SGU Episode 423

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

This Day in Skepticism

 * August 24, 79: Mt. Vesuvius erupted

No Proof of Creation

 * http://guardianlv.com/2013/08/lead-creationist-says-no-scientific-proof-of-intelligent-design/

Area 51

 * http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/area-51-revealed/

Hydrating Beer

 * http://www.australiantimes.co.uk/news/news-in-australia/australian-scientists-brew-up-hydrating-beer.htm

Indian Rationalist Shot Dead

 * http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/anti-superstition-activist-narendra-dabholkar-shot-dead-in-pune-407920

Free Roaming Planets

 * http://phys.org/news/2013-08-free-floating-planets-born-free.html

Who's That Noisy?

 * Answer to last week: QH4

Question 1: Sugar and Hyperactivity
"Recently I was listening to one of Steven Novella’s lectures from The Great Courses regarding sugar and its effect on children. Basically he said there’s no correlation between the two. I found this surprising and happened to mention it to a registered dietician who said the recent scientific studies have shown a link. Further, she mention the physiology of the body implies a natural effect of simple carbohydrates on the body. She also mentioned that many studies on this subject have been funded by the sugar industry and therefore implies a conflict of interest. I would appreciate it if you could cite the studies were Prof. Novella has obtained his information. Thanks Mike Cottrill Ontario, Canada"

Interview with Sanal Edamaruku

 * http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/28/sanal-edamaruku-indian-rationalist-weeping-christ-miracle-hoax-faces-jail_n_2201897.html

Science or Fiction
Item #1: Scientists have identified a blood test that can identify those at increased risk for suicide. Item #2: A recent study finds that heavy rains in Australia over 2010-2011 actually caused global sea levels to drop measurably. Item #3: Breeders have produced a variety of chicken that lays cholesterol-free eggs.

Skeptical Quote of the Week
"It is morally as bad not to care whether a thing is true or not, so long as it makes you feel good, as it is not to care how you got your money as long as you have got it."

Edmund Way Teale in ’Circle of the Seasons’, quoted by Carl Sagan in ’The Demon-haunted World’