Skeptics Guide #957

The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe Skepticast #957 November 8th 2023 Segment #1. Dumbest Thing of the Week https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/angels-demons-spirits-souls-do-exist-exorcist-priest-warns-ouija-board-use Segment #2. News Items News Item #1 – ESA Plans Space Capsule https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-67339057 News Item #2 – Oldest Evidence for Projectile Weapons https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-45554-w News Item #3 – Vaccine for Cocaine Addiction https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-unveil-world-first-experimental-cocaine-addiction-vaccine?utm_source=pocket_saves News Item #4 – Ancient Planet Buried in Earth’s Mantle https://www.newscientist.com/article/2400567-bits-of-an-ancient-planet-called-theia-may-be-buried-in-earths-mantle/ News Item #5 – Bankman-Fried Guilty https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/02/sam-bankman-fried-found-guilty-on-all-seven-criminal-fraud-counts.html Segment #3. Who’s That Noisy Segment #4. Interview with James Burke https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connections_(British_TV_series) Segment #5. Science or Fiction Each week our host will come up with three science news items or facts, two genuine, one fictitious. He will challenge our panel of skeptics to sniff out the fake – and you can play along. Theme: Technology #1) In 1826 the first photograph was created by French inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, requiring an 8 hour exposure. #2) Terms and Conditions for iTunes includes the phrase: “You also agree that you will not use these products for the development, design, manufacture, or production of nuclear, missile, or chemical or biological weapons.” #3) Apollo astronauts were each insured for $1 million in case they did not survive their mission, with coverage ending at the end of the post-mission quarantine. Segment #6. Skeptical Quote of the Week "Hungry for innovation that will change our ailing world, we’re blind to hubris, misguided egos and wishful thinking." - Josie Cox