SGU Episode 343

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

This Day in Skepticism

 * Feb 11, 1938: BBC Television produces the world's first ever science fiction television program, an adaptation of a section of the Karel Capek play R.U.R., that coined the term 'robot'.

3D Printing

 * http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/3d-printing/

Morgellons Update

 * http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/morgellons-creating-a-new-disease/

State Science Standards

 * http://io9.com/5881494/your-state-sucks-at-science

Lake Vostok

 * http://www.news.com.au/technology/sci-tech/lake-vostoks-ancient-water-could-harbour-aliens-hitler/story-fn5fsgyc-1226264499986

Special Report

 * Jay reviews the history and an interesting story about Ouija boards

Who's That Noisy

 * Answer to last week: leggo harpsicord

Science or Fiction
Item #1: New research finds that drinking so-called carbonized coffee daily is more effective at reducing cholesterol levels than available prescription medications. Item #2: A newly published statistical model of fingerprint analysis allows for the replacement of experience-based opinion, the current standard, with a rigorous assessment. Item #3: A new study finds that dogs are better than chimpanzees at following directions by finger pointing.

Skeptical Quote of the Week
"'Feminism is best served by embracing reality, by thinking critically, and advancing rational arguments. This sloppy Newage shit-slurry of ingenuous gullibility is pure poison to the cause.' - PZ Myers, Pharyngula"