SGU Episode 303

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

This Day in Skepticism

 * 05/07/1847: 1847 – The American Medical Association is founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Six Years of SGU

 * SGU celebrates our sixth year!

Easter Island Controversy

 * http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/has-the-mystery-of-easter-island-finally-been-solved-2274075.html

Bin Laden Conspiracies

 * http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/8489304/Osama-bin-Laden-killed-conspiracy-theories-proliferate-in-wake-of-raid.html

Touched by a Robot

 * http://www.cyberneticsnews.com/research/How_do_people_respond_to_being_touched_by_a_robot.asp

Who's That Noisy

 * Fennec Fox

Teen Skeptic
"Hey guys, hello from Scotland! i'm sure you get loads of these emails but i know you like to hear about younger skeptics. My 16 year old sister has been an avid listener since i introduced her to your show about a year ago. She recently set up her own blog at http://scepteen.blogspot.com/ and is tackling a variety of skeptical themed issues aimed at a younger audience. Her goal is to become a journalist and the skeptical training you have been providing is going to be great preparation for this. If you have the time, i would highly recommend having a look. Her article on Homeopathy in particular deserves a read, her standard of writing is excellent and i'm really proud of her :) Anyway, i don't know if it is possible, but she would be over the moon to get a mention on the show. I've not told her that i'm emailing you to save her a disappointment if you're not able to oblige. Thanks for taking the time to read this. All the best! Andy Speedie"

Science or Fiction
Item # 1: A new fossil analysis has led paleontologists to conclude that an early human relative, Paranthropus boisei, mostly grazed on grass. Item # 2: Researchers have discovered a method for converting bad 'white' fat into healthy 'brown' fat. Item # 3: Inventors have unveiled a new personal computer made out of what is essentially paper.

Skeptical Quote of the Week
"'I love science, and it pains me to think that so many are terrified of the subject or feel that choosing science means you cannot also choose compassion, or the arts, or be awed by nature. Science is not meant to cure us of mystery, but to reinvent and reinvigorate it.'-Robert Sapolsky"