SGU Episode 401

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

This Day in Skepticism (1:50)

 * March 23, 1989: Pons and Fleischmann announce the experimental production of "N-Fusion", which was quickly labeled by the press as cold fusion.

Marshmallow Test (4:42)

 * The Marshmallow Test

Bacteria Everywhere (13:19)

 * Intraterrestrials: life thrives IN ocean floor
 * Pacific Ocean's Mariana Trench teeming with bacteria

Acupuncture HIV (19:28)

 * Unlicensed Acupuncturist Charged In 16 HIV Infections In Switzerland

Dr. Oz Sued (26:30)

 * NYC Lawsuit Filed Against Dr. Oz Over Sleep Tip

New Pope (36:14)

 * Argentina's Bergoglio elected as new Pope Francis

Special Report: Why Worry? (44:26)

 * The 150 Things the World's Smartest People Are Afraid Of

Who's That Noisy? (1:01:34)

 * http://sguforums.com/index.php/topic,45425.0.html
 * Answer to last week: Voyager golden record

Science or Fiction (1:05:00)
Item #1: Scientists have successfully tested a coal combustion process that extracts energy from coal without burning it while capturing 99% of the carbon dioxide produced. Item #2: A new study finds that eye injuries from laser pointers have been increasing, with over 500 reported cases in 2012 in the US. And item #3: A recent analysis of published English-language books shows a steady trend toward decreasing use of emotional words throughout the 20th century.

NECSS Update (1:11:01)

 * eBay auction for SGU private recording/NECSS VIP tickets:
 * NECSS 2013 All Access Pass 1
 * NECSS 2013 All Access Pass 2

Skeptical Quote of the Week (1:22:49)
"I appear as a skeptic, who believes that doubt is the great engine, the great fuel of all inquiry, all discovery and all innovation." Christopher Hitchens