Episode #134

News Items

    Interview with PZ Myers

    • Author of Pharyngula – the most popular science blogscienceblogs.com/pharyngula/Recent debate with an ID proponentwww.kkmslive.com/MP3/15013108-Simmons%20&%20Myers.MP3

    Fasting

    • I am a grad student in mechanical engineering at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. One of the people I share an office with is a PHD student from Germany. We often have discussions on a variety of issues you guys cover from week to week, and one day this led to the topic of fasting. My officemate claims that fasting is a worth while endeavour and he himself does it for health purposes. I went on webmd for some quick info on the practice and found the following claims/ controversies about fasting. 1) That it can help with weight loss 2) that it can cleanse the body of ‘toxins’ 3) it can cure certain diseases 4) you fast every night and are told to before surgery therefore) the ol’ people have been doing it for thousands of years so it must be good 6) it can help you live longer.from my readings it seemed that weight loss with fasting is short term only. I was hoping you guys could discuss some of the other claims. I have been listening for about 8 months now and really enjoy the show.ThanksMichael CarlVictoria, BC, Canada

    Science or Fiction

    • Item #1 Fiction

      Researchers report that fatal shark attacks increased by 350% in 2007, but cannot explain the increase.

    • Item #2 Science

      Scientists have discovered a technique for boosting the mouse immune system, creating virtual immunity to viral infections.

    • Item #3 Science

      Physicists have successfully simulated the event horizon of a black hole in the laboratory.

    Skeptical Quote of the Week.