SGU Episode 171

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

Vampire Moth

 * http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/10/081027-vampire-moth-evolution-halloween-missions_2.html

New Type of Planet

 * http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081006215141.htm

Artificial Heart

 * http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7694663.stm

Polygraph for Debates

 * http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/08/ap/strange/main4510995.shtml

Science Debate 2008

 * http://www.sciencedebate2008.com/www/index.php?id=42

Interview with Diana Blaney

 * Co-Investigator for NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory working on the Mars Phoenix mission

Science or Fiction
Item #1: A study of voting patterns reveals that polling stations staffed with younger poll workers correlates strongly with better outcomes for liberal candidates. Item #2: A new study finds that newspaper endorsements have a significant effect on voter decisions, inversely proportional to their perceived bias in favor of the candidate they endorse. Item #3: A new study reveals that the results of subjects being asked to vote for candidates based solely on appearance strongly correlates with actual election outcomes.

Quote of the Week
"'We need science, more and better science, not for its technology, not for leisure, not even for health or longevity, but for the hope of wisdom which our kind of culture must acquire for its survival.' - Dr. Lewis Thomas"