SGU Episode 316

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

This Day in Skepticism

 * August 6, 1996: NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin announced the discovery of evidence of a primitive life form on Mars.

The 27 Club

 * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_Winehouse

Blood-Red Lake

 * http://news.yahoo.com/end-times-texas-lake-turns-blood-red-215004338.html

Earth Trojan Asteroid

 * http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/07/1107128-trojan-asteroid-earth-planet-orbit-nasa-space-science/

Radioactive Decay and Earth's Heat

 * http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802125801.htm

Who's That Noisy

 * Answer to last week: From Oscar Wilde's short story 'Lord Arthur Savile's Crime'.

Question #1
"Hi gang, I've just finished watching a talk on TED by Brene Brown on 'The Power of vulnerability' [ http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html ]. In her talk she quotes her old research professor: 'If you can't measure it, it does not exist.' I heard the quote and immediately wondered what reaction a panel of skeptics might have to such a statement. Bypassing the obvious 'How do you measure love?' and so forth, is the statement valid or is it little more than a catchy sound-byte? Keep it up, Adrian Robinson Hungerford, UK"

Interview with Elizabeth Loftus

 * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Loftus

Science or Fiction
Item #1: Physicists have developed a method for testing whether or not our universe exists as part of a greater multiverse, and have even conducted preliminary, although inconclusive, observations. Item #2: New research indicates that those who live to be 95 or older have lifestyles that are no healthier than the general population. Item #3: Biologists have discovered a plant that attracts pollinating bats by producing ultrasound that mimics the bat's echolocation.

Skeptical Quote of the Week
"'I have something to say. It's better to burn out than to fade away.' The Kurgan"