The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe The Skeptics Guide #1011 - Nov 23 2024
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Nov 23, 2024 
Kevin Folta, a renowned plant biologist and professor, shares his expertise on genetic engineering in plant breeding, specifically focusing on strawberries. He discusses innovative techniques like CRISPR and the balance between disease resistance and yield. The conversation delves into the science of flavor, exploring how plant biology shapes taste experiences and the challenges of public perception around GMOs. Folta emphasizes the importance of effective communication to combat misinformation in agriculture, making for a thought-provoking interaction.
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The Onion Acquires Infowars
- The Onion acquired Infowars, Alex Jones's media outlet, after Jones's lawsuits.
- They plan to satirize Infowars, but a Jones-affiliated company is contesting the acquisition.
AI and the Sense of Self
- AI can model neuroscience concepts like the sense of self, which has specific components like embodiment and agency.
- These components, actively constructed by the brain, can be disrupted by injuries or drugs, revealing their distinct functions.
Components of Self
- Different aspects of self, like ownership and control of body parts, are distinct and can be separately affected.
- Conditions like alien hand syndrome and neglect demonstrate how brain circuitry creates these feelings of self.