The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe The Skeptics Guide #1051 - Aug 30 2025
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Aug 30, 2025 Discover the fascinating world of fast radio bursts from galaxies far away and the groundbreaking biochar solution to food waste. Learn about the humorous mispronunciations of Uranus while debating chiropractic practices. Delve into the alarming decline of reading for pleasure in America and explore skepticism surrounding paranormal beliefs. Plus, enjoy a fun guessing game of mystery sounds with listeners and debunk viral myths about mammograms, all while embracing the joy of learning in various skills.
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FRB Localization Strengthens Magnetar Link
- A nearby, very bright FRB allowed precise localization to a star-forming region using CHIME plus outriggers.
- This strengthens magnetar-related origins but doesn't fully explain the FRB mechanism.
Turning Food Waste Into Durable Biochar
- Pyrolyzing food waste into biochar can sequester carbon and improve poor soils while using emitted gases for energy.
- Technical variability, salts, infrastructure costs, and testing needs make scaling uncertain.
Poll Says Skepticism, But Many Believe Something
- Gallup found none of eight paranormal items had majority belief; cluster analysis labeled two-thirds "skeptics."
- But most Americans still believe at least one paranormal claim, tempering headlines.
