Skeptics Guide #993

The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe Skepticast #993 July 17th 2024 Segment #1. Quickie with Steve Conspiracy Theories Segment #2. News Items News Item #1 – Lunar Cave https://theness.com/neurologicablog/evidence-suggests-lunar-cave/ News Item #2 – AI Love https://theconversation.com/computer-love-ai-powered-chatbots-are-changing-how-we-understand-romantic-and-sexual-well-being-234054 News Item #3 – AI Scams https://www.bitdefender.com/blog/labs/deep-dive-on-supplement-scams-how-ai-drives-miracle-cures-and-sponsored-health-related-scams-on-social-media/ News Item #4 – Solar Clams https://news.yale.edu/2024/06/28/giant-clams-may-hold-answers-making-solar-energy-more-efficient Segment #3. From TikTok Antimony and Air Friers https://www.tiktok.com/@moonloopsco/video/7384918755828075818 Segment #4. Your Questions and E-mails Question #1: Climate Change Expert I’m a long time listener and fan of the SGU. I have been reading more about climate change scientists and came across Dr Judith Curry and her testimony on the subject that sounds straight out of the SGU critical thinking and following the data approach to skepticism. What is your take and shouldn’t this be open for discussion? https://x.com/jamesmelville/status/1812815450905989300?s=42 Daniel K LA 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: Item 1: A new study finds that the risk of long COVID decreased over the course of the pandemic, and this was mostly due to vaccination. Item 2: A recent analysis of primate genomes finds that shared viral inclusions reduce overall cancer risk by stabilizing the genome. Item 3: Researchers find that global sea ice has decreased its cooling effect on the climate by 14% since 1980. Segment #6. Skeptical Quote of the Week "In effect, we're all guinea pigs for the dietary supplement industry. The vast majority of these supplements don't deliver on their promises." Nick Tiller, author, The Skeptics Guide to Sports Science: Confronting Myths of the Health and Fitness Industry


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