The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe The Skeptics Guide #1048 - Aug 9 2025
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Aug 9, 2025 This conversation delves into fascinating innovations like a new tech that can extract water from air, addressing global water scarcity. It also tackles the development of depleted uranium batteries and their potential impact on energy storage. A captivating examination of the Shroud of Turin raises questions about its origins. Additionally, they explore cosmic wonders, including the extraordinary speed of a star near a black hole, while dissecting pandemic theories and the future of Web 3.0 standards. Packed with humor and critical insights, it's an engaging exploration of science and technology.
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Political Control Can Stall Vital Research
- RFK Jr.'s HHS decision withdraws funding for mRNA research and rests on demonstrably false claims.
- Stephen Novella warns this political move will delay therapies and likely cost lives in future outbreaks.
Passive Window-Sized Water From Air
- MIT engineers made a window-sized aerogel panel that passively extracts drinking water from extremely dry air without power.
- Bob Novella highlights the passive, no-electricity design could help arid communities and disaster zones.
Waste Uranium Could Power Grid Storage
- Japan prototyped chemical batteries using depleted uranium as the negative electrode for heavy, stationary grid storage.
- Stephen Novella notes using stored uranium could free lithium for EVs and repurpose an existing waste stockpile.