SGU Episode 434

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

This Day in Skepticism

 * November 9th: Happy birthday to Carl Sagan and Florence Rena Sabin.

Tardis Science

 * http://www.dvice.com/2013-11-4/doctor-whos-tardis-could-be-real-theory

Moving Stones

 * http://www.nature.com/news/ice-proved-cool-way-to-move-stones-for-forbidden-city-1.14090

Blushing in the Dark

 * http://www.neatorama.com/2013/11/06/Blushing-in-the-Dark-First-Experimental-Proof/#!nOghL

Rock-Paper-Scissors Robot

 * http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24803751

Who's That Noisy

 * Answer to last week: The McGurk Effect

Kevin Trudeau's Legal Troubles

 * http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/swift-blog/2252-kevin-trudeau-in-jail.html

Question #1: Li-Fi
"On podcast #433 you referenced Li – Fi and stated that line of sight was necessary . On Podcast The Science Show-full program dated 10/18/2013 Mr. Haas explained why line of sight was not necessary. I assume that you in your usual fashion, researched Li-Fi. Could you please send me links to sources that would refute Mr. Haas as to line of sight.I have been listening to your podcasts for many years and find them to be delightful, informative and your cast of ”the usual suspects” amusing and brilliant. I am seventy five years old and have no scientific training but my curiosity for science is insatiable.Thanks to the wonders of Apple and a DryCase® I am able to listen to you while swimming my mile at the YMCA three times a week.If you send me a mailing address and payee, I will send you a small check to support your podcast (and slightly assuage my guilt). I won’t every use pay pal.Keep up the good workGaylen Rebbe Simi Valley, Calif"

Interview with Chris Mooney and Indre Viskontas

 * http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2013/09/inquiring-minds-marsha-ivins-space

Science or Fiction
Item #1: A new long term study of astronauts finds that prolonged exposure to microgravity may reverse atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels. Item #2: Researchers have found that playing rock or pop music increases the efficiency of one type of solar cell by 40%. Item #3: Orthopedic surgeons have identified a previously unknown ligament in the human knee.

Skeptical Quote of the Week
"“If we go back to the beginnings of things, we shall always find that ignorance and fear created the gods; that imagination, rapture and deception embellished them; that weakness worships them; that custom spares them; and that tyranny favors them in order to profit from the blindness of men.”– Baron d’Holbach"

Announcements

 * Announcements: Phoenix Area Skeptics Society Special appearance by Steven Novella Friday November 22.