Episode #606
News Items
Who's That Noisy
- Answer to last week: Tornado Siren
Science or Fiction
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Item #1
Science
A new study supports the hypothesis that comprehending a word that relates to motor function involves the relevant part of the motor cortex, and not just language cortex. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170215101444.htm
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Item #2
Fiction
Using MRI scans, researchers have been able to predict which high-risk infants will go on to develop autism with 90% accuracy as young as 3 months of age. http://www.crossroadstoday.com/story/34511914/autism-predicted-by-infant-brain-changes-study-says
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Item #3
Science
Engineers have developed brain electrodes that are 1000 times more flexible than previous electrodes, allowing for a stable connection that does not form scar tissue. http://www.bme.utexas.edu/news/1030-ultraflexible-probe
Skeptical Quote of the Week.
“Ineffective therapies are always harmful. The greatest danger lies in the risk that a still treatable disease (is) not really being treated at an early stage, by first trying an alternative therapy. In the worst case, this can lead to the death of the patient. This is more common than you might think.” - The Association Against Quackey, The Netherlands, established 1881, considered to be the oldest continually running skeptical organization in the world.