SGU Episode 129

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

SGU 5x5

 * www.theskepticsguide.org/5X5/index.asp

Dr. Novella on The Reason Driven Podcast

 * reasondriven.blogspot.com/ with Danny & Mikyle

Insects Killed the Dinosaurs

 * www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-01/osu-iam010208.php

Big Scale Biofuels

 * www.kurzweilai.net/news/frame.html?main=/news/news_single.html?id%3D7765 www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=grass-makes-better-ethanol-than-corn

Neti Pots
"Neti pots are all the rage since Oprah and Dr. Oz gave them an on-air endorsement several months ago. These little gravy boat shaped pots are used to swoosh warm saltwater through the sinus cavities to keep colds and sinus infections at bay. Is this effective? Do neti pots also help shorten recovery time when a person does have a cold or sinus infection? Is it a good thing to pour warm salty water into your sinus cavities? I haven't been able to find any information stating that it's a bad idea to do so, but I haven't found much real scientific data that says it really works. Up your nose with a rubber hose, Amy Hurley USA"

Healing Magnets
"Hi guys. I ran across this article from a website I read daily. Thought you might be able to discuss the quality of this research and whether the findings are legitimate. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080103132307.htm I listen to your podcast every week and really appreciate all your effort to produce such a fun and interesting show. Your 2008 predictions sound really plausible and I look forward to remembering each one that gets fulfilled, and forgetting the ones that don't  Rob McGehee USA"

Interview with John Rennie

 * John Rennie is the editor and chief of Scientific American. He joins the SGU to discuss recent develops at SciAm www.sciam.com/

Randi Speaks

 * The entire SGU crew interviews James Randi about an announced change in the million dollar psychic challenge.

Science or Fiction
Question #1: Astronomers have found a 10,000 light year diameter cloud of anti-matter around the center of the Milky Way Galaxy, apparently produced by binary systems that include a black hole. Question #2: Recent measurements indicate that the Pacific plate may have temporarily stopped moving. Question #3: Researchers find that having a higher serum cholesterol actually has health benefits.

Quote of the Week
"'If you would be a real seeker after truth it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things' - Rene Descartes"

== References ==