SGU Episode 282

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

SGU In Australia
SGU Visits Australia See the SGU forums entry for this episode for the pictures discussed during this segment

New Crystal Skull

 * http://www.philipcoppens.com/compassion.html

Roger Penrose Before the Big Bang

 * http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1334027/Universe-shows-imprints-events-took-place-BEFORE-Big-Bang-say-scientists.html

Chimps Outwit Human Traps

 * http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8962000/8962747.stm

Anti-Antivax Activism

 * http://skepchick.org/blog/2010/11/good-guys-win/

Special Report

 * Jay gives an inside report on freemasonry

Science or Fiction
Item #1: A new study finds that extended jet lag can cause memory and learning deficits, with associated brain changes, that persist for at least a month following return to usual schedule. Item #2: Astronomers have discovered supermassive active galaxies dating from 1.5 billion years after the big bang – contradicting current models of galaxy formation which predicts much smaller galaxies at this time. Item #3: A new exhaustive database of mammal fossils reveals, contrary to prior belief, that mammals were significantly increasing in size prior to the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Live Questions from the Audience
"Scientists Baffled; Size of Quantum Effects; Sympathectomy; Future of Skepticism; Pseudo-Experts"

Quote of the Week
"“Everything alive will die someday. But in the meantime I got to see her smile, and that made it OK for awhile. To look into her eyes was worth the eventual demise of earth.” - George Hrab"