SGU Episode 295

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

This Day in Skepticism

 * March 12, 1923: Phonofilm presented

Meteorite Fossil Bacteria

 * http://journalofcosmology.com/Life100.html

Biological Computers

 * http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-03-biological.html

Super Full Moon

 * http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/astronomy/story/46417/extreme-super-full-moon-to-cause-chaos.asp

Imam Retracts Support for Evolution

 * http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12661477

Who's That Noisy

 * Answer to last week: Roger Penrose

Question #1 - What is a Skeptic?
"I've recently started listening to your podcast including some of the back issues. I have found Steven Novella's stance on arguments to match my own eerily well and am wondering if I am indeed a skeptic. Perhaps a you may be a skeptic if list would be humourous, however I am specifically interested in where your panel of skeptics comes down on the definition of a skeptic. I believe I am safe in saying that skeptics believe in logical consistency, are empiricists, and accept ideas that are reached through inductive reasoning based on empirical evidence. Does skepticism -in your opinions- have a stance on realism vs instrumentalism in science and is being cohesive with evidence and generally accepted theory grounds for `proof` or merely a requirement to warrant further study. If this issue has already been discussed in an earlier episode I would appreciate episode number. Fraser Hogg"

Interview with Ben Radford

 * http://www.radfordbooks.com/

Science or Fiction
Item #1: A recent study shows that migrating song birds and moths travel at the same mean velocity. Item #2: New research shows that most people are willing to cause direct harm to others, as long as they believe no one is watching. Item #3: A new review of research indicates that for most species natural selection favors greater size and speed, rather than average traits.

Skeptical Quote of the Week
"'The church says the earth is flat, but I know that it is round, for I have seen the shadow on the moon, and I have more faith in a shadow than in the church.' - Ferdinand Magellan"