The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe

In this episode, the hosts discuss topics such as nuclear batteries and their applications, delays in the Artemis 2 launch, cloning monkeys and its implications, converting CO2 into carbon nanofibers, Feng Shui and energy plants, the mystery sound and elevator noise, the illusion of free will, scientific discoveries including transparent blood and biodegradable plastic, a debate over plastic durability, AI-generated fictional claim and disappointment, and the intersection of music, art, engineering, and science through OK Go's music videos.

The hosts discuss their recent illnesses. Multiple viruses and lingering coughs are explored. The appointment of Dr. Michael Dixon and COVID-19 variability are discussed. The controversial treatment for PTSD, dual sympathetic reset is explored. The failed Peregrine Lander mission is discussed. The upcoming solar eclipse and potential for a coronal mass ejection are talked about. The sensory experience and reactions of animals, as well as beating Tetris, are discussed. The hosts announce upcoming events and talk about dimensional weight charges. The concept of dimensional weight and hidden fees is explored. Global literacy rates and population growth and solutions are discussed.

Psychic predictions for 2023, conflicts worldwide, gene editing technology, improving solar tower technology, alternative energy sources, neutron stars and quark matter cores, troubled history of Scientology, Australian listeners' response, upcoming events and secret project, statistics on automobile accidents, murder rates, and income inequality, importance of civility in an online world.

The hosts discuss the perception of time during COVID-19, their favorite moments from the past year, enjoyable interviews with Derek Mueller and Dan/Jordan, nominees for 'skeptical jackass of the year', the scary side of success and cults, controversial figures and pseudoscience, instances of being right or wrong, reflections on the past year and thoughts on TikTok, and plans for upcoming events and the one thousandth episode.

Special guest Eli Bosnick shares his skepticism journey. Topics include lunar roads, misinformation vs disinformation, gravitational waves, fluoride and IQ, dark GPT. Skepticism towards paranormal experiences. Concerns and hearings on TikTok. Neutron star collisions and the speed of gravity. Discussion on fluoride as a neurotoxin. Retraction of homeopathy for ADHD paper. Importance of understanding biases in meta-analyses. Concerns about the misuse of GPT. Analyzing the vampire myth. Discussion on hypnagogic hallucinations and extinct animals.

Jessica McCabe, an expert on ADHD, shares her journey from being a community college dropout to becoming a successful science communicator. The podcast also discusses phone scams, neuromorphic computing, lab-grown coffee, lunar epochs, and the impact of the Nazis' synthetic gasoline on the fossil fuel industry. The hosts play a game to guess who said certain statements from previous episodes and explore the consequences of the moon's absence on Earth.

Topics discussed include quantum gravity, X-Prize for Health Span, ECT effects on the brain, building new materials with AI and robots, an electric car without charging, and a game of Science or Fiction.

Podcast covers topics including: impact of internet use on mental health, reducing anthropogenic effects on climate change, aura frames and the concept of revenge, microbial communities in the depths, discontinuation of Popular Science Magazine, debunking superconductivity claim, analyzing listener guesses, using GPT for medical advice, relying on knee jerk reactions, electricity and mushroom growth, and a discussion on skepticism and critical thinking.

Topics include CRISPR-based treatment for genetic diseases, the Omicron variant of COVID-19, the Arch Mission Billion Year Archive Initiative, trusting scientists versus blaming science, the relationship between scientific communities and social justice, and playing 'Science or Fiction' game.

The Skeptics' Guide #958 - Nov 18 2023: Special guest George Hrab discusses romance scams and the declining trust in science. The podcast also covers topics like whole eye transplants, the hottest year on record, neutron thickness, a hydrogen deposit in France, and the origins of the term 'catfish'. They explore advancements in bionic eyes, the true cost of burning fossil fuels, measuring neutron skin, polytonic overtone singing, and the importance of humility in our ignorance.