Episode #3
News Items
Interview with Massimo Pigliucci
- Dr. Pigliucci is an Associate Professor of Evolutionary Biology at SUNY-Stony Brook in LI. He has published 72 technical papers in evolution, botony. Written 7 books, 2 technical books (Phenotypic Evolution and Phenotypic Plasticity), and most recently Denying Evolution. Author of Column in Skeptical Inquirer magazine – Thinking about Science. Frequent contributor to Skeptical Inquirer, Skeptic, Free Inquiry, Philosophy Now and the Pholosopher’s magazine.
- Doctorate in Genetics from University of Ferrarra
- PhD in Botany from UCONN
- PhD in Philosophy from University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Dr. Pigliucci’s website: http://RationallySpeaking.org
Science or Fiction
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Item #1
Science
Dolphins have been observed not only using tools, but also teaching tool use to their children. This is the first example of cultural tool use in a non-primate species.
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Item #2
Fiction
Astronomers have discovered an earth-like planet orbiting a nearby star, 50 light years from earth. This is the first earth-sized planet discovered around another star, and astronomers say there are indications that the planet has an atmosphere. This is the best candidate so far for extraterrestrial life.
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Item #3
Science
French scientists have discovered a way to keep water from freezing even at hundreds of degrees below zero – near absolute zero.