SGU Episode 417

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

This Day in Skepticism (1:02)

 * July 13: Happy birthday to Carl Zimmer and Erno Rubik.

Seeing Through Walls (3:28)

 * http://phys.org/news/2013-06-low-power-wi-fi-tracks-movementeven-walls.html

First in Flight (10:28)

 * http://www.npr.org/2013/03/19/174634237/historian-propels-connecticut-to-claim-first-in-flight

Tylenol and Fear (21:57)

 * http://psychcentral.com/news/2013/04/17/acetaminophen-seems-to-ease-some-existential-fears/53821.html

Spinning Pharoah (27:09)

 * http://www.bubblews.com/news/709015-statue-spinning-in-its-own-a-sign-of-pharoah-cursed

Who's That Noisy? (29:45)

 * Answers given to last three weeks

Question #1: Head Transplant (33:38)
"Hi Rogues, you already know everyone loves you, so I'll skip to the point. I recently listened to a podcast dedicated to an often forgotten Skeptic, H.P. Lovecraft. (http://www.hppodcraft.com). In listening to the episode devoted to 'Herbert West: Re-animator', they mentioned historical experiments where animal heads were transplanted to other bodies, and survived. This set off a ping on my SkepDAR, and I researched it further. (Read: Wikipedia) I found reference to a journal article in Surgical Neurology International, in which the author claims to lay the ground-work for the first successful surgical transplant of a human head. As a lay-person, it seems like a plausible medical intervention. That being said, I'd love to hear the SGU tackle both the plausibility of the procedure and the ramifications such a procedure could have on our society. Could this be the key to Bob's immortality? Russ Bisschop Didsbury, AB, Canada"

Interview with Paul Offit (42:05)

 * http://paul-offit.com/

Science or Fiction (1:01:03)
Item #1: For the first time researchers have identified a single gene producing a single mRNA that encodes for two separate proteins. Item #2: A new analysis of worldwide copper resources indicates that we will pass peak copper production within 30 years. Item #3: New research finds that some species of hawkmoths produce ultrasound from their genitals probably to jam echolocation from predatory bats.

Skeptical Quote of the Week (1:12:15)
"I believe that all clear-minded people should remain two things throughout their lifetimes: Curious and teachable." J: Roger Ebert!