SGU Episode 409

Introduction
You're listening to the Skeptics' Guide to the Universe, your escape to reality.

This Day in Skepticism (01:27)

 * May 18 1896: 1300 people were trampled to death at a celebration for Nicholas II when a rumor spread that there wasn't enough beer and pretzels for everyone.

Your Senses in Space (05:27)

 * DVICE: How does space affect your senses? An astronaut explains

Talking Plants (14:48)

 * NBC News: How plants respond to positive vibes: 'Talking' mechanism is a mystery

Flowing Glass (19:14)

 * National Geographic: Fossil Amber Challenges Theories About Glass

Who's That Noisy? (30:14)

 * Answer to last week: Desert Rain Frog

Question #1: Water Heaters (32:37)

 * What is the proper temperature for a home water heater?

Question #2: Atacama Specimen (34:00)

 * We received many questions about the 6 inch alleged alien known as the Atacama Specimen.

Science or Fiction (1:02:24)
And item #3: Tomatoes and potatoes are both members of the same genus, Solanum.
 * Corn and celery are both members of the Zea genus.
 * Cauliflower, mustard and turnip are all members of the same genus, Brassica.

Skeptical Quote of the Week (1:14:12)
"Every kid starts out as a natural-born scientist, and then we beat it out of them. A few trickle through the system with their wonder and enthusiasm for science intact." Carl Sagan