SGU Episode 435

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

This Day in Skepticism

 * November 16, 1938: LSD is first synthesized by Swiss chemist Dr. Albert Hofmann at the Sandoz Laboratories in Basel, Switzerland.

Oldest Animal

 * http://sciencenordic.com/new-record-world%E2%80%99s-oldest-animal-507-years-old

Junk DNA

 * http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/reprogramming-your-junk-dna/

Martian Lizard

 * http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2492862/The-iguana-MARS-Mysterious-rock-looks-like-lizard-spotted-Nasas-Curiosity-rover.html

Dark Energy

 * http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131107094622.htm

Who's That Noisy

 * Answer to last week - porcupine

Question #1: Knee Ligament Follow Up
"http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131107094622.htm"

Interview with Gerald Posner

 * http://www.posner.com/JFK Assassination November 22, 1963

Science or Fiction
Item #1: New World porcupines, like New World monkeys, have prehensile tails they use to climb trees. Item #2: While porcupines cannot shoot their quills, some species can throw them a short distance by whipping their tails. Item #3: A recent study documented porcupines killings dogs, foxes, and even badgers with their quills. Item #4: Porcupine quills are coated in a natural antibiotic.

Skeptical Quote of the Week
"'For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.' H. L Mencken"