Episode #391
News Items
Who's That Noisy
- A jeweler has 9 pearls, which all look and feel exactly alike. However, he knows that one of them weighs more than the other 8. He has access to a classic scale (the ones with two arms, often seen in Lady Justice’s hand). What is the minimum number of measurements required to know, with absolute certainty, which pearl is the one that weights more? Answer: 2
Science or Fiction
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Item #1
Science
A new study finds that the international prototype kilogram (IPK) has put on about 100 micrograms during its lifetime. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130107082614.htm
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Item #2
Fiction
China is confirmed to have ‘cyber assassin’ agents who specialize in killing targets by hacking medical or other technology. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20931304
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Item #3
Science
Scientists discover that the Penicillium mold is able to reproduce sexually. http://phys.org/news/2013-01-molds-sexually-thought-years.html
Skeptical Quote of the Week.
‘Captain, the most elementary and valuable statement in science, the beginning of wisdom, is ‘I do not know.” - Lt. Commander Data played by Brent Spiner