SGU Episode 148

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

Tasmanian Tiger Gene Resurrected

 * http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/05/20/tasmanian-tiger.html http://au.news.yahoo.com/080520/2/16xe9.html

Mobile Phones and Pregnancy

 * http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/warning-using-a-mobile-phone-while-pregnant-can-seriously-damage-your-baby-830352.html

Teen Faces Prosecution for Calling Scientology 'Cult'

 * Teen Faces Prosecution for Calling Scientology 'Cult' http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/may/20/1

Supernova Caught in the Act

 * http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-science/20080514/SCIENCE-SUPERNOVA-DC/

Interview with Michael Shull

 * Missing Matter Found http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520152013.htm

Radiometric Dating of Mount St. Helens
"My favorite Rogues, I was paired up to play golf with a Baptist Pastor who had attended Bob Jones University. Although a nice guy he really believes that Bible thing. He said he was going to pray for me but I wonder.... As we were packing our cars he commented on how hot it was outside and I remarked that I guess I had better get used to that! Anyway, he brought up a story that I don't remember hearing before. He said that scientists were wrong about the age of Mount St. Helens. Here is a link that describes his story.  www.creationism.org/articles/swenson1.htm  Please provide a reference for where this story came from and I will print it off and mail it to him at his church.  My 14 year old son and I look forward to meeting you all in Las Vegas next month!  Thanks,  Hirsh Leff USA  www.noanswersingenesis.org.au/mt_st_helens_dacite_kh.htm"

Interview with Carl Zimmer
Interview with Jeff Wagg Jeff gives us the latest update about The Amazing Meeting 6 http://www.randi.org/joom/component/option,com_registrationpro/Itemid,33/func,details/did,1/
 * Carl Zimmer is a popular author of many science books. We discuss his latest book - Microcosm - about E. coli. carlzimmer.com/ www.scienceblogs.com/loom/

Science or Fiction
Question #1: Researchers have found that capsaicin, the chemical that makes chili peppers hot, is an effectile treatment for erectile dysfunction. Question #2: A new study shows that the scales of a Brazilian beetle have the optimal structure for optical computing. Question #3: Genetic researchers have identified a gene that determines musical aptitude.

Quote of the Week
"'Man masters nature not by force but by understanding. That is why science has succeeded where magic failed: because it has looked for no spell to cast on nature.'- Jacob Bronowski"

== References ==