SGU Episode 164

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

LHC Turned On Today

 * http://news.zdnet.co.uk/emergingtech/0,1000000183,39486541,00.htm

Elephant Arithmetic

 * http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4660924.ece

Question #1 - Corrections
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Question #2 Food Irradiation
"Lately at work, folks have been forwarding emails regarding the dangers of irradiated food. Many of the links they send out link to a Dr. Mercola's website 'a Dr. of Osteopathy and Holistic Practitioner' Below is quoted directly from the Email: 'The information highlights problems with the practice of irradiating food, include research that has been done. www.mercola.com/article/irradiated/irradiated_research.htm www.mercola.com/article/irradiated/irradiation_dangers.htm ' Who is this guy and is this stuff for real? Thanks, Joe Planck Country/Location: New York"

Question #3 Pseudoscience
"Dear Sceptics, I have studied philosophy and therefore I have bookmarked the RSS feed of the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Its a peer-reviewed online encyclopedia that is freely accessible over the net and a great resource for philosophers. Its far from being completed yet, but the articles are well researched and updated regularly. So yesterday it published a new article about the demarcation between science and pseudo science. After reading it I wanted to ask you guys what exactly is the essence of science in your personal views and what makes a pseudo-science. You are debunking it all the time - have you ever thought about the criteria you use while doing this? Here is the link to the article: plato.stanford.edu/entries/pseudo-science/ Cheers, Marc Gaertner Germany"

Interview with Ben Radford

 * Ben Radford is the Managing Editor of the Skeptical Inquirer, the official publication of the Center for Skeptical Inquiry.

Science or Fiction
Item #1: Scientists discover the first animal that can survive the vacuum and radiation of space. Item #2: A new study shows that, contrary to prior beliefs, higher intelligence is associated with a decreased ability to delay gratification. Item #3: Scientists discover that giant honey bees are able to perform a “Mexican wave”, like fans at a sporting event, in order to deter predators.

Quote of the Week
"'The wise skeptic does not teach doubt but how to look for the permanent in the mutable and fleeting.' - Ralph Waldo Emerson"

== References ==