SGU Episode 309

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

This Day in Skepticism

 * June 18: June 18 is … International Panic Day Don't Panic! http://www.eslholidaylessons.com/06/international_panic_day.htm

Two New Elements

 * http://www.npr.org/2011/06/10/137065238/how-to-put-a-new-element-on-the-periodic-table

The Decline Effect

 * http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/the-decline-effect-revisited/

Zicam Inventor Arrested

 * http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/06/02/state/n135609D39.DTL

Lasers from Human Cells

 * http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/editors/26876/?ref=rss

Brain Wave Cat Ears

 * http://www.weirdasianews.com/2011/05/17/fashionable-cat-ears-japan-responds-brain-waves/

Who's That Noisy

 * Answer to last week: Sara Silverman

Question #1 - The Enemy Within
"Hi guys. Love the show. Long time listener. Despite being a skeptic ever since I can remember, I find myself partaking in the superstitious act of 'knocking on wood' only very occasionally and usually when a unpleasant thought involving my kids or family pops into my head. Most often this will occur when my guard is down such as when I am drifting off to sleep for example. I know it's stupid and irrational but during these moments of vulnerability I am sometimes compelled to do it. Is this just a coping mechanism to get rid of the unpleasant thought? Or is there a believer buried in my subconscious trying to get out? This led me to ponder whether belief in a higher power could have a subconscious component and where these occasional lapses in rational thought could be coming from. Am I a closet believer? Or is this just a learned behavior or could it be some type repressed redundant evolutionary remnant? Wondering also if you guys have ever partaken in any superstitious activity recently. Kind regards. George. George Voulgaris Melbourne, Australia"

Science or Fiction
Item #1: Despite the fact that Vesta has no clouds or snow cover, it is the brightest object in the asteroid belt with an albedo about the same as the Earth. Item #2: About 1 in every 20 meteorites that fall to the Earth come from Vesta. Item #3: When it was first discovered in 1807 Vesta was thought to be a moon of its larger cousin, Ceres, which was initially designated a planet.

Skeptical Quote of the Week
"'In cases where prior knowledge is available, the alternative to 'an open mind' is not a 'closed mind'. It is 'an informed mind'. In such contexts, any appeal to 'keep an open mind' is an appeal to prefer ignorance over knowledge. This is not advisable.' - Ian Rowland"