SGU Episode 443

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

This Day in Skepticism

 * January 11, 1935: Amelia Earhart becomes the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to California.

Vitamin Supplements

 * http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/strike-three-for-multivitamin-use/

Polar Vortex

 * http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/01/07/260455201/what-is-the-polar-vortex-and-why-is-it-doing-this-to-us

Earthquake Lights

 * http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-57616750-76/extraordinary-earthquake-lights-explained-theyre-not-ufos/

I Killed Bigfoot

 * http://www.ksat.com/news/bigfoot-hunter-shares-pictures-of-dead-creature/-/478452/23743310/-/23q274/-/index.html

Cancer Deaths Drop

 * http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140107102634.htm

Who's That Noisy

 * Answer to last week:

Question #1. Distilled Water
"I was listening back to episode 336 and one of you guys briefly mentioned not to drink distilled water. Upon doing a quick Google search I found a lot of conflicting opinions on the subject and I figured I'd ask my favorite skeptics to clear it up for me. So is it dangerous or unhealthy to drink distilled water? And if so, why? Thank you very much for your time. I absolutely love and appreciate everything you guys do. Regards,Nick"

Mark Crislip

 * http://www.sfsbm.org

Science or Fiction
Item #1: A new study suggests that cleaning bills could save currency producers billions of dollars a year. Item #2: A new study finds a significant correlation between the location of premature rupture of membranes (water breaking early in pregnant women) and the presence of bacteria. Item #3: Scientists examining mutation rates in humans, chimps, and their lice find that their DNA mutation rates are remarkably similar.

Skeptical Quote of the Week
"'I do not know anything about luck, apart from that the more I practice, the luckier I get.'- Ingemar Stenmark (Swedish alpine skier)"