SGU Episode 427

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

This Day in Skepticism

 * September 21, 1971: David Vetter (Bubble Boy) born

IgNobels 2013

 * http://www.improbable.com/ig/winners/#ig2013

Top Quark Ends Universe

 * http://www.livescience.com/39604-doomsday-universe-fate-depends-on-mass-of-tiny-particle.html

Alien Life on Earth

 * http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2416761/Scientists-claim-evidence-ALIEN-LIFE-Balloon-sent-edge-atmosphere-picks-organisms-come-space.html

The Physics of Homosexuality

 * http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/science-proves-im-right/

Regeneration

 * http://miami.cbslocal.com/2013/09/16/s-fl-doctor-uses-new-technology-to-re-grow-mans-finger/

Who's That Noisy

 * Answer to last week - pending

Question #1: Quantum Energy
"OMG, I found this rubbish on a crowd funding website, they have raised $17,197 towards this project!!! Can you believe it?Make it stop!!http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/home-quantum-energy-generator Ok I vented, I’m done!John DawsonPerth Western Australia"

Science or Fiction
Item #1: A new study finds that beauty sleep is real – patients who were treated for poor sleep were rated as more attractive following treatment. Item #2: Researchers find that cats infected with the toxoplasma parasite are more affectionate and likely to lick other animals, including humans, increasing the spread of the parasite. Item #3: Scientists have discovered a method for converting mature skin cells into stem cells with near perfect efficiency by removing a single protein.

Skeptical Quote of the Week
"'No No. Be of good cheer. If science teaches us anything, it teaches us to accept our failures, as well as our successes, with quiet dignity and grace.'- Dr. Frederick Frankenstein"