SGU Episode 255

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

X-37b Space Plane

 * http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/secret-x-37b-details-revealed-100417.html

Synthetic Bacteria

 * http://www.theness.com/neurologicablog/?p=1970

Hollow Phobos

 * http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/05/could-phobos-be-hollow/

Acupuncture Mechanism?

 * http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=5437

Guatemala Sinkhole

 * http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/06/100601-sinkhole-in-guatemala-2010-world-science/

Who's That Noisy

 * Answer to last week: Alton Brown

Question #1 - Salt Substitute
"Hi, all. The world has access to sugar substitutes for dozens of years and most popular baked products and beverages have 'sugar free' options because of great scientific work. Grant it, it took a few years of research to come up with some half decent diet colas. Today, salt is the latest 'probleme de jour' in the food industry. If the world had a salt substitute (same flavour but none of the health issues), restaraunts would have an alternative. Does the chemistry of salt make this a more significant feat or have we just not ever put our minds to the problem? Thanks, Paul Timmins Ottawa, Canada"

Science or Fiction
Item #1: A recent survey finds that 80% of poker players use performance enhancing drugs. Item #2: New research finds that chocolate milk is as effective as prescription medications for mild to moderate depression. Item #3: New study correlates ADHD with low maternal education, a lone parent, and being on welfare.

Quote of the Week
"'Mortal as I am, I know that I am born for a day. But when I follow at my pleasure the serried multitude of the stars in their circular course, my feet no longer touch the earth.' - Ptolemy,c.150 AD"