SGU Episode 48

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

Herbs for Menopause

 * www.nytimes.com/2006/06/20/health/20meno.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=login

Penta Water
"Hello, my name is Derek Ross. I was wondering of you have ever herd of Penta water or somthing like it. This stuff really cracks me up: www.pentawater.com 'Is Penta really a new composition of matter? Yes. Penta displays characteristics unique from other water, including a higher boiling point, higher surface tension, and a lower viscosity.' Derek Ross"

Alcoholism
"Hello to all, I want to start by saying that I love the Podcast. I am not a scientist nor do I play one on T.V., but I can sense BS a mile off and enjoy listening to like minded thinkers. During my teen years I was 'diagnosed' as an Alcoholic and spent many years using that as an excuse to continue drinking. At that time I spent most days and nights drunk. At age 28 I decided to take ownership of my life and insisted that I was no longer an alcoholic and to put a stop to it. Now at 43 I am still sober and loving life.  Is Alcoholism a real disease as is the common wisdom, or is it a lot of BS and pandering to people in an overly PC society.  On a side note, is there a chance that Rebecca will make a Bikini or Lingerie Calendar any time soon, you could donate the proceeds to science education.  Best Regards, from a true fan of Rebecca  Frank Nameche New Boston, NH USA"

Interview with Steve Mirsky

 * Steve Mirsky is the author of Antigravity, a monthly column in Scientific American magazine (www.sciam.com/directory.cfm?chanID=sa006&dirID=15). In his column he offers satirical commentary on science and culture. He is now also the host of Science Talk, the podcast of Scientific American magazine (www.sciam.com/podcast/).  Mirsky came to the field of science writing and podcasting after testing other waters-a degree from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and acting in summer stock, followed by a bachelors from CUNY and a masters in chemistry from Cornell. As a budding chemist he won a AAAS Mass Media Fellowship, which he spent at a Miami TV station. As a Knight Fellow, Mirsky plans to focus on evolutionary theory. His hobbies include wildlife photography and playing the clarinet.

Science or Fiction
Question #1: Georgia Tech researchers have developed a fuel combustion engine that produces almost zero emissions. Question #2: Georgia Tech researchers have developed a system to identify and neutralize digital video and still cameras, to prevent unwanted photography. Question #3: Georgia Tech researchers, together with a team from IBM, announced the creation of the first Terahertz silicon-germanium transistor.

Skeptical Puzzle
"This is a new segment. We present a skeptically-themed puzzle at the end of the podcast, and will reveal the answer next episode. Two men, both were freemasons: Man A invented an instrument that Man B used as part of a pseudoscience that he invented.  Man A also famously debunked the claims of Man B.  Who were the two men, and what was the instrument?"