the wooden spoon at the end of each year. During the segment I often ask myself "what does *that* mean, Steve?". You've yet to answer but surely The Skeptical Rogues have similar questions. For example, during episode #906 I would have liked to have known what the term "visual perceptual learning" meant? I think seeking clarification rather than making assumptions or blind guessing is an important part of critical thinking. So what are the rules around asking clarifying questions during Science or Fiction, and could The Rogues be asking more such questions? Thanks and best regards, Chris. Perth, Australia Segment #6. 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: Captain Obvious #1) Scientists discover that one of the secrets to waking up refreshed is sleeping longer. #2) In a recent study subjects rated faces with facial scars as being less attractive than similar faces without scars. #3) Researchers find that parents talk more to toddlers who talk back to them. Segment #7. Skeptical Quote of the Week "Whether you function as welders or inspectors, the laws of physics are implacable lie-detectors. You may fool men. You will never fool the metal." — Lois McMaster Bujold


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