Episode #520
News Items
Who's That Noisy
- Answer to last week: Rhino
Science or Fiction
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Item #1
Fiction
Although fossil evidence of clear Neanderthals survive only to 35,000 year ago in Europe, recent genetic analysis of early Europeans suggest they were still interbreeding with Neanderthals as late as 25,000 years ago. http://www.nature.com/news/early-european-may-have-had-neanderthal-great-great-grandparent-1.17534
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Item #2
Science
A new study finds that smartphones can interfere with modern pacemakers, causing them to temporarily stop functioning. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150622071207.htm
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Item #3
Science
Scientists have discovered a species of mistletoe that is the only plant or animal known lacking key genes that are involved in energy production. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150622162031.htm
Skeptical Quote of the Week.
“Fables should be taught as fables, myths as myths, and miracles as poetic fantasies. To teach superstitions as truths is a most terrible thing. The child mind accepts and believes them, and only through great pain and perhaps tragedy can he be in after years relieved of them.” - Hypatia